Based on the opinions of foreign experts and workers coming from all around the world, the most ideal countries to live and build a career in 2026 have been identified. Criteria such as the cost of living, work-life balance, safety, and the hospitality of the local population were taken as the main factors while preparing the list.
Milli.Az reports that unexpectedly, Panama ranked first on the list.
Why Panama? Respondents cited the low living costs here, the ease of obtaining a visa, and the sincerity of the local population as the main reasons. Panama has also become the most popular center for digital nomads (people working while traveling by plane).
Other Countries in the Top 10:
Panama
Mexico (Especially due to the local culture and friendliness)
Indonesia (Low costs and tropical lifestyle)
Spain (Europe’s leader in quality of life and healthcare system)
Brazil
Vietnam
Qatar
Philippines
UAE (United Arab Emirates)
Thailand
Interestingly, traditional "strong" countries like Germany, France, and Italy are ranked lower on the list. The main reason for this is bureaucracy in those countries, the difficulty of finding accommodation, and the rapidly increasing cost of living. Spain remains the most attractive spot for expats in Europe with its excellent climate and social life.
At the bottom of the list are countries that usually have high inflation, safety problems, or are distant towards foreigners (for example, Kuwait and some economic indicators of Turkey).
Selection Criteria for Expats:
Finance
The length of working hours and stress level.
Language barrier and the rate of making friends.
Internet speed and online accessibility of government services.
