Full Breakdown
Panama Tops 2026 Expat Insider Survey
7/28/2026, 3:07:27 PM
Overview of the Rankings
The 2026 Expat Insider survey, which evaluated 31 countries, placed Panama at the top of the overall list for the third consecutive year. Mexico ranked second, while Thailand came in third. The remaining spots in the top-10 were filled by the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Spain, Luxembourg, Singapore, Portugal and Malaysia. At the opposite end of the scale, Norway finished last, followed by Germany, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Canada.
Survey Methodology and Participation
Nearly 8,000 expatriates representing 162 nationalities responded to the questionnaire. To be included in the ranking, a country needed at least 50 completed surveys. Respondents rated their experience across five indices: working abroad, personal finance, quality of life, expat essentials and ease of settling in.
Key Findings for Panama
Panama led the survey in the “working abroad” and “personal finance” indices and performed strongly in “ease of settling in” and “expat essentials.” According to the survey, 87 % of expatriates in Panama reported being happy with their life abroad, compared with a global average of 70 %. The nation also attracted a sizable retiree community, with 37 % of respondents in Panama identified as retired and 18 % citing retirement as their primary motive for moving. Respondents highlighted a welcoming local population, accessible visa options and a strong work-life balance as major draws.
Comparative Performance of Other Top Countries
Mexico topped the “ease of settling in” index, with 73 % of its expatriates saying it is very easy to make local friends and 87 % feeling completely welcome. Thailand recorded the highest overall happiness score at 86 % and led the survey for housing affordability, with 79 % giving housing costs a positive rating. Spain was the highest-ranked European nation, ranking sixth overall and first on the quality-of-life index. Luxembourg secured the fourth position for “working abroad,” ranking first for salary levels and job security.
Implications for Prospective Expats
The survey’s results suggest that Panama offers a combination of financial comfort, social integration and retirement appeal that resonates with a broad expatriate base. Mexico’s strong social integration scores and Thailand’s low housing costs present alternative models for cost-effective living. Prospective expatriates can use these indices to weigh factors such as purchasing power, visa accessibility and local friendliness when selecting a destination.
