Posted on January 20, 2024 at 8:59 amUpdated on January 20, 2024 at 10:05 am.
Remote work, attractive visas and tax incentives: more and more countries are rolling out the red carpet for workers who want to move elsewhere. From the ease of settling in, through the quality of life, health system, housing, and professional opportunities, these are the best – and worst – cities to settle in, according to the annual survey Expat Insider InterNation.
This community has more than 5.1 million members and publishes a survey of 12,000 expats representing 177 nationalities in 181 countries or territories every year for ten years.
Unmissable Mexico
Since 2014, Mexico has systematically entered the Top 5 for expats. 2023 is in first place. Long a favorite destination for American retirees, the country has also attracted more families and “digital nomads” in recent years. “Expats” especially welcome the ease of settling in, a fulfilling social life and solid support networks. Mexico’s affordable prices and relaxed lifestyle are also popular, when security is strictly sanctioned there.
Overall, Spanish-speaking countries won the most votes. Spain (regularly in the Top 10) and Panama complete the Top 3. Costa Rica ranks eighth.
Portugal (10th) has exploded in popularity since the country launched its own “golden visas” In 2012, at the height of the recession, to try to attract capital to the country that the markets avoided at the time. But in the spring of 2023, the country significantly reduced the benefits associated with these visas, which is expected to lower its popularity rating among expats in the coming years.
Norway sanctioned
Out of 53 countries, France is only in 33rd place. Expats are the first to say hello health system and the balance between work and private life, but they rate security very poorly. Income tax and social taxes are also considered high. Outside the big cities, the language barrier is also considered problematic.
At the bottom of the ranking are Turkey, Norway and Kuwait. The latter has been inheriting duncecap for years, with poor results in all areas, with a few exceptions, such as language. Norway (52nd) is one of the countries that suffered the biggest demotions this year, losing 18 ranks compared to 2022. Faced with galloping inflation across Europe, “expats” in Norway today are particularly unhappy with the high cost of living.
Turkey (51st) was already in the bottom 10 of the rankings in 2022, but its results further deteriorated. state of the economy, The political situation and threatened freedom of expression are the main concerns for expatriates.