20 Top Places to Live Abroad in 2026

A data-driven global ranking based on taxes, visas, safety, healthcare, schools, and the real cost of living.

Moving abroad in 2026 isn’t just a lifestyle decision—it’s a financial, legal, and strategic one.

Remote work has unlocked a new era of mobility, and more people than ever are asking a serious question:

Where are the best top places to live abroad in 2026—not just to visit, but to build a real life?

Most rankings online miss the mark.

They ignore immigration realities.
They misunderstand taxes.
They treat safety like a vibe.
They recycle the same tourist destinations.

This guide is different.

It’s built for:

Families planning a long-term move abroad
Remote workers and entrepreneurs earning internationally
High-income earners seeking better lifestyle-to-tax efficiency
Retirees prioritizing safety, healthcare, and affordability

GLN is built by people who have actually relocated, invested, and raised families abroad — and who work directly with local professionals helping others do the same. This guide reflects how relocation works in practice, not how it’s marketed online.

Note from the editor: I’ve lived abroad since 2012 and done business in more than 40 countries. While this ranking is driven entirely by GLN’s relocation algorithm, I’ll occasionally add brief personal context where it helps clarify reality on the ground—without influencing the scores themselves.

This is the most practical, honest, and globally relevant relocation ranking available for 2026.

What Most “Best Countries to Live Abroad” Lists Get Wrong

Before we dive in, let’s clear up the biggest myths:

Myth 1: Safety is the same everywhere in a country
Reality: Safety varies dramatically by city and neighborhood—not by passport stamp, and the crime rate can differ significantly in different areas.

Myth 2: Cheap means livable
Low cost doesn’t mean good healthcare, stable infrastructure, or family-friendly living.

Myth 3: Friendly locals = easy relocation
Friendliness doesn’t matter if you can’t legally stay long-term.

Myth 4: Taxes don’t matter once you leave home
Wrong. Expat tax rules can save—or cost—you six figures over time.

Myth 5: Digital nomad visas solve everything
Most are temporary, rarely lead to residency, and often don’t reduce taxes.

This ranking cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually matters for real life abroad.

Our Ranking System: The GLN Global Relocation Index

Each country is scored across nine weighted factors essential for long-term expat success:

1. Taxes 20%

Expat tax incentives, territorial tax systems, foreign-income exemptions, and flat tax regimes.

2. Immigration 15%

Residency difficulty, visa clarity, and long-term pathways.

3. Safety 15%

Not the fear-mongering kind — but daily lived safety for expats.

4. Healthcare 10%

Quality of hospitals, cost, and availability of private care.

5. Stability 10%

Predictability of institutions, economic consistency.

6. Education 10%

Quality of private and international schools.

7. Lifestyle & Culture 10%

Walkability, food, climate, and social atmosphere.

8. Infrastructure 5%

Electricity reliability, internet quality, and transport.

9. Cost of Living 5%

Value relative to lifestyle level.

You won’t find another ranking with this level of rigor.

How to Choose the Best Country to Live Abroad in 2026

There is no universal “best” country—only the best country for your situation.

When choosing where to live abroad, focus on five core factors:

1. Immigration First

If you can’t stay legally long term, nothing else matters.

2. Taxes Second

Understand whether a country taxes worldwide income, local income only, or offers special expat regimes.

If you need to fork over all your hard-earned income, you probably aren’t going to be too thrilled to move there.

3. Safety at the City Level

Country averages lie. Neighborhood-level reality matters. Feeling safe is super important, especially if you have a family.

4. Healthcare Access

Private hospitals and insurance availability matter more than rankings. Trust me, I’ve done enough hospital visits abroad to know, quality of healthcare matters. You want doctors who speak a language you are fluent in.

5. Lifestyle Fit

Climate, walkability, schools, and community determine long-term happiness. This is the dream!

The countries ranked below perform well across these dimensions—but your final decision should align with your goals, income type, and family needs.

