The best countries for expats are:
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Spain
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Portugal
- Singapore
- Canada
- Bahrain
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Panama
There are more than 280 million international migrants in the world, accounting for more than 3% of the global population, according to a 2022 report by the International Organization for Migration. That is 128 million more than in 1990 and 3 times more than in 1970. Many people are moving and living in a new country for career growth, travel opportunities, and cultural awareness. They are also in search of a cheaper cost of living, broader horizons, and a wider network. In this article, we will identify and look into the 13 best countries for expats to live in.
1. Netherlands
The Netherlands is the 10th best country in the world, according to the 2023 rankings by US News and World Report. It is among the 10 happiest countries worldwide, based on the 2024 World Happiness Report, with a score of 7.319. Also, it has the highest quality of life, according to 2023 data from Numbeo. The Netherlands is known as the land of bicycles, with an infamous cycling culture and infrastructure. Amsterdam has the 10th best public transit in the world, according to a 2023 report by CNN.
The country has the 4th highest healthcare index in the world, based on 2024 data from Numbeo. In terms of job security, the Netherlands has the 2nd highest employment rate (82.47%), as shown by 2023 data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Furthermore, it is among the 10 countries around the world with the best work-life balance, according to a 2023 report by Insider Monkey, with an index score of 69.14.
However, the Netherlands is one of the most expensive European countries, based on a 2020 report by the NL Times, with consumer prices being 17% higher than the European Union average. Also, income taxes are high, with a tax rate of 49.5% on salaries exceeding $81,135, according to 2022 data from HSBC Expat.
While the Netherlands does not offer a visa for digital nomads, the country offers an authorization for temporary stay: machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf, or MVV, with a validity of more than 90 days. Meanwhile, living in the Netherlands requires a residence permit.
- Quality of life index: 204.21 (very high)
- Cost of living: $1,036.15 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 103.3
- Safety index: 73.7 (high)
- Healthcare index: 78.9
- Popular destinations: Canals of Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum
2. Switzerland
Switzerland is the best country in the world, based on 2023 rankings by US News and World Report. It is one of the 10 happiest countries in the world, according to the 2024 World Happiness Report, with a score of 7.060. Furthermore, it has the 3rd highest employment rate (80.42%), as shown by 2023 data from the OECD, and the 4th highest average annual income ($95,490), as demonstrated by 2022 data from WorldData.info. The country also has good economic stability, being one of the 10 countries in the world with the highest purchasing power, based on 2024 data from Numbeo.
However, living in Switzerland can be costly. According to a 2024 report by the World Population Review, it is the 3rd most expensive country to live in. Also, based on 2023 data from the same organization, it is one of the 5 countries with the highest marginal rate (59.7%).
Switzerland offers a Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days, a national visa for a stay of more than 90 days, and labor or work permits.
- Quality of life index: 192.62 (very high)
- Cost of living: $1,717.89 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 118.9
- Safety index: 74.7 (high)
- Healthcare index: 72.6
- Popular destinations: Rhine Falls, Chapel Bridge, Chillon Castle
3. Germany
Germany is the 7th best country in the world, according to 2023 rankings by US News and World Report. It is the largest economy in the European Union and the 3rd largest economy in the world, with a gross domestic product of more than $4.4 billion, based on 2023 data from KPMG. Approximately, there are more than 13 million foreign residents living in the country, as shown by 2022 data from Statista, with Berlin having a large international community of English-speaking foreigners. Berlin has the best public transit in the world, according to a 2023 report by CNN. What’s more, the country has numerous social benefits, such as the kindergeld (“children money”), a monthly financial allowance for each family for the upbringing and maintenance of children.
Germany doesn’t have some of the conveniences of 24-hour grocery stores or drive-through pharmacies. Most stores are closed on Sundays, except for restaurants and bakeries. Also, English is not widely spoken in smaller cities.
If you are thinking of moving to Germany, the country offers a freelancer visa, a skilled worker visa for skilled workers, and a self-employment visa.
- Quality of life index: 181.44 (very high)
- Cost of living: $1,051.20 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 101.0
- Safety index: 61.1 (high)
- Healthcare index: 71.7
- Popular destinations: Brandenburg Gate, Cologne Cathedral, Neuschwanstein Castle
4. Spain
Spain is a sanctuary of rich local culture and a wonderful climate, with an average temperature of 15.4 degrees Celsius, based on 2022 data from Statista. It is one of the 20 countries with the most affordable costs of living in Europe, according to a 2023 report by Yahoo! Finance. The country also excels in healthcare and work-life balance. It has the 7th highest healthcare index, as shown by 2024 data from Numbeo, and the 2nd highest index score (75.55) of work-life balance, based on a 2023 report by Insider Monkey.
