The Best Countries to Move to in 2026

2026-07-29 20:00

The Best Countries to Move to in 2026: Where Spain Ranks Worldwide?

Every year, thousands of people choose a new country to call home. Some are after work, some after the climate, some after safety for their kids. The fresh Expat Insider 2026 study surveyed nearly 8,000 expats worldwide and ranked the countries where people live best after relocating. Let's break down the results, and the headline for us: Spain came out as the best country in Europe to move to.

Respondents rated life in their new country across five key criteria: job opportunities, personal finances, quality of life, ease of relocation, and ease of settling in after arrival.

The Top 3 Countries for Expats in 2026

1. Panama. First place for the third year running. The Central American country scored highly for ease of relocation, smooth integration into local society, and comfortable conditions for foreigners. 87% of expats in Panama are happy with their move, against a global average of around 70%. Nearly a third plan to stay permanently.

2. Mexico. The leader in ease of settling in. Expats say it's easy to make friends, quick to adapt to local life, and simple to feel like a welcome guest.

3. Thailand. The highest ratings for personal happiness. 86% of expats are satisfied with their lives, and 42% plan to stay permanently. The key draws: affordable housing and a low cost of living.

Spain: The Best Country in Europe to Move To

Now for the headline. Despite Europe's traditionally high standard of living, only three European countries made the top ten. And the best of them is Spain: sixth in the world.

What expats value about Spain:

A comfortable climate: sun and mild winters almost year-round
Well-developed public transport: metro, high-speed trains, buses
Huge opportunities for travel within the country and across Europe

Portugal came eighth and Luxembourg rounded out the top ten. So out of all of Europe, Spain proved the most comfortable place to relocate, ahead of countries with higher salaries and a milder climate on paper.

This confirms what we see every day in consultations. People choose Spain not for a single factor but for the whole package: climate, safety, healthcare, education for children, and a genuine path to legal residency.

💬 Wondering whether Spain is right for you? We look at every situation individually: income, family, work, plans. Book a consultation and get a clear relocation plan.

Why Spain Stays at the Top

Expat Insider isn't the only ranking where Spain sits near the top. The country has led the world in life expectancy for years (around 85), ranks among Europe's safest, and offers free public healthcare and education to residents.

For families with children this matters especially: state schools are free for all kids regardless of status, and Spain's attitude towards children is considered one of the warmest in Europe.

🔗 Check in details what life looks like in one of the most popular cities for relocation - Valencia: prices, schools, safety, and the honest downsides.

How the Countries Were Ranked

In the Expat Insider 2026 ranking, expats rated countries across five areas:

Opportunities for working abroad
Personal financial situation
Quality of life
Ease of organising the move
Ease of adapting and settling in after the move

It was the combination of these that shaped the overall ranking of the best countries for expats in 2026. And on that combined score, Spain outperformed all of Europe.

🎬 Digital Nomad Visa video explains in detail how to move to Spain on the most popular visa for remote workers and entrepreneurs.

How to Move to Spain: Where to Start

Rankings are inspiring, but behind the numbers there's always one concrete question: how do I actually move? For non-EU citizens, the path starts with choosing a visa.

The most in-demand option right now is the Digital Nomad Visa: it grants 3 years of residency, the right to work remotely, and opens the path to permanent residency and citizenship. There are other routes too: work visa, startup visa, family reunification, and for Ukrainians, transitioning from temporary protection.

Every case is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. That's why we always start not by selling a visa, but by analysing your situation.

Final Thoughts

Panama, Mexico, and Thailand topped the global relocation ranking in 2026. But if you're looking towards Europe, the choice is clear: Spain is the best European country for expats, ahead of all its neighbours. Climate, transport, safety, healthcare, and a real chance to build your dream life here make it a place people want to move to and stay.

The Dream Spain Starter Program

Want to work through your move step by step without getting lost? Dream Spain Starter is an online relocation program. Visa, budget, city choice, housing, bank account, insurance, taxes, and your first steps after moving. Video, texts, templates, and practical materials in one clear system.

👉 Learn more about the program (49€)

Not sure if Spain is the right move for you? Start with a free eligibility assessment. It takes 3 minutes, and you'll know which path is yours.

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Data source: Expat Insider 2026 study (InterNations), nearly 8,000 respondents.