Panama: No. 1 for Expats in 2026

The world’s best destination for expats in 2026, Panama wins for working abroad and personal finances — and locals make newcomers feel right at home.

➡️You’re welcome to use these 2026 Expat Insider results. Please remember to credit InterNations as the source, and where possible, include a link to www.internations.org.

In this article:

In Brief
Money Goes Further & Stays There
Working Abroad at Its Best
A Warm Welcome
Easy to Move, Easy to Stay
Strong Surroundings, Shaky Roads
The Typical Expat in Panama
Further Reading

In Brief

Panama ranks 1st out of 31 destinations in the 2026 Expat Insider survey. It tops both the Working Abroad Index (1st) and the Personal Finance Index (1st) and comes in a close 2nd for Ease of Settling In and Expat Essentials. The Quality of Life Index (6th) rounds out a strong all-around result.

Close to nine in ten expats (87%) say they’re happy with life there, well above the 70% global average. The country is a particular draw for retirees: 18% of respondents moved there to retire, compared to just 4% worldwide.

Money Goes Further & Stays There

Panama takes 1st place in the Personal Finance Index. Nine in ten expats (90%) feel their disposable household income is enough or more than enough for a comfortable life — the best result of any destination and far above the 71% global average.

Over three-quarters (76%) are satisfied with their financial situation (vs. 55% globally), another 1st-place finish. The cost of living lands in 2nd place, with close to a quarter (23%) going so far as to give it the best possible rating, more than twice the 10% recorded worldwide.

Working Abroad at Its Best

The country also tops the Working Abroad Index (1st). Its standout strength is work-life balance, where it ranks 1st worldwide — nine in ten expats (90%) are satisfied with this factor, compared to 62% globally.

Panama scores well for personal career opportunities (3rd) and overall job satisfaction (4th), too, and close to three-quarters (74%) view the state of the economy favorably (vs. 59% globally).

Interestingly, work is less of a driver for moving to Panama than these results would suggest: only 16% of respondents give a job-related reason, less than half the global average of 33%.

A Warm Welcome

Panama is one of the easiest places to settle, ranking 2nd in the Ease of Settling In Index, with top 3 placements in all three of its subcategories. Around nine in ten expats describe the locals as friendly in general (90% vs. 63% globally) and towards foreign residents in particular (85% vs. 61%).

Opinion

I love how friendly and helpful the people are. Everything is relaxed. (German expat in Panama City)

Opinion

Putting down roots feels natural, too: more than four in five (84%) feel welcome (vs. 64%), and a similar share (81%) feel at home (vs. 61%). Asked about their plans for the future, over a third (34%) want to stay forever.

Easy to Move, Easy to Stay

Cinching another 2nd place in the Expat Essentials Index, Panama keeps the practical side of expat life simple. It ranks 1st for Housing: nine in ten expats (90%) say it’s easy to find a home — more than double the global average of 44% — and housing is seen as affordable as well (2nd).

Expats find getting a visa straightforward (2nd), and Digital Life is solid, with high-speed internet (2nd) and unrestricted online access (7th) among the best anywhere. The (lack of) online availability of administrative services (22nd) and ease of opening a bank account (22nd) are the bigger hurdles, both factors landing outside the top 20.

Strong Surroundings, Shaky Roads

Panama receives its worst result — though it still does well — for Quality of Life (6th). Its natural environment earns a perfect score: every expat surveyed (100%) rates it positively (vs. 84% globally).

Opinion

I love the beauty of the country — the mountains, beaches, rain forest, islands, rivers and the towns and the vibrant cities. And the access to everything you need is here. I feel good here. (Canadian expat in Panama City)

Opinion

Healthcare (9th), Leisure Options (6th), and Safety & Security (6th) also impress, and more than nine in ten (92%) feel personally safe (vs. 81%). The clear weak spot is road infrastructure, where Panama finishes last (31st): only around three in five (58%) rate it well (vs. 73%).