Many of us daydream about moving abroad, but there are a shedload of factors to consider when it comes to choosing the place that will actually improve your life. That’s where the Expat Insider survey steps in.
The survey assesses stuff like quality of life (such as healthcare and safety), ease of settling in (friendliness and welcoming culture), working abroad (career prospects and job security), expat essentials (like housing and language) to create an annual ranking of the very best places for expats.
So, where was it that claimed the crown for 2025? The Central American country of Panama came out on top for the second year in a row. It ranked in the top three for all five categories, and according to the report, 94 percent of expats there are happy with their life.
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‘Before moving to Panama, 26 percent of expats said they had no concerns (vs. 16 percent globally). Once there, they find the availability of green goods and services (32nd), infrastructure for cars (30th), and the availability of administrative or government services online (30th) to be poor – minor concerns for expats who are the happiest across the survey with their life abroad in Panama (1st). And in fact, more than a third (35 percent) plan to stay forever (vs. 24 percent globally),’ reads the report.
On top of all that, there is loads to explore. Panama City is home to Casco Viejo, a neighbourhood full of pretty plazas, lots of ultra-bougie galleries and ornately decorated buildings, which is well worth a gander – and make sure you sit down and enjoy some of that famous Panamanian coffee.
If your expat dreams involve taking up a new hobby, it’s also a brilliant spot to get into surfing. Santa Catalina boasts some of the most impressive waves in this part of the world (though if you’re a beginner, stick to Playa El Estero).
These are the 10 best countries in the world for Expats in 2025
- Panama
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- China
- UAE
- Indonesia
- Spain
- Malaysia
You can read the full Expat Insider survey report for 2025 here.
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