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Best countries for expats to move and easy relocation in 2024

If you are considering moving to another country for work or after retirement, this article about the best places all over the world will help you decide on the grounds.

Last time updated
18.09.24

Whether you want to move to Asia, Africa or Europe, you need to consider many factors, such as taxation, documents required and the procedures you must comply with. In some places it is easier, in some harder, but there is definitely a place to call home. For millions of years people have been moving and immigrating to improve their life. The outcome of the last count in 2020 was that 281 million people are already living somewhere else!

Relocation and expats in our modern world

People move for different reasons. Push factors are negative things about where you live that make you want to leave. Bad living conditions, bad weather, few jobs, poor healthcare, lack of education and politics are all reasons people leave a place. Good weather, high salaries, better education and a safe, affordable place to live are on the contrary the main reasons people move to another place.

281 million
of migrants globally in 2020
3.6% of the world
population has migrated

For every person those reasons can be unique and different. It is always a mix of push and pull factors where the decision to move is based on. Well, and moving between countries has been getting easier the last decade as many jobs nowadays can be done remotely. Certainly the period of pandemic showed that working remotely can be a big advantage for both employees and companies.

They are not mad

It is one of the reasons for the growing group of people that like to be called digital nomads. They are traveling the world while working remotely. The top 5 places to stay and work as a digital nomad have been already selected. Those are Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand, Mexico City in (you'll never guess) Mexico, South Korea's busy city Seoul, and one of the most densely populated territories in the world – Hong Kong.

Job
Remote
Luxembourg

What about working remotely in Luxembourg?

Top 5 places for expats in the European Union

The European Union (EU) is a magnet for expats for a reason; good weather, great historical sites, fantastic food, political stability and very good social security systems are just a few things to mention. As the number of expats grows, countries are taking steps to benefit highly educated expats by using special nomad visas to attract people, especially in areas where there is a shortage of experienced workers. This also means that some locations are more attractive to expats than others.

33 million
expats currently living in Europe
6.5%
of the EU population are foreigners
32.5 million
foreigners in the EU in 2010
20.2 million
were third-country nationals

Which countries are the best for easy relocation?

Each country has its own unique advantages for expats, making them the ideal destinations for relocation in Europe. Factors like quality of life, cost of living, safety and job opportunities all weigh differently for expats to make a personal choice. Malta, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy and Spain are the 5 easiest countries to relocate to in Europe nowadays. Let's take a closer look.

Malta
Cyprus
Portugal
Italy
Spain

How much does it cost to live?

Cost of living in the European Union can vary a lot. Differences between countries and regions are obvious. Portugal has the lowest cost of living, for a single person 670 euro per month and for a family of four the cost is 2,355 euro. Cyprus has the highest cost of living for a single person, 859 euros, and for a family of four it comes to 3,017 euros per month.

The prices mentioned even without rent. Rent fees are somewhat similar for all countries for a one room apartment. You can check the cost of living directly for the place you want to live in on the website dedicated to rent and buying property.

Cost of living and rent in different counties in 2024
CountryCost-of-living for a single person (EU/per month)Cost-of-living for a family of four (EU/per month) Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment  (EU/per month)Average income in the country (EU/per month)
Malta7872,8667831,400
Cyprus8593,0177321,537
Italy8562,9885661,582
Spain7072,4957221,718
Portugal6702,3557271,033

What are the required documents procedures?

To move to any European country as an expat and stay longer than the regularly allowed 90 days, EU-nationals and non-EU nationals need to apply for a national visa to live and work there legally. This will be a type D visa (national) or a nomad visa if the country provides it.

Where to apply
When to apply
What documents are needed

Which countries offer a nomad visa in Europe?

Malta, Cyprus, Italy, Spain, Portugal all offer a nomad visa for non-EU nationals. The granted period for a non interrupted stay is 1 year. Most countries allow an extended stay with 1 or 2 years time frames. Furthermore there are some extra requirements as a minimum income, and proof of renting accommodation.

Top 5 places for expats in Asia and Africa

Just like other parts of the world, Asia and Africa are also very interesting and popular among expats. These regions often provide unique cultural experiences that can enrich one's life, maybe that's the reason you will find a lot of hostels and a lot of young international tourists here. 

The cost of living in many Asian and African countries is relatively lower compared to Western countries, allowing people to save money or live a more luxurious lifestyle. Warm (and even hot) climate in these regions can be a welcome change for those coming from colder climates, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle. Besides, it is a great place to spend a dull European winter in.

Cultural diversity
Cities like Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Cape Town in South Africa offer a rich blend of cultures, making them vibrant and welcoming for expats.
Affordable life
Places like Chiang Mai in Thailand and Nairobi in Kenya offer a lower cost of living compared to other major cities, making them attractive for expats looking to stretch their budget.
Career opportunities
Expats looking for career growth may find cities like Singapore in Asia and Lagos in Nigeria as key hubs with thriving job markets and opportunities for professional development
Safe places
It is important for expats to choose locations that have low crime rates and stable political climates to ensure a smooth transition. Asian countries can provide you with low crime rates and a welcoming environment.

Which countries are the best for easy relocation?

