Latest news with #LiveabilityIndex
News.com.au
13-07-2025
- News.com.au
How the best Aussie town has evolved over the past 25 years
From Bondi Beach to Byron Bay, Brisbane through to Ballarat and everywhere in between. Australia is filled with the quaint and the quirk when it comes to towns and cities alike - but which is the best? To celebrate the launch of the new app, we're celebrating the people, places and events we'll never forget from the first quarter of the 21st century by asking for Australia's view. Our 25@25 series will finally put to bed the debates you've been having at the pub and around dinner tables for years – and some that are just too much fun not to include. The Economist Intelligent Unit's annual Global Liveability Index ranked Australia as having three of the top 10 spots on the 2025 list of most liveable cities in the world. Melbourne once again beat rival Sydney, coming in at number four on the chart, while the Harbour City came in sixth and Adelaide was ninth. But we're more interested in where you choose to visit when the budget can't accomodate an international flight. Of course there are plenty of hotspots away from our major urban centres. The ever-popular Byron Bay of the early 2000s has been joined by the quieter neighbouring spot of Yamba as a favourite in recent years, while the Outback and tropical environs of northern Queensland offer unique pleasures. So when asking some well-travelled Aussie faces to narrow down their top five locations from around the country they've visited over the past 25 years, we didn't limit them to the capitals. And it's fair to say when it comes to what's ranked well — good food, a decent coffee and plenty of coastline reign supreme. Teigan Nash - TV presenter, Sydney Weekender Top Pick: Kimberley, Western Australia The Kimberley is a realm where connection, serenity, and wonder converge. Walking amongst the rugged red dirt to then be immersed in deep green fern-fringed pools of Zebedee Springs, nestled in the heart of El Questro. It's a place that invites you to pause, listen, learn and be enveloped by its timeless beauty. 2. Kakadu, Northern Territory 3. Lady Elliot Island, Queensland 4. Forster, New South Wales 5. Great Barrier Reef and Atherton Tablelands, Tropical North Queensland Jana Frawley - Content Director, Escape TOP PICK: Yulara, Northern Territory With a bank, supermarket, service station and school, Yulara is like any other small Australian town, but it has one big difference: it's right next door to the awesome natural wonders, Uluru and Kata Tjuta. If you've visiting - as I have done five times in the past 30 years - it's where you'll eat, drink, sleep and rest in accommodation ranging from a DIY camp site to one of the most expensives lodges down under. Then, you head out to the nearby national park and its world-famous and culturally significant landmarks, jaw agape every time. Yulara rocks! 2. Byron Bay, New South Wales 3. Noosa, Queensland 4. Leura, New South Wales 5. Healesville, Victoria Loren Barry - Co-host, The Hot Hits with Nic & Loren TOP PICK: Narooma New South Wales I almost didn't want to include Narooma because I don't want it to become spoiled, HOWEVER, it's far too beautiful to gatekeep. The beaches are perfection, the people are a delight and the Fish and Chips - unbeatable. Also, there's a chance you'll spot Orcas, and if there is Orcas involved, you know I'm there. 2. Fitzroy Victoria (specifically Gertrude Street) 3. Wilson's Prom Victoria 4. Daintree Rainforest Queensland 5. Blue Mountains New South Wales Rowena Ryan - Digital Editor, Escape TOP PICK: Thredbo, New South Wales Thredbo is no longer just about the winter season. While I still go skiing, I've spent summers, Christmases and Easters up in the Snowy Mountains - it's the perfect mix of stunning scenery, laid back Aussie holiday vibes and nature, whether it be golfing, swimming in the rivers, hiking to the top of Mt Kosciuszko or mountain bike riding it's my go-to for a week of switching off. 2. Broome, Western Australia 3. Barwon Heads, Victoria 4. Mudgee, New South Wales 5. Dunsborough, Western Australia Shaun White - Sunrise tech and travel expert TOP PICK: Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia This one took me by surprise. You hear about the Great Barrier Reef all the time, but Ningaloo? It's where the outback meets the reef. The colour contrast between red and turquoise is out of this world. It gets really hot in summer but you can swim with whale sharks. I'm booking my next visit right now. 2. Fitzroy, Melbourne 3. Maleny, Queensland 4. Hamilton Island, Queensland 5. Kangaroo Valley, NSW Angus Kidman - Travel Guru TOP PICK: Beechworth, Victoria This high country gem has charm without being twee, steeped in history and surrounded by gorgeous countryside and a brilliant rail trail. Finish your day of exploring at Bridge Road Brewers with a local IPA and a hot pizza - perfection. And no need to go to Melbourne first for out-of-staters - it's a quick hop from Albury. 