Best Countries and Cities for Expats in 2026: Where It’s Easiest to Settle After Moving

Moving abroad is not only about visas and work, but also about comfortable adaptation in a new environment. Find out which countries and cities in 2026 are recognized as the best for expats, where it is easier to find a job, integrate into society and build a new life

Moving abroad has long ceased to be just a matter of obtaining a visa or finding a job. In 2026, the main question for most people is different: not just where to move, but where it will be comfortable to live after moving. After all, even a country with high salaries or a strong economy does not guarantee easy adaptation.

For expats, completely different things become important: how locals treat newcomers, how realistic it is to find a job, whether it is easy to deal with bureaucracy, and whether there is a feeling that you are not a stranger in a new society.

That is why in 2026, the ratings of the “best countries to live” increasingly evaluate not only the economy, but also the level of integration, safety, friendliness and general comfort for foreigners.

Planning to move abroad? One of the most difficult stages is to deal with documents, types of residence permits and requirements of a particular country. The immigration guide from Visit World will help you quickly understand the procedure and avoid mistakes.

Choose a country and get your personal immigration guide today.

What makes a country comfortable for expats?

The hospitality of a country is not measured only by the smiles of local residents. In fact, it is a much broader concept.

The quality of adaptation is influenced by:

- the ability to quickly find a job;

- the level of security;

- access to medicine;

- ease of paperwork;

- the presence of an international community;

- the openness of society to foreigners.

Countries that successfully accept expats usually have a developed infrastructure for newcomers: English-speaking services, understandable administrative procedures and active international communities. Experts note: the key factor in successful immigration is not just the ability to enter the country, but the ability to build a stable life there during the first 6–12 months.

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Top 10 Best Countries for Expats in 2026

In 2026, the most comfortable destinations for expats are dominated by developed countries with a high level of security and a strong labor market.

1st place - Iceland

In 2026, Iceland topped the ranking of the best countries for expats, becoming one of the most comfortable destinations for long-term relocation. The country demonstrates exceptionally strong indicators in terms of the level of integration of foreigners, security and stability. One of the main reasons for the leadership was the extremely high employment rate among foreign citizens - over 84%. This means that expats here have a good chance of quickly finding a job and achieving a stable income after moving.

Iceland also attracts with a high level of social trust and a strong social protection system. State services, high-quality medicine and efficient infrastructure work well here. For many expats, this means less bureaucratic stress and a more predictable daily life.

A separate advantage is the high level of security. Iceland has been among the safest countries in the world for many years, which is especially important for families with children, freelancers and those moving independently.

Despite a relatively small labor market and high prices, Iceland remains one of the most attractive options for those looking for a quality, stable and peaceful life.

2nd place – Luxembourg

Luxembourg took second place among the best countries for expats in 2026. It is one of the most international destinations in the world, where foreigners have long become an integral part of the economy and society.

More than 50% of the country's population are migrants, and this directly affects the comfort of adaptation. For newcomers, this means a developed international environment, a multilingual labor market and services that are already adapted to the needs of foreigners.

Luxembourg is particularly attractive for professionals in banking, finance, law and international business. Thanks to its high salaries, the country offers some of the best conditions for professional development in Europe.

Another important advantage is its multiculturalism. Several languages ​​are actively used in everyday life here: French, German and English. For many expats, this significantly simplifies integration.

The main disadvantage is the high cost of living, especially housing. However, for professionals with a good income, Luxembourg remains one of the strongest options for relocation.

3rd place – New Zealand

New Zealand took third place in the ranking of the best countries for expats in 2026. The country traditionally attracts people who are looking for a balance between career, quality of life and security. One of the main advantages of New Zealand is the high employment rate among foreigners - over 82%. This indicates a strong labor market and good opportunities for qualified specialists.

The country is especially popular among families, entrepreneurs and highly qualified specialists. A big plus is a stable economy, a high level of security and a quality education system. Most expats choose Auckland, which is considered the main international center of the country. It is here that services for newcomers, international companies and professional communities are best developed.

It is worth noting the lifestyle of New Zealand. Proximity to nature, lower stress levels and overall social stability make the country particularly attractive for those who want not only to work, but also to live in a comfortable environment.

