Top 10 Best and Worst Countries for Expats to Live in 2023
Top 10 countries for living and working in 2023
Spain: Home Comfort and Work Abroad Panama: Settlement, Friends and Quality of Life
Expats evaluate the real estate market in Panama: overview and current data
Expats rate life in Taiwan and Thailand higher than the global averages.
Quality of life for expats in Costa Rica and the Philippines: comparison and advantages
Portugal: a comfortable life and a warm welcome for expats
Overview of the Personal Finance Index in Norway and Turkey
Experience of moving from Kazakhstan to South Korea: information about life in a new country
Italy: challenges and benefits for migrants
Annual Expat Insider Survey 2023
InterNations' annual Expat Insider 2023 survey has identified the top 10 countries with the most favorable and unfavorable conditions for expats to live and work in 2023. And there are some countries in this ranking that are truly surprising.
Top 10 countries for relocation
According to survey data, the best countries for relocation are:
Mexico is a leader in the ease of doing business index.
Mexico has always been among the top five countries since the first survey in 2014. Throughout the Expat Insider survey, Mexico has consistently ranked first in the ease of settling in a new place index (1st place in 2023). Most expats speak positively about the friendliness of the locals in Mexico (91% compared to 67% worldwide), as well as their attitude towards foreigners (89% compared to 65% worldwide).
In terms of housing availability, Mexico ranks 6th. Expats note that finding housing in Mexico is very easy, and it is also financially accessible (7th place in both categories). Regarding personal finances, Mexico ranks second. More than 70% of expats are satisfied with the overall cost of living in the country, compared to 44% worldwide. Overall, 80% of expats are satisfied with their financial situation, which exceeds the global average of 58%.
On the other hand, Mexico ranks only 45th in political stability. 18% of expats do not feel safe, which is twice the global average (8%). However, despite this, 90% of expats are satisfied with their life in Mexico overall, compared to 72% worldwide.
Spain - the best place for leisure and entertainment
Spain has also always been in the TOP-10 countries with the best quality of life since the first survey in 2014. For example, the country has consistently been rated as the best place for leisure and entertainment, and it once again takes the top spot in 2023. Most expats (88%) are satisfied with the culture and nightlife in Spain, compared to 68% worldwide. Over 90% of expats are happy with the opportunities for sports and recreation (compared to 75% globally). The climate and weather in Spain also contribute to going out and enjoying entertainment (3rd place).
Spain
According to the survey results, about 80% of expats, or four out of five, feel at home in Spain, which is 18 percentage points higher than the global average (62%). However, Spain ranks quite low at 34th place in the expat work rankings. Less than half of expats (49%) believe that moving has improved their career prospects, while 36% are dissatisfied with the local job market. Nevertheless, Spain ranks high at 10th place in the Work and Leisure category due to expats' satisfaction with the work-life balance. Interestingly, Spain also ranks 13th in housing affordability. Overall, 87% of expats are satisfied with their life in Spain, which is much higher than the global average (72%). However, there are issues with renting apartments, as some squatters are taking over residential properties. Lawyers share legal ways to combat such violations and recount real stories.
Panama
Panama ranks third among 53 countries participating in the Expat Insider 2023 survey. Expats particularly appreciate the ease of settling in this country, which ranks fourth overall. Panama also stands out in the categories of Making Friends (first place) and Culture and Hospitality (second place). The majority of expats (82%) have a personal support network and face few difficulties in finding local friends. They have also fully adapted to the local culture and feel accepted in this country. Despite Panama's relatively low 28th place in the quality of life index, expats are very satisfied with the climate and weather in Panama, as well as the air quality.
Additional information:
Spain ranks 10th in work and leisure.
Spain ranks 13th in terms of housing affordability.
87% of expats are satisfied with their life in Spain.
Some squatters occupy residential properties in Spain, but there are legal ways to deal with them.
Panama ranks 3rd among 53 countries in the Expat Insider 2023 survey.
Panama stands out in the categories of Friend Search (1st place) and Culture and Hospitality (2nd place).
82% of expats in Panama have a personal support network.
81% of expats are satisfied with their life in Panama.
Real estate market in Panama: overview of the situation and current data
According to the Expat Insider 2023 study, Panama ranks second among 53 countries. This incredible achievement has helped the country rise to fifth place among countries with the best personal financial situation. However, the study also shows that the overall cost of living in Panama remains in third place. Local expats are completely satisfied with their income and feel that they live comfortably. Their responses helped Panama secure ninth place in this category. Additionally, they are very pleased with their financial situation, exceeding the global happiness level by 69% compared to 58% worldwide.
