Ranking of the best countries in the world for expats in 2024

22.07.2024

Every year, thousands of people search for a new home, cross borders, immerse themselves in unfamiliar cultures and start new lives. The Expat Insider 2024 survey, conducted by InterNations, sheds light on the preferences and feelings of those who have decided to take this important step.

How the study was conducted

More than 12,000 respondents from 175 countries took part in the survey, sharing their impressions of life abroad. They assessed various aspects of life in a new country: from the difficulties of adaptation to the delights of local culture, from the affordability of housing to the level of medical care.

Based on their responses, a ranking was compiled of 53 countries that provide the best conditions for expats.

Top 10 Countries for Expats in 2024

The ranking of the best countries for expats covers a variety of destinations, from bustling cities to quiet spots with natural beauty.

1. Panama

Panama is firmly ranked as the best country for expats in 2024. After an impressive third place last year, Panama rose to the top thanks to high scores for life satisfaction and wealth. More than four in five expats (82%) are satisfied with their lives in Panama, significantly higher than the global rate (68%).

Financial well-being and housing affordability

Almost three-quarters of respondents (74%) are satisfied with their financial situation, which is 20 percentage points above the global average. Panama ranks first in this indicator and fourth in the Personal Finance Index. Eighty-eight percent of expats believe their household's disposable income is enough or more than enough to live comfortably, compared to 70% globally.

Expats rate the affordability of housing in Panama highly, with 62% of respondents rating it positively (vs. 34% globally). Panama is also the easiest country to find housing, ranking first in this criterion.

Ease of accommodation and language barriers

Panama ranks fourth in the Expat Essentials Index due to a variety of factors. Expats rarely have problems with language (11th), and almost all (98%) praise unlimited access to online services such as social networks (compared to 82% globally). Obtaining a visa also turned out to be a simple process (4th place).

Professional life and balance

About a third of respondents (32%) have already retired, which is significantly higher than the global figure (11%). However, for those still working, Panama also offers excellent conditions. The country ranks 12th for workers abroad, with high scores for work-life balance (3rd) and total working hours (7th). The average working week is 41 hours, which is below the global average of 42.5 hours. Almost half of respondents (47%) work remotely, significantly higher than the global figure (20%).

The quality of life

Panama ranks 16th in the Quality of Life Index. Nine in ten expats (90%) rate personal safety positively (compared to 80% globally), and the country's healthcare ranks 15th. Panama also offers an accessible public transportation system (8th), although car infrastructure leaves much to be desired (45th out of 53). Sports opportunities are also rated highly (9th), with four out of five respondents (79%) satisfied with this aspect.

2. Mexico

Some 89% of expats are happy to live here, significantly higher than the global rate of 68%. Mexico is distinguished by the friendliness of the population (86% versus 63% in the world) and hospitality (85% versus 63% in the world).

The local culture is easy to understand, and making friends among the locals is easy. More than three quarters (77%) feel at home in Mexico. Accommodation is affordable (10th) and easy to find (12th), and obtaining a visa is easy (5th).

The financial situation of expats in Mexico is also better than the world: 62% are satisfied with local costs, 71% are satisfied with their financial situation. In the Work Abroad Index, Mexico rose to 8th place, offering good career opportunities and work-life balance.

However, safety issues remain relevant: only 66% feel safe, compared to 80% globally. Average scores for health care and transportation place Mexico 25th in quality of life. However, Mexico's diverse culture and hospitality make it an attractive place to live and work abroad.

3. Indonesia

After a slight dip in 2023, Indonesia returned to the podium in 2024, finishing in a respectable 3rd place out of 53 countries. Despite some areas for improvement, Indonesia impresses with its low costs (4th), friendly people (2nd) and excellent work-life balance (1st). As a result, 84% of expats are satisfied with their lives in Indonesia, significantly higher than the global figure of 68%.