2. Kingston, ACT 3. Dubbo, New South Wales 4. Glenelg, South Australia 5. Daylesford, Victoria Sam Frost, media personality and caravanning queen TOP PICK: Gib-River Road, Western Australia. We did this trip last year in our caravan. It was epic! All the beautiful waterfalls and gorges are truly magic. 2. Flinders Ranges, South Australia 3. K'gari, Queensland 4. Victorian High Country 5. Tasmania - I can't pick one spot! Beau Ryan, Triple M's Beau, Cat & Woodsy breakfast show TOP PICK: Bermagui, NSW A coastal town with a relaxed lifestyle, the most pristine beaches, and the best oysters in the country. A place where my family holds an annual reunion that holds a special place in my heart. Bridge jumping at Lake Cuttagee followed by ocean swims at the blue pool. Paradise, man 2. Uluru, Northern Territory 3. Hobart, Tasmania 4. Warilla/Barrack Point, NSW 5. Port Douglas (Daintree Forest) Queensland Matty Johnson, Dad and podcast host TOP PICK: Ulladulla - New South Wales It might not be the most exotic destination on my list but there's no where else I'd rather spend my time with the family. There's amazing restaurants, people are incredibly friendly and the beaches are some of the most pristine I've ever been to. Nothing beats fish and chips on the beach as you watch the whales migrate - so close it feels like they're in arms reach. 2. Byron Bay, New South Wales 3. Cairns, Queensland 4. Magnetic Island, Queensland 5. McLaren Vale, South Australia Sam Frickey, Australian Olympic Diver TOP PICK: Surfers Paradise, Queensland Absolutely love Surfers. There's a diving pool up the road in Southport where I train, but honestly, it's everything else around it that makes this place one of my all-time favourites. The main strip always has pumping street performers, epic food, and the perfect spot to shoot content. One of my best stays ever was this Airbnb apartment in Soul, right above the beach. I slept with the balcony door open and fell asleep to the sound of waves crashing. It was next level. During the day, I love doing mainies (that's where you walk up and down the main street and suss out what's going on). And the Gold Coast is one of the best places in Australia to do good mainies - there's always something happening, the vibes are high, and it's just got that classic Aussie energy that never gets old. 2. Cronulla Beach, New South Wales 3. Lightning Ridge, New South Wales 4. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Associated Press
17-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Planning a Smooth Move to Portugal: Visa, Law, and Liveability Insights
06/16/2025, Miami , Florida // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Relocating to Portugal isn't merely a change of address—it's a calculated life shift grounded in strategy, security, and lifestyle enhancement. For high-net-worth individuals, Portugal represents more than European residency. It offers a bridge to geopolitical stability, investment diversification, and a superior quality of life in a nation that blends old-world elegance with modern sophistication. But to move successfully—both logistically and legally—requires foresight. From the Golden Visa framework to legal safeguards and lifestyle integration, this article outlines essential factors that will help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Why Portugal Continues to Climb the Global Liveability Ranks In a world where cosmopolitan cities wrestle with pollution, inflation, and unrest, Portugal offers a rare equilibrium. Lisbon and Porto consistently score high on the Liveability Index, particularly for political stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. According to The Economist Intelligence Unit, Lisbon ranks among the top ten cities globally for lifestyle factors crucial to global citizens: safety, climate, affordability, and cultural richness. For international families and retirees alike, Portugal delivers in ways that many other European hubs cannot—without the bureaucratic sprawl of larger nations or the financial opacity found elsewhere. Legal Residency Through Portugal's Golden Visa One of the most attractive routes to residency remains Portugal's Golden Visa program. Established in 2012, the program allows non-EU investors to gain residency by making