When it comes to work-life balance, not all countries are created equal. Sure, a place might have great beaches and decent Wi-Fi, but what about fair work hours, healthcare access, public safety, and enough paid time off to actually enjoy your surroundings?
Remote.com’s 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index ranked 60 countries based on exactly that, and while Asia may not dominate the top spots, a few countries in the region are stepping up their game. For those looking to relocate to Asia, the data offers some clear frontrunners – and a few red flags.
Singapore and Malaysia are the best in Asia
Leading the pack in Asia is Singapore, coming in at 25th globally. The city-state scores well on healthcare and safety, all essentials for a healthy work environment. It’s not exactly laid-back (this is still Singapore), but it offers solid infrastructure, reliable transport, and a thriving café scene for the laptop crowd.
Malaysia, meanwhile, is the real mover. Ranked 27th globally, it jumped 20 places from last year thanks to improvements in maternity leave and work-hour regulations. For workers, Malaysia is a tempting balance: Kuala Lumpur’s digital scene is growing fast, and spots like Penang or Langkawi offer the coastal calm you’re probably craving between Zoom calls.
Japan drops, China struggles
Japan has slipped to 29th in this year’s index. While it still scores well on safety and healthcare, it ranks near the bottom for annual leave. Those hoping to soak in onsen towns or Tokyo’s buzz should be prepared for long hours and deeply ingrained work norms.
China lands much lower at 52nd, held back by the longest average work week in the region, over 46 hours. The digital infrastructure may be impressive, but the pace is fast, and policies aren’t as friendly to downtime.
What about the usual relocation faves?
Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines didn’t rank as highly on the 2025 list, largely due to weaker statutory leave, longer work weeks, and patchy healthcare access. That said, these spots remain beloved by those looking to relocate: affordability, culture, and community. You’ll need to create your own balance instead of relying on national policies to protect your downtime.
2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index: How Asian countries ranked
- Singapore –#25
- Malaysia – #27
- Japan –#29
- Taiwan – #30
- South Korea – #31
- Indonesia – #34
- Vietnam – #39
- Thailand – #41
- India – #42
- Hong Kong – #44
- Philippines – #45
- Kazakhstan – #46
- China – #52
- Pakistan – #54
- Bangladesh – #57
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