Lindsey Galloway

Panama remains the top destination for foreigners in InterNations’ 2026 Expat Insider ranking, followed by Mexico, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Brazil. The ranking evaluates quality of life, ease of settling in, career prospects, personal finances, housing and essential services. Expatriates praised Panama for economic stability and affordability, Mexico for its welcoming communities, Thailand for low living costs and cultural appeal, the UAE for career opportunities and infrastructure, and Brazil for its warmth, sociability and cultural life. Safety was a relative weakness for Mexico, while the UAE rankings were only partly affected by regional conflict because the survey was conducted before and after the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran began.

Japan’s high liveability rankings, including Osaka’s seventh-place and Tokyo’s tenth-place positions in the 2026 Global Liveability Index, are attributed to four design and cultural principles: building neighbourhoods around everyday needs, making public transport accessible and reliable, preserving historic and natural features, and maintaining considerate behaviour in shared spaces. Residents and urban experts argue that these choices reduce the daily friction of city life for pedestrians, wheelchair users, families and older people while fostering community and continuity.