There are conflicting opinions when it comes to assessing the quality of life in Panama. Expats rate the travel opportunities highly, placing Panama third in this category. They also appreciate the variety of local cuisine and restaurants, which allows the country to rank seventh. However, safety is a problematic area, with Panama ranking 46th. Expats are also not always satisfied with their working hours, placing 37th in the survey. Nevertheless, they believe they receive a fair salary for their work, ranking third in this category. Most local living conditions meet expats' expectations, and Panama ranks second in this regard. The majority of expats note that they find it easy to find housing (79% compared to 49% globally) and can afford to maintain it (69% compared to 38%). Interestingly, many of them live comfortably in Panama without speaking the local language, which helped the country secure third place in this ranking. Based on overall impressions, 82% of expats are satisfied with their life in Panama compared to 72% worldwide.
Taiwan: an attractive destination for expats
Taiwan also attracts the attention of local expats. For the first time since 2016, the country has ranked first in the list of the best countries for healthcare in the Expat Insider survey. Most local expats are completely satisfied with the accessibility (91%) and quality (86%) of medical care in Taiwan. More than 98% of expats feel completely safe there, exceeding the global average. Taiwan also ranks highly in categories related to ease of adaptation (17th place) and the overseas employment index (9th place). Additionally, the country is in the top ten for the state of the local economy (8th place) and fair pay (9th place). However, 31% of expats believe that the local business culture is inflexible compared to 18% globally. Furthermore, 40% feel that the work culture does not promote self-employment or a flat hierarchy, while the global figure is 26%.
Taiwan
Almost two-thirds of Taiwan's residents (63%) are satisfied with the overall cost of living, while the global average is only 44%. Additionally, 78% of expats living in Taiwan feel happy, compared to a global average of 72%. The rules for foreigners living in Taiwan have been simplified.
Thailand
Regarding Thailand, 76% of expats rate the overall cost of living positively. Almost 9 out of 10 expats (86%) believe that their income is sufficient for a comfortable life in Thailand, while only 73% feel the same globally. Therefore, it is not surprising that Thailand ranks 4th in the Personal Finance Index.
Accessibility is also one of the strong aspects of this country according to the Expat Essentials Index: 76% of expats note the availability of housing, which is twice the global average (38%). However, the environment and climate raise concerns, ranking 48th. Only 35% of surveyed expats are satisfied with the air quality in Thailand, while the global figure is 66%. Additionally, 43% believe that the Thai government does not make enough effort to protect the environment, compared to just 17% worldwide. Furthermore, 28% of expats are worried about the political stability of the country, while only 13% feel this way globally.
The majority of expats (82%) appreciate the friendliness of Thailand, while globally, only 67% feel the same. Additionally, 78% of expats feel at home in Thailand, compared to just 62% worldwide. However, Thailand scored low in the Expat Work Index, ranking 39th.
Costa Rica
When it comes to Costa Rica, most expats (82%) are satisfied with the friendliness of the locals, which is 15% higher than the global average (67%). Expats easily adapt to the local culture and feel welcomed and at home. However, Costa Rica does not perform well in the Expatriate Employment Index, ranking 38th. The particularly low score is related to career prospects, where the country ranks 48th. Expats are especially dissatisfied with the local job market and believe that moving to Costa Rica does not improve their career opportunities.
However, they rate work-life balance at a high level, ranking 13th.
Description of the quality of life for expats in Costa Rica
One of the expatriates describes the automotive infrastructure in Costa Rica as extremely underdeveloped; however, they are experiencing success regarding "the environment and climate." Compared to the rest of the world, 88% of expats feel satisfied with their lives in Costa Rica.
Quality of life in the Philippines
The Philippines is a thriving country in terms of personal finance, ranking fifth in cost of living. Experts also note that the disposable income of families is quite sufficient for a comfortable life, and 75% of expats are satisfied with their financial opportunities. Expats in the Philippines feel at home and experience greater happiness than in the rest of the world.
However, the Philippines Quality of Life Index itself has some shortcomings, especially in the categories of Environment and Climate, Leisure Options, and Health Care.
Quality of life in Bahrain
In Bahrain, housing is easy to find, but not affordable for everyone. More than 43% believe that their disposable income is insufficient for a comfortable life in Bahrain.
Nevertheless, 64% of expatriates in Bahrain easily make local friends, and 82% describe the local population as friendly towards foreign residents. Bahrain ranks average in terms of quality of life and employment abroad.
While 71% say that moving to Bahrain has improved their career prospects, 24% are not satisfied with their working hours.