20 Top Places TO LIVE ABROAD IN 2026 (FULL RANKINGS)

No country makes this list accidentally.
If it’s here, it earned its place.

⭐ 1. Portugal 4.15

Portugal is the most balanced destination on Earth for lifestyle, safety, and visas.

Lifestyle: Walkability, mild climate, elite quality healthcare, safe cities, relaxed culture.
Immigration: D7 Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Golden Visa Program (fund/cultural/innovation routes).
Taxes: Not low, but manageable; some foreign income structures remain favorable.
Tradeoffs: Slow bureaucracy; rising housing costs in Lisbon and Porto.

Best For: Families, retirees, first-time expats, and remote workers seeking safety, lifestyle balance, and EU residency.
Less Ideal For: Ultra-high earners focused purely on aggressive tax minimization.

🇵🇹 Best Places to Live in Portugal

Lisbon metro (jobs, international schools, healthcare)
Cascais and Estoril (families, safety, beaches)
Porto metro (lower cost, charm, walkability)
Braga (affordable, young families)
Algarve towns (coastal living, retirees)

⭐ 2. UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) 4.03

The UAE is engineered for high earners who want safety, convenience, and zero tax.

Lifestyle: Ultra-modern, extremely safe, global community, elite hospitals, and schools.
Immigration: Investor visas, work visas, long-term Golden Visas for talent and capital.
Taxes: 0% income tax for individuals; centerpiece of UAE’s appeal.
Tradeoffs: Expensive housing/schools; harsh summers; not a “romantic” lifestyle–many people find it sterile.

Best For: High-income earners, entrepreneurs, executives, and families prioritizing safety, zero income tax, and world-class infrastructure.

Less Ideal For: Those seeking a slower pace, strong local culture, or low-cost living.

🇦🇪 Best Places to Live in the United Arab Emirates

Dubai (global expat hub, business, schools)
Abu Dhabi (families, stability, government services)
Sharjah (more affordable, family-oriented)

⭐ 3. Spain 4.00

Spain offers a top-tier lifestyle plus serious tax incentives for newcomers.

Lifestyle: Mediterranean culture, vibrant cities, great food, excellent healthcare.
Immigration: Digital Nomad Visa + Beckham Law (flat 24% tax on Spanish income).
Taxes: Most foreign-sourced income earned outside Spain is not taxed under standard Spanish tax rules, though individual circumstances and structures vary.
Tradeoffs: Bureaucracy; rising prices in Madrid/Barcelona; slower systems.

Best For: Lifestyle-focused families, professionals, and remote workers wanting culture, healthcare, and long-term EU living.

Less Ideal For: People unwilling to navigate bureaucracy or higher taxes after special regimes expire.

🇪🇸 Best Places to Live in Spain

Madrid metro (jobs, schools, healthcare) with great access to public transportation
Barcelona metro outside the tourist areas (international, coastal, creative)
Valencia (best lifestyle-to-cost ratio)
Málaga and Costa del Sol (families, remote workers)
Alicante area (retirees, affordability)

⭐ 4. Panama 3.90

The most tax-efficient country in the Americas with a modern, stable business environment, appealing to those considering international living.

Lifestyle: Modern capital (Panama City), good connectivity, tropical options inland/coast.
Immigration: Friendly Nations Visa, Pensionado, Investor routes, predictable and clear.
Taxes: Territorial system — foreign income is generally not taxed.
Tradeoffs: Panama City is not cheap; outside major hubs vary in quality.

Best For: Americans, retirees, and entrepreneurs seeking territorial taxation, easy residency, and long-term stability in the Americas for a single person.
Less Ideal For: Those expecting ultra-cheap living or European-style urban charm everywhere.

🇵🇦 Best Places to Live in Panama

Panama City (business, healthcare, infrastructure)
Coronado (beach living near the capital)
Boquete (cooler climate, retirees)
El Valle de Antón (quiet, nature-focused)

⭐ 5. Malaysia 3.88

Asia’s most underrated expat haven with world-class value for money.

