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.
_x000D_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.
_x000D_ _x000D_Panama Retains the Number One Spot
_x000D_Panama continues to impress expats with its welcoming environment, simple immigration process, and excellent quality of life.
_x000D_The country ranked highly for:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Ease of settling in _x000D_
- Friendly local communities _x000D_
- Simple visa procedures _x000D_
- Efficient bureaucracy _x000D_
Around 87% of expats living in Panama said they are happy with their lives there, well above the global average of 70%.
_x000D_Nearly one-third of respondents also said they hope to remain in Panama permanently.
_x000D_ _x000D_Mexico and Thailand Follow Closely
_x000D_Mexico secured second place, ranking first worldwide for helping newcomers feel welcome.
_x000D_Expats praised the country’s:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Friendly residents _x000D_
- Easy social integration _x000D_
- Strong sense of community _x000D_
Thailand claimed third place, with many expats highlighting its affordable lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere.
_x000D_More than 86% of expats living in Thailand reported being happy, while many praised:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Low cost of living _x000D_
- Affordable housing _x000D_
- Excellent lifestyle _x000D_
- Pleasant climate _x000D_
Europe’s Best Destinations
_x000D_Only three European countries reached the global top ten.
_x000D_ _x000D_Spain
_x000D_Spain ranked 6th overall and was Europe’s highest-ranked destination.
_x000D_Expats praised Spain for:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Sunny weather _x000D_
- Excellent work-life balance _x000D_
- Affordable public transport _x000D_
- Plenty of travel opportunities _x000D_
- High quality of life _x000D_
Portugal
_x000D_Portugal finished 8th, performing particularly well for:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Personal finances _x000D_
- Easy integration _x000D_
- Friendly communities _x000D_
Luxembourg
_x000D_Luxembourg completed the top ten thanks to its strong employment market.
_x000D_It ranked highly for:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Competitive salaries _x000D_
- Job security _x000D_
- Career opportunities _x000D_
Countries That Struggled
_x000D_Not every destination performed well in this year’s survey.
_x000D_The lowest-ranked countries included:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- United Kingdom _x000D_
- Türkiye _x000D_
- Germany _x000D_
- Norway _x000D_
Norway finished last overall, despite regularly ranking among the happiest countries globally.
_x000D_Many expats reported difficulties with:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Settling into local communities _x000D_
- Cost of living _x000D_
- Personal finances _x000D_
Germany also received poor scores, especially for:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Bureaucracy _x000D_
- Housing _x000D_
- Digital services _x000D_
- Language barriers _x000D_
Top 10 Best Countries for Expats in 2026
_x000D_- _x000D_
- Panama _x000D_
- Mexico _x000D_
- Thailand _x000D_
- United Arab Emirates _x000D_
- Brazil _x000D_
- Spain _x000D_
- Singapore _x000D_
- Portugal _x000D_
- Malaysia _x000D_
- Luxembourg _x000D_
A Growing Trend
_x000D_As remote work and international career opportunities continue expanding, more people are considering relocating abroad for a better quality of life.
_x000D_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.