Best Countries for Expats in 2026

Choosing where to move abroad is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. The right country depends on what matters most to you: cost of living, career opportunities, safety, healthcare, weather, or how easy it is to get a visa.

Here are the ten best countries for expats in 2026, based on a combination of visa accessibility, affordability, quality of life, and how welcoming each country is to newcomers.

1. Portugal

Why expats love it: Affordable living in Western Europe, one of the safest countries in the world, and a fast path to EU citizenship in just five years. The food, wine, and weather are exceptional.

Visa ease: The D7 visa requires proof of passive income starting around 820 euros per month. Digital Nomad Visa requires roughly 3,280 euros per month. Both are straightforward to obtain.

Cost: 1,200 to 2,200 euros per month depending on the city. Porto and smaller towns are very affordable.

Quality of life: Excellent healthcare, reliable infrastructure, strong internet, and a large English-speaking expat community.

2. Spain

Why expats love it: Incredible food culture, warm climate, world-class healthcare, and a lifestyle that prioritizes living well. Spain has something for everyone, from bustling cities to quiet coastal towns.

Visa ease: Digital Nomad Visa with a flat 15% tax rate. Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees and people with passive income. Golden Visa for investors.

Cost: 1,200 to 2,200 euros per month. Valencia and Malaga offer the best value.

Quality of life: Spain consistently ranks among the top countries for work-life balance and overall happiness.

3. Mexico

Why expats love it: Low cost of living, vibrant culture, proximity to the US and Canada, and a large, established expat community. The food alone is worth the move.

Visa ease: The Temporary Resident Visa requires roughly 2,500 dollars per month in income. No complex paperwork compared to European or US visas.

Cost: 800 to 1,800 dollars per month depending on the city. Mexico City, Merida, and Oaxaca offer great value.

Quality of life: Varies by location. Major cities have excellent dining, culture, and infrastructure. Healthcare is affordable and high-quality in private hospitals.

4. Thailand

Why expats love it: Extremely low cost of living, tropical climate, incredible food, and a deeply welcoming culture. Thailand has been a top expat destination for decades.

Visa ease: The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa targets remote workers, retirees, and high earners. The retirement visa (O-A) requires applicants to be 50 or older with savings of roughly 800,000 Thai baht (about 22,000 dollars).

Cost: 800 to 1,500 dollars per month in most cities. Bangkok is pricier but still very affordable by Western standards.

Quality of life: Private healthcare is world-class and affordable. Infrastructure in major cities is excellent. Internet speeds are fast.

5. Germany

Why expats love it: Strong economy, high salaries, excellent public services, and a central location in Europe. Germany is ideal for career-focused expats.

Visa ease: The freelancer visa is surprisingly accessible. The EU Blue Card offers a clear path for skilled workers. Job seekers can get a six-month visa to find employment.

Cost: 1,500 to 2,500 euros per month. Berlin is the most affordable major city. Munich is the most expensive.

Quality of life: Excellent public transportation, universal healthcare, strong worker protections, and generous vacation time.

6. United Arab Emirates

Why expats love it: Zero income tax, high salaries, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic location between Europe and Asia. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are modern, safe, and well-connected.

Visa ease: Employer-sponsored visas are the most common route. The UAE also offers freelancer visas, investor visas, and a golden visa for high earners and property owners.

Cost: 2,000 to 4,000 dollars per month. Housing is the biggest expense. Groceries and dining vary widely.

Quality of life: Extremely safe, excellent healthcare, and a huge international community. Summers are very hot (40 to 50 degrees Celsius), which is a dealbreaker for some.

7. Singapore

Why expats love it: One of the safest countries in the world, a thriving business environment, and a perfect base for exploring Southeast Asia. English is an official language.

Visa ease: The Employment Pass requires a job offer with a minimum salary (currently around 5,000 Singapore dollars per month). The EntrePass is available for entrepreneurs. The ONE Pass targets top earners.

Cost: 2,500 to 4,500 dollars per month. Singapore is expensive, but salaries are high to match.

Quality of life: World-class healthcare, spotless public spaces, excellent public transportation, and an incredible food scene.

8. New Zealand

Why expats love it: Stunning natural beauty, clean air, a relaxed pace of life, and a welcoming culture. New Zealand consistently ranks as one of the best countries for quality of life.

Visa ease: The Skilled Migrant Category targets workers in shortage occupations. The Accredited Employer Work Visa requires a job offer from an approved employer. Both can lead to residency.

Cost: 1,800 to 3,000 New Zealand dollars per month. Auckland is the most expensive. Wellington and smaller cities are more affordable.

Quality of life: Excellent healthcare, strong public education, and an outdoor lifestyle that is hard to match anywhere else.

9. Canada

Why expats love it: A stable, multicultural society with strong public services, universal healthcare, and a clear path to permanent residency. Canada actively welcomes immigrants.

Visa ease: Express Entry is one of the most transparent immigration systems in the world. Points are awarded for age, education, language ability, and work experience. Provincial Nominee Programs offer additional pathways.

Cost: 1,500 to 3,000 Canadian dollars per month depending on the city. Toronto and Vancouver are expensive. Montreal, Calgary, and smaller cities are more affordable.

Quality of life: Universal healthcare, strong worker protections, excellent public education, and a society that genuinely values diversity.

10. Netherlands

Why expats love it: High quality of life, strong economy, and nearly everyone speaks English. The Netherlands is one of the most bike-friendly, well-organized countries in the world.

Visa ease: The Highly Skilled Migrant visa is employer-sponsored and processed quickly. The DAFT treaty allows Americans to start a business with a relatively small investment. The orientation year visa lets recent graduates job hunt for a year.

Cost: 1,800 to 2,800 euros per month. Amsterdam is expensive. Cities like Utrecht, Eindhoven, and Groningen are more affordable.

Quality of life: Excellent healthcare, strong public transportation, world-class cycling infrastructure, and a progressive, open-minded culture.

How to find your best fit

The best country for you depends on your situation: your income, skills, nationality, language abilities, career goals, and personal preferences. A country that is perfect for a remote worker earning 5,000 dollars per month might not work for someone on a pension.

Instead of researching countries one at a time, create a free Passpoort account and see which countries and visas match your specific profile. It takes a few minutes and saves weeks of research.