Expats’ Top Countries for Living Abroad in 2025
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Introduction
Living abroad offers the opportunity to explore new cultures, enjoy a different pace of life, and, in many cases, experience a more affordable cost of living.
In 2025, expats are continuing to seek countries that offer a high quality of life, good healthcare, and favorable visa policies.
Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or adventure, there are several countries around the world that stand out as top destinations for expats.
Portugal
Portugal remains a favorite for expats due to its warm climate, affordable living, and vibrant culture.
The country has a strong expat community, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region.
Cost of living: Portugal offers an affordable lifestyle, with lower housing costs and groceries compared to other Western European nations.
Smaller towns like Faro or Braga are even more budget-friendly.
Healthcare: Portugal boasts a high-quality public healthcare system, which is accessible to both citizens and residents.
Expats also have the option to use private healthcare, which is affordable by Western standards.
Visa options: Portugal offers a variety of visa options, including the Golden Visa program, which allows residency through investment, and the D7 visa for retirees or those with passive income.
Spain
Spain is another popular European destination for expats, with its Mediterranean climate, rich cultural history, and affordable living costs outside the major cities.
Cost of living: While cities like Madrid and Barcelona can be pricey, smaller cities such as Valencia, Seville, and Granada offer much more affordable living without compromising on quality of life.
Quality of life: Spain offers a laid-back lifestyle, excellent cuisine, and a vibrant social scene.
Many expats appreciate the country’s relaxed pace, especially in smaller towns and coastal areas.
Healthcare: Spain’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and expats can access both public and private healthcare services at reasonable costs.
Visa options: Spain offers the Non-Lucrative Visa, which is popular among retirees and expats who don’t need to work but can support themselves.
Mexico
Mexico continues to be one of the top destinations for expats, particularly those from the United States and Canada.
Its close proximity to home, warm weather, and lower cost of living make it a convenient choice.
Cost of living: Mexico is one of the most affordable countries for expats, offering low costs for housing, food, and healthcare.
Cities like Mérida, Puerto Vallarta, and San Miguel de Allende are popular retirement destinations for expats.
Community: Mexico has well-established expat communities, making it easy to settle in and connect with others.
Many towns and cities cater to English-speaking expats, though learning Spanish is recommended for integration.
Visa options: Mexico offers the Temporary Resident Visa for those who wish to stay longer than six months.
Expats can also apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which allows them to live in Mexico indefinitely.
Thailand
Thailand is a top choice for expats who want to live in a tropical paradise while enjoying a low cost of living.
The country’s vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and rich culture offer an attractive lifestyle.
Cost of living: Thailand is known for its affordability, with low costs for rent, food, and entertainment.
Cities like Chiang Mai and Hua Hin are popular with expats looking for a relaxed and affordable lifestyle.
Healthcare: Thailand has a well-developed healthcare system, with many top-quality private hospitals that offer affordable care.
Medical tourism is also common in Thailand due to its high standards and lower costs.
Visa options: Thailand offers several visa options for expats, including the Retirement Visa for those over 50 and the Smart Visa for professionals in certain industries.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is renowned for its eco-friendly lifestyle, political stability, and high quality of life, making it a favorite destination for expats seeking a slower pace of life.
Cost of living: While Costa Rica is not the cheapest destination in Central America, it offers a comfortable standard of living.
Towns like Tamarindo and Atenas are popular with expats due to their relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty.
Lifestyle: Costa Rica is ideal for expats who love nature and outdoor activities.
The country’s focus on sustainability and environmental preservation attracts those looking for a peaceful and healthy lifestyle.
Visa options: The Pensionado program is popular among retirees, offering permanent residency to those with a guaranteed income.
Expats can also apply for the Rentista Visa, which is for those who can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
Vietnam
Vietnam is rapidly becoming a top destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, affordable living, and growing expat communities in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Cost of living: Vietnam is incredibly affordable for expats, with low costs for housing, food, and transportation.
Many expats find they can live comfortably on a modest budget.
Job opportunities: Vietnam is a popular destination for digital nomads and those teaching English abroad.
The country’s booming economy has created opportunities for expats in various industries.
Healthcare: Vietnam offers affordable healthcare, with a growing number of private hospitals catering to expats.
For more serious treatments, many expats travel to nearby countries like Thailand for medical care.
Visa options: Vietnam offers a variety of visa options, including work permits and long-term tourist visas for expats looking to stay longer.
Malaysia
Malaysia is an attractive destination for expats seeking a blend of modern city life, natural beauty, and affordable living.
Kuala Lumpur and Penang are two popular spots for expats.
Cost of living: Malaysia is known for its affordable cost of living, particularly in housing, dining, and healthcare.
Kuala Lumpur offers a modern city lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of Western cities.
Expat communities: Malaysia has well-established expat communities, making it easy for newcomers to settle in and make connections.
English is widely spoken, which makes integration easier for expats.
Healthcare: Malaysia offers excellent healthcare services, with modern hospitals and well-trained medical professionals.
The healthcare system is affordable, making it a great option for expats seeking high-quality care.
Visa options: The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program offers long-term residency for expats, making it easy to settle down and enjoy all that Malaysia has to offer.
Panama
Panama continues to attract expats due to its favorable tax policies, affordable cost of living, and proximity to the United States.
The country’s thriving expat community and warm climate make it a top choice for many.
Cost of living: Panama offers an affordable lifestyle, particularly in cities like David and Boquete.
Housing, groceries, and healthcare are all reasonably priced, making it a popular choice for retirees.
Retiree benefits: Panama’s Pensionado program is one of the best retiree visa programs, offering discounts on healthcare, entertainment, and transportation for expats who qualify.
Visa options: Panama offers a variety of visa options for expats, including the Friendly Nations Visa, which is available to citizens of many countries, making it easy for expats to gain residency.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and high quality of life make it an appealing destination for expats, particularly those looking for outdoor adventures and a slower pace of life.
Quality of life: New Zealand is known for its excellent work-life balance, making it a great destination for expats who value time for leisure and family.
The country’s outdoor activities, from hiking to beach-going, are a major draw.
Healthcare: New Zealand offers a strong public healthcare system, which is free or heavily subsidized for residents and citizens.
Expats with work visas can access healthcare services, and private healthcare is also available.
Visa options: New Zealand offers several visa options for expats, including the Skilled Migrant Visa for those with qualifications in high-demand industries, as well as working holiday visas for younger expats looking to experience life in the country.
Conclusion
In 2025, the best countries for expats offer a blend of affordability, quality healthcare, and opportunities for a fulfilling life abroad.
Whether you’re seeking a laid-back tropical lifestyle, a bustling urban environment, or a peaceful retirement, these countries provide a range of options for expats looking to start a new chapter.
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