qualifying investments in the country. The most common routes include regulated investment funds, commercial real estate, and cultural or research contributions. Notably, the eligibility requirements for Portugal Golden Visa are designed with investor protection in mind. Applicants must be non-EU citizens, maintain the investment for at least five years, and fulfill minimal stay requirements—just seven days annually, making it one of the most flexible residency pathways in Europe. The Legal Backbone of a Successful Relocation Your legal partner will be your single most important advisor throughout this process. A reputable law firm should guide you through fund vetting, property due diligence, and compliance with local tax frameworks. Their role goes beyond documentation—they protect your assets, ensure regulatory alignment, and serve as strategic advisors in coordinating family applications and succession planning. Avoid firms that offer templated services or delegate responsibilities to intermediaries. A truly elite experience will offer bespoke legal counsel, multilingual support, and integrated tax structuring capabilities. Investment Strategy Aligned With Residency Goals Today's sophisticated applicants are increasingly selecting regulated private equity and venture capital funds over traditional property routes. These vehicles not only meet Golden Visa criteria but offer targeted exposure to high-growth sectors like renewable energy, fintech, and biotech—often with built-in ESG principles and government oversight. Portugal's fund route has become especially appealing to American and Middle Eastern investors seeking both security and upside, with nearly 40% of Golden Visa applications in 2024 attributed to fund-based investments. Financial and Tax Considerations Portugal offers a Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime that grants significant tax advantages to eligible newcomers. Though recently refined, the regime still allows for reduced or exempt tax on foreign income streams for a period of up to ten years—depending on the applicant's global financial structure. Before relocating assets or triggering tax residency, it's crucial to consult with advisors who understand the intricacies of international tax treaties, CRS reporting, and multi-jurisdictional compliance. Especially for US citizens, FATCA and global estate tax exposure should be carefully mapped out. Lifestyle Integration and International Infrastructure Beyond legality and logistics lies the question of integration: What kind of life will you build here? Portugal offers robust private healthcare, global-standard education (with institutions like St. Julian's and Oeiras International School), and a property market that still reflects long-term value. Whether it's a modern penthouse in Lisbon's Avenida da Liberdade or a heritage villa in Comporta, Portugal's real estate inventory caters to the refined tastes of global elites. Moreover, the nation boasts over 80 golf courses, an elite sailing circuit, and Michelin-star dining—all factors that enhance long-term residency appeal. Travel Freedom and European Mobility Portugal's Golden Visa doesn't just open doors within its borders—it unlocks the entirety of the Schengen Zone. This includes seamless travel to countries like France, Germany, and Switzerland. For many investors, especially those from emerging markets, this visa becomes a conduit for global business, education access, and lifestyle mobility. Understanding the subtleties of Schengen travel—duration limits, re-entry conditions, and the upcoming ETIAS system—is best done early with your legal counsel, particularly as these rules evolve in 2025 and beyond. Comparing Global Options: Why Portugal Stands Apart When assessing the best Golden Visas, Portugal consistently outperforms others in transparency, accessibility, and long-term opportunity. Programs in countries like Greece or Malta may offer similar frameworks, but Portugal's edge lies in its balance of lifestyle, investment integrity, and future citizenship potential. Moreover, Portugal permits dual citizenship and offers naturalization after just five years of residency—without requiring full-time physical presence. This positions it as a powerful second passport strategy for families seeking mobility insurance or wealth security amid uncertain times. Planning with Purpose, Not Pressure Moving to Portugal under the Golden Visa program is a deliberate choice—it's not driven by urgency but by clarity of vision. The individuals who benefit most are those who view the process not just as a legal step, but as a transformation of their global identity. From the moment you begin your application to the years that follow, the right legal, financial, and relocation strategies will ensure you're not simply moving—but elevating. Original Source of the original story >> Planning a Smooth Move to Portugal: Visa, Law, and Liveability Insights