Overall, 71% of expats are satisfied with their life in Bahrain, almost equal to the global figure of 72%.
Portugal: a comfortable life for expatriates
Most expats living in Portugal feel at home here. According to the Expat Insider 2023 survey, 78% of respondents acknowledged that they are welcomed in the country. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, which stands at 67%.
One of the key points was that 80% of expats report a friendly attitude from the Portuguese population towards foreign residents. This is significantly higher than the global average of 65%.
It is interesting to note that Portugal has been demonstrating a high quality of life for several years in a row. According to Expat Insider data, in 2023 it ranks 7th in the world. However, in the ranking for working abroad, the country consistently holds the 43rd position. The situation is somewhat worse in the subcategory of career prospects, where Portugal ranks 49th.
One in three expats (36%) expressed their dissatisfaction with the country's labor market, which is higher than the global average of 26%. Nevertheless, 78% of expats recognized that their income allows them to lead a comfortable life. Although Portugal only ranks 42nd for fair pay, most expats are satisfied with their personal finances. They believe that their household income is at a sufficiently high or even more than sufficient level.
Overall, 85% of expats living in Portugal are satisfied with their life in the country, which exceeds the global average of 72%. One respondent said: "We spend about €2000 a month on our family, but that doesn't include rent."
It is obvious that Portugal offers excellent living conditions for expats. But which countries should be avoided?
Kuwait: unsatisfactory conditions
Kuwait ranked last in the Expat Insider 2023 survey. Over the past 10 years, the country has experienced a sharp decline in quality of life indicators. Currently, Kuwait is in 53rd place in the world.
Expats in Kuwait are particularly dissatisfied with leisure and entertainment options, reflected in their ranking of 53rd in this category. Nearly half of respondents (49%) feel that it does not allow them to express themselves freely, three times the global average (15%).
In the Index of Working Abroad, Kuwait also does not show good results, ranking 48th. 30% of expats claim that they do not receive fair pay for their work, which is higher than the global average of 19%.
As a result, only 43% of expats in Kuwait are satisfied with their lives, while the global average is 72%. According to one respondent: "Kuwait is not an ideal place to live."
Conclusions
Portugal turns out to be one of the most attractive countries for expats to live in.The open and friendly attitude of the people, high quality of life and personal finances, and a comfortable atmosphere - all of this makes Portugal a leader.At the same time, Kuwait represents an undesirable destination to live in. Poor quality of life, limited entertainment options and dissatisfaction with pay make these places less attractive to expats.
Overview of the Personal Finance Index
According to the personal finance index, Norway ranks 52nd. More than 60% of expats express negative opinions about the cost of living, which is significantly higher than the global average of 35%. Additionally, 37% of expats complain about insufficient income for a comfortable life, while the global figure is 27%. Interestingly, 32% of expats feel unwelcome from the locals, compared to a global average of 18%. Overall, 37% of expats experience hostility towards Norway, while the global figure is 20%. However, a strong point for Norway is the opportunity to work abroad, where the country ranks 18th. Expats note job security, which ranks first, and the state of the economy, which ranks ninth, although they are not always satisfied with their career opportunities, where the country ranks 48th. Nevertheless, only 61% of expats are satisfied with their life in Norway, while the global figure is 72%.
The situation in Turkey
Turkey ranks last in the expat work rankings, coming in at 53rd place. 30% of expats are unhappy with their working hours, which exceeds the global average of 16%. Almost a quarter of expats, specifically 24%, are dissatisfied with their jobs overall, while the global figure is 16%. In the personal finance index, Turkey ranks 34th, where 44% of expats are satisfied with the cost of living, and half of them, or 48%, are content with their financial situation, compared to a global average of 58%. Overall, only 60% of expats are satisfied with their life in Turkey, while the global average is 72%.
Overview of South Korea
South Korea ranks low on the personal finance index, specifically in 37th place, and 39th in the Expat Essentials ranking. However, in the quality of life index, South Korea makes a favorable impression, with 91% of expats rating the quality of healthcare positively compared to the global average of 70%. The favorable quality of medicine helps the country secure third place in the healthcare subcategory, as well as in travel. Only 61% of expats are satisfied with their life in South Korea, while the global average is 72%.
Personal experience of moving from Kazakhstan to South Korea
Includes information about various aspects of life in a new country.
Germany is a place with problems.
Germany, although ranked 50th in the Ease of Settlement Index, causes a lot of problems for foreigners. In Germany, locals are not hospitable (50th), it is not easy to meet local friends (49th), and the culture itself does not favor foreigners (49th).
