Best Expat Destinations in 2026:
A Narative Guide for Global Citizens
The world has never been more open to those who dream of starting a new chapter abroad. For many, expatriation is not just about finding work in a new country, it is about building a lifestyle, discovering new cultures, and creating a home away from home.
The Expat Insider 2025 report by InterNations, alongside global surveys and local insights, paints a vivid picture of where expats are finding happiness, opportunity, and belonging. In this guide, we explore some of the world’s best destinations for 2026 through the lens of expatriate stories and experiences. Our journey takes us through Asia, where Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines shine, to Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Rather than a list of pros and cons, consider this a travel blog of expat life, woven together with facts, anecdotes, and the vibrant spirit of global living.
Thailand: The Land of Smiles and Second Chances
In Thailand, it is not unusual to meet an expat who came for a two-week holiday and never left. The “Land of Smiles” has that effect on people: the warmth of its people, the rhythm of its festivals, and the ease of life make it one of the most beloved expat destinations worldwide. Bangkok, with its golden temples standing side by side with modern skyscrapers, is a city that pulses with opportunity. Yet just a one-hour flight away, Chiang Mai offers a slower pace, where digital nomads sip coffee in leafy courtyards while retirees join morning tai chi classes by the river.
Life in Thailand is affordable, but its real luxury lies in lifestyle. Healthcare is world-class and affordable, with Bangkok’s private hospitals often ranked among the best in Asia. The cuisine—whether eaten at a street stall for a dollar or in a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Chao Phraya River—delivers culinary joy daily. And for those who crave escape, the islands of Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao offer turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and a sense of community where expats and locals mingle over beach barbecues.
Thailand’s expat community is as diverse as the country itself.
Teachers, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and retirees all find their niche here. Integration is made easy not only by the friendliness of Thais, but also by the international networks that thrive in cities and towns across the country. For many, Thailand represents not just a move abroad, but a second chance at a different kind of life.
➡️ Learn More about Moving to Thailand
Vietnam: Asia’s Rising Star
Few countries have transformed in the eyes of expats as quickly as Vietnam. Ranked fifth globally in the Expat Insider 2025 survey, Vietnam is no longer seen as just an emerging destination, but a thriving hub where the cost of living is low and the opportunities high. In Ho Chi Minh City, the buzz of motorbikes is matched by the hum of co-working spaces, international schools, and a rapidly expanding skyline. Hanoi, with its lakes and tree-lined boulevards, offers a more traditional rhythm, blending French colonial architecture with a cultural depth that captivates newcomers. Expats in Vietnam often remark on the ease of daily life: fresh street food for less than the price of a coffee in Europe, spacious apartments in vibrant neighborhoods, and access to international healthcare that continues to expand in quality.
Weekend escapes add to the allure: a boat trip through Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, trekking in Sapa’s rice terraces, or surfing in Da Nang. Vietnam is also a place of ambition. Entrepreneurs set up start-ups, teachers build rewarding careers, and remote workers find the time and space to be creative.
Beyond practicality, Vietnam inspires. It is a country of resilience and renewal, where expats often say they feel energized by the optimism of its young population. For families, the growing number of international schools and child-friendly communities makes the transition smooth. For individuals, the café culture, nightlife, and boundless energy of Vietnamese cities create a sense of belonging. For many, Vietnam is more than a place to live, it is a place to grow.
➡️ Learn More about Moving to Vietnam
Philippines: Where Warmth Meets Opportunity
The Philippines is more than a tropical paradise of 7,600 islands. It is a country where expats quickly feel part of the family. Known for its English-speaking population and hospitality, the Philippines is a gateway to Asia that combines business opportunities with a lifestyle shaped by beaches, festivals, and community spirit. Manila is the economic heart, with multinational companies, NGOs, and embassies drawing professionals from around the globe.
Cebu and Davao, by contrast, offer a more laid-back atmosphere, attracting families and retirees looking for sun, space, and a slower pace of life.
Expats in the Philippines often highlight the warmth of the people as the country’s greatest treasure. Whether invited to join a fiesta, welcomed into a family gathering, or simply greeted with a smile at the market, newcomers rarely feel alone. Practical advantages add to the appeal: affordable living, modern housing, and a variety of international schools. Healthcare in private hospitals rivals that of regional neighbors, and the country’s retirement visa options are among the most attractive in Asia.
