Best Muslim Countries to Move To: 8 Options for Immigrants

Best Muslim Countries to Move To

The UAE, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Indonesia, and Jordan are the eight best Muslim-majority countries to move to in 2026. Each country has a different immigration pathway. The UAE has the fastest work visa processing at 2 to 4 weeks. Malaysia provides the longest residency permit through its MM2H program at up to 20 years. Turkey grants full citizenship within 3 to 6 months through property investment. Saudi Arabia has the largest expat workforce in the Muslim world at over 10 million foreign workers. Your best option depends on your budget, career field, and whether you want temporary residency or a permanent citizenship pathway.

This guide breaks down every country by visa type, cost, processing time, job market, and family sponsorship rules. If you are comparing quality of life factors instead, see our guide on the best Muslim countries to live in.

What Makes a Country Good for Muslim Immigrants?

Not every Muslim-majority country makes immigration easy. The best options for relocation share five traits that separate them from the rest.

Immigration accessibility is the first filter. Countries with clear visa categories, online application portals, predictable processing times, and responsive embassies reduce the friction of moving. The UAE, Turkey, and Indonesia all offer digital visa applications that can be completed from abroad.

Safety is a baseline requirement. The Numbeo Safety Index 2025 ranks Abu Dhabi 1st globally, Doha 3rd, and Muscat in the top 10. Amman, Kuala Lumpur, and Istanbul score in the moderate safety range. All eight countries on this list have lower violent crime rates than most Western capitals.

Job market strength matters because most immigrants need employment. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE actively recruit foreign professionals in healthcare, engineering, IT, and finance. Malaysia and Turkey have growing tech sectors that attract remote workers.

Islamic infrastructure includes mosque density, halal food availability, prayer time accommodations in workplaces, access to Islamic education for children, and availability of Islamic banking. All eight countries on this list have majority-Muslim populations, meaning halal food and Friday prayer access are standard rather than exceptional.

Family sponsorship rules determine whether you can bring dependents. Some countries require minimum salary thresholds to sponsor a spouse and children. Oman requires a minimum monthly salary of 350 to 600 OMR (approximately $910 to $1,560 USD) depending on how many dependents you sponsor.

Cost of relocation varies widely. Moving to Qatar or the UAE requires $50,000+ USD in savings to cover deposits, visa fees, and initial living costs. Indonesia and Jordan offer the lowest barriers to entry for budget-conscious immigrants.

UAE: Easiest Work Visa Process

The United Arab Emirates processes employment visas in 2 to 4 weeks, making it the fastest option on this list. Abu Dhabi ranked as the world’s safest city on the Numbeo Safety Index in 2025 for the ninth consecutive year.

Employment visa: Your employer sponsors this visa. The process involves a job offer, medical examination, and Emirates ID registration. Total employer-side costs range from AED 5,000 to AED 7,000 ($1,360 to $1,900 USD). Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after document submission.

Golden Visa (10-year residency): The UAE Golden Visa grants 10-year renewable residency. Eligibility categories include investors (minimum AED 2 million property investment), entrepreneurs, specialized talent, outstanding students, and healthcare professionals. Application fees range from AED 2,800 to AED 4,800 ($760 to $1,300 USD) depending on whether you apply from inside or outside the UAE. Total administrative costs including medical testing run between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000 ($2,180 to $4,085 USD).

Freelancer visa: Available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah free zones. Costs range from AED 7,500 to AED 15,000 ($2,040 to $4,085 USD) annually depending on the free zone.

Salary expectations: Entry-level professional salaries in Dubai start at AED 8,000 to AED 12,000 ($2,180 to $3,270 USD) per month. Senior professionals in finance, IT, and healthcare earn AED 25,000 to AED 50,000+ ($6,800 to $13,600+ USD) monthly. The UAE has zero personal income tax.

Family sponsorship: You can sponsor your spouse and children with a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 ($1,090 USD) or AED 3,000 ($817 USD) plus employer-provided housing. Summer temperatures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi exceed 45°C (113°F) from June through September. Winters are mild at 18-25°C (64-77°F). For more on living in the UAE, see our Dubai travel guide.

Malaysia: Best Long-Term Residency Program

Malaysia’s My Second Home (MM2H) program offers the longest residency permits among Muslim countries, with durations of 5, 15, or 20 years depending on the tier. The country is a multicultural society where Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities coexist. Islam is the official religion, and halal certification standards set by JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) are among the strictest in the world.

