Expat-Friendly Nations: The 10 Countries That Welcome Foreign Residents

Panama Takes the Crown as Top Expat Destination

Picture this: crystal-clear Caribbean waters on one side, towering mountains on the other, and a government that actually wants you there. Panama has claimed the top spot in the 2024 InterNations Expat Insider survey, moving up from third place in 2023.

What's driving this remarkable ascent? A staggering 82% of expat respondents in Panama expressed happiness with their lives, compared to the global average of 68%.

The financial picture looks equally bright. Almost three-quarters of respondents expressed satisfaction with their financial situation, ranking the country first for this factor and fourth in the Personal Finance Index as a whole.

While Panama briefly increased its residence investment requirement from $300,000 to $500,000 in 2023, it reversed this decision in October 2024 following a drop in applications.

Mexico's Magnetic Appeal for American Expats

Mexico occupies second place in this year's table with virtually nine in ten expats expressing contentment with their lives. The numbers don't lie about its popularity among Americans.

From 2019 to 2022, the number of Americans who applied for or renewed residency visas spiked from about 17,800 to more than 30,000. Cities including Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende and Playa del Carmen are havens for US expats, many of whom point to Mexico's lower cost of living and relaxed lifestyle as strong draws.

Mexico ranked first in InterNations' 2023 Expat Insider survey and has ranked among the top five countries since 2014. However, success brings challenges.

Some Mexican cities with large expat communities are experiencing pushback against foreigners, a reminder that rapid growth can strain local resources.

Spain's Unbeatable Quality of Life

Spain claims the top spot in the Quality of Life Index for the third year running, with 84% of expats saying they are happy there versus 68% globally. The appeal extends beyond sunny beaches and tapas bars.

Valencia ranked first in InterNations' 2024 Quality of Life Index, and also topped the annual index by Live and Invest Overseas for 2024. Spain offers one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe, with a gorgeous climate, relatively low cost of living, and vibrant, culture-rich cities.

The visa options are expanding too. In November 2024, the Spanish government announced significant changes to its immigration program, including extending its "job-seeking visa" from three months to a full year.

This development shows Spain's commitment to attracting international talent.

United Arab Emirates: The Business Hub

The UAE is back among the ten best destinations for expats in 2024, with expat satisfaction very high in three of the five indices: Quality of Life (3rd), Working Abroad (6th), and Expat Essentials (1st). The UAE outshines most countries in terms of quality of life, career prospects, and personal safety, and is an absolute leader in expat essentials. 80% of respondents note that it is not necessary to learn Arabic to live in the country.

The financial advantages are compelling. UAE's zero income tax policy appeals to many expats, while the UAE grants golden visas to property investors, their spouses, and their children, requiring foreigners to invest at least AED 2,000,000, or about $545,000.

Portugal's Affordable European Dream

Portugal is a top choice for expats seeking an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle, offering scenic landscapes, a mild climate, and a relaxed pace of life. Portugal's public health care system is among the best in Europe, offering affordable—often free—care to residents.

There is a strong expat community in places like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro in the south, filled with a mix of digital nomads, retirees, and young families. The visa landscape has evolved significantly.

In the spring of 2023, Portugal made significant changes to its Golden Visa program, effectively ending the real estate investment aspect. However, alternative paths remain available for those seeking Portuguese residency.

Thailand's Welcoming Culture

Thailand is among the friendliest countries, making it easy for expats to settle in, with respondents placing Thailand in the top ten in terms of feeling welcome and at home, finding friends, and getting used to the country's culture. Thailand is also ranked first for housing affordability and ease of finding accommodation.

Thailand also placed in the top 30 for quality of life in Expat Insider 2024. The infrastructure for nomads is advancing rapidly.

Thailand is about to launch a digital nomad visa, which will be granted to remote workers over 20 years old who have at least 500,000 THB, or $13,750, in their bank account. This development positions Thailand as a forward-thinking destination for remote workers.

Japan's Tech-Forward Approach

Japan is a unique and attractive destination for expats, combining advanced infrastructure and excellent public transport, cutting-edge technology, a high level of safety, and a rich cultural heritage. In 2024, the Japanese government announced the country's first digital nomad visa, with visitors who meet eligibility requirements, including specific income and insurance thresholds, having a path to temporarily work in Japan.

The requirements are substantial but achievable. To qualify, you must prove that your annual income is 10 million JPY (62,166 USD) or more.

Japan's new digital nomad visa allows individuals to live in the country for up to six months while working remotely for companies based outside of Japan.

Canada's Multicultural Advantage

Known for its welcoming environment, Canada fosters a multicultural society where diversity is celebrated, making it easier for expats to integrate and feel at home. Canada is a progressive country with a solid list of mandatory employee benefits, including parental leave, 25 vacation days a year, and the highest minimum wage in North America.

The average salary is high in Canada, and the cost of living is quite reasonable, making it a great destination to work and build savings, while also being one of the safest countries on Earth. The digital nomad landscape is evolving.

Ever since July 2024, Canada has been welcoming digital nomads as temporary visitors through its Tech Talent Strategy that invites digital nomads to spend 6 months in Canada as visitors who travel and work remotely.

Netherlands: Innovation and Infrastructure

For active types, it's hard to beat the Netherlands' world-class cycling infrastructure and culture – the country is said to have more bikes than people. The Netherlands is known for its strong education system, with most education at all levels funded at least in part by the government.

The Netherlands is increasingly popular among the LGBTQ+ community, topping a data-driven list for LGBTQ+ individuals compiled by international insurance provider William Russell. The financial benefits are notable.

Highly skilled workers can apply for the 30% ruling, a tax advantage in which they're granted a tax-free 30% allowance. The capital Amsterdam is especially popular, with robust expat communities also existing in larger cities such as Rotterdam and Utrecht.

Singapore's Strategic Position

There are multiple benefits to living and working in Singapore as a digital nomad, with the city being well-developed, with a strong infrastructure and a good quality of life. Singapore is pouring with history, culture, and different ethnicities, with one of the official languages being English, so you won't have a problem communicating.

Singapore's attractive tax breaks for foreign professionals appeal to many. While Singapore doesn't offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, it provides alternatives.

Singapore does not have a digital nomad visa but has other work visas that could work for digital nomads. There is a big digital nomad and expat community in Singapore, especially in the neighborhood of Tiong Bahru.

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