English is not widely spoken in Spain; 60% of Spaniards do not speak English at all, as demonstrated by a study by Eurostat. The country also has a distinct way of life. Generally, the workday starts at 9:00 in the morning and ends at 7:00 in the evening, with a long lunch break during the afternoon siesta—during which many businesses are closed—and a dinner at 8:30 onwards.
If you are considering relocating to Spain, the country offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers, an entrepreneur visa, and a non-lucrative visa.
- Quality of life index: 179.47 (very high)
- Cost of living: $762.81 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 78.2
- Safety index: 63.8 (high)
- Healthcare index: 77.6
- Popular destinations: La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Alhambra
5. New Zealand
New Zealand is the 8th best country in the world, according to the 2023 rankings by US News and World Report. It is a haven of dramatic landscapes and stunning scenery. Life in this country is slow and laid-back. It is all about living outdoors and enjoying nature, making it a good place for retirement. Based on a 2023 report by Insider Monkey, New Zealand has the best work-life balance in the world, achieving an index score of 79.35. It has an annual leave of 32 days and a government-funded universal healthcare. Additionally, according to a 2024 report by the World Population Review, it is one of the 5 safest countries in the world.
However, New Zealand has a moderate crime index of 47.90, based on 2024 data from Numbeo.
New Zealand offers several visa options for living in the country, such as care workforce work to residence visa, skilled migrant category resident visa, straight to residence visa, transport work to residence visa, and work to residence visa. The skilled migrant category resident visa is potentially the best option for most expats.
Brittany Morgan is a Canadian living in New Zealand on a working holiday visa. She shares that New Zealanders are welcoming to expats, making it easy to integrate into local communities. Also, the country has mild winters and temperate summer months, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round.
- Quality of life index: 171.73 (very high)
- Cost of living: $1,039.33 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 93.0
- Safety index: 52.3 (moderate)
- Healthcare index: 67.7
- Popular destinations: Abel Tasman National Park, Auckland, Queenstown
6. Australia
Australia is the 3rd best country in the world, based on 2023 rankings by US News and World Report. It is also the 10th happiest country, according to the 2024 World Happiness Report, having a score of 7.057. Additionally, it is one of the 5 countries with the best work-life balance around the world, as shown by a 2023 report by Insider Monkey, with an index score of 73.71. Australia has a laid-back lifestyle and near-perfect weather, with an annual average mean temperature of 22.06 degrees Celsius, according to 2021 data from Statista, making the country a good place for retirement. People are friendly, helpful, and respectful. Life expectancy in this country is 81 years for men and 85 years for women.
However, living in Australia can be costly, being one of the 20 most expensive countries in the world, with a 73.54 cost of living index, based on a 2024 report by Gitnux. Also, Australia has a moderate crime index of 47.27, as demonstrated by 2024 data from Numbeo.
Australia offers several visa options, such as the permanent residence (skilled regional) visa, business innovation and investment (permanent) visa, skilled employer sponsored regional (provisional) visa, working holiday visa, and partner (provisional and migrant) visa.
- Quality of life index: 169.23 (very high)
- Cost of living: $1,135.46 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 93.6
- Safety index: 52.9 (moderate)
- Healthcare index: 69.8
- Popular destinations: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Kakadu National Park
7. Portugal
Portugal is one of the 10 safest countries in the world, according to a 2024 report by the World Population Review. Additionally, it is the cheapest country in Western Europe, with prices being around one-half to one-third of those of other Western European countries, based on a report of the same year by the same organization. Portugal has a beautiful climate, with average temperatures ranging from 24 degrees Celsius during the summer to 10 degrees Celsius during the winter, as recorded by Britannica. Furthermore, English is widely spoken in the country.
However, taxes can be high in Portugal. Based on 2023 data from the World Population Review, it has the 3rd highest marginal rate (64%) and 10th highest sales tax rate (23%) in the world. Some cities with large expat communities are facing backlash against the influx of foreigner residents.
If you are thinking of living in Portugal, the country offers a golden visa and a digital nomad visa for remote workers. The golden visa is a popular option as it allows you to live and work in Portugal, travel in 26 European countries visa-free, and become a citizen in 5 years. Also, it provides several investment options that are relatively affordable. It requires a qualifying investment, which may include venture capital fund, company formation or employer responsibilities, and donation.
- Quality of life index: 166.14 (very high)
- Cost of living: 719.13 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 46.5
- Safety index: 68.8 (high)
- Healthcare index: 72.7
- Popular destinations: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Castelo de S. Jorge
8. Singapore
Singapore is one of the 10 safest countries in the world, according to a 2024 report by the World Population Review. Also, it has the best healthcare, as shown by the 2023 rankings of Statista, and the 6th best public transit, based on a 2023 report by CNN. It also has a broad array of dining options, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to lively night markets.
