The best countries for expats have been ranked according to factors including quality of life, ease of settling in and personal finances
Panama has been voted the best country for expats followed by Colombia and Mexico.
There are an estimated 281 million expatriates – or international migrants – across the globe which equates to 3.6% of the global population. These days, the term ‘expat’ is no longer limited to corporate employees relocating from a company’s headquarters.
Instead, more and more expats are moving overseas in search of a dream. Some have remote jobs and are now working from a location they love. The latest expat survey from InterNations, one of the largest of its kind, provides insights into the expat life abroad, from getting settled to building a life.
Now in its 11th year, the Expat Insider survey is the largest of its kind. InterNations draws on its 5.5 million members and surveys over 10,000 expats from 172 nationalities.
InterNations uses its members’ answers to rank 46 destinations on how expat residents feel towards their home away from home. The survey was conducted in early 2025.
The survey uses 53 individual factors that influence an expat’s experience of living in a foreign country including safety and security, family life, finances, travel and transport options, ease of settling in, average working hours and internet speed.
10 best countries for expats
- Panama
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- China
- UAE
- Indonesia
- Spain
- Malaysia
1. Panama
In 2026, Panama once again ranks first overall, with all five indices placing in the top three and an impressive 94% of expats happy with their life abroad. It stands out especially as a retirement haven, with far more retirees than the global average and many moving there specifically to retire.
Expats rate its quality of life highly, praising easy travel opportunities, affordable public transport, beautiful natural surroundings, and a wide choice of dining and recreational activities.
While some practical aspects, such as digital government services, car infrastructure, and green goods, fall below average, these are minor drawbacks for a population that reports the highest overall life satisfaction in the survey.
“Everything is very relaxed, and Panamanians are very friendly. I feel safe in this country.”
– German expat in Panama City, Panama
Friendly locals and an easy cultural adjustment make settling in simple; finances are generally comfortable, and visas and housing are rarely an issue. Whether retired or still working, many expats see Panama as a long-term home — with over a third planning to stay forever.
2. Colombia
Rising from fifth place in 2024 to 2nd overall in 2026, Colombia has become one of the top destinations for expats. Personal Finance is its strongest area, driven by a low cost of living and high financial satisfaction, with most expats saying their income allows for a comfortable lifestyle.
Interestingly, money isn’t the main motivation for moving: expats are equally drawn by the promise of a better quality of life, personal relationships, and lifestyle choices, and many are not working at all yet still feel financially secure.
Colombia also scores highly for its welcoming culture, social life, and accessible housing, making it easy for newcomers to settle in. That said, challenges remain, including limited digital government services, the need for Spanish to get by, and ongoing concerns about safety and political stability.
“I’m retired, so I’m enjoying the slow pace of life here in Colombia.”
– American expat in Bogotá, Colombia
These issues weigh on its overall quality-of-life ranking, despite strong healthcare and plentiful leisure options, leaving Colombia as a destination with exceptional lifestyle and financial appeal balanced by notable practical and security considerations.
3. Mexico
Completing the top three destinations is Mexico, which continues to shine for how easy it is for expats to settle in. It has ranked in the top three of the Ease of Settling In Index since 2014, thanks to its welcoming culture and strong social connections with locals.
Many expats quickly feel at home, with a far higher share than average forming friendships mainly with locals. While overall quality of life is only mid-range, Mexico scores highly for leisure options and healthcare, helping offset weaker results in transport, safety, and environmental factors.
Expats move to Mexico primarily for work and lifestyle reasons, with many satisfied with their career opportunities and work–life balance despite concerns about working hours and job security. At the same time, the country attracts a large number of retirees, supported by strong financial stability and relatively affordable living.
“I love the weather, the affordable and fresh food, the culture, and the nice people.”
– Canadian expat in Ajijic, Mexico
This combination of social ease, financial comfort, and lifestyle appeal explains why a significant share of expats plan to stay in Mexico for the long term, even as safety and air quality remain notable concerns.
In terms of personal finances, 62% of respondents rate the cost of living as favourable (vs. 40% globally), and 71% are satisfied with their financial situation in Mexico (vs. 54% globally).
Expats in Mexico also appreciate the local job market and career opportunities in the country. Results also suggest expats appreciate their work-life balance, with 43% claiming they are completely satisfied (vs. 25% globally).
Worst countries for expats
Ranking last overall in 2026, Kuwait remains a difficult destination for expats, scoring poorly for quality of life, ease of settling in, and overall happiness abroad.
Although most expats move for work and are employed full time, dissatisfaction with job security, work–life balance, and fair pay is widespread, while financial comfort is far from guaranteed.
Extreme heat, limited leisure and cultural options, poor air quality, and a challenging social environment further dampen the experience, leaving many expats planning an early exit.
Türkiye places 45th overall, with many expats unhappy and considering leaving within a year. While the climate and public transportation are highlights, and making local friends can be relatively easy, language barriers significantly complicate daily life, bureaucracy, and housing.
Weak job prospects, long working hours, low job security, and concerns around political stability and freedom of expression weigh heavily on quality of life, limiting Türkiye’s appeal despite its lifestyle potential.
South Korea drops sharply to 44th in 2026, reflecting growing expat dissatisfaction following political and economic instability. While safety, healthcare, and transport remain strengths, affordability has declined, and confidence in political stability has eroded.
The country ranks last for working abroad, with poor scores for career opportunities, pay, work–life balance, and job satisfaction, and a significant language barrier that restricts both employment options and everyday life for many expats.
“IThere’s an obsession with social standing, and an expectation to work very long hours.”
– British expat in Seoul, South Korea
Complete ranking
Participants were asked to evaluate 53 factors concerning various aspects of life abroad on a scale of one to seven. The mean values were then calculated to create the ranking of the best countries for expats below.
- Panama
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- China
- UAE
- Indonesia
- Spain
- Malaysia
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- Philippines
- Cyprus
- Brazil
- Kenya
- Portugal
- Luxembourg
- Australia
- Qatar
- Czechia
- Netherlands
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Malta
- France
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- Hungary
- Poland
- Singapore
- Japan
- Greece
- South Africa
- USA
- Italy
- Sweden
- Norway
- Canada
- UK
- Germany
- Finland
- South Korea
- Türkiye
- Kuwait
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