Here are ten of the most popular destinations for expats

According to the latest Expat Insider survey, the top 10 best destinations for expats have been identified from an assessment of 53 locations around the globe. Notably, Asian countries led the rankings this year, securing six of the top 10 spots.

The 2024 Expat Insider survey

Various factors influence expats’ happiness in a foreign country. Finding a job abroad, managing finances, and also the quality of life are just some of the contributing factors. According to the 2024 Expat Insider survey, the destinations below are the top 10 best destinations for expats.

1. Panama

Panama has moved up to the top spot after ranking third in the 2023 survey. Of respondents, 82% of expats living there are happy with their life in general, and 74% are satisfied with their financial situation. 

2. Mexico

Expats in Mexico enjoy an affordable lifestyle, making the country a very popular destination worldwide, according to InterNations.

“Mexico is a very happy country. The people are helpful and friendly, and they celebrate everything!”
Expat from New Zealand 

3. Indonesia

According to William Russell, an expat insurer, Indonesia is known for its welcoming hospitality. Also, Indonesians are renowned as some of the friendliest people worldwide. Therefore, expats find it easy to settle in.

4. Spain

Spain is another popular destination for expats, with about 15% of Spain’s population originally being from other countries.

Generally, things happen slowly in Spain, according to expatica. People used to a faster pace may find this frustrating.

5. Colombia

Although Colombia does not offer a particularly high quality of life, expats rate it favourably in terms of personal finance and ease of settling in.

Colombia offers an appealing cost of living. Markedly, the International Cost of Living ranking placed Colombia among the countries with the lowest cost of living in South America.

6. Thailand

Much like Colombia, Thailand also scores high in the personal finance and ease of settling in categories. Expats generally find that people are very friendly in Thailand, particularly towards foreigners.

Markedly, the expat community in Thailand has grown to approximately two million.

7. Brazil

Brazil is home to an ever-expanding community of expats. The pace of life can be fast, especially in larger cities like Sao Paulo, which are centred around business and commerce.

8. Vietnam

Vietnam is the most affordable country for expats, ranking first in the survey’s personal finance category among the 53 destinations that formed part of the survey. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Vietnam has topped this category.

9. Philippines

At least four in five respondents in the Philippines find that their disposable household income is sufficient to lead a comfortable life. Housing is also a plus in the country. Most expats agree that it’s easy to find housing, and they are happy with how affordable it is.

10. United Arab Emirates

Although the United Arab Emirates did not score well in the personal finances category, respondents rated it highly in the quality of life category. Expats highlighted healthcare and leisure options as very favourable subcategories.