The top ten livable cities for expats in 2026 are led by global hubs like Switzerland, Denmark, and Austria, which offer the strongest mix of safety, lifestyle quality, and long-term stability.
These cities stand out for their modern infrastructure, economic opportunities, and expat-friendly environments that support both professionals and families.
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A good expat destination balances quality of life with practical advantages. Factors such as efficient public services, political stability, and economic opportunities are central.
Cost of living, healthcare quality, and education options increasingly shape relocation choices, especially for families.
Expats also value cultural openness, ease of integration, and availability of residency pathways.
A strong sense of safety and personal freedom further determines whether a country becomes a long-term home.
In 2026, countries that combine these factors with digital-friendly infrastructure and diverse job markets tend to attract the largest expat communities.
The top 10 most livable cities in the world in 2026 are those that combine safety, high quality of life, strong infrastructure, and expat-friendly systems, with cities like Copenhagen, Vienna, Zurich, and Singapore consistently leading global rankings.
1. Copenhagen (Denmark)
2. Vienna (Austria)
3. Zurich (Switzerland)
4. Auckland (New Zealand)
5. Singapore
6. Lisbon (Portugal)
7. Vancouver (Canada)
8. Helsinki (Finland)
9. Tokyo (Japan)
10. Dubai (UAE)
In 2026, some of the cheapest countries for expats include Vietnam, Georgia, and Mexico.
Lisbon is often cited as one of the friendliest cities for expats, combining a laid‑back and welcoming culture with a strong international community.
According to the Expat Insider survey, around 74% of expats in Portugal say locals are friendly, and 75% feel welcomed as foreign residents.
There were nearly 120,000 foreign citizens with residence permits in the municipality of Lisbon itself by early 2023.
These figures help explain why expats often highlight Lisbon’s warm and open social environment — there is a significant and growing international presence, and many expats feel at home.
Portugal remains one of the best countries to settle permanently in 2026 for retirement, thanks to its favorable climate, strong healthcare system, and accessible residency routes via the D7 Visa.
The D7 Visa is designed for retirees (or anyone with a stable passive income like a pension, investments, or rental income), and requires a minimum monthly income of around €760–€870 plus proof of residency or accommodation. Once you have the permit, you can register for Portugal’s public healthcare system.
Spain follows closely with its Non‑Lucrative Visa, ideal for non-EU retirees living off passive income. To qualify, you typically need to show income of about €28,800/year for the main applicant, plus proof of private health insurance.
The visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed; after five years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency.
Malaysia remains a very compelling destination under its Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. For retirees, this visa allows long-term residency in Malaysia. According to program guidelines, applicants need to demonstrate a certain level of offshore income and maintain a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank (in certain age categories).
The country is known for its low cost of living, modern amenities, and high-quality private healthcare.
For retirees prioritizing stability and long-term residency, Canada offers strong social systems and immigration pathways, though it does not have a formal retirement visa. Retirees usually apply via its general permanent residency programs, e.g., family sponsorship.
New Zealand also appeals to retirees for its high quality of life, safety, and natural beauty.
While there isn’t a formal retiree visa, older applicants may be able to secure residency through family or skilled investor streams, depending on their financial situation.
Singapore remains one of the safest countries for expats in 2026, recognized for its low crime rate, strong rule of law, and high overall peace.
Other top options for expats seeking safety include Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, and New Zealand, all noted for low crime, strong institutions, and stable social systems.
Here’s the latest data on global peace and crime rates for the top-ranking countries in 2026:
Top 10 Countries by Crime Index (Lower is Safer) – Numbeo
| Rank | Country | Crime Index | Safety Index |
| 1 | Andorra | 12.9 | 87.1 |
| 2 | UAE | 15.6 | 84.4 |
| 3 | Qatar | 16.0 | 84.0 |
| 4 | Taiwan | 16.7 | 83.3 |
| 5 | Oman | 19.0 | 81.0 |
| 6 | Armenia | 22.4 | 77.6 |
| 7 | Japan | 22.6 | 77.4 |
| 8 | Singapore | 23.5 | 76.5 |
| 9 | Monaco | 23.6 | 76.4 |
| 10 | Estonia | 25.5 | 74.5 |
Top 10 Countries by Global Peace Index – GPI
| Rank | Country | GPI Score |
| 1 | Iceland | 1.095 |
| 2 | Ireland | 1.260 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 1.282 |
| 4 | Austria | 1.294 |
| 5 | Switzerland | 1.294 |
| 6 | Singapore | 1.357 |
| 7 | Portugal | 1.371 |
| 8 | Denmark | 1.393 |
| 9 | Slovenia | 1.409 |
| 10 | Finland | 1.420 |
The easiest countries to become an expat in 2026 include Portugal, the UAE, Thailand, and Georgia, thanks to straightforward residency visas, low income requirements, and flexible work arrangements.
Portugal’s D7 and digital nomad visas are among the simplest in Europe.
The UAE offers fast residency issuance tied to employment or investment.
Thailand appeals through its long-stay visas for professionals and retirees.
Georgia remains one of the most accessible destinations due to visa-free entry for many nationalities and simple tax structures for remote workers.
Choosing where to live as an expat in 2026 depends on personal priorities—safety, affordability, career prospects, and lifestyle.
While global hubs like Copenhagen, Singapore, and Zurich offer unmatched infrastructure and stability, emerging destinations such as Lisbon, Auckland, or Tbilisi provide a balance of livability and lower costs.
By considering both objective rankings and practical factors like healthcare, residency options, and community integration, expats can identify a city that suits their professional goals, family needs, and long-term plans.
Ultimately, the best choice blends comfort, opportunity, and the sense of belonging that transforms a new city into home.
The annual World’s Best Cities Report for 2026 ranked London #1 overall, noting its cultural richness, economic opportunities, and global influence.
However, in livability-focused indices such as the EIU Global Liveability Index, London ranks lower, with cities like Vienna, Copenhagen, and Zurich topping the charts due to safety, public services, and overall quality of life.
In recent risk assessments, nations such as Afghanistan, Syria, and parts of the Sahel region ranked among the riskiest due to ongoing conflict and limited institutional stability.
Countries facing the highest risks typically experience political instability, security concerns, or economic uncertainty.
Countries with the highest standard of living generally include Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark, reflecting strong social systems, excellent healthcare, and high income levels.