Panama ranked top country for expats in 2026 Expat Insider survey

The InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, which surveyed nearly 8,000 expatriates from 162 nationalities, placed Panama at the top of the global ranking for the third consecutive year. About 87‑90 % of respondents said they were satisfied with life in Panama, citing high scores for professional opportunities, financial comfort, ease of adaptation, visa processes and overall quality of life. Mexico ranked second, praised for its hospitality, while Thailand came third, noted for low living costs and good healthcare.

Among European nations, Spain, Portugal and Luxembourg appeared in the overall top ten but none broke into the top five. The study’s methodology relies on subjective ratings across five categories: work abroad, personal finance, quality of life, basic conditions for expats and ease of integration.