However, living in Singapore can be pricey. According to another 2024 report by the World Population Review, it is the 7th most expensive country in the world to live in. Moreover, it has a humid, tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 31 degrees Celsius.
Singapore does not offer a visa for digital nomads, but it grants an employment pass for individuals with work lined up and an entre pass for entrepreneurs starting a business in the country.
- Quality of life index: 158.31 (high)
- Cost of living: $1,126.41 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 103.0
- Safety index: 76.5 (high)
- Healthcare index: 70.6
- Popular destinations: Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Merlion
9. Canada
Canada is the 2nd best country in the world, according to the 2023 rankings by US News and World Report. It ranked 2nd for starting a career, 3rd for quality of life, 4th for education, 9th for green living, and 12th for starting a business and investing in. Canada is well-known for its work-life balance, being one of the 10 countries in the world with the best work-life balance, based on a 2023 report by Insider Monkey, achieving an index score of 67.91. Also, the country has an abundance of natural resources and outdoor space, providing opportunities for an active lifestyle, from kayaking during summer months to skiing during the winter.
However, Canada has a moderate crime index of 45.31, as demonstrated by 2024 data from Numbeo.
Canada offers several visa options, such as a skilled worker visa, the Canadian skilled trades visa, the Canadian business visa, the Canadian experience class visa, and temporary work permits.
- Quality of life index: 154.35 (high)
- Cost of living: $1,070.50 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 83.3
- Safety index: 54.8 (moderate)
- Healthcare index: 69.1
- Popular destinations: Niagara Falls, Stanley Park, CN Tower
10. Bahrain
Bahrain ranked 1st globally for financial attractiveness, according to 2023 statistics from the Economic Development Board of Bahrain. Also, it excels in trade, financial, and investment freedom, ranking 1st in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The country predominates in skilled labor and finance and language skills globally, ranking 4th and 6th, respectively. Bahrain has a laid-back, safe, and affordable lifestyle. There is no personal income tax in Bahrain; however, 1% of the citizens’ income goes to social security.
Tori Ann Sharpe is an expat who moved to Bahrain in 2020 and shares that there are several indoor and outdoor activities in the country, such as water sports, go-karting, and indoor skydiving. Also, getting around is relatively easy, with affordable rental cars, convenient Uber services, and options for walking, biking, or electric scooters. Additionally, Bahrain’s central location makes it convenient for traveling to other Middle Eastern destinations.
Bahrain offers several types of visas: tourist visa, business visa, work visa, family visa, and student visa.
- Quality of life index: 151.32 (high)
- Cost of living: $864.12 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 94.66
- Safety index: 76.30 (high)
- Healthcare index: 66.60
- Popular destinations: Bahrain Fort, The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park, Bahrain National Museum
11. Mexico
Mexico has been among the top 5 countries in the Expat Insider Survey by InterNations since 2014. It ranked 1st in ease of settling in and 12th in expat essentials, namely digital life, housing, and language, in 2023. The country has a great social life—it ranked 1st in local friendliness and 2nd in finding friends and having a personal support network, with 3 in 4 expats finding making local friends easy. Additionally, it ranked 2nd in personal finance and leisure options and 4th in social life. In terms of work, Mexico has a fairly good reputation—it ranked 4th in career opportunities, 5th in fair pay, and 7th in work-life balance.
However, Mexico only ranked 45th for political stability. Additionally, it has a moderate crime index of 53.62, according to 2024 data from Numbeo. Just like in Portugal and other countries with large expat communities, some large cities in Mexico are experiencing pushback from local residents against foreign residents.
Mexico does not offer a visa for digital nomads. But if you are considering a permanent move, it offers a temporary resident visa, with a validity of up to 4 years, and a permanent resident visa for official retirees.
- Quality of life index: 125.44 (moderate)
- Cost of living: $699.71 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 38.0
- Safety index: 46.2 (moderate)
- Healthcare index: 72.5
- Popular destinations: Tulum, Chichén Itzá, Zona Arqueológica Palenque
12. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a country in Central America with abundant natural beauty and a wonderful climate, ranging from 17.22 to 27.22 degrees Celsius. It also has a laid-back lifestyle and an affordable cost of living, making it popular for pura vida, or “pure life.” Based on statistics from US News and World Report, it ranked 10th in adventure, 20th in business opportunities, and 20th in comfortable retirement.
However, according to 2024 data from Numbeo, Costa Rica has a moderate crime index of 53.82. Additionally, the country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and has 6 active volcanoes, making it prone to volcanic activity, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers, having a validity of up to a year and an option for another 1-year extension. It also offers temporary residency for executives, rentiers, students, and retirees, as well as permanent residency for a close relative of a Costa Rican national.
