For many people considering a move abroad, salary matters—but quality of life often matters more. Safety, healthcare, leisure, climate, transport, work-life balance, and day-to-day happiness can define whether an overseas move truly feels worthwhile.
According to the latest InterNations Expat Insider Quality of Life Index, several countries stand out in 2026 for giving expatriates a better overall living experience.
The InterNations survey is one of the world’s largest studies of expat life, based on feedback from thousands of people living abroad.
It evaluates destinations across areas such as healthcare, environment, leisure options, travel infrastructure, and personal well-being. In the 2025/2026 published rankings, the following countries emerged as the best among the destinations you listed.
Best Countries for Expats Quality of Life in 2026
1. Spain
Spain ranks first in the world for expat quality of life. It performs especially well in leisure options, climate, and lifestyle satisfaction. InterNations notes that Spain ranks first globally for leisure opportunities, making it ideal for those who value free time and social living.
Expats often praise Spain’s outdoor cafe culture, beaches, relaxed pace of life, and access to healthcare. Cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, and Seville offer very different lifestyles, but all benefit from a strong social atmosphere.
The country also appeals to retirees and remote workers who want sunshine, walkable cities, and easy European travel. While bureaucracy can sometimes be frustrating, many expats still see Spain as the benchmark for lifestyle abroad.
2. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates takes second place thanks to strong infrastructure, personal safety, healthcare, and convenience. It ranks highly for security and practical day-to-day living, which are major concerns for international residents.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are particularly popular with expatriates. Residents enjoy modern housing, efficient services, global dining scenes, beaches, and premium entertainment. Air links are excellent, making travel easy across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Although the climate can be extremely hot in summer, many expats feel the tax-friendly environment, comfort, and career opportunities more than compensate.
3. Panama
Panama ranks third and has become one of the most admired countries for expat happiness. InterNations reports that expats in Panama are among the happiest with life abroad.
Panama scores strongly for lifestyle balance, leisure opportunities, and friendliness. Many expatriates appreciate the tropical weather, beach access, modern capital city, and relatively straightforward residency pathways.
Panama City offers a skyline and services that feel modern, while coastal areas and smaller towns provide slower-paced living. It is especially attractive to retirees and remote workers seeking sunshine and value.
4. Austria
Austria places fourth and is consistently praised for order, safety, public transport, and natural beauty. InterNations highlights Austria’s excellent healthcare and outstanding access to mountains and lakes.
Vienna is often rated among the world’s most liveable cities, with reliable infrastructure, culture, parks, and high public service standards.
Austria suits expats who prefer a stable and organised environment. Winters can be cold, and some newcomers find social integration slower than in warmer cultures, but daily life standards remain extremely high.
5. Luxembourg
Luxembourg ranks fifth, driven by safety, wealth, transport links, and strong institutions. It scores very well for security and travel convenience.
Its small size means commuting times can be short, while nearby France, Germany, and Belgium are easily reachable. Many expats work in finance, law, EU institutions, and multinational companies.
Luxembourg can be expensive, especially for housing, but salaries are often high. For professionals seeking stability, cleanliness, and a central European base, it remains highly attractive.
6. China
China ranks sixth and is one of the more surprising high performers. InterNations notes that China scores particularly well for travel and transit, ranking first in that category.
Major cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Guangzhou offer efficient metro systems, modern amenities, excellent food scenes, and fast domestic travel via high-speed rail.
China’s sheer scale gives expats enormous variety, from modern megacities to mountains, ancient towns, and coastlines. Language and internet restrictions may be challenges for some, but many expatriates appreciate convenience and dynamism.
7. Qatar
Qatar takes seventh place, supported by safety, healthcare, and high living standards. InterNations notes Qatar performs strongly in healthcare and security categories.
Doha offers modern housing compounds, international schools, shopping centres, beaches, and strong airline connectivity through Hamad International Airport.
Like the UAE, Qatar’s climate is very hot during summer, but the indoor infrastructure is excellent. For skilled expatriates, particularly families on strong packages, Qatar can provide a comfortable and secure lifestyle.
8. Czechia
Czechia ranks eighth and is one of Europe’s best-value quality-of-life destinations. It performs especially well for travel and transit, ranking second in that subcategory.
Prague attracts expats with stunning architecture, nightlife, café culture, and comparatively manageable living costs versus Western Europe.
The country’s central location makes travel easy, while healthcare and transport systems are solid. It suits expats wanting a classic European lifestyle without the highest price tags.
9. Japan
Japan ranks ninth and remains one of the safest and most efficient countries on earth. InterNations highlights Japan’s strong healthcare and excellent transport systems.
Cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and Fukuoka combine world-class convenience with culture, cleanliness, and low crime. Public transport is famously reliable.
Japan can be more challenging socially or linguistically for some expats, but many residents value the predictability, order, and deep cultural richness it offers.
10. Portugal
Portugal completes the top ten and remains a favourite among digital nomads, retirees, and lifestyle-focused movers. It performs well for climate and environment.
Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and the Algarve all attract different kinds of expats. Portugal offers Atlantic beaches, slower living, strong café culture, and relative affordability compared with much of Western Europe.
Housing costs have risen sharply in some cities, but many expatriates still consider Portugal one of the most pleasant places in Europe to live.
What Defines Quality of Life for Expats?
Several recurring themes explain why these countries rank so highly:
- Reliable healthcare systems
- Safe everyday environments
- Efficient transport and infrastructure
- Good climate or natural surroundings
- Leisure opportunities and work-life balance
- Political and economic stability
- Access to travel and international connections
For many expats, these factors matter more than headline salary alone.
Bottom Line
The best countries for expat quality of life in 2026 show that happiness abroad comes from more than income. Spain leads through climate and lifestyle, while United Arab Emirates and Qatar excel through comfort and security. Austria and Luxembourg deliver order and public services, while Japan and Portugal offer very different but equally appealing lifestyles.
Ultimately, the right destination depends on your priorities—but these ten countries are among the strongest choices in the world for building a satisfying life abroad.
Best Countries for Expats FAQs
Spain ranks first according to the InterNations Quality of Life Index.
The UAE, Qatar, Luxembourg, Japan, and Austria are especially strong choices for secure and comfortable living.
Spain, Panama, and Portugal are particularly popular among retirees and lifestyle-focused expatriates.
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