Best Places for Expats to Live in 2024

What Are the Benefits of Living Abroad?

If you ask anyone who moved away from where they grew up in, they will tell you that living abroad has its own set of challenges. Expat life brings new experiences, but also asks for a lot of adjustment. Everything that is old and familiar will be replaced with the unknown. Some friends and family will not be that close anymore and you will still have to figure out where to go for coffee, groceries, bureaucracy, medical assistance and everything else that right now comes automatically to you.

However, since the beginning of time, humans insist on giving expat living a chance. Why? Well, we cannot really speak for our ancestors, but we do know what currently the main benefits are for someone who is looking to cross borders and move to a different country.

Global Mobility

The doors of the world are not equally open for all. The place where you were born and where you live will define how easy it is to access some parts of the globe, for visiting or for settling down. In many cases, changing countries will open amazing mobility possibilities that could be great for you personally or professionally.

Work-Life Balance

Culture plays a big part in the way people live and experience a country, as it influences how people living in that place tend to deal with their careers and their daily work routines. Some nations are known for having a more relaxed lifestyle, with regulated working hours and a better work-life balance, which can be just what many expats need.

Affordable Cost of Living

A good life is an affordable one. Moving from your home country to struggle in another is not an ideal situation. That is why a low cost of living is usually very important for expats, as it gives them a chance to fully enjoy the experiences that will be presented to them in their new place.

New and Better Opportunities

Whether it is career or business opportunities, it is very important for expats to thrive in their chosen destination. The way you make your living, after all, not only gives you access to comfort and experiences, but also an important sense of achievement.

Tax Benefits

Moving to another place while also being able to save on taxes can really make a difference on your day-to-day life, as your finances will be more favorable, bringing new opportunities and a more comfortable lifestyle.

Landscapes, Gastronomy and Culture

Since a big move is on the way, it is always best to go to a place that will bring new experiences and adventures. That is why countries with beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine and an interesting culture are the most sought-after by expats.

Quality of Life

Yes, quality of life is a concept that can change from one person to another. However, in general, we all know what it looks like: fewer hours spent on traffic, a lighter lifestyle with less to worry about, safety for you and your family. This is definitely one of the main things that people search for when making such a big life change as moving to another country.

Where to Go to When Considering Moving Abroad?

Each different location brings unique possibilities. This is the reason why, when thinking of moving abroad, it is so important to really assess your personal aspirations. Maybe that very famous spot that everybody thinks about is not really for you. Perhaps the business opportunity or the lifestyle of another place will suit your needs way better. You are better off if you simply take the world as your menu and go for what you are craving for.

Moving to the Safety and Mobility of Europe

Europe is undeniably the top destination for expats. First of all, it is a safe haven in a world where insecurity is increasing in many parts. Proof of that is the fact that, in 2024, 7 European countries made the Top 10 of the Global Peace Index, including the top 3, led by Iceland and followed by Ireland and Austria.

Another thing that makes Europe so appealing is the mobility it provides. That happens not only because of the proximity of countries in the region but also because EU residents can travel visa-free to all 29 Schengen Zone countries, as long as they respect the 180/90 days rule.

If you stay long enough to get your citizenship, which is possible in some parts of Europe, then you unlock, quite literally, a world of mobility. As European passports are widely accepted around the globe, some countries are the best to get dual citizenship.

Setting Residency in the Dreamy Caribbean Scenery

Those pristine Caribbean waters, kissing the immaculate white sand, are the summary of what paradise probably looks like. Imagine being able to witness some of the most beautiful places in the world on a daily basis. 

Setting up residency in the Caribbean, whether temporarily or permanently, also offers, for many nationalities, a more relaxed lifestyle and new mobility possibilities at a very reasonable cost. Also, its touristic nature goes a long way communication wise, with many countries in the region having English as their official language, which makes the Caribbean one of the best places to move to from the U.S.A., for example.

Moving Into the Opportunities of the Middle East

You might think of the Middle East as some sort of big, sanded desert, but in reality, this corner of the world is an oasis of opportunities. With many large companies setting up offices in the area, skilled workforce is constantly required.  

There are also great investment possibilities, especially in countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council, an intergovernmental, political, and economic union that is a true powerhouse in the region. The GCC is composed of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates 

The incentive of tax-free income, given by many places around the Middle East, is also a great benefit. The vibrant and unique culture and modern appeal of some countries are extra reasons for expats to consider this region when deciding on relocation.

The 2024 List of Best Places for Expats to Live in

Once you have chosen your region, it is time to take a closer look into the country that will best suit your wants and needs. To help you in this task, we have selected some of the best places for expats to live abroad nowadays, taking into account factors such as quality of life, climate, safety and how viable it is to get a residence permit.

