Best countries for expats in 2026: where it's easier to adapt and build a new life

Переезд за границу зависит не только от уровня зарплат, но и стоимости жизни, простоты адаптации и отношения местных жителей. Новый международный опрос показал, в каких странах экспаты чувствуют себя наиболее комфортно. Узнайте, кто вошел в десятку лучших направлений для жизни за границей в 2026 году

Order a consultation with a migration specialist to avoid unpleasant situations during the move

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Panama has topped the ranking of the best countries for expats for the third year in a row. Euronews reports this, citing the Expat Insider 2026 study conducted by the international community InterNations.

Nearly 8,000 expats of 162 nationalities participated in the survey. They evaluated life abroad across five key areas: work, personal finances, quality of life, basic conditions for foreigners, and ease of adaptation. The top three countries in the ranking were Panama, Mexico, and Thailand, while Spain ranked highest among European countries.

Earlier, we talked about the European countries where it is easiest to get a work visa and start a career abroad.

Planning to move to Europe or apply for a residence permit? Migration legislation is changing rapidly, and even a minor error in the documents can cost months of waiting or refusal.

Consultation with a migration lawyer will help you assess your chances, choose the optimal type of visa and prepare for filing without risks.

Sign up for a consultation and get a clear action plan now.

How were the best countries for expats determined?

The ranking was compiled based on responses from expats who are already living and working outside their home countries. Participants evaluated not the tourist appeal of the destinations, but their actual experiences with relocation, adaptation, and daily life.

The study covered five main areas: working abroad, personal finances, quality of life, basic conditions for expats, and ease of settling in. The latter category included, in particular, the friendliness of local residents, the ability to make friends, and the ease of adapting to a new culture.

A total of 31 countries were included in the final ranking. For a destination to make the list, at least 50 survey participants had to be living there. This approach made it possible to compare not only income levels or housing costs but also how comfortable foreigners feel in the country after moving there.

Learn more about the most affordable countries for expats to live in 2026 by following the link.

Top 10 Best Countries for Expats in 2026

The top ten includes countries from Central and Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The ranking shows that expats highly value not only a strong job market but also affordable housing, ease of adaptation, the friendliness of local residents, and the overall quality of daily life.

1. Panama

2. Mexico

3. Thailand

4. United Arab Emirates

5. Brazil

6. Spain

7. Singapore

8. Portugal

9. Malaysia

10. Luxembourg

Europe is represented in the top 10 by only three countries: Spain, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Spain took first place for quality of life thanks to its climate, leisure opportunities, affordable public transportation, and ease of travel. Portugal received high marks for personal finances and ease of adaptation, while Luxembourg led the way in salary levels and job stability.

Why did Panama top the ranking again?

For the third year in a row, Panama has ranked first among the best countries for expats. It received high marks for ease of adaptation and basic conditions for foreigners, including visa processing, interactions with government agencies, and adjusting to the local culture.

Eighty-seven percent of the expats surveyed are satisfied with life in Panama, while the global average is 70 percent. About one-third of respondents said they would like to stay in the country permanently.

Mexico took second place, ranking highest for ease of settling in. Expats particularly praised the friendliness of the locals, the sense of hospitality, and the ability to make friends quickly.

Thailand came in third, but it recorded the highest level of satisfaction among expats: 86% of respondents are satisfied with life there, and 42% plan to stay permanently. In addition, 85% rated the cost of living, housing affordability, and the ease of finding housing positively.

In our previous article, we discussed the cost of living in the best EU countries in 2026.

Which European countries ranked as the best and worst for expats?

Only three European countries made it into the top ten of the ranking, and none of them made it into the top five. Spain performed the best, ranking sixth globally and leading in quality of life. Expats highly rated the weather, recreational opportunities, affordable public transportation, and ease of travel.

Portugal came in eighth. It ranked fourth in personal finances and seventh in ease of adaptation. Luxembourg rounded out the top 10 and performed strongly in the category of working abroad: the country ranked first in salary levels and job stability.

The lowest-ranked European destinations were the United Kingdom, Turkey, Germany, and Norway, which took 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st places, respectively. Norway ranked last in terms of ease of adaptation and also placed 30th in quality of life and personal finances.

Germany received the lowest score for basic conditions for expats. Among the main problems, respondents cited underdeveloped digital services, complex bureaucracy, difficulties finding housing, and the language barrier.

If you are planning to legalize, apply for a residence permit or submit migration documents abroad, the assistance of specialized migration lawyers can significantly simplify the process. Specialists will help you assess your chances of obtaining legal status, prepare a package of documents, avoid common mistakes, and accompany you at all stages of the migration procedure: from the initial consultation to obtaining a decision from the migration authorities.

We remind you! New economic indicators show which countries have been able to increase their GDP and which have lost ground due to inflation and slowing growth. Ranking of the richest countries in the world in 2026 — follow the link.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline