Panama once again leads the global list of places to live and work abroad. According to InterNations’ Expat Insider 2025 survey — as covered by Travel + Leisure — the Central American nation ranks first overall thanks to a blend of infrastructure, nature, warm climate, and a welcoming culture that helps newcomers integrate quickly.
Why Panama is No. 1
InterNations reports exceptionally high satisfaction among expats in Panama, with 94% happy with their life abroad. The country places in the top 3 across all five indices, including Personal Finance and Ease of Settling In. Panama also appeals strongly to retirees: 35% of respondents there are already retired, and 18% moved primarily for retirement. Quality of Life also stands out, with affordable public transportation, abundant travel opportunities, and outstanding natural surroundings.
How the Ranking Was Built
The Expat Insider 2025 survey gathered responses from over 10,000 expats of 172 nationalities and evaluated life in 46 countries. Results are grouped into five dimensions: Working Abroad, Personal Finance, Quality of Life, Expat Essentials (visas, housing, bureaucracy, digital life), and Ease of Settling In.
Top 10 Countries for Expats in 2025
- Panama
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- China
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Indonesia
- Spain
- Malaysia
Who’s at the Bottom?
The bottom three in 2025 are Kuwait (46th), Türkiye (45th), and South Korea (44th). Common pain points include job prospects, work culture & satisfaction, and administrative hurdles for new arrivals.
Thinking About Moving? Practical Tips
- Budget carefully for relocation and cost of living (housing, healthcare, transport, digital life).
- Check visa requirements and processing times well in advance.
- Build a support network by joining expat communities to speed up integration.
- Sort out banking, mobile plans, and health insurance before or soon after arrival.
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References
Travel + Leisure: “This Country Was Just Named No. 1 in the World for Expats — and It Has Beautiful Beaches, Great Coffee, and Affordable Living.”
https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-country-for-expats-2025-11811852
InterNations — Expat Insider 2025: The Best & Worst Countries for Expats in 2025
https://www.internations.org/expat-insider/2025/best-and-worst-countries-2025