Lifestyle: Safe, diverse, excellent hospitals, strong English, modern urban living.
Immigration: MM2H (various state versions), digital nomad initiatives emerging.
Taxes: Territorial tendencies — most foreign income is not taxable for many expats.
Tradeoffs: Visa rules change often; rural infrastructure is mixed.

Best For: Remote workers, families, and retirees looking for excellent healthcare, English usage, and strong value in Asia.
Less Ideal For: People needing permanent residency certainty or fully predictable visa policies.

🇲🇾 Best Places to Live in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur metro (schools, hospitals, jobs)
Penang (families, culture, food)
Johor Bahru (Singapore access)
Ipoh (retirees, low cost)

⭐ 6. Thailand 3.83

A global lifestyle giant with great food, beaches, healthcare, and expat networks.

Lifestyle: Affordable, warm climate, friendly, with top hospitals and big-city amenities.
Immigration: Thailand’s LTR Visa for professionals and investors, the Thailand Privilege/Elite Visa for long-term stays, and standard business + work-permit options.
Taxes: Can be favorable with foreign-sourced income timing rules.
Tradeoffs: No straightforward citizenship path; bureaucracy; regional safety variance.

Best For: Remote workers, entrepreneurs, and lifestyle seekers wanting affordability, healthcare, and established expat communities in a tropical climate.
Less Ideal For: Those seeking a clear, fast path to citizenship or permanent residency.

🇹🇭 Best Places to Live in Thailand

Bangkok (hospitals, schools, jobs)
Chiang Mai (remote workers, affordability)
Phuket (beach lifestyle)
Hua Hin (families, retirees)

Note from the Editor: I’ve been doing business in Thailand for nearly ten years, and I can’t speak highly enough about the “Land of Smiles”. Air quality would be a major concern for me at least in the north of the country, if I were to move my family.

⭐ 7. Costa Rica 3.80

Costa Rica delivers stability, nature, and a calm culture built around wellness alongside its natural beauty.

Lifestyle: Green, peaceful, family-oriented, friendly locals, strong private healthcare.
Immigration: Rentista, Pensionado, Investor, Digital Nomad Visa, all predictable.
Taxes: Territorial leaning; foreign income typically not taxed.
Tradeoffs: Crime has increased in some areas; coastal infrastructure is inconsistent.

Best For: Families, retirees, and wellness-oriented expats prioritizing nature, stability, and affordable healthcare for a peaceful lifestyle.
Less Ideal For: People expecting big-city efficiency or consistently low costs.

🇨🇷 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

Escazú and Santa Ana (families, healthcare)
Central Valley (schools, stability)
Tamarindo (beach expats)
Nosara (wellness, remote work)
Atenas (mild climate, retirees)

Note from the Editor: Costa Rica is the place where I fell in love with the “pura vida” vibe! I learned to surf, do yoga, and speak Spanish all in this amazing country. My wife and I dream about going back, but for now, we are trying to appreciate the first-world conveniences that Puerto Rico has to offer. The best beach locations for families are far from the capital of San José

⭐ 8. Uruguay 3.75

Latin America’s most stable and predictable society, calm, safe, and steady.

Lifestyle: Quiet, safe, European-feeling culture; good education; clean cities.
Immigration: Straightforward residency for those who genuinely relocate.
Taxes: Foreign income exemptions in early years are possible with planning.
Tradeoffs: Higher cost of living; cooler climate; fewer big-city amenities.

Best For: Families and retirees seeking safety, political stability, and a calm, predictable society in Latin America.
Less Ideal For: Cost-sensitive movers or those wanting vibrant nightlife and rapid growth

🇺🇾 Best Places to Live in Uruguay

Montevideo (schools, healthcare, culture)
Punta del Este (coastal living)
Ciudad de la Costa (families, value)
Colonia del Sacramento (quiet, historic)

⭐ 9. Puerto Rico 3.70

The easiest “international move” for Americans and a unique tax play.

