Southeast Asia has long ceased to be a tourist destination - more and more expats are choosing this region to live in. Low costs, a warm climate, and a well-developed infrastructure make it particularly attractive. Learn more about the best countries in Southeast Asia for expats

Southeast Asia attracts expats from all over the world with a combination of exoticism and comfort. Here you can find everything from modern metropolitan areas with developed digital infrastructure to tranquil beach resorts and cities with rich cultural heritage. That is why the region is becoming increasingly popular not only among tourists but also among those looking for a new place to live or work.

According to international expatriate surveys, countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia are consistently among the most comfortable destinations for relocation due to the cost of living, quality of services, and friendly attitude of locals towards foreigners. In this article, we will look at the top 6 countries in Southeast Asia that expats should consider in 2026.

Are you planning to move, work or stay in the EU for a long time and don't know where to start?

To avoid getting lost in the changes to visa and migration policy, use the immigration guide from Visit World. It contains up-to-date information on obtaining a residence permit and citizenship in different countries, step-by-step instructions, requirements for applicants, a list of documents, deadlines and costs. The guide will be sent to your email in PDF format in just a few minutes and will help you plan your legal move without unnecessary stress.

Thailand

Thailand is the country where many expats start their lives in Southeast Asia. It is a relatively easy country to adapt to, with a large selection of housing and an already established infrastructure for foreigners.

The main cities for relocation are Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Bangkok is suitable for working in international companies or business: there are more vacancies and better healthcare, but the costs are higher. Chiang Mai is a cheaper option with a large community of freelancers and digital nomads. Phuket is chosen by those who want to live by the sea, but prices there are closer to European resorts.

In terms of costs, Thailand remains affordable. In Chiang Mai, you can live comfortably from $700-1000 per month, in Bangkok - from $1000-1500, depending on the area and lifestyle. Studio rents range from $250-400 in inexpensive cities and from $500+ in the capital or on the islands.

What is important to know before moving:

1. Long-term residence requires a visa (popular options are education visa, business visa, or long-term residence)

2. A tourist visa is not suitable for permanent residence

3. Official employment for foreigners is limited - often a sponsoring employer is required

4. Medicine is of high quality in private clinics, but it is worth having an insurance policy

5. It is possible to open a bank account, but sometimes you need the help of agents

The Internet in major cities is stable, there are coworking spaces and cafes with good Wi-Fi - this makes the country popular among remote workers.

Vietnam

Vietnam is actively gaining popularity among expats due to low costs and easier entry into the country compared to other destinations in the region. This is one of the best options if you have a limited budget but want to live a full life in Asia.

The main cities for relocation are Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi, and Da Nang. Ho Chi Minh City is an economic center with a lot of jobs, startups, and international companies. Hanoi is calmer, with lower prices and a more “local” atmosphere. Da Nang is the best compromise: a city by the sea with good infrastructure and a comfortable pace of life.

In terms of costs, Vietnam is cheaper than Thailand. In Hanoi or Da Nang, you can live from $600-900 per month, in Ho Chi Minh City - from $800-1200. Renting an apartment costs from $200-300 in inexpensive areas and from $400-600 in modern complexes. Food and transportation are also very affordable.

What is important to know before moving:

1. A long-term stay is usually arranged through a business visa or work

2. “Visas” are gradually being restricted, the rules are becoming stricter

3. Official work is often available in the field of education (especially teaching English)

4. Healthcare is cheaper, but the quality depends on the clinic - it is better to use private ones

5. Bank account and legal status may require a contract or employer support

The Internet is stable, mobile communication is cheap, and the number of coworking spaces is constantly growing - this makes the country convenient for freelancers.

Philippines

 

The Philippines is often chosen by expats who value the sea, mild climate, and lack of language barriers. This is one of the few countries in the region where English is used everywhere - in everyday life, work, and documents.

The main destinations for relocation are Manila, Cebu, and islands like Palawan. Manila offers more job opportunities, but has serious traffic and overcrowding problems. Cebu is a more balanced option: less chaos, access to the sea, and developed infrastructure. Island regions are suitable for those who work remotely and want the most lifestyle lifestyle.

The costs depend on the location. In Manila, a comfortable life starts from $1000-1500 per month, in Cebu - from $800-1200. Renting a house starts from $300-500 in simple options and from $600+ in modern condominiums. It may be cheaper on the islands, but the choice of housing is limited.

