Picking the best country to be an expat is not about finding one perfect place. It is about finding the place that fits your income, your work hours, your health needs and the kind of daily life you actually want. A beach town that looks amazing on Instagram can be a nightmare if your clients are all on New York time and you are taking calls at 2am.
I have lived as a digital nomad since my early days running an online business, and I have been based in Bali since about 2019. Before that I spent time in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. So this list is written from the point of view of someone who has done the move, dealt with the visas and the paperwork, and still loves this lifestyle. I also run Ecommerce Paradise, which is the online business that made all of this possible for me in the first place.
Below I break down 10 of the best countries for expats in 2026, including the best countries for American expats. For each one I cover cost of living, the main visa routes people use, healthcare, time zone and lifestyle. Then I give you a framework to pick the right one for you.
Quick but important note. This is general information, not immigration, tax or legal advice. Visa programs change all the time. Everything here was checked in November 2026, but you need to confirm the current rules on the official government page for your nationality before you book anything.
How I Picked the Best Countries for Expats
There are a ton of “best places to live abroad” lists out there. Most of them rank countries on vibes. I wanted something more practical, so I scored each country on 5 things that actually make or break a move.
1. Cost of Living
Can you live well on your income without stressing every month? I rate cost as low, moderate or higher compared to a typical mid-sized US city. Your real number depends on your neighborhood, your rent and your habits, so treat these as a starting point. Our cost of living hub walks through how to build a real budget for your household.
2. Visa and Residency Routes
Is there a clear legal path to stay longer than a tourist visit? Some countries have dedicated remote worker or digital nomad visas. Others rely on retirement visas, financial solvency visas or investment routes. A great country with no workable visa for your situation is not a great country for you.
3. Healthcare Access
What is private healthcare like in the main expat areas, and how easy is it to get insurance? You will almost always want proper cover. I go deeper on that in our guide to international health insurance for expats.
4. Time Zone
This one gets overlooked. If you work remotely for US clients or an employer, the time zone decides your whole day. Latin America lines up nicely with the US. Southeast Asia means early mornings or late nights.
5. Lifestyle and Expat Community
Is there an established expat community, good internet, coworking spaces, decent food and things to do? You do not need to live in an expat bubble, but having a support network in your first year makes everything easier.
I also cross-checked my picks against the InterNations Expat Insider survey, which asks thousands of expats every year how they rate life in their host country. Panama, Thailand and Vietnam all ranked near the top in the 2025 edition. Several of the other countries on my list also show up high in the rankings year after year.
Best Countries to Be an Expat: Quick Comparison Table
Here is the side by side view. Scroll past the table for the full breakdown of each country.
| Country | Cost of Living | Main Long-Stay Routes (check official sources) | Time Zone | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia (Bali) | Low to moderate | E33G remote worker visa, second home visa, other KITAS routes | UTC+8 | Remote workers, surfers, wellness lovers |
| Thailand | Low to moderate | Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), retirement and other long-stay visas | UTC+7 | Digital nomads, foodies, city and island life |
| Portugal | Moderate | Temporary stay or residence visa for remote work, other national visas | UTC+0 | Europe base, families, mild climate |
| Spain | Moderate to higher | International telework visa, non-lucrative visa | UTC+1 | Culture, cities, EU access |
| Mexico | Low to moderate | Temporary resident visa based on financial solvency | UTC-6 (central) | Americans, easy US travel, food |
| Costa Rica | Moderate | Digital nomad stay, pensionado and rentista routes | UTC-6 | Nature lovers, retirees, US time zone |
| Panama | Moderate | Friendly Nations visa, pensionado visa, short stay remote worker visa | UTC-5 | Retirees, US dollar users, business |
| Malaysia | Low to moderate | DE Rantau Nomad Pass, other long-term passes | UTC+8 | Budget city life, English widely used |
| Colombia | Low | Digital nomad visa, other migrant visas | UTC-5 | US time zone on a budget |
| Vietnam | Low | E-visa for shorter stays, work-based permits | UTC+7 | Low cost, food, fast-growing cities |
1. Indonesia (Bali): Best for Remote Workers Who Want Island Life
I am a little biased here because Bali has been home for years. But there is a reason so many remote workers end up here. The mix of nature, culture, food, wellness and a huge international community is hard to beat.
