# Panama tops InterNations expat ranking 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/panama-tops-internations-expat-ranking-2026
> Updated: 2026-07-31T11:17:56.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

The InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, which gathered responses from roughly 8,000 expatriates across 152 countries, named Panama the best country for expatriates for the third year in a row. Eight‑seven percent of respondents reported overall satisfaction, and a third expressed a desire to stay permanently. Mexico ranked second, while other high‑scoring nations included Thailand, Spain, Portugal and Luxembourg.

A follow‑up release confirmed Panama’s lead, noting its top scores in work‑related and financial categories. The report also highlighted that Germany slipped to near the bottom of the ranking, reflecting difficulties for foreigners in forming connections and integrating locally. Across the survey, 90 % of expatriates said the local population was friendly and that their household income was sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle.

## Claims

- InterNations surveyed 7,786 expatriates worldwide for the Expat Insider 2026 study. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Respondents came from 152 different countries. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Panama ranked first in the Expat Insider 2026 ranking for the third consecutive year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 87 % of surveyed expatriates in Panama reported being satisfied with their life abroad. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mexico ranked second in the 2026 Expat Insider ranking. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Germany placed near the bottom of the ranking, just above the last position, in the 2026 Expat Insider study. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The ranking is based on subjective impressions across up to 53 aspects such as work, safety, quality of life and integration. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 90 % of respondents said the local population was friendly and that their household income was sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Panama leads InterNations 2026 Expat Ranking while Germany falls to near‑last place

InterNations' Expat Insider 2026 survey of 7,786 expats ranks Panama #1 for the third year, Mexico #2, while Germany drops to near‑last place, based on subjective ratings of work, safety and quality of life.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-leads-internations-2026-expat-ranking-while-germany-falls-to-nearlast-place

### 2026-07-27: Panama named top expat destination in InterNations 2026 survey

Panama tops InterNations' Expat Insider 2026 survey, with 87% satisfaction; Mexico and Thailand rank second and third. Only three European nations make the global top ten.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-tops-internations-2026-expats-ranking-as-best-country-to-live-abroad

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Cite as: Panama tops InterNations expat ranking 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/panama-tops-internations-expat-ranking-2026