Top 5 Friendliest Countries to Move Abroad in 2026

Discover the friendliest countries in the world for expats. Learn why Thailand tops many lists and how Thailand Privilege Card makes residency simple.

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.

What Makes a Country Friendly for Expats

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.

  • Ease of settling in and adapting to local culture
  • Welcoming local population that embraces foreigners
  • Affordable cost of living that stretches your budget further
  • Quality of life, including healthcare, safety, and leisure options
  • Accessible visa programs that simplify long-term stays

Top 5 Friendliest Countries for Moving Abroad

1. Panama as the Overall Expat Favorite

Panama claimed the #1 spot for the second consecutive year. An impressive 94% of expats report being happy with their life in Panama.

  • 78% of expats satisfied with their financial situation, versus 54% globally
  • 71% find housing affordable and easy to locate
  • Simple visa processes, including the Pensionado Program for retirees
  • U.S. dollar usage eliminates currency exchange hassles
  • 35% of expats plan to stay forever
  • Best for retirees and remote workers

2. Thailand As The Land of Smiles

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.

  • Ranked 2nd globally for housing affordability and availability
  • Ranked 3rd for Personal Finance satisfaction
  • Ranked 4th globally for leisure options
  • Ranked 8th for healthcare services
  • Ranked 9th for ease of settling in
  • Low cost of living with comfortable budgets starting around USD 1,500 to 2,500 monthly
  • Around 3 to 4 million expats already call Thailand home
  • Best for families, frequent travelers, digital nomads, retirees, and investors

For those wondering how to get Thailand residency, Thailand Privilege Card provides a straightforward solution with long-term visa validity up to 20 years.

3. Mexico As The Warm and Vibrant Choice

Mexico ranked #3 globally, with approximately 9 in 10 expats expressing satisfaction with their lives there.

  • Ranked among the top for local friendliness since the survey began in 2014
  • 91% find local residents friendly in general, versus 67% globally
  • Three-quarters of expats have no problem making local friends
  • Strong expat communities throughout popular destinations
  • Best for families, retirees, and digital nomads

4. Costa Rica As The Eco-Friendly Escape

Costa Rica earned the #1 spot in the Ease of Settling In Index and ranked 7th globally for friendliness toward foreigners in 2025 surveys.

  • Known for the "Pura Vida" lifestyle that embodies optimism and friendliness
  • Stable democracy with strong environmental consciousness
  • High satisfaction ratings for a welcoming atmosphere
  • Eco-friendly living options for nature enthusiasts
  • Attracts retirees with low costs and high safety levels
  • Best for nature lovers and retirees

5. Spain As Europe's Friendly Favorite

Spain ranked 9th overall, making it the only European country in the top 10. The country achieved #1 ranking for quality of life.

  • 84% of expats report being happy in Spain versus 67% globally
  • Mediterranean lifestyle with excellent weather year-round
  • Modern healthcare system accessible to residents
  • Inclusive culture that welcomes international newcomers
  • Best for European relocators and digital nomads seeking EU access

All rankings and statistics sourced from the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 Survey.

Best Countries by Lifestyle

For Families

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.

For Frequent Travelers and Digital Nomads

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.

For Retirees

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.

For Investors and Entrepreneurs

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.

Why Thailand Continues to Attract Expats

Thailand offers a unique combination that few countries can match, which explains its 2nd place ranking for overall expat happiness in 2025.

  • Affordable lifestyle with comfortable living from USD 1,500 to 2,500 monthly
  • Friendly culture recognized globally for genuine hospitality
  • Modern infrastructure, including international airports, reliable internet, and excellent healthcare
  • Lifestyle diversity spanning cities, beaches, wellness retreats, and cultural centers
  • Established expat community with millions of foreigners already living successfully in Thailand

Thailand Privilege Card Makes Long-Term Living Simple

What Is Thailand Privilege Card

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.

Membership Packages

  • Bronze at THB 650,000 for 5 years as a Limited Time Offer
  • Gold at THB 900,000 for 5 years
  • Platinum at THB 1,500,000 for 10 years
  • Diamond at THB 2,500,000 for 15 years
  • Reserve at THB 5,000,000 for 20 years, and by invitation only

Key Benefits

  • Airport VIP services with priority lane and electro cart assistance at major Thai airports
  • 24/7 multilingual concierge support
  • Assistance with banking, driver's license, and 90-day immigration reporting
  • Lifestyle privileges and wellness benefits with select packages

Why Choose Thailand Privilege Card

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.

Your Next Chapter Starts in Thailand

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What makes the friendliest countries in the world ideal for expats?

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.

Q. How to get Thailand residency through Thailand Privilege Card?

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.

Q. What is the difference between Thailand Privilege Card and Thai permanent residency?

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.

Q. How much does it cost to live comfortably in Thailand as an expat?

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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