How to immigrate to New Zealand in 2026, read our detailed guide.

4th place – Australia

Australia consistently remains one of the most attractive destinations for expats due to its strong economy, high salaries and quality of life. The country is especially popular among qualified specialists in the fields of IT, medicine, construction and engineering.

In addition to career opportunities, Australia offers a comfortable work-life balance. Large cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have developed infrastructure, a high level of safety and access to quality medicine.

Despite the complex immigration system, for those who pass the selection, Australia often becomes a long-term home with a high level of social stability.

Read the main changes in migration policy, popular categories of work visas, as well as professions that remain most in demand in the Australian labor market to get a job in Australia here.

5th place – Switzerland

Switzerland has been a benchmark for stability, security and a high standard of living for many years. For expats, it is one of the strongest destinations in Europe, especially in the financial sector, pharmaceuticals, technology and international business.

The country attracts not only with salaries, but also with the quality of everyday life. Clean cities, efficient transport, a strong healthcare system and a low crime rate make Switzerland comfortable for families and professionals.

At the same time, it is important to take into account the high cost of living. Housing rent and daily expenses here are among the highest in the world, but the level of income often compensates for these costs.

We will tell you about visas, the cost of living, finding accommodation and cultural adaptation in Switzerland in 2026 in this article.

6th place – Ireland

Ireland continues to strengthen its position as one of the main European hubs for international specialists. This is especially true for the IT, finance and pharmaceutical industries.

The biggest magnet for expats remains Dublin, where many global corporations have their offices. The English-speaking environment greatly simplifies adaptation for foreigners.

The country’s main challenge is the high cost of housing rental and the shortage of real estate. However, a strong labor market and high income levels make Ireland an attractive choice for relocation.

Guide on how to move to Ireland in 2026 here.

7th place – Colombia

Colombia became one of the main discoveries of the 2026 ranking. The country unexpectedly entered the top due to the positive experience of expats, affordable cost of living and openness to foreigners.

Medellin and Bogota have gained particular popularity among digital nomads and remote workers. They offer relatively low costs, an active international community and a comfortable climate.

Despite the positive dynamics, when moving, it is important to carefully study the issues of safety and the characteristics of individual regions, as living conditions can vary significantly.

8th place – Czech Republic

The Czech Republic remains one of the strongest options for moving in Central Europe. The country attracts with its stable economy, good labor market and relatively affordable cost of living.

The greatest interest among expats is traditionally Prague – a city with a powerful international business environment, developed transport infrastructure and high level of security.

The Czech Republic is especially popular among specialists in the field of IT, manufacturing and engineering. At the same time, knowledge of the Czech language can significantly expand career prospects.

A complete guide for those planning to move to the Czech Republic at the link

9th place – Portugal

Portugal has been one of the most popular destinations for expats, retirees and digital nomads for several years. Its main advantages are a mild climate, a comfortable pace of life and relatively low costs compared to Western Europe.

Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve region remain especially popular. There is a well-developed international community here, which greatly facilitates the adaptation of newcomers.

However, in recent years, the growth in demand for real estate has led to a significant increase in the cost of housing, especially in large cities.

Pros and cons of moving to Portugal here.

10th place - Austria

Austria remains one of the most stable and safest destinations for living in Europe. The country is known for its high level of medicine, quality education and a strong social system.

The most popular among expats is Vienna, which regularly enters the world rankings of the most comfortable cities to live in. The city attracts with its developed transport, safety and high quality of the urban environment.

For many expats, Austria is particularly attractive for long-term relocation, especially when it comes to family immigration and a comfortable life in the center of Europe.

Instructions on how to obtain a permanent residence permit in Austria in this article.

Photo – https://www.william-russell.com/blog/welcoming-friendly-countries-for-expats/

Which countries are the easiest to move to?

Studies show an interesting pattern: countries that are popular with tourists are not always comfortable for long-term residence. For example, Japan and South Korea remain among the most popular travel destinations, but in terms of expat integration, they are significantly lower in the rankings.

The reason is simple: tourist comfort and comfort for permanent life are different things.

