Table of Contents

Relocating to a different area and preparing your belongings is a transformative choice that requires meticulous consideration. The principal impetus behind migration, notwithstanding the diverse array of potential factors, is the pursuit of a prosperous and higher-quality existence within a secure milieu, characterized by minimal adversity.

InterNations, a worldwide network of individuals residing and working in foreign countries, conducted a survey of 12,065 expatriates across 172 nations to evaluate 56 distinct facets of their living conditions. The conversation encompassed a variety of subjects, ranging from objective matters such as housing expenses and healthcare availability to personal, subjective ones like the ease of forming friendships.

Subsequently, the aforementioned entities were partitioned into sixteen distinct subcategories, and a set of five headline indices were employed to establish the ranking.

These are the following:

• Life quality comprises leisure activities, healthcare, travel, and the surrounding environment and climate.

• Finding friends and settling in are two aspects of ease.

• Working Abroad: Work-life balance, career opportunities, and work culture.

• Personal finance: encompassing various aspects related to living expenses.

• Language, housing, digital amenities, and obstacles in daily life are all considered expat essentials.

Because of their friendly locals, plentiful job prospects, and general high standard of living, these ten nations are regarded as some of the greatest for foreigners, offering an atmosphere that is ideal for relocating and assimilating into new cultures.

Learn more: Top 10 Worst Countries For Expats To Live and Work Today

Top 10 Best Countries For Expats To Live and Work Today
Top 10 Best Countries For Expats To Live and Work Today

Top 10 Best Countries For Expats To Live and Work Today

Here are top 10 the best countries for the foreigners the reasons why these countries are highly favored by expats.

1. Mexico

  • Main Benefits: Cost of living, vibrant culture, friendly locals.

Mexico offers a low cost of living with high-quality life standards. The warm climate, rich history, and the welcoming nature of its people make it a top choice for expats. Healthcare is affordable and of good quality in major cities.

In Mexico, foreigners find it easy to settle in and are content with their personal financial situation. When it comes to culture, friendliness, and finding people, Mexico leads the pack. Although the locals are friendly, foreign visitors enjoy Mexico's diverse cuisine, plenty of dining options, and beautiful surroundings, but they dislike the country's poor air quality.

2. Spain

  • Main Benefits: Relaxed lifestyle, healthcare, diverse climate.

Spain is renowned for its low cost of living when compared to other Western European nations, excellent healthcare, and laid-back way of life. With its varied climate, which includes both sunny beaches and lush green mountains, there is something for everyone.

Spain's high ranking was influenced by its wonderful climate, hospitable people, and affordable cost of living when compared to other European nations. It stood out for having convenient access to both interesting cultural attractions and high-quality housing. The cities that received the most visitors were Malaga, Valencia, and Alicante.

3. Panama

  • Main Benefits: Retiree benefits, growing economy, biodiversity.

Retirees in Panama can receive substantial benefits from the Pensionado program, such as reduced costs for services and medical care. With breathtaking natural scenery serving as a backdrop, its economy is strong and provides a range of opportunities for foreigners.

Panama's perceived friendliness, which promotes friendliness and ease of settling in, contributed to its high rating. Foreign tourists report that they have no trouble making friends with locals and that there is a substantial expat community in Panama. In addition, visitors from other countries enjoyed the excellent air quality and varied natural surroundings.

4. Malaysia

  • Main Benefits: Low cost of living, English widely spoken, modern amenities.

Malaysia is attractive for its affordable cost of living and modern infrastructure. English is widely spoken, making it easier for expats to adapt. It also boasts stunning natural landscapes and a multicultural environment.

Due to its affordability and accessibility, Malaysia has grown in popularity among foreigners living abroad. The nation provides a comfortable lifestyle, a varied culture, and a high standard of living. Malaysia's dynamic cities, breathtaking scenery, and abundance of leisure options entice foreign visitors.

5. Taiwan

  • Main Benefits: Healthcare, safety, friendly locals.

Taiwan ranks highly due to its world-class healthcare system, safe environment, and the friendliness of its people. The cost of living is reasonable, and expats find it easy to feel at home here.

Taiwan ranks first for health and wellbeing and is the travel destination with the highest rating for personal safety worldwide, according to the survey. It comes in sixth for ease of settling in and eighth for personal finance. Taiwanese expatriates are content enough: 84% say people there are generally friendly, and 70% say they are happy with their financial circumstances.

6. Thailand

  • Main Benefits: Affordable living, vibrant culture, expat-friendly policies.

Thailand offers a low cost of living with a high standard of living, vibrant street life, beautiful landscapes, and a warm climate. The country is known for its friendly atmosphere towards foreigners.

Thailand is an inexpensive, welcoming country with lots of recreational opportunities for foreign visitors. About 70% of people are content with their financial status overall, and housing is not a problem. However, career prospects are poor for workers, and almost two out of every five are dissatisfied with the local job market.

