There are roughly 300 million people alive right now who do not live in the country where they were born. That number, staggering as it is, keeps climbing. In 2026, expats and international migrants make up nearly four percent of the entire human population – a figure that has more than tripled since 1970. Some countries are rolling out the red carpet. Others are quietly, or not so quietly, slamming the door.
The geography of global mobility is being redrawn faster than most people realize. Governments are rewriting visa rules, introducing new restrictions, and competing hard for skilled talent – all at the same time. What follows is a clear-eyed gallery of the ten countries that have built the largest expat communities on earth, followed by six places that actively make it difficult to stay. Be ready for a few surprises along the way.
1. United States – The World’s Undisputed Expat Magnet
The US has the highest number of immigrants by a long way – over triple any other country – and its economic opportunities, with a large economy that provides employment across a range of industries, remain the primary draw. The sheer diversity of sectors, from Silicon Valley tech giants to Midwestern agriculture, means there is almost always a niche for a determined foreigner. The US is also attractive to foreign students, being home to many world-class universities and research institutions, while offering political stability and safety that makes it desirable for those fleeing conflict or persecution.
US immigration policies, particularly through family-based visas, allow immigrants to bring their relatives to the country, creating a continual flow of migration as families reunite and expand communities. Honestly, this chain-migration effect is one of the most underappreciated engines of America’s growth. Backlogs persist, with over 1 million green card applications currently pending – a reminder that demand for residency here is almost impossible to overstate.
2. United Arab Emirates – Where Expats Are the Majority
Expatriates in the UAE represent about 89% of the population, while Emiratis constitute roughly 11% of the total population, making the UAE home to the world’s highest percentage of expatriates after the Vatican City. Think about that for a moment. The country is, by sheer numbers, more of an expat nation than a native one. In 2026, expatriates account for approximately 10.4 million people, representing over 88% of the total population.
Indian nationals continue to represent the largest expatriate community in the UAE, with an estimated population of over 4 million, followed by sizeable populations from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, along with notable Iranian and Egyptian communities. The UAE’s Golden Visa offers a 10-year residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled talent, requiring a minimum investment of AED 2 million. In 2025, the Golden Visa eligibility was even expanded to include teachers and scientists – a sign of where the country’s ambitions are heading.
3. Germany – Labor Shortage Opens the Door Wide
Countries with labor shortages, such as Germany, Canada, and Australia, actively recruit skilled foreign workers. Germany is arguably the most aggressive of the three. The country faces a demographic cliff that no domestic birth rate can rescue it from, and immigration has become not just policy but necessity. Germany, Japan, and Canada are easing immigration rules to attract young workers and offset demographic decline.
Germany hosts one of Europe’s largest foreign-born populations, with millions of residents from Turkey, Syria, Poland, and beyond contributing to major industrial and service sectors. The country introduced a new Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) that expanded pathways for non-EU workers considerably, going beyond what any prior German government had been willing to do. Let’s be real – Germany needs workers more than workers need Germany, and the policy is finally starting to reflect that reality.
4. Saudi Arabia – A Massive Workforce Built on Expats
In July 2025, Saudi Arabia introduced a new skill-based classification system for work permits, categorizing foreign worker visas according to skill level – high-skilled, skilled, and basic – aligning permit requirements with job qualifications and sector needs, and supporting national labor-market goals under Saudi Vision 2030. The country hosts millions of foreign workers, primarily from South and Southeast Asia, who form the backbone of its construction, hospitality, and domestic service industries.
Saudi Arabia’s expat population is enormous – in some estimates, foreign nationals represent roughly one third of the country’s total residents. Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah have sprawling expat communities that run their own social ecosystems. However, it is a deeply transactional relationship. Workers come, work, and – because citizenship is nearly impossible – most eventually leave.
5. Spain – Sunshine, Community, and a Red-Hot Digital Nomad Scene
Spain had claimed the top spot among the best expat countries for three consecutive years before its recent slide in the rankings, but the appeal is undeniable – Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Bilbao all boast large English-speaking expat communities, and Valencia ranked first in InterNations’ 2024 Quality of Life Index. The variety of cities alone is remarkable, each with its own personality and price point. Spain ranks 11th in the settling-in category and offers an accommodating environment for expats, with more than three quarters of respondents feeling at home and welcome.
Spain offers a digital nomad visa and an entrepreneur visa, and in November 2024 the government extended its job-seeking visa from three months to a full year. That extension was a big deal – it gave job-seekers actual breathing room to find something without rushing out. In May 2025, the Spanish government implemented a comprehensive reform of its immigration regulation framework, aiming to streamline immigration processes, simplify bureaucratic procedures, and broaden legal pathways for residence, work, family reunification, study, and regularization.
