Every year, the international expat community asks thousands of people living abroad to rate their experience in their adopted country. This year's survey gathered the views of almost 8,000 expats representing 162 nationalities living in 31 countries, covering everything from quality of life and finances to career opportunities and how easy it is to settle in.

Portugal continued to perform strongly in several key areas that matter most to people moving abroad.

One of its best results came in the Personal Finance Index, where Portugal ranked fourth. Many respondents said they were satisfied with their financial situation and felt they had enough disposable income to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Another area where Portugal scored highly was helping newcomers settle in. Expats said they generally found it easy to adapt to life in the country and build a new routine, earning Portugal seventh place in this category.

Not every category was as positive, however. Portugal placed 29th in the Working Abroad Index, with respondents pointing to limited career opportunities and lower salaries compared to many other countries. While the country continues to attract retirees, remote workers and lifestyle-focused expats, it remains a more challenging destination for those primarily looking to advance their careers.

Top 10 countries for expats in 2026:

  1. Panama
  2. Mexico
  3. Thailand
  4. United Arab Emirates
  5. Brazil
  6. Spain
  7. Singapore
  8. Portugal
  9. Malaysia
  10. Luxembourg

For many people considering a move abroad, Portugal continues to stand out for its climate, safety, relaxed lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere. Although career prospects remain one of its weaker points, the latest survey suggests the country remains one of the world's most attractive destinations for those looking for a good quality of life.