Panama has once again been named the best country for expats in 2026, securing the top position for the third consecutive year, according to the latest Expat Insider Survey 2026 by InterNations.
The annual study surveyed nearly 8,000 expatriates from 162 nationalities, asking them to rate their experiences across key areas including quality of life, financial stability, career opportunities, settling in, and everyday living.
Panama Retains the Number One Spot
Panama continues to impress expats with its welcoming environment, simple immigration process, and excellent quality of life.
The country ranked highly for:
- Ease of settling in
- Friendly local communities
- Simple visa procedures
- Efficient bureaucracy
Around 87% of expats living in Panama said they are happy with their lives there, well above the global average of 70%.
Nearly one-third of respondents also said they hope to remain in Panama permanently.
Mexico and Thailand Follow Closely
Mexico secured second place, ranking first worldwide for helping newcomers feel welcome.
Expats praised the country’s:
- Friendly residents
- Easy social integration
- Strong sense of community
Thailand claimed third place, with many expats highlighting its affordable lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere.
More than 86% of expats living in Thailand reported being happy, while many praised:
- Low cost of living
- Affordable housing
- Excellent lifestyle
- Pleasant climate
Europe’s Best Destinations
Only three European countries reached the global top ten.
Spain
Spain ranked 6th overall and was Europe’s highest-ranked destination.
Expats praised Spain for:
- Sunny weather
- Excellent work-life balance
- Affordable public transport
- Plenty of travel opportunities
- High quality of life
Portugal
Portugal finished 8th, performing particularly well for:
- Personal finances
- Easy integration
- Friendly communities
Luxembourg
Luxembourg completed the top ten thanks to its strong employment market.
It ranked highly for:
- Competitive salaries
- Job security
- Career opportunities
Countries That Struggled
Not every destination performed well in this year’s survey.
The lowest-ranked countries included:
- United Kingdom
- Türkiye
- Germany
- Norway
Norway finished last overall, despite regularly ranking among the happiest countries globally.
Many expats reported difficulties with:
- Settling into local communities
- Cost of living
- Personal finances
Germany also received poor scores, especially for:
- Bureaucracy
- Housing
- Digital services
- Language barriers
Top 10 Best Countries for Expats in 2026
- Panama
- Mexico
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Brazil
- Spain
- Singapore
- Portugal
- Malaysia
- Luxembourg
A Growing Trend
As remote work and international career opportunities continue expanding, more people are considering relocating abroad for a better quality of life.
The latest rankings suggest that countries offering affordable living, welcoming communities, strong public services, and stable economies remain the most attractive destinations for expatriates worldwide in 2026.