Lifestyle: U.S. systems like Amazon and the United States Postal Service, Caribbean beaches, English widely spoken, and family-friendly hubs.
Immigration: None for U.S. citizens — just move and establish residency.
Taxes: Act 60 creates massive tax advantages for certain income types, including entrepreneurs and investors.
Tradeoffs: Hurricanes and aging infrastructure have led to power outages; higher import-driven costs.

Best For: Entrepreneurs, investors seeking tax advantages, and U.S. citizens looking for a “soft landing” that is just foreign enough, but still has the comforts of home.
Less Ideal For: Those sensitive to infrastructure issues or looking for low-cost imported goods.

🇵🇷 Best Places to Live in Puerto Rico

San Juan metro (schools, healthcare, urban living)
Dorado (families, Act 60 community)
Palmas del Mar (families, views, marina)
Guaynabo (safe, suburban)
Rincón, Isabela, Aguadilla (surf, relaxed lifestyle)

Note from the Editor: PR is my current home! Puerto Rico is great for people who want to be social. There’s an unusually active social calendar here, especially for families with children.

I was lucky to already speak Spanish fluently, but if you want to learn the language here, the accent is difficult, and most people want to practice their English with you. While you might hear “gringo go home” rhetoric online, I’ve never had anyone be rude to me.

⭐ 10. Italy 3.60

One of the world’s best lifestyles paired with unexpected tax incentives.

Lifestyle: Beauty, food, art, culture, great trains, excellent healthcare, and a slower pace of life.
Immigration: Elective Residency, work routes, investor pathways; slower processes.
Taxes: €100k flat tax or reduced-rate “impatriate regime” for newcomers.
Tradeoffs: Bureaucracy, language barriers outside major cities.

Best For: Families, retirees, and lifestyle-driven expats drawn to culture, food, healthcare, and long-term EU living in various European countries.
Less Ideal For: People unwilling to deal with bureaucracy or slower administrative processes.

🇮🇹 Best Places to Live in Italy

Milan metro (jobs, finance, schools)
Florence area (families, culture)
Bologna (livability, affordability)
Rome (connectivity, history)
Puglia towns (value lifestyle)

Note from the editor: Beware of the 1 euro houses! While these are obviously incredible deals on the surface, most are located in very rural places, without much infrastructure, which might be unsustainable for living long-term.

⭐ 11. Mexico 3.50

Highly diverse, accessible residency, great food, strong healthcare, but highly regional safety due to its close proximity to the US.

Lifestyle: Endless options in Mexico City, Mérida, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, the highlands, and beaches.
Immigration: Temporary/permanent residency based on income/savings, accessible.
Taxes: Standard Latin American system, no major expat tax incentives.
Tradeoffs: Major regional safety variance; choose locations carefully.

Best For: Families, retirees, and remote workers seeking culture, food, strong healthcare, and relatively easy residency, including opportunities in smaller towns.
Less Ideal For: Those uncomfortable with regional safety variation or who need uniform infrastructure everywhere.

🇲🇽 Best Places to Live in Mexico

Mexico City (select neighborhoods for culture and healthcare)
Mérida (safety, families)
Querétaro (orderly, growing economy)
Puerto Vallarta (coastal living)
San Miguel de Allende (retirees)

⭐ 12. Dominican Republic 3.48

A booming Caribbean hub with easy residency and rapid development.

Lifestyle: Warm, friendly, modernizing infrastructure in Punta Cana / Cap Cana, creating a vibrant way of life.
Immigration: Residency is simple; investor and retiree routes are flexible.
Taxes: Territorial-like treatment of foreign income for many expats.
Tradeoffs: Hurricanes; inconsistent healthcare outside main cities.

Best For: Families and retirees looking for Caribbean living, friendly residency rules, and growing modern communities.
Less Ideal For: Those who require consistently top-tier healthcare or highly walkable urban environments.

