European expat destinations are shifting in 2025, with only one European country making it into the top 10 of the InterNations ranking. Six others fell into the bottom 10.
InterNations surveys tens of thousands of expats around the world every year to evaluate life abroad. Respondents are asked about settling in, working conditions, social life, housing, healthcare, and overall happiness. The results provide an accurate picture of what makes countries appealing or challenging for expats.
Recent trends show long-time favorite European destinations such as Italy, France, Germany, and Malta losing their appeal among expats.
Spain is the only European country to appear in the top 10, securing ninth place. This is largely due to its first-place ranking in the quality of life category, which has been consistent since 2022.
Expats praise Spain for its sunny climate, vibrant culture, lively nightlife, and opportunities for recreational sports. Over 80 percent report that healthcare is high quality, affordable, and easily accessible.
Public transport also earns high marks, with expats appreciating its availability and affordability. Walking or cycling is easy and safe in many cities.
Challenges exist, however, in the working abroad index. Spain ranks 34th for career prospects, salary, and job security. The country also performs poorly in the expat essentials index, placing 26th for ease of administration and housing affordability.
Asian countries continue to rise in popularity. In 2025, China (6th) and Malaysia (10th) are new entrants in the top 10, joining Thailand (4th), Vietnam (5th), and Indonesia (8th). Together, they account for half of the top-ranked expat destinations.
Expats in these countries report high satisfaction with personal finances and housing affordability. Housing is both easy to find and inexpensive compared to other regions. The quality of life varies, from China in 6th place to Indonesia in 40th, but overall expat happiness remains high, with Malaysia ranking 15th.
The top three expat destinations are all in Latin America: Panama, Colombia, and Mexico. These countries are known for welcoming cultures and active social lives, reflected in high scores in the ease of settling in index.
Retirees are particularly drawn to these destinations. In the top three countries, at least 25 percent of expats report being retired, compared to a global average of 11 percent.
More than half of the bottom 10 countries are in Europe. Italy ranks 37th, Sweden 38th, Norway 39th, the United Kingdom 41st, Germany 42nd, and Finland 43rd.
Expats in these countries report low satisfaction with life abroad. Italy is slightly better, ranking 26th, but others face challenges. Nordic countries offer great environments and climates, but expats struggle to settle in. Italy and Germany have difficulties with digital administration and essential services.
The United Kingdom ranks best in the expat essentials index but struggles with personal finances, housing, and healthcare costs.
The lowest-ranked countries globally are South Korea (44th), Türkiye (45th), and Kuwait (46th). Expats report challenges with work culture, career prospects, and overall satisfaction with working abroad.