Best Places to Live Abroad as an Expat in Europe

Portugal - Peaceful Towns and Vibrant Cities

Portugal is on a roll and seems to have it all: the opportunity of exquisite big cities and the tranquility of small, charming towns; diverse landscapes, with amazing beaches on the coastline and intriguing nature on the countryside; great work-life balance and growing opportunities in many industries.  

Portugal is also the closest mainland European point to the U.S. and offers great connection to the rest of the continent.

• 7th safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index
• 8th in the English Proficiency Index
• Established universal educational and healthcare systems
• Affordable cost of living

All that puts Portugal in almost every list of best countries to live in. But is it good for expats? The answer is a big and shiny “yes”. Portugal has a high rate of English proficiency, and offers citizenship after 5 years of residency, showing its openness for foreigners. There are a few ways to get a residency in Portugal, with the Portugal D2 Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa being some of the world’s most affordable Residency by Investment programs.

Greece - Rich Cultural Heritage with a Relaxed Way of Life

With one of the highest life expectancies in the world, Greece is all about quality of life. The Mediterranean climate invites visitors and locals to live life at a different pace, enjoying the delightful flavors of the Greek cuisine, and soaking in beautiful views, made both by nature and by man. No wonder this is one of the top destinations for retirees seeking to live their best life.

For those interested in history, Greece is a feast, holding 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with the Acropolis of Athens being the most famous one. However, Greece is not only a place of the past, but also a place for the present and the future. Especially for those seeking to invest in the real estate market, since properties in Greece have very good long-term capital appreciation.

• Low crime rate
• Affordable cost of living
• Excellent gastronomy
• Great climate

For expats, getting a residency in Greece will not only assure the chance of living in this beautiful country, as it can pave the way to European citizenship. The best entryway to all of those possibilities is through the Greece Golden Visa Real Estate, the best and most profitable option, that can be achieved with a very attractive initial investment of €250,000.

Cyprus - Strategic Location with a Mediterranean Flavor

This beautiful island, located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia is, quite literally, a true gift, as during the Roman Empire the legendary Marc Anthony gifted it to his beloved Cleopatra.

Nowadays, Cyprus awards its locals, visitors and residents with stunning views, a historic wine production and the globally desired Mediterranean climate and lifestyle. If living on an Island seems lonely to you: think again. Cyprus strategic location promises connection rather than distance. All that with the expectation of robust economic activity growth in 2024, according to the European Commision.

• Affordable cost of living
• Favorable tax regime
• Safety
• High Economic Growth (Real GDP growth of 2.5% in 2023)

Cyprus also offers a quick and efficient immigration program that allows investors of nearly all non-EU nationalities to live in this European Union country and to have the chance to obtain citizenship after 5 years.  

As purchasing one of the beautiful Real Estate properties available in Cyprus is one of the options of its Residency by Investment program, this makes this island automatically one of the easiest countries in Europe to move to.

Best Places to Live Abroad as an Expat in the Caribbean

Saint Lucia – An English-Speaking Exotic Paradise

Moving to the Caribbean may seem like a dream or an idea that came out of script from a summer romcom. However, reality beats fantasy when it comes to Saint Lucia. Yes, the amazing blue ocean is there. And the bright white sands are right there beside it. There are also the amazing Piton Mountains and sun shining all around.

But there is also the practical side of St. Lucia, with its great fresh cuisine, the festivals and the safety of a welcoming place . For expats, there is even the plus of English being the official language of the country.

• Broad range of tax benefits (no taxes on capital, wealth, and inheritance)
• Good connections to the rest of the world
• Proximity to the U.S.
• Great quality of life and lifestyle

St. Lucia is the kind of place that shows their approach towards immigrants with actions: the Saint Lucia Golden Visa allows you to become a Citizen of Saint Lucia and relocate to the island in as soon as 6 months. From that point on, you can freely visit and work in any other member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and travel visa-free to the countries within the European Union for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Antigua and Barbuda - Different Traditions and Vibrant Culture

If you sum up rich African roots with widely known British influences, what you get is a unique place that merges the best of many worlds: Antigua and Barbuda. The set of three islands, one of which is inhabited, is a tropical wonder with all that comes with it: the beautiful weather, the warm community, and the lively culture.

If you are seeking to live a multicultural experience, Antigua and Barbuda is the place to be. The second safest country in the entire region of the Americas also offers an interesting cost of living and has English as its official and working language.

• Tax-friendly
• Stable political scenario
• Strong passport
• 365 beaches, one for each day of the year

As for its immigration process, Antigua and Barbuda is one of the few places that still offers the most interesting citizenship by investment option: real estate. That means that you can get a second nationality for yourself and your family by purchasing a selected, and amazing, property that will surely have its value increase year after year.  With that new passport on your hands, you will be able to travel visa-free to 150 countries, including those within the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

Grenada – An Underrated Gem of the Caribbean Sea

Looking into slowing things down a notch? Or maybe you want to spice things up. In Grenada you can do both, as this small relaxing island is one of the largest producers of nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, and other. 

