Best Expat Countries (According to Expats)

Every year, InterNations.org conducts a survey to see what current expats think about their home away from home. The results are tabulated and ranked to determine the Best Countries for Expats.

Most of the countries that made the top 10 expat country list shouldn’t be surprising, especially the number 1 country for expats, but a few might be considered controversial.

No countries from Central or South America made the list this year, which I thought was very surprising!

Before diving into the top 10, let’s take a quick look at the factors the survey considered:

• Quality of life
• Ease of settling in
• Working abroad
• Expat essentials, such as housing and language

Additionally, I’ll share rankings from the Vision of Humanity Global Peace Index and the CEO World Quality of Life Index & Healthcare Index as a sanity check for the InterNations survey.

Now, without further ado, let’s start with number 10!

#10 Singapore

Singapore might be a small island, but it packs a big punch. The country is expensive, but it has excellent education, is very clean, and has reliable public transportation and a variety of expats from all over the world.

English is widely spoken, and you can even watch your gold and other precious metals via a webcam after sto

ring it in one of Singapore’s many bank vaults.

Singapore ranks 19th on the CEO World Quality of Life Index and 24th for healthcare.

#9 Australia

Australia is an outdoor lover’s paradise with amazing wildlife, watersports, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Although it’s more expensive than other countries on this list, it has a strong economy and lots of job opportunities.

The education system is excellent, and you can easily settle in since English is the primary language.

Australia ranks 27th on the Global Peace Index, 17th for quality of life, and 6th for healthcare.

#8 Thailand

Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world and has an amazing history and culture. The cost of living is low, and the food is fantastic.

Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai are popular with expats, and the country has some of the best hospitals in the world.

However, Thailand ranks 103rd on the Global Peace Index, 38th for quality of life, and 13th for healthcare.

#7 Vietnam

Vietnam has a sizable expat community, and the cost of living is low. It’s a safe country with a growing economy, and luxury rentals are affordable.

Da Nang, Hoi Chi Min, and Hanoi are popular with expats, and the infrastructure is improving.

Vietnam ranks 44th on the Global Peace Index, 62nd for quality of life, and 66th for healthcare.

#6 United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates is a stable and modern country with a wide variety of expats from all over the world. The cities are incredible, and the beaches are beautiful.

However, the cost of living is high, and it has a conservative culture with different laws than what you may be used to in your home country. Plus, the different emirates have different laws, so be careful!

The UAE ranks 60th on the Global Peace Index, 30th for quality of life, and 20th for healthcare.

#5 Spain

Spain is a European country with a laid-back vibe, history, and culture. However, it’s not as affordable as other Spanish-speaking countries, and petty crime can be a problem.

Madrid and Barcelona can be expensive, but areas such as Seville and Valencia are more affordable.

Spain ranks 29th on the Global Peace Index, 20th for quality of life, and 8th for healthcare.

#4 Portugal

Portugal is a popular choice to visit and relocate. It has a vibrant culture, history, and great food and wine.

The country is very affordable, but energy costs have increased, and housing has become more expensive in popular expat areas. Portugal has four seasons, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy.

The country ranks 6th on the Global Peace Index, 23rd for quality of life, and 22nd for healthcare.

#3 Taiwan

Taipei is popular with expats, and there are more English speakers than in other parts of Taiwan. The people are friendly, and the infrastructure is solid, with a superior public transportation system.

However, the major cities are crowded, and there is more air pollution. The ongoing dispute with China over its sovereignty is also a major long-term safety concern.

Taiwan is ranked 20th on the Global Peace Index, 15th for quality of life, and has excellent healthcare, ranked 2nd in the world.

#2 Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, with five major islands and about 30 smaller groups of islands. It has a low cost of living, lots to do, and diverse wildlife.

The country is extremely popular with tourists because of its famous beaches, volcanoes, and islands such as Bali and Komodo Dragon island. However, Indonesia has a high level of pollution, and theft is an issue.

It ranks 47th on the Global Peace Index, 58th for quality of life, and 52nd for healthcare.

#1 Mexico

It should be no surprise that Mexico is the most popular country for worldwide expats again this year. It’s close to the US, making it an attractive choice for Americans who want a change of scenery but don’t want to be too far from home.

It is known for its rich culture, awesome beach destinations, and great food. Mexico has a slower pace, and the weather is fantastic with mountains and beaches.

The country is ranked 137th on the Global Peace Index, 46th for quality of life, and 29th for healthcare.

The US and Canada

Now, let’s take a quick look at how the US and Canada rank in terms of global peace, quality of life, and healthcare.

The US ranks 129th on the Global Peace Index, 16th for quality of life, and 30th for healthcare.

Canada ranks 12th on the Global Peace Index, 12th for quality of life, and 23rd for healthcare.

Final Thoughts

These are the top 10 expat countries for 2022, according to InterNations’ survey. It’s important to note that each country has its unique advantages and disadvantages, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Make sure to do your research and consider all the factors before making any decisions. And we HIGHLY recommend taking an exploratory trip before you move.

Watch Our Video About the Best Expat Countries

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JP Stonestreet

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Hola todos! Welcome to my author bio page! Let's see. Where to begin... I grew up in the country on a lake outside a small Kansas farm town. As soon as I could, I got the hell outta there! Since then, I've lived and/or worked in Kansas City, Washington D.C., Denver, San Francisco, and Ecuador. I started and sold a dotcom, wrote a book about it, started a YouTube channel, and now I write a lot. Amelia and I have embraced the Unconventional Life and we want to help you do it, too!