🇩🇴 Best Places to Live in the Dominican Republic

Punta Cana and Cap Cana (modern, planned communities)
Santo Domingo (select urban areas)
Santiago (families, value)
Las Terrenas (beach lifestyle)

⭐ 13. Chile 3.37

Latin America’s most orderly, institutional, and reliable country.

Lifestyle: Modern, safe in most areas, great nature access, strong education.
Immigration: Clear residency system; 3–6 year foreign-income tax exemption.
Taxes: After the exemption ends, worldwide income is taxed — a serious consideration.
Tradeoffs: Higher costs; slow bureaucracy; post-exemption tax burden.

Best For: Families and professionals prioritizing safety, institutions, education, and long-term stability in Latin America while enjoying an affordable cost of living.
Less Ideal For: High earners after initial tax exemptions expire or those seeking a lower cost of living.

🇨🇱 Best Places to Live in Chile

Santiago (Las Condes, Vitacura for families, Providencia for a more urban lifestyle)
Viña del Mar (coastal living)
Zappallar (the Hamptons of Chile, laid-back coastal living)
Concepción (education, value)
Puerto Varas (nature-focused lifestyle)

Note from the Editor: My wife is Chilean, and we nearly moved our family here post-pandemic. My vote was Zappalar, an exclusive area on the coast, but my wife said it’d be too isolated in the winter. Maybe we’ll split time between there and Santiago one day, where I can ski at world-class resorts just 45 minutes from the city.

⭐ 14. Argentina 3.25

A stunning lifestyle bargain with endless culture and libertarian buzz — but economic chaos.

Lifestyle: Vibrant, artistic, European-feeling cities at low cost, ideal for generating passive income.
Immigration: Generally accessible temporary/permanent residency.
Taxes: Complicated; high inflation makes planning difficult.
Tradeoffs: Political and economic volatility.

Best For: Lifestyle-driven expats, creatives, and remote workers who value culture and affordability.
Less Ideal For: Those needing economic predictability, simple tax planning, or currency stability.

🇦🇷 Best Places to Live in Argentina

Buenos Aires (Palermo, Recoleta)
Córdoba (universities, families)
Mendoza (wine, outdoors)
Bariloche (mountain lifestyle)

⭐ 15. Vietnam 3.20

Fast-growing, safe, energetic, and packed with value, this destination fosters a welcoming culture.

Lifestyle: Great food, strong expat hubs, improving infrastructure.
Immigration: Work permits, business routes, and long-stay options vary.
Taxes: Moderate; no major expat exemptions.
Tradeoffs: Visas can be inconsistent; bureaucracy.

Best For: Cost-conscious remote workers and expats seeking safety, energy, and rapid development.
Less Ideal For: Families needing international schools everywhere or clear long-term residency pathways.

🇻🇳 Best Places to Live in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (jobs, energy)
Hanoi (culture, history)
Da Nang (city-beach balance)
Hoi An area (quiet lifestyle)

⭐ 16. El Salvador 3.18

One of the most dramatic safety turnarounds in the world.

Lifestyle: Improving cities, surf culture, and rising international interest, thanks in part to Bitcoin buzz.
Immigration: Residency available but less streamlined than Panama/Mexico for American retirees.
Taxes: No major expat incentives; standard LATAM structure.
Tradeoffs: Healthcare and infrastructure are still developing.

Best For: Early movers, surfers, and expats drawn to improving safety and emerging opportunities.
Less Ideal For: Those requiring mature healthcare systems or fully developed infrastructure.

🇸🇻 Best Places to Live in El Salvador

San Salvador (select neighborhoods)
Santa Tecla (families)
Surf Coast / El Tunco (expat hub)
Nuevo Cuscatlán (planned communities)

⭐ 17. Japan 3.10

The safest, cleanest, and most efficient society on the list, but it is also hard to immigrate to, thanks in part to its excellent public transport.

Lifestyle: Elite safety, order, transit, culture, and healthcare.
Immigration: Strict; mostly for workers, students, or company transfers.
Taxes: Standard developed-nation system; no special expat incentives.
Tradeoffs: Very limited long-term visas for remote workers.

