Are you thinking about moving? These are the best countries to live in 2026.

According to a recent survey conducted by the organization InterNations, Panama has been named the best country for expatriates for the third consecutive year. The study, titled Expat Insider 2026, evaluated over 8,000 expatriates from 162 different nationalities, assessing their satisfaction with life in their host countries across five categories: work abroad, personal finances, quality of life, basic conditions for expatriates, and ease of adaptation. The findings highlight the factors that contribute to a positive expatriate experience, including cultural integration, administrative simplicity, and cost of living. Panama ranked second in the category of ease of adaptation, which includes local hospitality and the simplicity of adjusting to the local culture. It also placed second in the category of basic conditions for expatriates, reflecting its straightforward visa process and ease of navigating government services. A notable 87 percent of expatriates in Panama expressed satisfaction with their lives abroad, significantly higher than the global average of 70 percent. Moreover, nearly one-third of these individuals intend to remain permanently in the country, citing its welcoming environment and favorable lifestyle as key reasons. Mexico came in second overall, praised particularly for its ease of adaptation. Expatriates there found it easy to make friends and felt welcomed into the community. Thailand took the third spot, with 86 percent of expatriates reporting high levels of satisfaction. Over 40 percent of them plan to stay indefinitely, largely due to the low cost of living—85 percent of respondents positively rated this factor, and the availability of affordable housing. In Europe, only three countries made the top ten list, none of which reached the top five. Spain secured sixth place and was the best-ranked European country for expatriates. Its appeal lies in its pleasant climate, numerous leisure activities outside of work, efficient public transportation, and opportunities for travel. Portugal followed in eighth position, ranking fourth in personal finance and seventh in ease of adaptation. Luxembourg rounded out the top ten, placing fourth in the category of work abroad due to competitive salaries and job security. To qualify for inclusion in the rankings, each country had to have at least 50 expatriates residing there. In 2026, a total of 31 countries were assessed. At the bottom of the list were the United Kingdom, Turkey, Germany, and Norway, which occupied positions 28 through 31. Despite Norway’s reputation as one of the happiest countries in the world, expatriates did not share the same sentiment. They ranked last in ease of adaptation and 30th in quality of life and personal finances. Germany, while performing better than some other nations, still faced challenges. It finished last in the category of basic conditions for expatriates, with respondents citing digital services, bureaucracy, housing, and language barriers as major issues. Germany also ranked 28th in ease of adaptation and 23rd in personal finance. The list of the best countries for expatriates in 2026 includes: 1. Panama 2. Mexico 3. Thailand 4. United Arab Emirates 5. Brazil 6. Spain 7. Singapore 8. Portugal 9. Malaysia 10. Luxembourg These rankings reflect the diverse preferences of expatriates, emphasizing factors such as affordability, cultural acceptance, and administrative efficiency. As the global landscape continues to evolve, future studies will likely reveal shifts in these priorities.