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The global expat community has grown to an impressive 304 million people as of 2025, according to UN DESA International Migrant Stock data. More people than ever are searching for new places to call home, and the friendliest countries in the world continue to attract those seeking a better quality of life, warmer climates, and welcoming cultures. If you are considering Thailand residency, Thailand Privilege Card offers one of the simplest pathways to long-term living in Southeast Asia's most beloved destination.
Before exploring the top destinations, it helps to understand what makes a country truly welcoming for newcomers. The friendliest countries typically excel in five key areas.
Panama claimed the #1 spot for the second consecutive year. An impressive 94% of expats report being happy with their life in Panama.
Thailand ranked 4th overall and achieved 2nd place worldwide for expat happiness. The country continues to prove itself among the friendliest countries for ease of settling in.
For those wondering how to get Thailand residency, Thailand Privilege Card provides a straightforward solution with long-term visa validity up to 20 years.
Mexico ranked #3 globally, with approximately 9 in 10 expats expressing satisfaction with their lives there.
Costa Rica earned the #1 spot in the Ease of Settling In Index and ranked 7th globally for friendliness toward foreigners in 2025 surveys.
Spain ranked 9th overall, making it the only European country in the top 10. The country achieved #1 ranking for quality of life.
All rankings and statistics sourced from the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 Survey.
Top picks include Thailand, Mexico, and Spain. Key factors are international school availability, healthcare quality, and overall safety. Thailand offers affordable international education and a family-friendly culture that makes raising children enjoyable.
Thailand, with Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Mexico, and Spain, lead this category. Strong connectivity, abundant co-working spaces, and excellent global flight access make these destinations ideal. Thailand boasts a thriving nomad ecosystem with long-term visa solutions through Thailand Privilege Card.
Thailand, Panama, and Costa Rica top the list for retirees. Healthcare quality, affordability, and pleasant climate drive these rankings. Thailand ranked 8th globally for healthcare services, offering world-class hospitals at costs significantly lower than those in Western countries. This makes Thailand a smart choice for those seeking the kindest country in the world to spend their golden years.
Thailand, Panama, and the UAE attract business-minded expats. Strategic location, favorable business environments, and clear residency pathways matter most. Thailand serves as a strategic Southeast Asian hub with long-term visa options through Thailand Privilege Card.
Thailand offers a unique combination that few countries can match, which explains its 2nd place ranking for overall expat happiness in 2025.
Thailand Privilege Card is a government-backed long-term visa program. The program offers validity from 5 to 20 years with multiple-entry privileges and no employment or investment requirements. For those researching how to get Thailand residency, this program provides one of the most accessible pathways available.
Thailand Privilege Card eliminates visa runs and removes work or investment obligations. It suits retirees, frequent travelers, families, and digital nomads perfectly. The program represents one of the easiest long-term residency solutions in Asia, and while it is not a Thai permanent residency, it offers similar stability with added VIP benefits.
The friendliest countries share common traits of welcoming locals, affordable living, and accessible visa programs. Thailand combines all these elements while ranking 2nd for expat happiness, 2nd for housing, and 4th for leisure options globally. For expats seeking the kindest country in the world to build a new life, Thailand delivers an exceptional balance of affordability and quality.
Ready to begin your journey in Thailand? Discover how the Thailand Privilege Card can give you long-term freedom and peace of mind in the Land of Smiles. Contact us to learn more about our membership packages.
Please note that all Thailand Privilege Card membership fees, benefits, and offers mentioned in this article are subject to change. For the most current information on pricing and terms, please visit the official Thailand Privilege Card website or contact our Member Contact Center (MCC) directly.
A. The friendliest countries typically offer welcoming local populations, affordable cost of living, accessible visa programs, quality healthcare, and ease of cultural adaptation. Countries like Thailand, Panama, and Mexico consistently rank high because they excel in all these areas.
A. Thailand Privilege Card offers a straightforward application process. You select your preferred membership package ranging from 5 to 20 years, submit the required documents, and receive your long-term visa upon approval. No investment or employment requirements apply, making it accessible for retirees, families, and digital nomads.
A. Thai permanent residency requires meeting strict criteria, including continuous residence, income verification, and Thai language ability. Thailand Privilege Card offers a simpler alternative with long-term visa validity up to 20 years, VIP services, and no ongoing requirements beyond your initial membership fee.
A. Most expats live comfortably in Thailand on USD 1,500 to 2,500 monthly, including rent. This budget covers quality housing, dining out regularly, healthcare, transportation, and leisure activities. Thailand remains one of the friendliest countries for budget-conscious expats without sacrificing quality of life.
Learn more about Thailand Privilege Card at thailandprivilege.co.th.
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