In the 2026 Expat Insider survey conducted by InterNations, Panama has been recognized as the best country for expats for the third consecutive year, with a significant majority of expatriates expressing satisfaction with their lives there.
Panama has once again been named the best country for expats, according to the 2026 Expat Insider survey released by InterNations. This survey, which included nearly 8,000 expatriates from 162 nationalities, marks the third consecutive year that Panama has achieved this distinction, underscoring its growing appeal as a destination for individuals seeking to build a life abroad.
Survey Methodology and Key Findings
The Expat Insider survey assessed expat satisfaction across five crucial indices: working abroad, personal finance, quality of life, expat essentials, and ease of settling in. Panama excelled particularly in the areas of ease of settling in and expat essentials, securing the second position in both categories. These indices measure factors such as the friendliness of the local population, the adaptability of newcomers to the local culture, and the processes involved in obtaining visas and navigating local bureaucracy.
According to the survey, approximately 87% of expats residing in Panama reported being happy with their life abroad, a figure that significantly exceeds the global average of 70%. Additionally, around one-third of expatriates in Panama expressed a desire to remain in the country permanently, indicating a strong sense of belonging and satisfaction among this demographic.
Mexico and Thailand: Strong Contenders
Mexico secured the second position in the rankings, particularly excelling in the ease of settling in index. This accolade reflects the welcoming nature of the country, where many expats find it easy to forge friendships and feel integrated into the community. The survey results suggest that Mexico’s social environment plays a significant role in attracting expatriates.
Thailand ranked third overall, with an impressive 86% of expats reporting happiness in their new lives there. Notably, 42% of those surveyed indicated a desire to stay in Thailand indefinitely. Expats highlighted the country’s low cost of living, which resonated positively with 85% of respondents, as well as the availability of affordable housing.
European Nations in the Mix
When examining the performance of European countries, only three made it into the top 10 of the Expat Insider survey, with Spain leading the way as the best expat destination on the continent, ranking sixth overall. Spain excelled in the quality of life index, benefiting from a favorable climate, diverse recreational activities, an efficient public transport system, and ample travel opportunities.
Portugal followed closely in eighth place, achieving commendable rankings in the personal finance index (fourth) and ease of settling in (seventh). Luxembourg rounded out the top 10, taking fourth place in the working abroad category, particularly noted for its high salaries and job security.
To qualify for the survey’s overall rankings, each country required participation from at least 50 expats. In total, 31 countries were evaluated in the 2026 survey, reflecting a diverse range of experiences from expatriates around the globe.
Challenges Faced by Expats in Other Countries
Conversely, several countries faced significant challenges in attracting expatriates. The United Kingdom ranked 28th, Turkey at 29th, and Germany at 30th. Norway, despite its reputation as one of the happiest countries globally, was rated the lowest, coming in last place overall. Notably, Norway ranked dead last in the ease of settling in index, and 30th for both quality of life and personal finance.
Germany also faced criticism, ranking last in the expat essentials category. Issues such as difficulties with digital infrastructure, administrative processes, housing challenges, and language barriers were cited as significant hurdles for expatriates. Germany placed 28th for ease of settling in and 23rd in personal finance, indicating widespread dissatisfaction among expatriates residing in the country.
Top 10 Best Countries for Expats in 2026
According to the Expat Insider survey, the top 10 best countries for expats in 2026 are:
- Panama
- Mexico
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Brazil
- Spain
- Singapore
- Portugal
- Malaysia
- Luxembourg
Implications of the Findings
The results of the Expat Insider survey not only provide insight into the experiences of expatriates but also reflect broader trends in global migration. Countries that consistently rank highly in expat satisfaction tend to offer favorable living conditions, robust economies, and supportive social environments. The implications for policymakers in nations that struggle to attract expatriates are clear: addressing the challenges faced by expats in areas such as bureaucracy, housing, and cultural integration could enhance their standing in future surveys.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, understanding the factors that contribute to expat satisfaction will be crucial for nations aiming to attract and retain a diverse and skilled workforce.
