A view of a mangrove area on the east coast of Panama City, Panama, on Wednesday. Panama has been named the world's best country for expatriates for the third consecutive year, Photo by Carlos Lemos/EPA
July 27 (UPI) -- Panama has been named the world's best country for expatriates for the third consecutive year, according to the 2026 Expat Insider survey published by InterNations. The Central American nation topped the ranking of 31 countries, largely thanks to its strong work-life balance and purchasing power.
Mexico ranked second overall and led the index measuring ease of settling in, reflecting how easy expatriates say it is to make friends and how welcome they feel in the country.
The survey gathered responses from nearly 8,000 expatriates representing 162 nationalities. Participants rated their satisfaction across five categories: working abroad, personal finances, quality of life, expat essentials and ease of settling in.
Panama ranked first worldwide for working abroad and personal finances. It also placed among the top performers for ease of settling in and expat essentials, helped by what respondents described as a welcoming local population and accessible visa options.