Cost of Living
Bali can be cheap or expensive depending on where and how you live. A local style setup in a quieter area costs a fraction of a villa in Canggu or Seminyak. Imported goods, wine and Western food push the bill up fast. I break down real budget categories in our full guide to the cost of living in Bali.
Visa Routes
Indonesia offers the E33G remote worker visa for people employed by or working for companies outside Indonesia. There is also a second home visa and several other KITAS routes. Requirements, fees and income evidence change, so check the current details on the official Indonesian e-visa portal before you apply.
Healthcare
Bali has private hospitals and clinics in the main expat areas. For anything serious, many expats plan for evacuation to Jakarta, Singapore or home. That is exactly why you want international health cover with evacuation included.
The Honest Downside
Traffic in the south of the island is rough. Infrastructure can be patchy, and the wet season brings flooding in some areas. And if you work US hours, you are going to have some very early or very late calls.
2. Thailand: Best All-Rounder for Digital Nomads
Thailand is where a lot of people get their first taste of the location independent lifestyle. I lived in both Chiang Mai and Bangkok, and they feel like two completely different countries. Bangkok is a massive, fast city. Chiang Mai is slower, greener and cheaper.
Cost of Living
Thailand gives you a lot for your money. Street food, local transport and condo rentals outside the prime areas are affordable. Bangkok’s nicer neighborhoods and the islands cost more. For a detailed look at the north, read our guide to the cost of living in Chiang Mai.
Visa Routes
The big one for remote workers is the Destination Thailand Visa, or DTV. Thailand also has retirement visas and other long-stay options. We cover the DTV in detail in our Thailand digital nomad visa guide. The official place to apply is the Thai e-visa website.
Healthcare
Bangkok has some of the best private hospitals in the region, and medical tourism is a big industry. Quality outside the big cities varies more.
The Honest Downside
Air quality in the north during burning season, usually around February to April, is a real problem. Plan to be somewhere else during those months if you have breathing issues.
3. Portugal: Best for a European Base
Portugal has been one of the most popular countries for expats for years. Lisbon and Porto get most of the attention, but a lot of people now look at smaller cities and the Silver Coast too.
Cost of Living
Portugal is no longer the bargain it was 10 years ago, especially for housing in Lisbon. It is still more affordable than most of Western Europe. Expect a moderate budget overall.
Visa Routes
Portugal offers a temporary stay visa and a residence visa for people doing professional work remotely, often called the digital nomad visa. There are also other national visas for retirees and passive income earners. You can see an example document checklist in the official Portugal remote work visa checklist for US applicants, published through the visa application center. Always confirm with the consulate that serves you.
Healthcare
Portugal has a public health service plus a solid private system. Most new arrivals start with private insurance while they sort out residency.
The Honest Downside
Bureaucracy can be slow. Appointments, residence card renewals and paperwork take patience. Rental competition in Lisbon is also intense.
4. Spain: Best for Culture and City Life
Spain is a dream for a lot of people. Great food, great weather, walkable cities and a lifestyle built around being outside and social.
Cost of Living
Madrid and Barcelona are not cheap, but smaller cities like Valencia, Malaga, Seville and Granada can be more reasonable. Overall I rate Spain as moderate to higher.
Visa Routes
Spain introduced an international telework visa for remote workers, plus there is the long-standing non-lucrative visa for people with passive income who do not plan to work in Spain. Income requirements and tax treatment are detailed, so get proper advice before you apply.
Healthcare
Spain’s healthcare is highly regarded. Visa applicants usually need private health insurance that meets specific requirements.
The Honest Downside
Tax residency rules matter a lot here. If you spend enough time in Spain you can become tax resident, so talk to a qualified cross-border tax adviser before you commit.
5. Mexico: Best Country for American Expats Who Want to Stay Close
If you are an American and you want to be able to fly home quickly, Mexico is hard to beat. Mexico City, Guadalajara, Merida, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende all have strong expat communities.
Cost of Living
Mexico is low to moderate depending on the city. Mexico City’s popular neighborhoods have gotten pricier, but you can still live well for less than most US cities.
Visa Routes
Mexico does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Many long-stay expats use the temporary resident visa based on financial solvency, which you usually start at a Mexican consulate before you move. The thresholds change, so check with the consulate that serves your area.