The key factors for successful adaptation remain:

- access to the labor market;

- social integration;

- simplicity of everyday processes;

- language barrier.

The best cities for expats in 2026

Even within one country, the experience of an expat's life can vary significantly depending on the city. It is the large international metropolises that often offer the best infrastructure for adaptation.

While the overall country ranking is important, in reality, the daily life of an expat largely depends on the city. It is the urban environment that determines how easy it is to find a job, rent a place, establish social connections and adapt to a new rhythm of life.

In 2026, the most comfortable cities for expats were recognized as those that combine a high level of security, quality infrastructure, a strong economy and a favorable social environment.

1. Zurich

Zurich became the best city for expats in 2026. Its main advantages are a stable economy, high salaries and an exceptional level of security. The city is particularly attractive to professionals in the financial sector, IT, pharmaceuticals and international business. In addition to a strong job market, Zurich offers one of the highest living standards in the world.

Cleanliness, efficient public transport and high-quality healthcare make the city one of the most comfortable for long-term residence.

2. Singapore

Singapore has been a global magnet for international talent for many years. In 2026, the city-state is among the best locations for career development and relocation. Singapore is particularly attractive to specialists in finance, technology, logistics and international trade. A high level of security and extremely efficient infrastructure greatly simplify adaptation. Despite the high cost of living, Singapore remains one of the most comfortable and safest cities in the world.

3. Tokyo

Tokyo became one of the most interesting cases of the 2026 ranking. Despite the fact that Japan is not among the top countries for expats, Tokyo demonstrates very high comfort indicators for foreigners. The city attracts with a high level of security, an efficient transport system and stability. For expats, predictability of everyday life and quality of services are particularly important. At the same time, the language barrier and cultural peculiarities can complicate adaptation, especially at the initial stage.

4. Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a well-deserved top 5 city for expats, thanks to its high level of happiness, safety and excellent work-life balance. The city is known for its eco-friendliness, modern infrastructure and high quality of the urban environment. It is particularly comfortable for families with children and professionals looking for stability. Copenhagen also regularly appears in the rankings of the happiest cities in the world, making it one of the most attractive destinations for long-term relocation.

5. Munich

Munich remains one of the strongest cities in Europe for expats, especially for those working in engineering, the automotive industry, finance and technology. The city attracts with its stable economy, high salaries and strong infrastructure. For many expats, Munich is a great combination of professional opportunities and a high quality of life. The main challenge remains the high cost of housing, but the strong job market compensates for this factor for many professionals.

Photo –  https://www.william-russell.com/blog/welcoming-friendly-countries-for-expats/

How to adapt faster after moving?

Even the best country does not guarantee easy integration without preparation.

Here are some tips for those planning to relocate in 2026:

1. Get health insurance before moving;

2. Prepare a financial cushion for at least 3–6 months;

3. Research the local labor market;

4. Think about housing in advance;

5. Join local communities.

Social adaptation often takes more time than paperwork. That is why it is important not only to prepare the papers, but also to understand how to build a life after moving. In 2026, the best countries for expats remain those that can offer not only good salaries or beautiful landscapes, but above all a comfortable living environment. Iceland, Luxembourg and New Zealand demonstrate the best balance between security, the job market and quality of life. However, the main rule remains the same: the best country to move to is the one that suits your goals, lifestyle and long-term plans.

Immigration is always dozens of decisions, hundreds of details and a large amount of documents. That is why the Visit World team has created the Immigration Guide - a practical tool for those planning to apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit or citizenship.

In the guide you will find a step-by-step application procedure, a complete list of documents, current requirements, application costs and application processing times. Practical tips are also available that will help you avoid bureaucratic difficulties and adapt faster. All information will be sent to your email in PDF format in a few minutes.

Get your personal immigration guide from Visit World and plan your move with confidence.

Reminder! Security and stability remain key factors when choosing a country to live, work or relocate. We have already told you which countries are included in the ranking of the most peaceful countries in the world in 2026 according to the Global Peace Index, what trends analysts have recorded and why peace is becoming an increasingly valuable resource in the modern world.

Photo – generated by Gemini

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