MM2H Silver Tier (5 years): Requires a USD 150,000 fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank and a minimum property purchase of RM 600,000 ($127,000 USD). Government participation fee is RM 1,000 ($212 USD).

MM2H Gold Tier (15 years): Requires a USD 500,000 fixed deposit and minimum property purchase of RM 1,000,000 ($212,000 USD). Government fee is RM 3,000 ($636 USD).

MM2H Platinum Tier (20 years): Requires a USD 1,000,000 fixed deposit and minimum property purchase of RM 2,000,000 ($424,000 USD). Government fee is RM 200,000 ($42,400 USD).

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) MM2H: This is the most affordable route. The fixed deposit requirement drops to USD 65,000 for applicants under 50 and USD 32,000 for those over 50. This option is available in designated zones like Johor’s Iskandar Malaysia.

Minimum residency requirement: MM2H holders must spend at least 90 days per year in Malaysia.

Cost of living: A single person can live comfortably in Kuala Lumpur on $1,200 to $1,800 USD per month. Penang and Langkawi are even cheaper at $800 to $1,200 USD monthly. Halal food is available everywhere since Malaysia requires halal certification for most food establishments.

Job market: Malaysia’s key industries include electronics manufacturing, petroleum, palm oil processing, fintech, and IT services. Average monthly salaries for professionals range from RM 5,000 to RM 12,000 ($1,060 to $2,544 USD). Malaysia has a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures between 27°C and 33°C (80-91°F) and high humidity.

Turkey: Easiest Citizenship by Investment

Turkey offers the fastest path to full citizenship of any Muslim country through its Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP). Turkish citizenship also provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries.

Citizenship by property investment: Purchase real estate worth at least $400,000 USD (based on SPK valuation) and hold it for three years. Payment must go through a Turkish bank. The property must be purchased from a Turkish citizen or Turkish-registered company. Processing takes 3 to 6 months from application to passport.

Citizenship by bank deposit: Deposit $500,000 USD in a Turkish bank for a minimum of three years.

Citizenship by job creation: Create employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens.

Family inclusion: Your spouse, dependent children under 18, and children with disabilities (any age) are included in the citizenship application at no additional investment.

Cost of living: Istanbul is the most expensive city, where a single person spends $600 to $900 USD per month on rent, food, and transport. Antalya, Bursa, and Ankara cost 30% to 40% less than Istanbul.

Job market: Turkey’s GDP was $1.1 trillion in 2024. Key industries include automotive manufacturing (Turkey is Europe’s largest bus producer), textiles, construction, tourism, and tech startups. Istanbul has a growing tech scene with over 6,000 startups. Average monthly salaries for professionals range from 25,000 to 50,000 TRY ($750 to $1,500 USD).

Strategic location: Turkey borders both the European Union and the Middle East. Istanbul is within a 4-hour flight of 55 countries. Istanbul has four seasons with cold, wet winters (2-8°C) and warm summers (25-35°C). Antalya has a Mediterranean climate with milder winters. For more details, see our Turkey travel guide.

Saudi Arabia: Largest Job Market for Muslims

Saudi Arabia employs more than 10 million foreign workers. That is the largest expat workforce in the Muslim world. Vision 2030, the kingdom’s economic diversification plan, has created thousands of new positions in tourism, entertainment, technology, and renewable energy.

Employment visa and Iqama: Saudi work visas require employer sponsorship. As of July 2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) classifies expat workers into three tiers: high-skilled, skilled, and basic. Classification depends on education, professional experience, income level, and age. Standard Iqama (residency permit) processing takes 6 to 10 weeks. Total lead time from job offer to arrival is typically 3 to 4 months.

Premium Residency (Green Card equivalent): Saudi Arabia launched its Premium Residency program in 2019. It comes in two forms: permanent (one-time fee of SAR 800,000, approximately $213,000 USD) and renewable (annual fee of SAR 100,000, approximately $26,600 USD). Premium Residency holders can own property, start businesses, and sponsor family without an employer.

Mega-project jobs: NEOM, the $500 billion futuristic city project, employs thousands of engineers, architects, project managers, and IT professionals. Red Sea Global, Qiddiya, and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority are also hiring at scale. These projects offer competitive packages with housing allowances.