Al Etihad
17-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi and Dubai most liveable cities in the Middle East: Economist Intelligence Unit
17 June 2025 10:38 ALLAN JACOB (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi's and Dubai's unstoppable rise on the global liveability rankings is driven by economic and political stability, infrastructure development, digital ambitions, green investments, education, and healthcare. A new survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)), the research and analysis division of the reputed The Economist Group, ranks the UAE capital in 72nd place on the list, a jump in four spots from last year. Dubai has also rapidly climbed the charts to bag an impressive 75th position. Abu Dhabi has an index score of 83.3, while Dubai clocks 82.5 to cement their ascents on the charts. In EIU's Liveability Index for 2025, Copenhagen in Denmark has overtaken Vienna to become the most liveable city in the world. The Austrian city outpaced its Danish counterpart on healthcare, but Copenhagen scored a perfect 100 for stability, education, and infrastructure, taking it to first UAE's stability and sharp focus on the economy have come in for praise from The Economist's research wing, which said in its forecast, 'The UAE will be politically stable throughout the 2024-28 forecast period. Key appointments and foreign policy will be guided by commercial ambitions, strengthening of ties with established partners, and building on newer markets, especially in Asia and Africa."It added that high global oil prices and incremental rises in output will bolster government resources, and supportive economic policies, including encouragement of foreign investment, that will bolster non-oil economic expansion. Diversifying and strengthening the business environment will be prioritised, but hydrocarbons will remain central to the report said the most improved city is Al Khobar (Saudi Arabia), which saw its scores for healthcare and education rise sharply, taking it up 13 places. Calgary (Canada) saw the biggest fall in the rankings, tumbling from fifth place to 18th. Three UK cities—Manchester, London, and Edinburgh—were also among the biggest fallers as their stability scores dropped. Damascus (Syria) remains the least liveable of the 173 cities in the survey, with Tripoli (Libya) one place above it. Despite last year's regime change, Syria's capital city continues to be scarred by years of civil war and has seen no improvement in concept of liveability is assessed based on which locations around the world provide the best—and worst—living conditions, the EIU said. The liveability scores have a broad range of applications, from benchmarking perceived development levels to assigning hardship allowances as part of expatriate relocation packages. The EIU liveability ratings quantify the challenges to an individual's lifestyle expectations in any given location and allow for direct comparison between city is assigned a rating of relative comfort for over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors, across five broad categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. Each factor in a city is rated as acceptable, tolerable, uncomfortable, undesirable or intolerable. For qualitative indicators, the rating is based on the judgment of analysts and in-city quantitative indicators, a rating is calculated based on the relative performance of a number of external data points. The scores are then compiled and weighted to provide a score of 1-100, where 1 is considered intolerable and 100 is considered ideal. The liveability rating is provided both as an overall score and as a score for each category. To provide points of reference, the score is also given for each category relative to New York and an overall position in the ranking of 173 cities is provided. The average score for liveability across the 173 cities in the index stands at 76.1 out of 100, the same as in 2024. However, scores in the stability category have continued to fall amid geopolitical tensions, civil unrest, and widespread housing crises. In several Western European cities, terrorist attacks and threats, as well as a rising incidence of crime and xenophobia, continue to undermine stability. In Tehran (Iran) and cities in India, stability scores have dropped as the threat of military conflict has intensified.
