According to a recent study by Internations, the world’s largest network for people who live and work abroad, Mexican expats are among the happiest in the world.
Mexico is the best location for expats, with 90% of residents reporting happiness with their lives there, compared to 72% internationally.
53 locations are assessed in the “Expat Insider” report using five indices: quality of life, ease of relocation, working abroad, personal finances, and an “Expat Essentials” index that takes into account housing, administration, language, and digital life.
Mexico receives good marks from expats for its friendliness, ease of settling in, and ability to create a community on your own.
International workers in Mexico claim that it is easy to adapt to the local culture and that it is easy to find housing due to the low cost of living in the country. Expats claim that they prefer the country’s recreational opportunities despite its lower political stability.
Spain is the second-best country for expatriates. 87% of residents say they are satisfied with their lives there because of the vibrant recreational offerings (including access to leisure activities and a mild temperature). Although one-third of newcomers are dissatisfied with the job market in their new city, they have a decent work-life balance.
Panama rounds out the top three, where residents claim that making friends is simple, they feel secure in their personal finances, and 81% of them are generally pleased.
Here are the top 10 places where expats can live and work abroad:
- Mexico
- Spain
- Panama
- Malaysia
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Costa Rica
- Philippines
- Bahrain
- Portugal
In terms of friendliness, acclimation, enjoyment, and work-life balance, some of the top 10 destinations score exceptionally well, but their employment prospects are more moderate.
Compared to other countries, Taiwan workers are most satisfied with their careers career-oriented expats say. International workers in Taiwan say they have stable employment, a robust local economy and fair pay at work.
Mexico, Spain, Panama and Portugal are just a few prominent countries that offer their own visas for digital nomads, further encouraging international remote workers to start a new life in another country.
Among the least popular places for foreigners to live are Kuwait, Norway, Turkey, South Korea, and Germany. In Turkey and South Korea, expats complain about the hard work culture, while those living in Kuwait, Norway and South Korea say it is difficult to settle down and make new friends.