Saudi Arabia is the only country where you can live within driving distance of Islam’s two holiest sites. Jeddah, the main expat gateway city, is 80 kilometers from Mecca. Medina is a 4-hour drive or 1-hour flight from Riyadh. Living in Saudi Arabia means Umrah becomes a weekend trip rather than a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Salary expectations: Engineering professionals earn SAR 15,000 to SAR 35,000 ($4,000 to $9,330 USD) per month. Healthcare professionals earn SAR 20,000 to SAR 45,000 ($5,330 to $12,000 USD). IT and finance roles pay SAR 12,000 to SAR 30,000 ($3,200 to $8,000 USD). Saudi Arabia has zero personal income tax.

Saudization (Nitaqat): The government requires private companies to employ a minimum percentage of Saudi nationals. This means some roles are restricted to citizens only. Sectors with the highest expat hiring include healthcare, engineering, IT, and education. Riyadh summers exceed 50°C (122°F). Jeddah is humid and hot year-round. The western highlands around Taif and Abha are cooler, with temperatures between 15-30°C.

Qatar: Highest Earning Potential

Qatar has the highest GDP per capita of any Muslim-majority country at approximately $88,000 USD. Combined with zero personal income tax, Qatar offers the highest take-home pay for professionals in the Muslim world.

Employment visa: Employer-sponsored. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior processes work visas within 2 to 4 weeks for most nationalities. The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) offers a separate employment framework with faster processing for financial sector workers.

Permanent residency: Qatar’s permanent residency program requires a property or business investment of QAR 3,650,000 (approximately $1,000,000 USD). It grants the right to live in Qatar indefinitely, own property, access public healthcare, and enroll children in public schools.

Golden Visa (temporary residency): Requires a minimum real estate investment of QAR 728,000 ($200,000 USD). This option provides a renewable residency permit without permanent status.

Salary expectations: Medical professionals earn $13,740 to $24,500 USD per month, tax-free. Engineers earn $6,000 to $15,000 USD monthly. Finance professionals earn $5,000 to $12,000 USD monthly. Employers commonly provide health insurance and housing allowances on top of base salary. All figures are gross and net, since Qatar has no personal income tax.

Cost of living: Doha is expensive. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs QAR 5,000 to QAR 8,000 ($1,370 to $2,200 USD) per month. Groceries for a single person run QAR 1,500 to QAR 2,500 ($412 to $687 USD) monthly. Employer-provided housing allowances offset these costs for most expat professionals.

Family life: Qatar has a well-developed Islamic education system, both public and private. International schools follow British, American, and IB curricula. Education City in Doha hosts branch campuses of Georgetown University, Northwestern University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Texas A&M University. Doha summers are extreme, with temperatures reaching 45-50°C (113-122°F) from May through September. Winters are pleasant at 15-25°C (59-77°F).

Oman: Simplest Immigration for Families

Oman has the most straightforward family visa process in the GCC. The country is known for its political stability, low crime rates, and tolerant social environment. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has continued the modernization policies established under the late Sultan Qaboos.

Family joining visa: An expat worker earning a minimum of OMR 350 ($910 USD) per month can sponsor their spouse and one child. Those earning OMR 500 to OMR 600 ($1,300 to $1,560 USD) can sponsor a spouse and multiple children. The visa fee is 30 Omani Riyals ($78 USD). The visa is valid for two years and renewable as long as the sponsor remains employed.

Investor visa: Foreign investors can obtain residency by establishing a business with a minimum capital of OMR 50,000 ($130,000 USD). This route provides a two-year renewable residency permit.

Employment visa: Employer-sponsored. Processing takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on the sector. Oman’s key industries include oil and gas, tourism, fisheries, and logistics (the Port of Salalah is a major shipping hub).

Salary expectations: Professional salaries range from OMR 800 to OMR 2,500 ($2,080 to $6,500 USD) per month. Oman does not levy personal income tax.

Cost of living: Muscat costs about 40% less than Dubai or Doha. A one-bedroom apartment costs OMR 200 to OMR 400 ($520 to $1,040 USD) per month. Monthly groceries for a family of four cost OMR 150 to OMR 250 ($390 to $650 USD).

