Every year, InterNations publishes their ranking for the best and worst countries for expats. This year, the ranking presented is based on 53 destinations that had the minimum sample size to be included in the index. In 2025, there are around 300 million expats in the world, making the 3.6% of the world’s population according to Savvynomad.
Top 10 Countries for Expats
According to the InterNations rating, the methodology of deciding on the best countries is based on four different categories: ease of settling in, local friendliness, finding friends and culture and welcome.
Here are the top 10 countries for the ease of settling in:
1. Costa Rica
2. Mexico
3. Philippines
4. Indonesia
5. Brazil
6. Thailand
7. Panama
8. Colombia
9. Kenya
10. Greece
The Top 10 Toughest Countries for Expats
These are the countries that showed the most amount of push back when it comes to welcoming foreigners. At the tail of the rating are:
44. Hungary
45. Denmark
46. Switzerland
47. Czechia
48. Sweden
49. Austria
50. Finland
51. Germany
52. Norway
53. Kuwait
Ranking explained
The ranking of the best and worst places for living as an expat is predominantly based on culture of acceptance and ease of navigating the new environment and not so much with the economic power or standard in the countries ranked, as we see in the lists. The ranking shows the difference with more vs less open cultures, ease vs difficulty of life and integration, making friends and feeling welcome. Costa Rica won across all categories as the place with most ease of settling in, friendliest place, and the culture that is the most welcoming and the one with the best culture. Following countries of Mexico and Philippines also offer high level of social integration, support and welcoming culture. On the opposite end, countries of Scandinavia present a lot of social challenges for the expats, having Norway at the bottom of the list as a country where expats have hard time adjusting to local culture and very sparse opportunity to make local friends.
Hidden Gem Destinations
This is the list based on just 53 destinations, and it is prudent to keep in mind that there are many places that are famous for friendliness and comfortable lifestyle that didn’t make the list just based on lack of data. However, Caribbean islands are famous for its laid back lifestyle, where English is the spoken language, friendly locals and easy accessibility from the both Americas. Serbia in Europe is famous for its hospitality, friendliness towards foreigners and leisure lifestyle. The Gambia is known as “The Smiling Coast of Africa” due to being a smiling and friendly nation. Uruguay is one of the safest countries of Latin America, with it’s capital being the place of culture, music, history and vibrant lifestyle where many Latin American expats choose to live.
How to Choose the Best Country for You
The list of the best and worst places for living as an expat is predominantly based on culture of acceptance and ease of navigating the new environment and not so much with the economic power or standard in the countries ranked, as we see in the ranking. The ranking shows the difference with more vs less open cultures, ease vs difficulty of life and integration, making friends and feeling welcome. The best country for relocation is based on the individual preferences, financial and lifestyle decisions and reasons for searching for a second home. Here you can learn how to choose the best second home.
Get Expert Help
Choosing the right place to relocate is not easy. NTL Trust is here to help you find the best destination for settling that fits your needs, financial and lifestyle plans. Through our citizenship and residency programs we can advise you on the best solution for your personal and family needs. We have on ground expertise in 12 offices around the worlds and we can help you choose the location that fits your specific needs the best. Contact us today for a free consult!
