The idea of packing up your life and starting fresh in another country used to feel reserved for diplomats and retirees with too much time on their hands. Not anymore. The number of people living outside their country of birth has reached 300 to 304 million as of mid-2024, representing roughly 3.6 to 3.7 percent of the entire world population. That is a staggering figure – and it keeps growing.
In 2025, more people are living outside their country of birth than ever before. The world has become increasingly interconnected, and moving abroad is no longer just for diplomats, executives, or retirees. It is a lifestyle choice for millions, from digital nomads and students to skilled professionals and migrant workers. So where exactly are they going? And more importantly, which countries are rolling out the welcome mat? Let’s dive in.
1. Panama: The World’s Top-Ranked Expat Destination
Panama is not just a canal connecting two oceans. It is, right now, arguably the single best place on Earth to start a new life as a foreigner. For the second consecutive year, Panama ranked as the best country for expats according to the InterNations Expat Insider survey, with a remarkable 94 percent of expats saying they are happy with their life abroad. That number alone should tell you something.
About a third of respondents are already retired, and nearly one in five say their primary motivation for moving was to retire there. Panama also ranked third in the quality of life index, with 35 percent planning to stay forever. Those are not tourist vibes – that is real commitment.
Panama has long been known as an affordable destination for expats. For roughly 800 to 1,500 dollars per month, you can live comfortably in small towns and farming communities. Those looking to live in Panama City will require a higher monthly budget of up to 2,500 dollars. For context, that barely covers rent in many Western cities.
Panama offers expats several different visa options, including the Friendly Nations visa, the Pensionado program, and the Remote Worker visa. The variety of legal pathways makes settling here surprisingly accessible, no matter your situation.
2. Colombia: The South American Star Rising Fast
Honestly, Colombia’s transformation over the past two decades is one of the most remarkable stories in global relocation. Climbing from fifth place in 2024 all the way to the number two spot in the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey, Colombia ranked as the second-best country for expats in the world.
The survey found that the vast majority of respondents – around four in five – are satisfied with their financial situation in Colombia. Colombia also ranked highly in the quality of life index, with nearly all respondents stating that their disposable household income is sufficient to lead a comfortable life.
More than a third of expats say they wanted to stay in Colombia forever, and nearly half say they have no clear plans of leaving. The cost of living in Colombia is roughly 62 percent lower than in the United States including rent, and rent prices alone are over 76 percent lower than in America. Those are life-changing numbers if you work remotely or have savings in a stronger currency.
Colombia offers several visa options for expats seeking to reside in the country. The most common types are the Type M for Migrant and the Type V for Visitor, both with subcategories like investment, work, retirement, student, and digital nomad. It is a flexible system that fits many different life stages.
3. Mexico: Where Nearly Everyone Ends Up Happy
Mexico keeps showing up at or near the top of every major expat survey, and there is a very good reason for that. Expats in Mexico report exceptionally high satisfaction with their decision to relocate, with the vast majority expressing happiness. Those who move there find themselves immersed in a rich, friendly culture with no shortage of leisure activities, a high quality of life, and a fantastic work-life balance.
Coming in at second place in InterNations’ 2024 friendliness rankings, Mexico continues to win hearts with its warmth and vibrancy. Nearly nine in ten expats say they are happy living there, thanks to friendly locals, a strong sense of welcome, and a culture that is easy to adapt to.
Mexican cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey provide sophisticated urban experiences with modern amenities, comprehensive public transportation, and dynamic professional ecosystems. These metropolitan areas combine economic opportunities with cultural richness, making them particularly attractive for international professionals.
Despite high satisfaction, concerns around safety and affordability keep Mexico from the absolute top spot. Just under two thirds of expats in Mexico report feeling safe compared to roughly four in five worldwide. It is a real trade-off worth knowing before you book your one-way ticket.
4. Spain: Europe’s Undisputed Expat Champion
Spain has been dominating the European side of expat rankings for years now. Spain claimed the top spot among the best expat countries for three consecutive years at one point. It ranks first for quality of life, especially in terms of leisure options and healthcare. Expats are also highly satisfied with the ease of settling in, the climate, and the cost of living.
Spain remains the only European country to land a spot in the overall top 10 best countries for expats list. That is quite a feat given how many European nations have excellent infrastructure and quality of life. Public healthcare becomes available to residents through the Spanish social security system, and cities like Valencia, Málaga, and Alicante have become expat havens, offering the Mediterranean lifestyle at accessible price points compared to Northern European or North American alternatives.
Sunny Spain remains a popular destination for expats seeking rich culture and European living at an affordable price. The nation features amazing weather, world-class cuisine, and virtually endless events and outdoor activities. Whether you dream of exploring historical architecture or soaking up natural beauty, Spain has you covered.
5. Indonesia: The Dark Horse With Staggering Work-Life Balance
Most people don’t automatically think of Indonesia when planning an international move. They really should. Indonesia has shot up to a top position on the list of best destinations for expats, thanks to its welcoming attitude toward foreigners, exceptionally low cost of living, and phenomenal work-life balance, which nearly four in five expats praise.
Work culture represents a genuine Indonesian strength. The country’s average workweek falls well below global averages, while job satisfaction ranks first globally. This creates a remarkably balanced environment for professional expats, combining career fulfillment with ample personal time.
The financial picture is especially compelling, with Indonesia ranking highly in personal finance. The vast majority of expats report that their income is sufficient for comfortable living, far above the global average. This affordability extends across housing, transportation, food, and services, creating opportunities for lifestyle upgrades that would be financially impossible in many Western countries.
The key issue in Indonesia is digital life. Expats are unhappy with the low internet speed and restricted access to cashless payments and various online services. If you work in tech or depend on fast connectivity, that is definitely something to factor in.