7. Costa Rica

  • Main Benefits: Natural beauty, stable democracy, high quality of life.

Costa Rica is well-known for its "Pura Vida" way of life, which is characterized by ease and simplicity. It provides stunning natural parks, political stability, and a dedication to conservation.

The majority of foreigners (82%) are satisfied with how friendly the people are, compared to 67% globally. Third, visitors can easily acclimate to local customs; seventh, they experience a sense of home; and ninth, they are cordially welcomed.

Nonetheless, Costa Rica comes in at number 38 on the list of nations where it is challenging to work overseas. It even ranks 48th out of the top ten worst in the subcategory of career prospects. Particularly unhappy with the local labor market (48th), foreign workers also say that since moving there, their career prospects have not improved (49th). Nonetheless, they enjoy having a work-life balance (13th).

8. Philippines

  • Main Benefits: English speaking, low cost of living, warm community.

English-speaking people are prevalent in the Philippines, which facilitates communication for foreign visitors. Living expenses are minimal, and the neighborhood is renowned for its friendliness and hospitality.

Although the country ranks fifth in terms of cost of living, it performs well in the Personal Finance Index, coming in third place. Furthermore, 75% of foreign nationals are content with their financial circumstances (as opposed to 58% worldwide), and they think their disposable household income is enough to live comfortably (2nd place).

79% of expatriates feel at home, compared to 62% of people worldwide. The Philippines' weakest point, however, is the Quality of Life Index (48th), specifically the subcategories of Health (47th), Leisure Options (49th), and Environment and Climate (46th).

9. Bahrain

  • Main Benefits: High expat satisfaction, good earning potential, family-friendly.

Bahrain is often rated highly by expats for its welcoming community and good work-life balance. The economic opportunities are excellent, and it offers a safe, family-friendly environment.

Bahrain makes it simple for foreigners to interact with locals. Taking care of administrative duties, finding housing, and making friends are all simple in this place. Nonetheless, a lot of people face financial difficulties, and foreign visitors place the nation in the bottom 5 for the natural environment (which includes things like wildlife, scenery, and nature).

10. Portugal

  • Main Benefits: Safety, friendly locals, attractive lifestyle.

Portugal provides a high standard of living in a safe environment at a comparatively low cost of living. It is simple for foreigners to integrate into the community because the people there are amiable and approachable.

Portuguese expatriates report a high standard of living, personal financial satisfaction, and ease of adjustment. 93% of foreign visitors believe that walking, bicycling, or both are easy and safe ways to get around, and 82% believe that they can freely express who they are and what they think (compared to 64% globally). When asked what they liked best about living in Portugal, an Indian expat answered, "The good environment and peaceful life."

Full List of Best Countries For Expats To Live and Work Today

11 UAE

12 Oman

13 Indonesia

14 Vietnam

15 Brazil

16 Finland

17 Colombia

18 Kenya

19 Luxembourg

20 Australia

21 Czechia

22 Netherlands

23 Switzerland

24 Sweden

25 Greece

26 China

27 Canada

28 Saudi Arabia

29 Estonia

30 USA

31 Qatar

32 Cyprus

33 France

34 Hungary

35 Poland

36 India

37 Singapore

38 Belgium

39 Ireland

40 Hong Kong

41 Denmark

42 Austria

43 UK

FAQs

Why is the top destination for expats in Mexico?

While many Americans travel to Mexico in search of a more affordable lifestyle, Mexican expats in Europe may not think highly of Mexico. Mexico is a friendly and easy place for expats to settle, and the low cost of living eliminates financial concerns.

Which Asian cities are the most and least expensive?

Asia's most expensive city for foreigners to live in is Singapore, according to surveys. the most affordable in Pakistan. Singapore is still 20% less expensive than New York, though.

Do expats really rate where they live?

The fact that foreign residents of the areas under evaluation provided the data for Internations and Numbeo makes them both proud. Both studies do not include nations or cities whose sample sizes are too small to deter unsatisfactory outcomes.

Top 10 Richest Countries in the World by GDP per Capita Today Top 10 Richest Countries in the World by GDP per Capita Today

These ten world's richest countries exemplify how diverse economic strategies and resources can lead to high levels of wealth and standard of living. Their economic ...

Top 10 Asian Countries with Largest Economies by GDP Today Top 10 Asian Countries with Largest Economies by GDP Today

Asia, home to some of the fastest-growing economies, will perform well in 2024. The top ten Asian countries with the biggest economy by GDP demonstrate ...

Top 10 European Countries with the Largest Economy by GDP Today Top 10 European Countries with the Largest Economy by GDP Today

As Europe continues to navigate through economic challenges and opportunities, the continent remains a significant player on the global economic stage. Here’s a detailed look ...

Top 10 Worst Countries For Expats To Live and Work Today Top 10 Worst Countries For Expats To Live and Work Today

This article incorporates a variety of factors such as safety, health, economic stability, and cultural barriers that can influence an expat's experience in a foreign ...