Education: Oman has a mix of government schools (free for citizens) and private international schools following British, American, and Indian curricula. Private school fees range from OMR 1,500 to OMR 5,000 ($3,900 to $13,000 USD) per year. Muscat has hot, humid summers (35-45°C) and mild winters (18-25°C). Salalah in the south receives monsoon rains (khareef) from June to September, dropping temperatures to 25-30°C with green hills.

Indonesia: Lowest Cost of Entry

Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country with 280 million people. The archipelago of over 17,000 islands offers the lowest financial barrier to immigration on this list.

KITAS E33G Remote Worker Visa (Digital Nomad Visa): Launched in 2024, this visa allows foreigners employed by companies outside Indonesia to live in the country for one year. Requirements include proof of foreign employment, a minimum annual income of $60,000 USD, and valid health insurance. Official fees total $315 USD ($150 application fee plus $165 KITAS registration). Using a visa agent adds $300 to $600 in service fees. Processing takes about 7 business days. The visa is non-extendable but allows multiple entries.

KITAS work permit (employer-sponsored): Indonesian companies can sponsor foreign workers. The process involves obtaining an IMTA (Foreign Worker Employment Plan) through the Ministry of Manpower. Costs range from $1,200 to $3,000 USD including government fees and processing. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks.

Retirement visa (KITAS 319): Available to foreigners aged 55 and older. Requires proof of pension or passive income of at least $1,500 USD per month, health insurance, and a rental agreement. Valid for one year, renewable annually.

Cost of living: Bali costs $1,000 to $1,800 USD per month for a comfortable lifestyle. Jakarta is slightly cheaper at $800 to $1,500 USD. Yogyakarta and Bandung offer the lowest costs at $500 to $900 USD monthly. Indonesia has abundant halal food. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) oversees halal certification, and the 2024 Halal Product Guarantee Law requires all food products sold in Indonesia to carry halal certification.

Property ownership: Foreigners cannot own freehold land in Indonesia. The Hak Pakai (Right to Use) title allows foreign ownership of buildings on state land for 30 years, extendable to 80 years total. Indonesia has a tropical climate with two seasons: wet (November to March) and dry (April to October). Temperatures range from 25-35°C (77-95°F) year-round. Bandung is cooler at 700 meters elevation.

Jordan: Best for Arabic Language Immersion

Jordan is the top destination for Muslims who want to study Arabic while living in a stable, affordable Muslim country. Amman hosts dozens of Arabic language institutes that attract students from around the world.

Residency permit (Iqama): Foreigners staying longer than three months must apply for a residency permit through the Public Security Directorate. As of October 2025, all foreigners staying more than two weeks must register with the authorities or face a fine of 200 JOD ($282 USD). Student residency permits are available through enrolled institutions.

Visa costs: Single-entry visa costs 40 JOD ($56 USD). Double-entry costs 60 JOD ($85 USD). Temporary residence renewal costs an additional 40 JOD ($56 USD).

Investment residency: Foreign investors who deposit $100,000 to $1,000,000 JOD in a Jordanian bank or purchase property can apply for residency. The specific requirements depend on the investment amount and type.

Arabic language study: The University of Jordan, Qasid Arabic Institute, and the Misbah Institute in Amman offer intensive Arabic programs ranging from $500 to $2,500 USD per semester. Jordan uses Levantine Arabic in daily life and Modern Standard Arabic in education, giving students exposure to both dialects.

Proximity to holy sites: Jordan borders Palestine, 80 kilometers from Jerusalem. The city of Aqaba is a 4-hour drive from Mecca via Saudi Arabia. Jordan itself contains several Islamic heritage sites including the Tomb of Ja’far ibn Abi Talib in Karak and the Mosque of the Companions in Aqaba.

Cost of living: Amman is the most expensive Jordanian city but still affordable by Western standards. A single person can live on $700 to $1,200 USD per month. Irbid and Zarqa are 30% to 40% cheaper. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Amman ranges from $300 to $600 USD monthly. Amman has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (30-38°C) and cold winters with occasional snow. The Dead Sea and Aqaba are warmer year-round.

Job market: Jordan’s economy is smaller than the GCC countries. Unemployment was 22% in 2024. The strongest sectors for expat employment are NGO and humanitarian work (Jordan hosts over 650,000 registered Syrian refugees according to UNHCR), international education, and IT services.

Other Muslim Countries Worth Considering

Eight countries made this list. Six others are worth knowing about for specific situations.