Best For: Families and professionals prioritizing safety, order, public services, and healthcare quality.
Less Ideal For: Remote workers seeking easy immigration, low taxes, or English-first environments.

🇯🇵 Best Places to Live in Japan

Tokyo metro (jobs, safety, transit)
Yokohama (families)
Osaka (culture, value)
Fukuoka (quality of life)

Note from the Editor: My brother speaks Japanese fluently, and we always have our eye on the bargain rural houses. I hope he can figure out a way to emigrate there, so I can come visit!

⭐ 18. Indonesia (Bali/Jakarta) 3.05

A global magnet for digital nomads and lifestyle seekers.

Lifestyle: Tropical living, wellness culture, creative expat communities.
Immigration: Second Home Visa, Investor Visa, Bali Nomad programs.
Taxes: Potentially favorable for foreign-earned income with proper structuring.
Tradeoffs: Infrastructure uneven; policy can shift unpredictably.

Best For: Remote workers, creatives, and wellness-focused expats seeking tropical living and community.
Less Ideal For: Families needing consistent infrastructure or long-term residency certainty.

🇮🇩 Best Places to Live in Indonesia

Bali (Canggu, Ubud, for remote workers)
Jakarta (business districts)
Yogyakarta (culture, affordability)

Note from the Editor: I’ve been doing business in Bali since 2012 and can’t say enough good things as far as “vibes” go. You can get incredible service from some of the kindest people in the world, at an amazing price. If I were to move there in this stage of life, I’d want to be around stable families rather than the transient “digital nomad scene.”

⭐ 19. Georgia 3.00

One of the most entrepreneur-friendly countries in the world.

Lifestyle: Affordable, friendly, rapidly developing; Tbilisi has momentum.
Immigration: Easy residency via business, investment, or income.
Taxes: Very favorable business taxation; foreign income treatment is flexible.
Tradeoffs: Healthcare, schools, and political stability are not top-tier.

Best For: Entrepreneurs and remote workers seeking flexible residency, low costs, and business-friendly policies.
Less Ideal For: Families prioritizing elite healthcare, international schools, or long-term political stability.

🇬🇪 Best Places to Live in Georgia

Tbilisi (entrepreneurs, expats)
Batumi (coastal living)
Kutaisi (low cost, quieter lifestyle)

⭐ 20. Paraguay 2.95

A strategic “Plan B residency” with minimal barriers.

Lifestyle: Low cost, calm, predictable daily life in Asunción, South America.
Immigration: Easiest long-term residency in the region; low financial requirements.
Taxes: Very low; foreign income is often exempt or lightly taxed.
Tradeoffs: Limited healthcare, fewer amenities, not a lifestyle destination.

Best For: Those seeking an easy residency option, low taxes, and a low-cost “Plan B” lifestyle.
Less Ideal For: Expats looking for advanced healthcare, international schools, or vibrant cultural scenes.

🇵🇾 Best Places to Live in Paraguay

Asunción (services, residency hub)
Luque (families)
San Bernardino (weekend lifestyle)
Encarnación (value, border city)

Final Verdict: What Is the Best Country to Live Abroad in 2025?

It depends on your goals:

Best overall: Portugal
Best taxes: UAE / Puerto Rico / Panama
Best safety: Japan / UAE / Uruguay
Best lifestyle: Spain / Italy / Thailand
Best affordability: Vietnam / Malaysia / Paraguay
Best nature: Costa Rica
Best stability in Latin America: Uruguay / Chile

The perfect country isn’t universal; it’s personal.
Choose the country that matches the high quality of life you want to build next.

If you’re considering a move abroad and want reliable, honest guidance,
GLN can introduce you to trusted professionals on the ground — real estate brokers, lawyers, tax advisors, and relocation specialists.

👉 Tell us where you’re thinking about moving, and we’ll connect you with the right people.

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