The Insider ranking of “best countries to survive an apocalypse” is based on three metrics:
- Carrying capacity – amount of agricultural land per capita.
- Isolation – distance from densely populated regions.
- Self‑sufficiency – domestic production of food, energy and manufacturing.
Insider’s top five
| Rank | Country | Why it scored |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | Remote Southern‑hemisphere location; ~40 % renewable energy; 75 % of energy produced domestically. |
| 2 | Iceland | Abundant geothermal and hydroelectric power; isolated near the North Pole; cooler climate preserves arable land. |
| 3 | United Kingdom | Large amount of farmland; temperate climate with ample precipitation; low natural‑disaster risk. |
| 4 | Australia | Vast land area; climate considered favorable for long‑term habitability. |
| 5 | Ireland | Fertile soil, high rainfall, low population → lower energy demand. |
Practical immigration hurdles
- New Zealand & Australia – high immigration costs; stringent visa requirements.
- Iceland – very limited pathways for new residents.
- United Kingdom – investor or entrepreneur visas exist but are difficult to obtain and often require substantial capital (sometimes > $10 billion).
- Ireland – the most accessible of the five, but still favors highly‑paid workers or entrepreneurs; no longer offers a pure investor‑only route.
For non‑EU citizens, moving to Ireland typically requires:
- Securing a work‑based residence permit (e.g., a high‑skill job or business creation).
- Living in Ireland for the statutory period (generally 5 years) before applying for citizenship.
Leveraging EU citizenship for flexibility
Holding any EU passport grants the right to reside and work in all member states. Common routes to obtain EU citizenship include:
- Investment citizenship – e.g., Malta’s Individual Investor Programme (~ $1 million for a family, ~ 18 months).
- Ancestry‑based citizenship – many Europeans can claim citizenship through a grandparent or great‑grandparent (e.g., Polish, Irish, Italian).
Once an EU passport is secured, one can relocate to lower‑tax or lower‑population countries such as Ireland, Portugal, or Spain without additional immigration barriers.
Alternative regions with more open residency pathways
Latin America
| Country | Typical residency route | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Temporary or permanent resident visa (investment or income proof) | Relatively straightforward; low cost of living. |
| Guatemala | Investor or pensioner visa | Minimal capital requirement. |
| Costa Rica | “Rentista” or pensioner visa | Requires proof of steady income; stable infrastructure. |
| Panama | Friendly Nations Visa (investment in real estate or business) | Requires a modest investment; popular among expats. |
| Ecuador | Investor or professional visa | Low cost of living; affordable agricultural land; citizenship possible after 3 years of residence. |
| Uruguay | Investor or retirement visa | Tax‑friendly; residency can be obtained without large investments. |
Asia
- Malaysia – “Malaysia My Second Home” program allows long‑term stay for retirees and investors; foreigners may own land in certain zones.
- Mauritius – Real‑estate‑based residency programs; tax‑friendly regime.
Africa & Pacific
- Vanuatu – Citizenship‑by‑investment (≈ $130 k) but carries reputational risks; offers visa‑free travel.
- Mauritius – Similar real‑estate residency options; strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
Residency vs. citizenship
| Aspect | Residency permit | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Stay requirement | Varies; many require 6 months per year to maintain. | Typically 6–12 months per year for naturalisation; some countries allow minimal physical presence after naturalisation. |
| Rights | Limited to living and possibly working; no voting rights. | Full political rights, EU freedom of movement (if EU citizen), and broader travel privileges. |
| Tax implications | Often taxed on worldwide income if deemed tax resident. | Tax obligations depend on the country’s rules; many EU states tax only on local income. |
| Path to upgrade | Some “golden‑visa” schemes allow transition to citizenship after a set period (e.g., 5 years). | Once obtained, can retain residency elsewhere without losing citizenship (subject to each nation’s rules). |
Decision criteria for a “Plan B” location
- Ease of entry – low financial threshold, clear visa pathway.
- Self‑sufficiency – availability of arable land, renewable energy, and basic manufacturing.
- Political stability – low risk of sudden policy shifts that could revoke residency.
- Tax environment – minimal worldwide tax obligations for non‑tax‑resident status.
- Cultural fit – language compatibility and minimal culture shock.
Summary
While New Zealand, Iceland, the UK, Australia and Ireland score well on carrying capacity, isolation and self‑sufficiency, most are difficult for outsiders to access. EU citizenship (via investment or ancestry) offers the most versatile fallback, allowing residence in lower‑population, tax‑friendly EU states such as Ireland. For those seeking more immediate entry, Latin American nations—particularly Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Uruguay—provide affordable residency options with relatively short pathways to citizenship. Asian and African alternatives (Malaysia, Mauritius, Vanuatu) add further geographic diversity, though they often involve higher investment or limited citizenship prospects. Selecting a “Plan B” should balance immigration feasibility, self‑sufficiency, tax considerations, and personal adaptability.