6. Mexico – The Perennial Favorite That Keeps Delivering
Mexico ranked second in InterNations’ 2024 friendliness survey, continuing to win hearts with warmth and vibrancy – with nearly nine in ten expats saying they are happy living there, and about 85% of survey respondents noting that they feel welcome. That is an extraordinary satisfaction rate. Mexico attracts US citizens for its proximity, affordable living costs, and vibrant culture – cities like Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende are particularly popular for their expat-friendly communities.
Mexico’s affordability continues to attract expats from higher-cost regions, with many expressing satisfaction with their cost of living, and this economic advantage extends beyond basics, allowing expats to access services that might be luxuries elsewhere – from household help to regular dining out and cultural activities. Mexico’s embrace of remote work has accelerated, with cities like Mexico City, Mérida, and Puerto Vallarta developing coworking ecosystems, though internet reliability varies significantly by location.
7. Panama – The Quiet Champion Nobody Expected
Panama topped the InterNations ranking as the friendliest country for expats in 2024, pushing Mexico to the second spot – and it’s easy to see why, with affordable housing, great weather, and an easy visa process. Healthcare is excellent, the economy is relatively strong, and the country uses the US dollar, which removes a huge layer of financial complexity for American expats in particular. I think that last point genuinely cannot be overstated – currency risk alone keeps many would-be expats anchored to familiar shores.
Panama held the number one position in the 2024 overall InterNations rankings, combining exceptional financial satisfaction – with 74% of expats satisfied compared to a 54% global average – with streamlined visa processes and an enviable work-life balance. The country ranked 4th in Expat Essentials, with administrative processes that are remarkably straightforward by Latin American standards. For a small country, Panama punches far above its weight.
8. Switzerland – Expensive, Exclusive, and Remarkably Expat-Dense
There are over 2.1 million expats currently living in Switzerland, making up almost a quarter of the permanent population – and it’s not hard to see why, as Switzerland tops the list of countries in Europe for economic and political stability, world-class healthcare, and education. Think of Switzerland less like a country and more like a very well-organized and extremely expensive private club. Life tends to move at a slow pace and workers have one of the best work-life balances and highest-paid salaries in Europe, so competition for jobs is stiff.
In Switzerland, Denmark, and Japan, cultural formality and reserved social norms make integration harder – and Switzerland earns a particular reputation for keeping expats at arm’s length socially, even if professionally it welcomes them. High-cost destinations like Switzerland and Hong Kong see more short-term expats due to expensive living costs, meaning many people come, earn well, and eventually move on rather than put down permanent roots.
9. Singapore – Hyper-Efficient and Strategically Selective
Modern and fantastically cosmopolitan, Singapore offers its residents high-quality facilities, including a world-class education system, fabulous food, and extremely reliable and affordable public transport – and thanks to strict law and order, it’s also one of the safest countries in the world. It also happens to be one of Asia’s biggest financial hubs. Singapore’s strict but efficient immigration system targets high-skilled talent, with the Employment Pass requiring professionals to earn at least SGD 5,000 monthly, a threshold raised in 2024.
In 2025, Singapore launched a Tech.Pass specifically for AI and fintech leaders, offering two-year stays. Singapore is smart about this – it goes after the talent it specifically wants rather than opening a general floodgate. There are a few drawbacks, one being that it’s one of the most expensive places in Asia for expats to live, and the intensity of working life is real – most employees are expected to work at least 44 hours a week, sometimes with overtime.
10. Australia – A Nation Built on Immigration
Australia’s immigration system is selective, favoring youth, skills, and economic contributions. The country has one of the highest proportions of foreign-born nationals among major Western nations, a fact baked into its very identity since it was built largely through successive waves of migration. Australia’s new Skills in Demand visa, which replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage visa in late 2024, features three streams – Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement – and all holders have a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme after two years of employment.
According to a February 2024 Ipsos poll, only 34% of Australians believe that the country would be stronger if immigration was stopped, which is lower than the global average of 43%. That relative openness matters a lot for daily expat life on the ground. For a country with the highest proportion of foreign-born nationals among major Western nations, this still poses questions about the future of the country’s immigration system and the ever-rising pressure on the government to act.
11. The United States Tightening – The Nation That Now Also Restricts
The United States has historically been a top destination for expats and immigrants from around the world, but that reputation is taking serious hits under the current policy landscape – in December 2025, President Trump issued a newly enlarged travel ban restricting the entry of nationals of 20 new countries as well as the Palestinian Authority, meaning that roughly one in five people seeking to immigrate to the United States legally are now barred from doing so.
The country most heavily impacted by the new restrictions is Nigeria – over the last decade, Nigerians received an average of 128,000 immigrant and nonimmigrant visas on an annual basis, and nearly all of those visas will now be restricted, effectively blocking legal immigration from the most populous country in Africa. The June 2025 order imposed a full ban on twelve countries, meaning individuals from those countries cannot seek either an immigrant visa or any non-immigrant visas, including those for tourism, work, or study. The shift is dramatic and ongoing.
