Best Countries for Expats in 2025 (2026)
Malaysia consistently ranks as one of the most expat-friendly destinations with a balanced cost of living (index 32.0) and accessible visas.
Updated March 2026
Key takeaways
- Malaysia tops the ranking for best for expats at 32.0.
- 13 countries scored — top 3 are Malaysia, Thailand, Poland.
- Methodology: deterministic, sourced from NoodlePants' tracked dataset, refreshed March 2026.
Top 10 at a glance
| # | Country | Cost of Living | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malaysia | 32.0 | View → |
| 2 | Thailand | 33.0 | View → |
| 3 | Poland | 50.0 | View → |
| 4 | Mexico | 59.0 | View → |
| 5 | Greece | 60.0 | View → |
| 6 | Portugal | 60.0 | View → |
| 7 | Czech Republic | 62.0 | View → |
| 8 | Spain | 64.0 | View → |
| 9 | United Arab Emirates | 70.0 | View → |
| 10 | Singapore | 78.0 | View → |
| 11 | Canada | 91.0 | View → |
| 12 | New Zealand | 91.0 | View → |
| 13 | Australia | 94.0 | View → |
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What affects best for expats?
The most expat-friendly countries combine clear long-term visa pathways, affordable healthcare, and active expat communities.
Tax residency rules are easy to overlook. Some countries tax worldwide income once you become a tax resident; others offer favourable expat regimes for the first 5–10 years.
Banking access for foreigners varies enormously. Confirm that you can open a local bank account on a non-resident basis before you commit.
Frequently asked
Which country has the best for expats?
Malaysia currently leads with 32.0.
Can foreigners buy property in Malaysia?
Yes — foreigners can generally buy property in Malaysia, though local taxes and registration apply.
How do I compare countries internationally?
Use the interactive world map or take the matchmaking quiz.