Bahrain is the most affordable GCC country. Monthly costs start at $777 excluding rent. Zero income tax applies. The financial sector, particularly fintech, actively recruits foreign talent. Bahrain FinTech Bay is the largest fintech hub in the Middle East. The downside is a small economy with fewer job opportunities than the UAE or Saudi Arabia.

Morocco is the cheapest option with European proximity. Casablanca and Marrakech offer comfortable living for $600 to $1,000 per month. Morocco is 14 kilometers from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. French and Arabic are both official languages. The job market is limited for non-French speakers.

Egypt has the lowest cost of living of any Arab country. Cairo rents start at $150 per month. Al-Azhar University, founded in 970 CE, is the oldest Islamic university still operating. Egypt’s economy is large but bureaucratic, and the Egyptian pound lost over 50% of its value between 2022 and 2024.

Kuwait offers the highest public-sector salaries in the Gulf. Zero income tax. However, Kuwait has the most restrictive residency policies in the GCC. Permanent residency and citizenship are nearly impossible for foreigners.

Brunei provides free healthcare, free education, and subsidized housing through oil revenues. Zero income tax. The trade-off: the economy is tiny and almost entirely oil-dependent, limiting job options for expats.

Kazakhstan is an emerging option with a low cost of living ($500 to $800 per month in Nur-Sultan). The Astana International Financial Centre operates under English common law. Visa-free entry for 76 nationalities. However, halal infrastructure outside Almaty and Nur-Sultan is limited, and winters are severe at minus 20 to minus 30°C.

Immigration Requirements Comparison Table

Key takeaway: Zero income tax with employer sponsorship points to the GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman). Turkey is the only option offering full nationality through investment. For the cheapest entry point, Indonesia and Jordan require the least upfront capital.

Healthcare access: UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia require employer-provided health insurance for all workers. Malaysia and Indonesia offer affordable private insurance ($50 to $150 per month). Turkey provides public healthcare to legal residents after a 1-year waiting period. Jordan and Oman have public hospitals accessible to residents at low cost.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Abroad as a Muslim

Moving to a new country requires systematic planning. This checklist covers the practical steps from documents to settlement.

Phase 1: Research and documents (3 to 6 months before move)

• Identify your visa category based on the comparison table above
• Gather documents: passport (valid for at least 6 months), university degree attestation, professional certifications, marriage certificate (apostilled or attested), birth certificates for children
• Get police clearance certificates from your home country
• Research healthcare coverage: some countries require private insurance (UAE, Indonesia), others provide public healthcare to residents (Qatar, Oman)
• Calculate your total budget: visa fees, flight costs, 3 months of living expenses as a buffer, property deposits

Phase 2: Halal lifestyle preparation (2 to 3 months before move)

• Research mosque proximity to your planned neighborhood. Use Google Maps to search “masjid” or “mosque” near potential apartments
• Verify halal food access: GCC countries and Indonesia have universal halal availability. Turkey and Malaysia have strong halal infrastructure. Jordan has halal food everywhere as a Muslim-majority country
• Research Islamic schools if you have children. International schools in GCC countries cost $3,000 to $20,000+ USD per year
• Identify the local Muslim community through Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities, or organizations like ICNA or local Islamic centers
• For countries where you want to visit frequently for cheaper options, check out cheap Muslim countries to visit

Phase 3: Financial setup (1 to 2 months before move)

• Open a bank account in the destination country if possible (UAE, Malaysia, and Turkey allow this with a tourist visa in some cases)
• Set up an international money transfer service like Wise or Remitly for ongoing transfers
• Understand tax obligations: will your home country still tax your income? The US taxes citizens worldwide regardless of residence. The UK stops taxing you after you establish non-resident status
• Research property rental processes: GCC countries typically require 1 to 3 months rent as a security deposit. Indonesia requires 6 to 12 months upfront in Bali

Phase 4: Arrival and settlement (first 30 days)

• Complete medical examination if required (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman)
• Register for your Emirates ID, Iqama, or equivalent national ID card
• Enroll children in school. Waiting lists at top international schools can be 6 to 12 months, so apply early
• Register at your local mosque. This connects you to the community faster than any app or website
• Set up mobile phone and internet. Prepaid SIMs are available on arrival in all eight countries

Frequently Asked Questions