What is important to consider:

1. The visa system is quite flexible: a tourist visa can be extended for a long time without leaving

2. Foreigners cannot own land, but they can buy apartments

3. Infrastructure is uneven: outside of large cities, there may be interruptions in Internet and transportation

4. Healthcare is of high quality in private clinics in large cities, but limited in the regions

5. The country has a reputation for danger, but most areas popular with expats are considered relatively safe

The Philippines is more about lifestyle than career: the country is suitable for remote work, freelancing or relocation with an existing income.

Malaysia

Malaysia is often underestimated among expats, although it is ahead of most countries in the region in terms of comfort. It is one of the most convenient options for relocation if infrastructure, healthcare, and ease of adaptation are important.

The main point for relocation is Kuala Lumpur. It is a modern city with good public transportation, international schools, hospitals, and a large number of housing of various levels. Penang (Georgetown) and Malacca are also popular - smaller cities with a more relaxed pace of life and a strong cultural mix.

In terms of costs, Malaysia stands out favorably against the background of the region. In Kuala Lumpur, a comfortable life is possible from $900-1300 per month. Renting a modern apartment costs from $400-600, often with a swimming pool and security. In smaller cities, you can live even cheaper.

What is important to know before moving:

1. English is widely used, so adaptation is quick

2. A popular program for long-term residency is MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home), but the requirements for it change periodically

3. Foreigners can buy real estate, but with a minimum value threshold

4. Healthcare is one of the best in the region in terms of price and quality

5. The tax system is considered relatively loyal to foreigners

The Internet is fast and stable, banks, services and everyday life are well adapted to foreigners, which makes life after moving much easier.

Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the easiest destinations in the region in terms of visas and legalization. The country is often chosen by expats who want to move quickly without complicated bureaucracy and strict requirements.

The main cities to live in are Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Phnom Penh is the capital with jobs, business and better infrastructure. Siem Reap is calmer and more expat-oriented, with a comfortable standard of living and access to tourist infrastructure. Sihanoukville is a great option by the sea, but with a less stable quality of environment.

Cambodia remains affordable in terms of costs. Life in Phnom Penh can cost from $700-1000 per month, in smaller cities it is cheaper. Apartment rents range from $250-400, and basic food and transportation costs are lower than in Thailand.

What is important to know before moving:

1. One of the easiest visa systems in the region: business visa can be extended for a long time

2. No need for a complicated process of obtaining a residence permit

3. Official employment is limited, many expats work online or run their own businesses

4. The level of healthcare and education is lower than in neighboring countries

5. Infrastructure is still developing, especially outside the capital

The Internet in major cities is quite stable, but the overall level of service is inferior to Thailand or Malaysia.

Singapore

Singapore is the complete opposite of most countries in Southeast Asia. It has the highest level of comfort, security and infrastructure, but also the highest costs. The country is chosen by expats who move under contract or work for international companies.

Singapore is actually one city-state, so the choice of location comes down to the area of residence. The most popular areas among expats are the central districts and areas near business centers, where it is convenient to live without a car due to perfectly developed transportation.

The cost of living here is the highest in the region. A comfortable budget starts from $2500-4000 per month. Rent is the main expense item: even a small apartment can cost from $1500-2500. At the same time, salaries are also much higher than in neighboring countries.

What is important to know before moving:

1. You need a work visa (Employment Pass or other permits) to live in the country - it is difficult to move without a contract

2. Very high requirements for legal status and compliance with the rules

3. Healthcare and education are among the best in the world, but expensive without insurance

4. English is one of the official languages, adaptation is as easy as possible

5. High level of safety and cleanliness

Singapore is not an option for a “cheap life” but for career growth, stability and the most comfortable environment without culture shock.

You can find up-to-date and structured information on obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in any country in the immigration guide from Visit World. In PDF format, you will receive step-by-step instructions, a list of documents, costs and processing times, applicant requirements, rules for filling out forms, practical advice and status benefits — all delivered to your email in just a few minutes.

If you are considering moving or staying abroad for a long time, purchase the immigration guide from Visit World and prepare in advance!

We remind you! Electronic travel authorisations, extended visa-free travel, digital arrival cards instead of paper forms — in 2026, border crossing rules in many countries will change again. Travel will not become more difficult, but it will require more advance preparation. Read about the new travel rules in 2026 at the link.

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