Every year, Expat Insider Report conducts a study of the best and worst countries for expats to live in. In 2024, Kuwait topped the list of the most unfriendly countries. Find out more about which countries are the least suitable for relocation in 2024

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InterNations' annual Expat Insider survey has identified the best and worst places for expats to live in 2024, taking into account factors such as quality of life, safety, and ease of settlement. 

When assessing the “ease of settling in”, an important role was played by the friendliness of the local population, the ease of adapting to the local culture, the opportunity to make new friends, and the friendliness of local residents to expatriate families. Language barriers that can complicate integration were also taken into account. The results of the study provide useful information for those planning to move abroad.

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How is the Expat Insider Report conducted?

InterNations, a global community of people who live and work abroad, conducted a large-scale survey of 12,065 expats from 172 countries to assess their experiences living abroad. The study looked at 56 different factors, including both objective factors such as housing costs and access to healthcare, as well as subjective factors such as ease of making friends.

The factors were organized into 16 subcategories and then into 5 main indices:

1. Quality of life: travel, environment, climate, leisure opportunities, and healthcare;

2. Ease of Settlement: friendliness of locals and opportunities to make friends;

3. Working abroad: work culture, career prospects and work-life balance;

4. Personal finances: takes into account various aspects of the cost of living;

5. Expat Essentials: digital resources, administrative barriers, housing and language.

The country rankings were based on data obtained from at least 50 respondents in each country, which allowed us to include 53 countries in the final list.

Profile of expats who took part in the survey:

1. 50% men, 49% women;

2. 57% are in a relationship, 43% are single;

3. 20% with dependent children, 80% without dependent children;

4. The average age of the participants is 46.2 years;

5. 82% have higher education.

The majority of respondents came from the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, the Netherlands, the Philippines, and Turkey. Although the survey is not definitive and has certain limitations, it still provides valuable information for those considering living abroad.

For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

Rating of the most difficult countries for expats to live in

The Expat Insider study found that among the 10 most unfriendly destinations for expats are the European countries of Denmark, Switzerland and Norway. In Switzerland, 36% of expats noted a poor attitude toward foreigners, and more than half said it was difficult to get used to the local culture, despite the high quality of life. 

Germany and France also fared poorly among expats, ranking 55th and 56th respectively out of 67 countries. In France, only 14% of expats are satisfied with the overall friendliness of the population, while in Germany, 49% reported difficulties in communicating and making friends due to the language barrier.

Thus, the top 10 most unfriendly countries for expats are as follows:

1. Kuwait;

2. Saudi Arabia;

3. Denmark;

4. Switzerland;

5. Norway;

6. Sweden;

7. Qatar;

8. China;

9. Finland;

10. Czech Republic.

In contrast, the countries with the highest levels of friendliness include Mexico, Costa Rica, and Uganda, where locals are known for their friendly attitudes toward foreigners. Greece and Cyprus have also risen in the rankings due to the ability of expats to make friends easily.

Taiwan, Malta, and Ecuador were recognized as the best countries for expats to live in due to their high quality of life, personal finance, and healthcare. At the other end of the spectrum were Qatar, Italy and Tanzania, which were named the worst countries for expats to live in.

The UK was ranked 33rd due to job security and expat family friendliness, but the high cost of living remains a significant drawback, as only 4% of expats believe that their income is sufficient to meet their daily needs.

We remind you!  During your well-deserved retirement, you can fully enjoy the fruits of your labor. There are many places in the world where you can spend a comfortable and dignified retirement even on a limited budget. Read more about the best countries for retirees with a budget of up to $3,000 per month.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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.