Work and personal life

Indonesia has made impressive progress in working abroad, rising from 27th in 2023 to 9th in 2024. Expats are very satisfied with their work-life balance (79% vs. 60% globally) and short work hours (5th). Full-time work in Indonesia is only 38.8 hours per week, compared to the global average of 42.5 hours. Indonesia ranks first in overall job satisfaction and career opportunities.

Finance and cost of living

For the third year in a row, Indonesia is ranked in the top ten of the Personal Finance Index (3rd place). Thanks to the low cost of living (4th), 86% of respondents believe their household's disposable income is enough or more than enough to live comfortably (versus 70% globally). Almost three-quarters (72%) are satisfied with their financial situation (versus 54% globally).

“It definitely takes less money to live comfortably here,” notes the American expat.

Affordable housing is another big plus for Indonesia. About two-thirds of expats (64%) rate this factor positively, significantly higher than the global average (34%). The majority (61%) also believe that housing is easy to find (versus 45% globally).

Problems of digital life and quality of life

One of the major challenges in Indonesia is digital living, with the country ranked 46th. Indonesia ranked among the worst in areas such as high-speed internet (49th), cashless payment options (45th), online administrative services (47th), and unlimited access to online services, including social services. networks (44th place).

Indonesia also performed poorly in the Quality of Life Index (44th place). Although climate and weather (11th), culinary diversity (11th) and cultural life (14th) received high marks, health and environmental concerns remain. Only 39% of expats are satisfied with the quality of healthcare (versus 66% globally), and only 46% rate its accessibility positively (versus 68%). Moreover, 38% of respondents consider air quality to be poor (versus 19% globally), placing Indonesia 45th for environment and climate and 49th for travel and transport.

Despite some challenges, Indonesia remains an attractive destination for expats due to its low living costs, friendly people and excellent work-life balance. These factors make it a comfortable place to live and work, which is reflected in the high level of satisfaction among expats.

4. Spain

Spain captivates with its historic cities, rich culture and mild climate. Expats here can enjoy a high quality of life, access to quality education and healthcare services. The Spaniards are known for their hospitality, which helps new arrivals quickly adapt and feel at home.

5. Colombia

Colombia surprises expats with its diversity, from mountain peaks to tropical forests and Caribbean beaches. Here you can enjoy an active lifestyle, rich cultural traditions and a friendly atmosphere. The low cost of living and booming economy make Colombia attractive to those seeking new opportunities and adventure.

6. Thailand

Thailand is a place where you can enjoy exotic nature, famous cuisine and affordable medical services. Expats value Thailand for its hospitality, rich cultural life and opportunities for an active lifestyle. Low prices and high safety make this country an ideal destination for those seeking comfort and new experiences.

7. Brazil

Brazil attracts expats with its picturesque beaches, samba rhythms and rich culture. Here you can enjoy an active lifestyle, participate in numerous festivals and enjoy the beauty of nature. Brazil offers a unique combination of city life and natural wonders, making it attractive to many expats.

8. Vietnam

Vietnam fascinates with its history, culture and natural beauty. Expats here find a balance between the dynamic city life and the tranquility of the countryside. Low costs of living, accessible health care and a rich cultural life make Vietnam attractive to those seeking new horizons and opportunities.

9. Philippines

With its endless beaches, warm waters and friendly people, the Philippines has become a favorite destination for expats. Here you can enjoy a quiet life surrounded by natural beauty, participate in water sports and enjoy a varied cuisine. Affordability and high security make the Philippines an excellent choice for a new life.

10. United Arab Emirates

The UAE offers expats the luxury and comfort of modern life. Here you can find many career opportunities, high standards of living and a variety of cultural activities. Expats value the UAE for its safety, high level of medical care and the opportunity to enjoy an active city life.

Each of these countries offers unique benefits and opportunities, making life abroad not only possible, but also surprisingly interesting and fulfilling.

The choice of country depends on individual preferences and life goals, but all of them are ready to welcome new arrivals with open arms and give new impressions and experiences.