As globalization and digital nomad lifestyles make it easier for people to live anywhere, choosing the right place to settle has become more important than ever.
In its 2025 report on the 25 Best Countries for Expats, global expat community InterNations highlighted the destinations where international residents feel most satisfied, secure, and welcome. Countries were evaluated based on quality of life, ease of settling in, personal finance, and access to essential services, with a minimum of 50 responses required for inclusion in the report. For the second consecutive year, Panama claimed the top spot.
In Panama, 94 percent of expats say they are happy with their life abroad, one of the highest rates in the survey. The country is particularly popular with retirees—more than one-third of respondents—who are drawn to the country’s high quality of life. Panama ranks highly for personal finance and ease of settling in, with many expats reporting that their income comfortably supports their lifestyle.
Expats also enjoy convenient public transportation, a lush natural environment, including spots like the San Blas Islands and Bocas del Toro, and excellent flight connectivity, since the national carrier Copa Airlines serves more than 80 destinations across the Americas.
Colombia ranks second, offering a mix of lively cities and a relatively low cost of living. The country performs particularly well in personal finance, allowing expats to stretch their income further, and housing remains affordable and easy to find. Many are drawn to the country’s slower pace and more relaxed way of life. Colombia also scores highly for social integration, with expats reporting that it is easy to meet people and form connections.
While challenges include concerns about safety and political stability, the need to navigate daily life in Spanish, and limited access to online government services, many expats believe the benefits outweigh these challenges.
Mexico rounds out the top three, ranking first globally in the Ease of Settling In Index, a position it has held for more than a decade. Expats report that it is easy to adapt to local culture, form friendships, and build a sense of belonging. In addition to its welcoming culture, Mexico performs well in essential services and personal finance.
The cost of living remains manageable for many expats, and access to housing and everyday necessities is relatively convenient. The region with the highest concentration of U.S. expats is Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico. Other expat hotspots are Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, and Mérida.
The 25 Best Countries for Expats
- Panama
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- China
- UAE
- Indonesia
- Spain
- Malaysia
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- Philippines
- Cyprus
- Brazil
- Kenya
- Portugal
- Luxembourg
- Australia
- Qatar
- Netherlands
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Malta
For a complete list and more information about the methodology, visit InterNation’s website.
The post Global Report: The 25 Best Countries for Expats appeared first on FareCompare.