According to a recent survey, the top five countries for foreigners to visit in 2025 are Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam. More than 10,000 expats of 172 different nationalities participated in the Internations poll, which revealed that affordability, quality of life, and ease of fitting in are the main determinants of satisfaction for those who live overseas.
The World Migration Report states that 3.6% of the world’s population is currently classified as an international immigrant, making the decision of where to relocate becoming more and more significant. This year, more than ever, expat contentment has been influenced by financial security.
Panama
Panama secured the top spot, ranking highly across all indexes including Working Abroad, Quality of Life and Ease of Settling In. Known for its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle, it attracts freelancers, retirees and digital nomads. Expats, however, caution newcomers to respect the environment and prepare for bureaucratic challenges when dealing with local systems.
Colombia
Colombia ranked second, praised for its affordability, welcoming culture and strong sense of community. Expats say the country’s modern history has created a spirit of opportunity and hope. Many highlight Colombia’s hospitality and recommend rural regions such as Barichara and Los Llanos for their charm and authenticity.
Mexico
Mexico claimed the third position, driven by its friendly culture and relatively low cost of living. Expats note the importance of learning Spanish to integrate fully, and mention cultural adjustments such as different perceptions of time. The country’s diverse landscapes, from Mayan ruins to coastal towns, add to its appeal.
Thailand
Thailand took fourth place, scoring highly for overall happiness and financial satisfaction. Expats describe the country as welcoming and beautiful, with a strong support network within the expat community. However, cultural awareness is crucial, with respect for hierarchy and local traditions being essential. Popular locations include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and lesser-known islands.
Vietnam
Vietnam rounded out the top five, ranking first in the Personal Finance index and earning praise for its energy and rapid growth. Expats describe locals as warm and helpful, while food and coffee culture are major highlights. Learning basic Vietnamese phrases is recommended for smoother integration, and destinations like Phu Quoc, Da Nang and Ba Na Hills are among expats’ favourites.
The full top 10 destinations for foreigners in 2025 are Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, China, UAE, Indonesia, Spain and Malaysia.