12. The United Kingdom – Once Open, Now Pulling Back Hard
The United Kingdom announced its objective to reduce net migration in a major White Paper in May 2025. This was not a subtle signal. The UK’s immigration system has evolved significantly since Brexit, focusing on self-sufficiency and high-skilled talent – the Skilled Worker Visa now requires a job offer with a minimum salary of £38,700, up 10% from 2024.
The minimum income for family visas rose to £29,000, sparking considerable debate, and high visa fees ranging from £1,500 to £3,000, combined with NHS surcharges, are now actively deterring applicants. In 2022, the UK saw a net migration figure of approximately 745,000, the highest figure since records began, which sparked a drive to bring immigration numbers down, with reasons cited including added pressure on the NHS, public services, the economy, and state welfare. The current government is clearly trying to engineer a dramatic reversal.
13. Hungary – Europe’s Most Openly Hostile Immigration Policy
In March 2024, several new rules came into effect in Hungary largely aimed at reducing overall long-term immigration numbers – most significant was the end of the ‘single permit’ system and the introduction of the less lenient ‘guest worker’ permit category, restricting foreign workers from living in the country long-term, and around 300 job roles were made ineligible for non-EU workers.
These policies came into effect under the leadership of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is staunchly anti-immigration and has been openly critical of the EU’s migration policies. Hungary is one of the few EU member states that has made its hostility toward immigration a defining pillar of national identity, not just a policy position. For expats considering Central Europe, the contrast with neighboring countries like Austria or the Czech Republic is stark.
14. Japan – Welcoming Workers but Closing the Door on Settlers
Japan’s foreign resident population reached historic highs in 2024 and 2025, approaching four million residents nationwide, but this growth has prompted policymakers to emphasize orderly coexistence, social integration, and sustainability rather than unrestricted expansion. Japan has a highly restrictive refugee recognition system – in 2023, out of 13,823 asylum seekers, only 303 were granted refugee status, and a new law in June 2024 tightened deportation after second asylum denials.
Despite labor needs, ethnonationalism influences restrictive policies, with public perception remaining cautious and reforms focused on temporary labor rather than long-term integration. Another clear trend is increased scrutiny around permanent residency and long-term settlement – immigration authorities are paying closer attention to tax payments and social insurance compliance, reflecting a broader policy direction aimed at ensuring long-term residents consistently meet their obligations.
15. Qatar – The Strictest Citizenship Rules on Earth
In Qatar, if an individual’s father is not a citizen, then neither is that individual – a mother’s nationality does not automatically qualify someone for citizenship, and those looking to apply must have lived legally in Qatar for at least 25 years without leaving the country for more than two consecutive months. Twenty-five years. Without leaving for more than two months at a time. That is not a policy – it’s almost a philosophical statement about belonging. Qatar naturalizes no more than approximately 50 foreign-born people per year and grants permanent residency to a mere 100 expatriates annually, and naturalized citizens are not classified under the law the same way as Qatar’s citizens and may not enjoy the same generous benefits.
Qatar hosts one of the largest per-capita expat populations in the world – the country’s entire infrastructure was built by migrant labor. Yet it grants almost none of those workers a real path to belonging. It’s a deeply contradictory system: the country needs expats desperately to function, and yet institutionally treats permanent settlement as an almost impossible goal.
16. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia – Guest Workers, Not Future Citizens
In Kuwait, a foreign-born individual looking to become a citizen must live in the country for at least 20 years – reduced to 15 years for Arab country citizens or the foreign-born wives of Kuwaiti men – and the applicant must speak Arabic fluently and be Muslim either by birth or conversion, with converts required to have been practicing the faith for at least five years. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia offers only one route to citizenship: marry a Saudi national.
That single sentence about Saudi Arabia really does say it all. Despite hosting millions of foreign workers for decades and launching Vision 2030 to modernize its economy, the Kingdom has built a system where expats are essential participants and permanent outsiders at the same time. Kuwait did modernize its visa processes in 2025 by officially launching the Kuwait Visa e-platform, enabling foreign nationals to apply online for tourist, business, or family visit visas, replacing previous manual and paper-based processes – but easing applications is not the same as opening a real door to permanent life.
The world of expat life in 2026 is more layered and more politically charged than ever before. Some countries are genuinely competing for your skills and your presence. Others want your labor but not your long-term story. Experts predict the global expat population will surpass 350 million by 2035, which means these tensions between openness and restriction will only intensify in the years ahead. Whether you’re packing your bags or just dreaming about it – which side of that border would you choose to land on?