For many, the Philippines represents a blend of opportunity and lifestyle. It is a place where you can work in a globalized economy by day, then spend your weekends diving in Palawan or surfing in Siargao. And for those seeking professional relocation services, Asia Relocation—headquartered in Manila—helps make the transition seamless, removing the stress so expats can focus on what matters: building a fulfilling life in their new home.
➡️ Learn More about Moving to Philppines
Portugal: Europe’s Coastal Jewel
Portugal has steadily grown into one of Europe’s most desirable expat havens. Sun-drenched Lisbon and Porto attract professionals and creatives, while the Algarve coastline remains a paradise for retirees. Life here flows to the rhythm of the Atlantic: leisurely meals of fresh seafood, strolls through historic neighborhoods, and afternoons spent on the beach.
For expats, the appeal lies in its combination of affordability, safety, and community. Healthcare is accessible and of high quality, and international schools provide options for families. Portugal embodies the European dream, timeless, welcoming, and relaxed.
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Spain: Life Under the Mediterranean Sun
Spain’s allure lies in its lifestyle. Expats move here not just for work, but for the chance to live under blue skies, savor tapas at a neighborhood bar, and immerse themselves in a culture that values family, leisure, and tradition.
Barcelona’s cosmopolitan energy, Madrid’s historic charm, and Valencia’s coastal beauty offer something for everyone. For families, international schools and healthcare are accessible, while retirees find Spain a balance of affordability and quality of life. It is a destination where expats often come for opportunity but stay for love, of the country,
its people, and its way of life.
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Mexico: A Blend of Color and Community
Mexico’s diversity is its strength. From the energy of Mexico City to the laid-back charm of coastal towns like Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta, the country offers lifestyles for every expat. Affordability is a major draw, but so too is the vibrancy of culture: festivals, music, art, and cuisine make life in Mexico endlessly rich. For many North Americans, proximity is another advantage, it is easy to stay connected with family while enjoying a different pace of life.
Digital nomads flock to Mexico for its co-working spaces and creative energy, while retirees appreciate the warmth and affordability.
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Costa Rica: Pura Vida Living
In Costa Rica, expats talk less about jobs and more about lifestyle. The national philosophy of “Pura Vida”, pure life, resonates deeply with newcomers. Surrounded by rainforests, volcanoes, and pristine beaches, expats build lives centered around sustainability and well-being. Healthcare is strong, communities are welcoming, and the slower pace attracts those
looking to step off the treadmill of high-pressure living. For many, Costa Rica is not just a move abroad, but a move toward balance and connection with nature.
➡️ Learn More about Moving to Costa Rica
United Arab Emirates: The Global Professional Hub
The UAE remains one of the world’s premier destinations for career-focused expats. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are cities of ambition, where skyscrapers rise from the desert and cultures from around the world converge. Tax advantages, modern infrastructure, and high living standards attract professionals in finance, engineering, healthcare, and technology. While the pace can be intense, the rewards are significant. For many, a few years in the UAE offer financial security and international experience that shape careers for decades to come.
➡️ Learn More about Moving to United Arab Emirates
Canada: Opportunity in a Multicultural Nation
Canada has long been a top choice for expats seeking stability, opportunity, and inclusivity. Its structured immigration programs attract families, while its multicultural society ensures newcomers feel welcome. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver offer international opportunities, while smaller towns provide calmer lifestyles. With world-class healthcare, education, and safety, Canada is especially attractive to those planning long-term relocation. It is a country where expats not only build careers but also raise families and put down roots.
➡️ Learn More about Moving to Canada
Global Expat Trends for 2026
Several themes shape the expat experience moving into 2026. Digital nomad visas are becoming more common, allowing professionals to move fluidly between countries. Asia continues to rise in popularity, with Vietnam and Thailand leading the charge thanks to affordability and opportunity. Meanwhile, lifestyle-driven destinations like Portugal and Costa Rica attract those prioritizing health, sustainability, and community. Expats are no longer just chasing jobs, they are chasing quality of life, connection, and meaning in where they choose to live.
Conclusion
Whether it is the cultural buzz of Vietnam, the relaxed pace of Portugal, or the ambition of the UAE, the world offers countless opportunities for expats in 2026. Each country tells a different story, but the themes remain the same: welcoming communities, chances for growth, and lifestyles that inspire.
For those looking toward Asia, where Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines stand out as leading destinations, Since 2011, Asia Relocation provides the guidance and support needed to turn a move into a smooth and rewarding journey.
Expat life is not just about where you live, it is about the story you create there.
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