Choosing the right country changes everything.
By 2026, the most attractive destinations for expatriates will be those that combine quality of life, safety, health, mobility, and ease of settling in. The most recent public benchmark remains InterNations' Expat Insider 2025, which evaluated 46 destinations and ranked Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Panama at the top for quality of life for expatriates.internations.org)
How do we read this ranking?
A good expatriation ranking is not just about a single score. The OECD points out that well-being is measured across 11 dimensions, while Numbeo also considers concrete criteria such as purchasing power, cost of living, safety, health, pollution, and commuting times.oecdbetterlifeindex.org)
If you are planning an expatriation project, practical guides to help you prepare for your departure help to anticipate procedures, health, safety, schools and daily life.expat-mauritius.com)
- Safety and stability: essential for living peacefully on a daily basis.
- Health : The quality, accessibility and cost of care change everything over time.
- Mobility: Public transport, traffic and ease of movement influence the actual experience.
- Actual budget: Housing, food, insurance and services should be compared city by city.
- Visa and settlement: A pleasant country can remain complicated if the procedures are too burdensome.
Quick comparison of the 10 most attractive destinations
| Rank | Country | Key strengths | Most comfortable profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | Health, climate, leisure and overall quality of life | Families, teleworkers and active retirees |
| 2 | United Arab Emirates | Security, services and international environment | Executives, entrepreneurs and mobile professionals |
| 3 | Panama | Safety, climate and relaxed pace of life | Retirees and expatriates seeking balance |
| 4 | Austria | Transport, environment and stability | Urban profiles and families |
| 5 | Luxembourg | Safety, mobility and efficiency on a daily basis | Executives, cross-border workers and families |
| 6 | China | Mobility, major hubs and intense urban life | Expats on assignment and highly professional profiles |
| 7 | Qatar | Security, health and modern services | International profiles and mobile families |
| 8 | Czech Republic | Efficient mobility and organized urban life | Young professionals and teleworkers |
| 9 | Japan | Transport, order and urban comfort | Highly structured and mobile profiles |
| 10 | Portugal | Climate, environment and quality of life | Retirees, families and teleworkers |
The top 10 has changed little since 2024, confirming the strength of this base for a 2026 reading. Europe dominates, with only three new entries in 2025: Panama, China, and the Czech Republic. (internations.org)
Top 10 countries to live in in 2026
1. Spain, the benchmark for quality of life
In Spain, 84% of expats say they are happy with their life there, and the country remains number one for quality of life, weather, culture, and leisure. Safety isn't its strongest point, but the overall balance remains excellent for a pleasant and long-term settlement. (internations.org)
2. United Arab Emirates, security and services
The United Arab Emirates comes in second place thanks to its very high level of personal safety, well-rated political stability, and a medical system praised for its quality and availability. While its natural environment is less compelling than the others, the lifestyle remains very attractive to international professionals. (internations.org)
3. Panama, sun and balance
Panama has made significant progress, reaching 3rd place, with a remarkable level of safety: 97% of respondents said they felt safe there. The main area of concern is walking and cycling, which remain less comfortable than in the best-equipped countries. (internations.org)
4. Austria, stability and mobility
Austria ticks the boxes for mobility, a good environment, and a very stable quality of life, making it an excellent choice for urban dwellers. Its weakest point remains security and political stability, which is less impressive than in other top 10 countries. (internations.org)
5. Luxembourg, efficiency on a daily basis
Luxembourg combines a top ranking in safety with highly efficient mobility, greatly simplifying daily life. While leisure activities are less appealing, the country remains a solid choice for families and professionals seeking a highly structured environment. (internations.org)
6. China, mobility and urban dynamism
China stands out primarily for its transportation and ease of movement, ranking first in Travel & Transit. It's an excellent candidate for an expatriation based on a job, a major city, and a fast-paced professional environment. (internations.org)
7. Qatar, international comfort
Qatar boasts strong results in health, safety, and mobility, making it attractive for a structured international project. Its environment and climate remain less highly regarded, a reminder that a high ranking does not guarantee a consistent experience across all criteria. (internations.org)
8. Czech Republic, organized urban life
The Czech Republic is progressing thanks to highly efficient transportation and a well-organized urban environment, which appeals to expatriates seeking a convenient and seamless lifestyle. Healthcare remains average compared to truly leading destinations. (internations.org)
9. Japan, Order and Transportation
Japan remains a benchmark for transportation and daily life organization, boasting a very high level of urban quality. However, leisure activities are less valued there than in more lifestyle-oriented countries. (internations.org)
10. Portugal, the good life
Portugal rounds out the top 10 thanks to an excellent environmental and climate score, which reinforces its image as a destination with a pleasant lifestyle. Health emerges as the main area of concern, prompting you to verify the specific needs of your project. (internations.org)
Which country should you choose based on your profile?
Ultimately, the best country is never the same for everyone: it depends on your trade-offs between safety, health, transportation, budget, and work-life balance—precisely the dimensions reflected in OECD rankings and quality of life indices. (oecdbetterlifeindex.org)
- You are looking for an overall balance: Spain, Portugal and Panama often emerge as very easy-to-live-in options.
- You want a very secure environment: Luxembourg and the United Arab Emirates are safe bets.
- You are leaving for a professional opportunity: China, Qatar and Japan have a profile more oriented towards international missions.
- You enjoy well-organized urban life: Austria and the Czech Republic are good avenues to explore.
Maurice, an alternative to keep on hand
Even though Mauritius doesn't appear in this world top 10, it ticks several boxes sought after by French-speaking expatriates: attractive tax system, tropical climate, English as an official language but French widely spoken, and a limited time difference with Europe. page dedicated to installation services in Mauritius It clearly demonstrates how to secure visas, residency, real estate, and business creation without improvising.expat-mauritius.com)
FAQ about the best countries to live in in 2026
Which are the best countries to move to in 2026 according to international rankings?
The top spots go to Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Panama, Austria, Luxembourg, China, Qatar, Czech Republic, Japan, and Portugal. These countries offer a range of strengths: health, safety, mobility, environment, and leisure. The ranking serves primarily as a guide; the best choice remains the one that aligns with your lifestyle. (internations.org)
Which countries can one move to in 2026 with a reasonable cost of living and a good quality of life?
For a reasonable budget, always compare the local cost of living with quality of life criteria. Numbeo tracks purchasing power, cost of living, safety, health, pollution, and traffic; this helps identify countries where comfort remains financially realistic. In practice, destinations like Spain, Portugal, or the Czech Republic are often studied from this perspective, but the chosen city can make all the difference.numbeo.com)
How to obtain a visa and settle permanently in the most popular destinations for 2026?
The safest approach is to choose the correct residence permit category from the outset, then gather the documents required by the destination country. The application process varies, but you often need to plan ahead for income, health insurance, accommodation, and administrative documents. If Mauritius is part of your plans, comprehensive support can minimize errors and unnecessary back-and-forth trips.expat-mauritius.com)
Which destinations in 2026 offer the best balance between safety, health and career opportunities for expatriates?
For a good balance of safety, health, and opportunities, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Luxembourg are very stable, while Qatar and Japan offer a highly structured environment. Panama may also be suitable if you prioritize quality of life and a more relaxed pace. The best choice then depends on your profession, your tolerance for red tape, and the climate you are looking for. (internations.org)
And now ?
Still hesitating? Start by clarifying your criteria, then base your decision on... comprehensive support for Maurice If this destination remains on your shortlist, you will move forward faster, with a clearer vision of your steps and your relocation.expat-mauritius.com)