It's not surprising that about 30% of expats feel that the attitude of society towards them in Germany is unfriendly (while only 18% feel this way worldwide), and 55% have difficulties making local friends (compared to 36% globally). Moreover, about a third (32%) no longer feel at home in Germany (compared to 20% worldwide).
Problems with infrastructure and the language barrier
The lack of digital infrastructure (51st place) and the language barrier (51st place) create serious problems for migrants. More than 58% are literally struggling to find housing, exceeding the global average of 31%.
Labor market and job security
However, it is pleasing that Germany's labor market (4th place) and job security (5th place) are in the top 5 of the world ranking. However, the country's performance in personal finance is weighted average (28th place).
General opinion of expats and real estate prices
Overall, 64% of expats are satisfied with their life in Germany, although this figure is lower than the global average (72%). In 2023, property prices in Germany fell the most sharply in the last 23 years. The German market is discussed in a lengthy interview with an expert.
South Africa is at the bottom of the rankings.
It can be said that South Africa ranks last in the Overseas Work Index. In terms of the labor market, South Africa also holds the last position (53rd place).
More than half of expats (54%) view this negatively (compared to only 26% globally). South Africa ranks last in the sub-categories of Salary and Job Security (53rd), Travel and Transit and Safety (53rd), and the Quality of Life Index (48th).
More than half of those surveyed (52%) rate their personal safety negatively, which is significantly higher than the global average of 8%. However, it is worth noting that the climate and weather in South Africa rank second in the world.
Italy
Overall, the level of life satisfaction among migrants in South Africa is 67%, which is slightly lower than in other countries around the world, where the figure is 72%. Expats living in Italy face serious challenges in the employment sector abroad, as Italy ranks 52nd out of 53 countries in the Expat Employment Index. Almost half of them are dissatisfied with the local job market, while the global average for this indicator is 26%. Additionally, expatriates in Italy also express dissatisfaction with their finances, ranking 40th in this regard. One in three emigrants is not satisfied with their financial situation and believes that their income is insufficient for a comfortable life.
However, despite this, Italy has its positive aspects. Most expats are pleased with the variety of culinary offerings and restaurants in the country. They also have a positive view of the culture and nightlife. Overall, 71% of migrants are satisfied with their life in Italy.
Malta
Malta is another country where you can lead an interesting life abroad, although its results in the Expat Work Index are not the best. 24% of expats in Malta do not feel fairly compensated, and 17% do not see a purpose in their work. However, more than half of expats are satisfied with their financial situation, which is in line with the global average. They also prefer to make local friends and feel at home in Malta.
New Zealand
New Zealand has its strengths and weaknesses in terms of quality of life for expats. It ranks 38th in the Quality of Life Index and 28th in the Working Abroad Index. However, expatriates are not satisfied with their personal finances as New Zealand ranks last in the world on this indicator. More than half of expats feel that their income is not enough to live comfortably and do not feel financially satisfied. In addition, 64% of expatriates struggle with the overall cost of living, which is well above the global average.
Conclusion
As the author of this article, I have reviewed and summarized the results of the annual Expat Insider survey conducted by InterNations on the best and worst countries for expats to live in 2023. The survey revealed some unexpected countries that attract expats due to their advantages and conditions. The top 10 best countries for relocation include Mexico, Spain, Panama, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Bahrain, and Portugal. Each of these countries has its unique benefits that appeal to expats, such as the friendly attitude of the local population, affordable housing, good infrastructure, recreational opportunities, and more. However, there are also countries that ranked poorly in terms of living conditions for expats. Kuwait, Norway, Turkey, South Korea, Germany, South Africa, Italy, Malta, New Zealand, and Japan fell into this category. Each of these countries has its own issues related to work, cost of living, infrastructure, and safety. Overall, the Expat Insider survey helps us better understand which countries offer the best conditions for expats to live and work. This ranking can be useful for those planning a move or considering job opportunities abroad. It helps in choosing a country that best fits your needs and preferences. Before making a final decision about relocating, it is advisable to conduct your own research and refer to official sources of information. Each person has their own preferences and criteria for choosing a country to live in. It is important to consider your individual needs and circumstances when making such decisions. One should not forget that each expatriation experience is unique, and the survey results may vary depending on personal circumstances and connections. It is also important to remember that living in a foreign country can come with its challenges and difficulties, but with proper planning and support, it can also be a fantastic and exciting journey. Ultimately, the choice of a country for living and working is a personal decision for each individual, and it is important to carefully weigh all the pros and cons to make the right choice that aligns with your goals and expectations.
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