Healthcare
Private hospitals in the big cities are good and much cheaper than in the US. Many Americans combine local private care with an international or travel medical policy.
The Honest Downside
Safety varies a lot by region. Read your government’s current travel advice for the specific state you are considering. US citizens can also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get alerts from the local embassy.
6. Costa Rica: Best for Nature and Pura Vida Living
Costa Rica is famous for rainforests, beaches, wildlife and a slower pace of life. It has been a favorite with American retirees for decades.
Cost of Living
Costa Rica is more expensive than a lot of people expect. Imported goods, cars and electronics cost more. I rate it as moderate.
Visa Routes
Costa Rica created a digital nomad stay category for remote workers, and it also has pensionado and rentista residency routes based on pension or passive income. Confirm current requirements with Costa Rica’s immigration authority or a licensed local attorney.
Healthcare
Costa Rica has a public system and a well-developed private sector in the Central Valley. Private hospitals near San Jose are where most expats go for serious care.
The Honest Downside
Roads outside the main routes can be rough, and some beach towns have limited healthcare nearby. Rainy season also changes daily life a lot.
7. Panama: Best for Retirees and US Dollar Users
Panama ranked near the top of the 2025 Expat Insider survey, and it is easy to see why. It uses the US dollar, it is in a US-friendly time zone and it has well-known residency programs.
Cost of Living
Panama City is a modern city with a moderate cost of living. Places like Boquete and Coronado appeal to people who want a quieter life.
Visa Routes
Panama is known for its pensionado visa for retirees and its Friendly Nations visa for citizens of listed countries. There is also a short stay visa for remote workers. Each one has its own requirements, so work with a licensed Panamanian attorney.
Healthcare
Panama City has good private hospitals. Outside the capital, options are more limited.
The Honest Downside
Heat and humidity are intense, and the rainy season is long. Life outside Panama City can feel quiet if you like a big city buzz.
8. Malaysia: Best for Budget City Life in English
Malaysia flies under the radar compared to Thailand and Bali. But Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic city with great food, modern condos, a strong airport hub and English widely spoken.
Cost of Living
Malaysia offers excellent value. Modern condo living in Kuala Lumpur often costs less than in other major Asian capitals. Penang is another favorite.
Visa Routes
Malaysia runs the DE Rantau Nomad Pass for digital nomads and remote workers in tech and digital roles. Eligibility has been expanded over time, so check the latest rules on the official DE Rantau Nomad Pass page.
Healthcare
Malaysia has strong private hospitals and is a known medical tourism destination.
The Honest Downside
Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid, and the city is built around cars. Some people find it less exciting than Bangkok.
9. Colombia: Best for US Time Zone on a Budget
Medellin, Bogota, Cartagena and smaller cities like Santa Marta have become hugely popular with remote workers.
Cost of Living
Colombia is one of the lowest-cost options on this list. Popular neighborhoods in Medellin cost more than the rest of the city, but they are still affordable compared to the US.
Visa Routes
Colombia offers a digital nomad visa as part of its migrant visa categories. Check Colombia’s foreign ministry for current income and document requirements.
Healthcare
Medellin and Bogota have well-regarded private hospitals.
The Honest Downside
Safety awareness matters. Read official travel advice and get local guidance on which areas to avoid. Petty theft and scams targeting foreigners do happen.
10. Vietnam: Best for Low Cost and Fast-Growing Cities
Vietnam keeps climbing the expat rankings. It ranked near the top in the 2025 Expat Insider survey. Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An each offer something different.
Cost of Living
Vietnam is one of the most affordable places to live well. Food, rent and transport are all inexpensive outside the premium areas.
Visa Routes
Vietnam does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Many people use the e-visa for shorter stays. Longer stays usually involve work permits or other formal routes, so check the official requirements.
Healthcare
Private international clinics and hospitals operate in the major cities. Standards outside those cities vary.
The Honest Downside
Visa options for long-term remote workers are less clear than in some other countries. Air quality in Hanoi can also be poor at certain times of year.
Best Countries for American Expats Specifically
If you are a US citizen, a few things change the math.
First, time zone. Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia all sit within a few hours of US time. That makes remote work and calls with family back home so much easier.