6. United Arab Emirates: The High-Flying Cosmopolitan Choice
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The UAE is a completely different beast compared to the budget-friendly tropical destinations on this list. Think gleaming skyscrapers, tax-free income, and one of the most internationally diverse populations anywhere on the planet. The UAE offers immense economic potential and is home to one of the world’s most diverse populations. With roughly nine in ten of its residents being migrants, the UAE has a well-established expat community, making it easier for newcomers to integrate.
The United Arab Emirates outshines most countries in terms of quality of life, career prospects, and personal safety. The UAE is also an absolute leader in expat essentials. The vast majority of respondents note that it is not necessary to learn Arabic to live comfortably in the country.
The United Arab Emirates ranked impressively in the InterNations survey, due to its ratings on quality of life despite the high cost of living, great leisure options, ease of settling in, expat essentials, and quality, accessible healthcare.
The UAE continues to attract expats with zero income tax and high salaries. For professionals in finance, tech, or engineering, that financial equation is genuinely hard to beat anywhere else in the world.
7. Portugal: Europe’s Beloved Digital Nomad Haven
Portugal has become something of a legend in expat circles. Sunny, relatively affordable, steeped in culture, and surprisingly welcoming. Portugal is home to a lively and thriving digital nomad and expat community, with international workers from all over the world taking advantage of the country’s low crime rate, developed economy, stable politics, and year-round warm weather. Portugal also has a low cost of living compared to much of Western Europe, so many remote workers can stretch their salaries further.
As of 2024, over 2,600 visas have been issued to digital nomads moving to Portugal. American digital nomads have received the most visas, followed by Brazilian and British remote workers. The most popular destinations are Lisbon, Madeira, and Porto.
Around seven percent of Portugal’s population are expats, and since 2015, the number of foreign residents in the country has been consistently growing. That is not a trend – that is a wave. According to Numbeo’s 2025 index, Lisbon’s cost of living remains around 35 percent lower than most Western European capitals. That gap matters a lot when you are stretching a remote salary.
According to the Global Digital Nomad Report 2025, Portugal ranks sixth overall, scoring higher than countries like Malta, the UAE, and Germany in terms of remote work friendliness. Cities like Porto and Madeira have become genuine hubs for international workers who want European quality of life without a European price tag.
8. Thailand: The Affordable Asian Classic
Thailand has been on the expat radar for decades, and in 2025 it still earns its spot. It is hard to think of another country that offers this much lifestyle for this little money. Thailand is among the friendliest countries, making it genuinely easy for expats to settle in. Respondents placed Thailand in the top ten for feeling welcome and at home, finding friends, and getting used to the local culture.
Thailand also ranked first for housing affordability and ease of finding accommodation. That alone makes it an outlier. Finding decent, cheap housing is one of the most stressful parts of any international move, and Thailand largely removes that headache.
Thailand offers a number of visa routes for expats, including a Destination Thailand visa for digital nomads and a Long-Term Resident visa for individuals with sufficient financial resources. The government has been actively trying to make the country more accessible to remote workers and retirees.
If you are searching for a location that prioritizes ease of living, Thailand may be the ideal destination. You can complete most tasks, from getting a taxi to ordering groceries, through a single app. For anyone who has dealt with the chaos of daily life in a new country, that kind of frictionless convenience is worth more than it sounds.
9. Malaysia: Asia’s Underrated All-Rounder
Malaysia does not always get the headlines that Thailand or Indonesia attract, but it arguably offers the most complete expat package in Southeast Asia. Malaysia has long been a preferred destination for individuals and families who want a safe, vibrant, and globally connected place to call their second home. With modern infrastructure, a tropical climate, quality international schools and hospitals, and a rich multicultural lifestyle, the MM2H visa programme remains one of Asia’s most attractive long-term stay options.
Malaysia ranks third on the expat essentials index because housing is simple to find and English is widely spoken. That combination is rarer than you might think. Most affordable Asian countries come with significant language barriers. Malaysia largely sidesteps that problem thanks to its colonial-era English legacy.
The MM2H program now offers three main tiers – Silver, Gold, and Platinum – as well as a specialized Special Economic Zone program, each with distinct eligibility criteria, benefits, and deposit requirements. The Silver tier offers a five-year pass, the Gold tier provides 15 years, and the Platinum tier grants up to 20 years of residency. All tiers include multiple-entry privileges, allowing expats to come and go freely.
According to Numbeo’s 2025 index, Kuala Lumpur is about 50 percent cheaper than London, while still offering a major city experience with modern amenities. Malaysia boasts world-class healthcare services that remain affordable compared to Western standards. It is a combination that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else at this price point.
The Big Picture: Why the Expat World Is Booming
It is worth stepping back for a moment and looking at the scale of what is actually happening here. Over the last five years, the number of expats has increased by roughly 19 to 23 million people, marking a seven to eight percent growth since 2020. Since 1970, the global expat population has more than tripled. This is not a niche trend anymore.
Over 35 million people now work remotely while living abroad. More than 50 countries have launched digital nomad visas, making it easier than ever to live and work internationally. Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe are becoming hotspots for remote workers.
The InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey ranks the best countries for expats based on responses from over 10,000 participants. A total of 46 destinations were ranked based on five categories: working abroad, personal finance, quality of life, expat essentials, and ease of settling in. The data behind these rankings is solid and transparent.
I think the most striking takeaway from all of this is how dramatically the definition of “expat destination” has shifted. It used to mean a handful of Western cities. Now it includes Panama, Colombia, Indonesia, and Costa Rica. Experts predict the expat population will surpass 350 million by 2035. The world is genuinely becoming a more mobile place – and the countries on this list are leading the charge in welcoming that shift.
What do you think – does any of these countries surprise you, or are you already packing your bags? Tell us in the comments.