Asia and Africa are huge continents with lots of big countries, so there are loads of great places for expats to choose from. Malaysia and Thailand in Asia, and South Africa and Kenya in Africa, are great examples of countries that are really welcoming towards expats. They offer a good balance of affordable living costs, cultural diversity, and ease of integration for foreigners. Expats often find it relatively easy to settle in these countries, which is why they’re so popular choices for relocation in Asia and Africa.

Kenya
South Africa
Thailand
Vietnam
Malaysia

How much does it cost to live?

Cost of living in Asia and Africa can vary a lot depending on your lifestyle and place that you choose. There are big differences between countries and regions, because they have metropolises that are quite popular with tourists and expats, which makes prices go up. Do not forget to check less touristic spots, if you would like to be closer to local traditions and low prices of life.

Cost of living and rent in different countries in Asia
CountryCost-of-living for a single person (EU/per month)Cost-of-living for a family of four (EU/per month)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment (EU/per month)Average income in the country (EU/per month)
Kenya4741,698133356
South Africa5491,9093231,251
Thailand5201,848219495
Vietnam4301,516209406
Malaysia4471,580221806

What are the required documents procedures?

All countries have a form of national visa that will allow the expat to stay longer than 90 days in the country, mostly up to 1 year but some even longer. Due to the differences in those procedures it is better to visit the website of the country you plan to visit and live in directly.

General documents that are usually required
Check the list carefully
All these document are mandatory
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Long-stay visa application form, completely filled in and signed
Passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the visa expires with 2 blank pages
2 passport pictures
Absence of police criminal record certificate for any person of 18 years and above
Health insurance
Check the list carefully
All these document are mandatory
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

Which countries offer a nomad visa?

Both Kenya and Vietnam are not offering a nomad visa, but maybe in the future they will, as the destination is quite popular for remote workers. Still, the procedure of visa-run exists and works legally. South Africa, Thailand and Malaysia do offer a nomad visa!

The granted period varies between 6 months and 1 year, and most countries allow an extended stay. Furthermore there can be some extra requirements as a minimum income, and proof of renting accommodation, proof of work contract.

Top 5 places for expats in North and South America

When considering relocation as an expat, it might be helpful to think about some of the top destinations in North and South America. For example, cities like Vancouver, Canada, are often seen as offering a high quality of life and diverse culture. Similarly, Medellin, Colombia, is frequently praised for its pleasant climate, low cost of living, and welcoming locals. These cities offer expats a mix of modern amenities, cultural experiences, and a sense of community that can make adapting to a new country easier.

Career building place
Cities such as Medellin or New York City boast thriving job markets, perfect for expats looking to advance their careers. At the end of the day they invented capitalism!
Good life
Locations like Costa Rica and Mexico offer a lower cost of living and a more laid-back lifestyle, making them ideal for expats seeking a change of pace. These factors make these destinations popular choices for expats looking to relocate.
Rich local culture
Moving to North or South America offers expats a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages. From the vibrant rhythms of Brazil to the historical sites of Peru, each country in the region has its own rich heritage waiting to be explored.
Natural beauty
The stunning landscapes of North and South America, from the Amazon rainforest to the grand canyon. Great for a beach lover, a hiker, or a wildlife enthusiast, America's natural wonders will leave you in awe.

Which countries are the best for easy relocation?

History books do not lie. There are many countries in North and South America welcoming people from other countries. All of them are very interesting to move to but here we will focus on Canada, USA, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina as top spots for home-seekers worldwide.

Canada
USA
Mexico
Colombia
Argentina

How much does it cost to live?

Cost of living in North America compared to South America is very high. South America is much more affordable, but keep in mind that local salaries are also much lower. There are significant differences between the countries.

Cost of living and rent in different countries in North and South America
CountryCost-of-living for a single person (EU/per month)Cost-of-living for a family of four (EU/per month)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment (EU/per month)Average income in the country (EU/per month)
Canada9773,5131,1382,665
USA1,0763,8311,3274,176
Mexico6112,211415679
Colombia4861,634285339
Argentina4461,598223402

What are the required documents procedures?

All countries have a form of national visa that will allow the expat to stay longer than 90 days in the country, mostly up to 1 year or even longer. Due to the vast differences in those procedures it is better to visit the website of the country you want to be an expat in.

Example: Ticket to your new life in US

A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a government-issued document that grants a foreign citizen the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Every year, the US Diversity Visa Lottery offers a golden ticket to thousands of lucky individuals and their families to live and work in the United States.

If you're selected, you'll have the chance to start a new life in one of the world's most dynamic countries. World-class education, thriving job markets, and endless opportunities for you and your loved ones.

Which countries offer a nomad visa?

Both the USA and Mexico are not offering a nomad visa currently. The USA is not offering an official nomad visa, but there are options to work for 6 months depending on a type of a tourist visa. For Mexico the situation is the same: there is no official nomad visa but it is possible to use a temporary resident visa to stay and work. Canada, Colombia and Argentina offer a full nomad visa to people wanting to come and contribute to their economy.

The granted period varies between 6 months and 1 year, and most countries allow an extended stay. Furthermore there can be some extra requirements as a minimum income, and proof of renting accommodation, proof of work contract.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does every country have a digital nomad visa?

Why are for some countries the average salaries so low?

Does an expat have to learn the local language?

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