- Quality of life index: 125.22 (moderate)
- Cost of living: $877.52 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 42.07
- Safety index: 46.18 (moderate)
- Healthcare index: 64.62
- Popular destinations: Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Parque Nacional Tortuguero, Parque Nacional Cahuita
13. Panama
Panama is the Miami of Central America, providing easy access to both North and South America. It ranked 8th in personal finance, based on the Expat Insider Survey 2023 by InterNations, despite difficulties with opening a bank account. The country is also known for its social life, ranking 1st in finding friends; 82% of the expats have a personal support network, while 74% have few difficulties making local friends. Additionally, it ranked 4th in ease of settling in and 7th in the expat essentials index.
However, the cost of establishing residence in Panama spiked from $300,000 to $500,000 in 2023, according to a report by CNN. Also, it has a moderate crime index of 43.42, as shown by 2024 data from Numbeo.
If you are thinking of moving to Panama, the country has a qualified investment immigration program and a retirement visa program.
- Quality of life index: 119.66 (low)
- Cost of living: $778.79 (estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Purchasing power index: 34.7
- Safety index: 55.7 (moderate)
- Healthcare index: 60.1
- Popular destinations: Panama Canal, Parque Nacional Soberanía, Miraflores Visitor’s Center
(According to 2024 data on the quality of life index, costs of living, purchasing power index, safety index, and healthcare index from Numbeo.)
What are the best countries for expats with families?
The best countries for expats with families are:
- Sweden
- Norway
- Iceland
- Estonia
- Portugal
(Based on a 2022 report by William Russell.)
What are the best countries for expats to work in?
The best countries for expats to work in are:
- Iceland: 83.59% employment rate
- Netherlands: 82.47% employment rate
- Switzerland: 80.42% employment rate
- New Zealand: 79.79% employment rate
- Japan: 79.01% employment rate
(As shown by 2023 data on employment rates from the OECD.)
Additionally, based on 2022 data on average annual income from WorldData.info, the best countries for expats working abroad are:
- Monaco: $186,080
- Bermuda: $125,210
- Norway: $95,520
- Switzerland: $95,490
- Luxembourg: $89,200
What are the best countries for expats to retire in?
The best countries for expats to retire in are:
- Switzerland
- Portugal
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Spain
(According to a 2023 report by US News and World Report.)
What are the best English-speaking countries for expats?
The best English-speaking countries for expats are:
- United States
- Canada
- Singapore
- Belize
- Bahamas
What are the best tax-free countries for expats?
The best tax-free countries for expats are:
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- United Arab Emirates
- Kuwait
(Based on a 2023 report by William Russell.)
Which countries are the most expat-friendly?
The countries that are most expat-friendly are:
- Portugal
- Spain
- Mexico
- Australia
- New Zealand
Which countries are safest for expats?
The countries that are safest for expats are:
- Qatar: 85.2 safety index (very high)
- United Arab Emirates: 84.9 safety index (very high)
- Taiwan (China): 83.8 safety index (very high)
- Isle of Man: 82.0 safety index (very high)
- Oman: 80.3 safety index (very high)
(As demonstrated by 2023 data on safety indices from Numbeo.)
Which countries are the cheapest for expats?
The countries that are cheapest for expats are:
- Pakistan: 18.5 cost of living index ($319.56 estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Nigeria: 19.3 cost of living index ($263.63 estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Libya: 21.2 cost of living index ($375.37 estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- India: 22.2 cost of living index ($347.58 estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
- Afghanistan: 22.8 cost of living index ($401.93 estimated monthly cost for a single person without rent)
(As shown by 2024 data on costs of living from Numbeo.)
What are the factors to consider when choosing a country to live in as an expat?
The factors to consider when choosing a country to live in as an expat are:
- Cost
- Culture
- Climate
- Healthcare
- Job opportunities
- Safety
- Transportation
- Taxes
- Visas
- Education
- Language
- Market
- Family
- Laws
- Infrastructure
What are the benefits of living abroad?
The benefits of living abroad are making lifelong friends, gaining travel opportunities, and undergoing personal development. It also helps with career advancement, cultural immersion, and having a global mindset. Furthermore, moving abroad helps increase your earnings, boost your confidence, and enhance your independence.
What are the challenges of living abroad?
The challenges of living abroad are cultural shock, language barriers, and financial challenges. They also include loneliness, isolation, and homesickness. Moreover, you may face issues finding a job and looking for a home overseas. Additionally, there may be challenges in terms of bureaucracy, rules, and regulations when moving abroad.
Conclusion
Finding the best countries for expats to live in is a multifaceted journey, encompassing several factors—from quality of life to employment opportunities to cultural integration. The best countries for expats present various benefits and challenges, from robust healthcare systems and economic stability to language barriers and high costs of living. Despite the complexities, embarking on expatriate life opens doors to new experiences, personal growth, and a broader global perspective, enriching the lives of those who dare to explore beyond borders.