But there is more to savor when moving to Grenada: warm temperatures throughout the year, tax benefits and one of the best healthcare systems in the Caribbean.

• Tax-friendly
• Outside the hurricane belt
• Safety
• Unspoiled landscapes

Expats that desire to move to Grenada have time and bureaucracy on their side, as Grenada has one of the fastest and uncomplicated relocation processes in the Caribbean region. In as little as 90 days you can land in your new home. What is really interesting is that the real estate option is geared toward the hospitality industry. That means that you can get your citizenship when investing in government approved hotels, villas, and resorts. That fosters the tourism infrastructure, Grenada’s main economic driver, creating a model of citizenship by investment that is very sustainable.

Dominica – Untouched Beauty and Rising Economy

Those who love to explore new opportunities and to pave the way for growth and development might find Dominica the perfect place to put their adventure sprit into action. That is because this often-overlooked paradise has a lot yet to be explored, not only nature-wise but also in its opportunities.

However, make no mistake: the citizenship by investment program is a solid long-lasting one, that has been welcoming expats for the last 30 years.

• Tax-friendly
• Quality of life
• World’s most stablished Citizenship by Investment Visa programs
• Unspoiled landscapes

Best Places to Live Abroad as an Expat in the Middle East

Qatar - Dynamic Environment and Luxurious Lifestyle

After checking the best places for an expat to live in Europe and in the Caribbean, you may be thinking that we believe that quality of life only comes from being in historic cities or natural havens. But the truth is, a great lifestyle can be all that and more. And Qatar proves just that.

This modern, investment-driven place is often remembered for its stunning architecture, but it also offers beautiful beaches and an amazing lifestyle that relies on its great infrastructure. Qatar offers a unique blend of traditional values and luxurious living.

• Safest middle eastern country in the world
• Futuristic and innovative
• Great financial opportunities
• Top healthcare infrastructure
• Tax-friendly

To be able to unlock all Qatar has to offer, the real estate market is the best key possible. The Golden Visa, known as the Qatar Investor Visa program, allows investors to get a temporary residency permit through the purchase of a property of at least USD 200,000. Those ready to move permanently to all the amenities this place holds must invest USD 1 million for five years of residency and the process usually takes from 2 to 6 months to be completed.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Wealthy, Cosmopolitan and Full of Opportunities

The amazing, high and futuristic skyscrapers that emerge from the ground are just a little glimpse of how majestic the United Arab Emirates can be. Formed by seven emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, the UAE is, nowadays, an international hub of futurist endeavors and a luxurious lifestyle. 

When moving to such a unique and diverse place as this, the possibilities are truly endless. And so are the opportunities, since the UAE has an admirable high income per capita.

• Zero income tax
• Huge expat community from all over the world
• Great financial opportunities
• Luxurious and unique lifestyle

One of the things that make the UAE so attractive to expats, besides its tax regime and futurist vibe, is the fact that it offers very extensive residency options from the get-go. This means that the right investment in the country can grant you an automatic permit that is valid from 5 to 10 years. Also, it is possible to get residency for your whole family, with no age restrictions.

Choosing The Best Place to Live as an Expat Gets Easier with the Help of the Right People

Investment Visa is, above all, a company made of people. People who believe in tailored advice and case to case scenarios. That is why you can turn to us to find the perfect location for expat living. We will take into account all goals, needs and desires to present the places that will turn your investment into the expected return, either is business opportunities, quality of life, strategic location, freedom to travel the world or all of that combined.

Talk to any of our team of experts to easily find out how we have a 100% success rate in our applications for Residency or Citizenship by investment around the world.

FAQs

What Should I Take into Account When Choosing the Best Place to Live as an Expat?

A lot can be taken into account. The list presented in this article mainly considered factors such as quality of life, safety, lifestyle, business or career opportunities and the ease in which it is possible to get residency or citizenship by investing in the country.

Within the best countries for expats to live in, which has the least affordable investment program?

At the moment this article was written, the place with the most affordable investment in real estate, by far the best solution when it comes to getting residency or citizenship by investment programs is Greece, where you can apply for residency when purchasing eligible property with the minimum amount of USD $250,000. Grenada also offers the attractive possibility of getting citizenship by buying a USD $270,000 property and Portugal has the groundbreaking opportunity of investing €280,000 in Mátria Co-Space. This will make you eligible to apply for the Portugal D2 Visa for residency, paving the way to eventually getting European Citizenship.

Within the best countries for expats to live in, which has the least affordable investment program?

The country with the highest minimum investment option on this list is the UAE, with costs starting around USD $545,000. However, this is also the place that offers the most extended residency period options of all presented.

Which country offers the quickest visa by investment program?

Greece, that has an average period for obtaining a residency by investment of 3 months.

How to start my expat life in one of the best places for expats to live in?

Reach out to our Investment Visa team of experts to start your expat life with all the support you need.