Second, the US taxes its citizens on worldwide income no matter where they live. Moving abroad does not automatically end your US filing obligations. Read the IRS guidance for US citizens living abroad and talk to a qualified expat tax professional before you make decisions.
Third, banking. Some US banks restrict accounts when you list a foreign address. Plan your money setup before you leave, and check out our guide to the best banks for expats. You will probably also want a US mailing address, which is where a virtual mailbox for expats comes in.
How to Choose the Right Country for You
A list like this gets you started, but you need to make the decision based on your own situation. Here is the simple process I recommend.
Step 1: Write Your Non-Negotiables
Start with the things that are not up for debate. That might be a visa route you actually qualify for, a time zone that works with your job, access to specific medical care or good schools for your kids.
Step 2: Shortlist 2 or 3 Countries
Use the comparison table above and pick 2 or 3 countries that pass your non-negotiables. Do not try to compare 10 at once.
Step 3: Check the Official Visa Rules
For each shortlisted country, go straight to the official immigration or consulate page for your nationality. Write down the requirements, the fees and the processing time. Our resources page lists official starting points.
Step 4: Do a Trial Stay
If you can, spend 1 to 3 months in your top choice on a lawful visit before you sign a long lease. Live like a local. Work your normal hours. See how it feels on a random Tuesday, not just on vacation.
Step 5: Build Your Move Plan
Once you have picked a country, use our moving abroad checklist to work through documents, housing, healthcare, money and the rest.
How to Fund Life Abroad
This is the part a lot of people skip. Picking a country is the fun part. Paying for life there month after month is the real challenge.
Some people move with a remote job. Others retire on a pension. A lot of us build an online business that can run from anywhere. That is how I did it, starting my business back in October 2010 and building stores that I could manage from my laptop.
If you want to explore building an online income you can run from anywhere, check out my free ecommerce course. It walks through the high-ticket dropshipping model I have used for years. It is not a get rich quick thing. It takes real work. But it is the reason I can live where I want.
Questions About the Best Countries to Be an Expat
What is the best country to be an expat in 2026?
There is no single best country for everyone. Panama ranked near the top of the 2025 Expat Insider survey. For remote workers in Asia, Thailand, Bali and Malaysia are hard to beat. For Americans who want a close time zone, Mexico and Colombia are great options.
What is the best country for American expats?
Mexico is the most popular choice for many Americans because of proximity, cost and an established community. Panama and Costa Rica are strong picks for retirees. Portugal and Spain suit Americans who want to live in Europe.
Which countries have digital nomad visas?
Several countries on this list offer remote worker or digital nomad routes, including Indonesia, Thailand, Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Colombia and Panama. Names, requirements and fees change, so always check the official government page.
What is the cheapest country to live in as an expat?
Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia are among the most affordable options on this list. Your real cost depends far more on your rent and lifestyle than on the country average.
Do I still pay taxes in my home country if I move abroad?
It depends on your citizenship, residency and the countries involved. US citizens generally still have to file US returns. Get advice from a qualified cross-border tax professional before you move.
Should I get insurance before moving abroad?
Yes, you should plan your health cover before you leave. Compare long-term international health insurance with travel medical options. Our breakdown of SafetyWing vs World Nomads covers 2 popular travel-focused options.
Final Thoughts on the Best Countries for Expats
The best country to be an expat is the one that matches your money, your work, your health needs and your idea of a good day. For me that has been Bali for years now. For you it might be Lisbon, Mexico City or Kuala Lumpur.
Start with your non-negotiables. Shortlist 2 or 3 places. Check the official visa rules. Then go test it with a trial stay. That simple process will save you a lot of money and a lot of headaches.
And if you are still deciding whether you are an expat, an immigrant or something in between, our article on expat vs immigrant breaks down what the terms actually mean.
Related Articles
- Moving Abroad Checklist: A Beginner’s Guide to Planning the Move
- International Health Insurance for Expats
- Cost of Living in Bali
- Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Guide
- Best Banks for Expats
Trevor Fenner publishes Expat Paradise and founded Ecommerce Paradise. His background includes living and working in Bali, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok while operating online businesses. Expat Paradise covers practical relocation research and tools. Articles provide general education, with current official sources and clear research limits.