Expats' Pick: Spain Ranks 4th in the World for Expat Living

Expats said it all: Spain is the 4th best country to live as an expat in the world, and the only European country in the top 10.

It is well known that Spain is a beloved destination among foreign holidaymakers, and the number of international flights arriving in Spain each year is living proof of this. But how about living in Spain as an expat?

This year’s Expat Insider 2024 has asked the essential questions for expat-living to thousands of foreigners living across the world. The survey collected the answers of expats from 175 nationalities living in 174 countries. After following Panama, Mexico, and Indonesia, Spain is ranked 4th best place to live and work as an expat.

While Spain was the best in Europe, other European countries like Italy and Germany found their places in the bottom 10 countries.

Spain for the Best Expat Lifestyle Quality

Out of 53 countries, Spain has been ranked the best country in the quality of life index. In this 11-year-old survey, Spain celebrates its 8th-time championship in the subcategory of leisure opportunities.

Expats are indeed correct about Spain being the best country to live your life to the highest standards without breaking the bank. Everything for an ultimate expat experience in Spain is right in the palm of their hand. Plus, the country enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year. This climate is perfect for spending most of their time outdoors. Spain's diverse landscapes and cultural treasures provide endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, allowing them to enjoy rich nature and culture altogether.

With its thriving expat community, an exceptional climate that allows people to find all kinds of things to do in Spain all year and culinary delights, Spain is the way to go.

Expats' Delight: Spain's Superior Healthcare, Personal Finance, and More

In the survey, expats evaluated Spain’s healthcare system based on several factors such as quality, affordability, accessibility, and more. Spain rose one rank on the list and found its place in the top 3 for Healthcare services.

Wellness comes across as a major decision factor when choosing a foreign country to reside in. With a combination of easily accessible public and private healthcare options and varying insurance packages, expatriates have access to top-notch medical facilities and services in Spain. Being 3rd among the other 53 countries is a well-earned remark for Spain’s Ministerio de Sanidad (Ministry of Health).

This remarkable Mediterranean country also is ranked among the top 15 in other categories such as Work & leisure, ease of settling in, welcoming culture, local friendliness, and socializing. Its personal finance rank is 14, thanks to the low costs of living in Spain. Spain’s ranking in Personal Finance paints a better picture when compared to other European countries such as Italy at 30, France at 31, United Kingdom at 51 ranking among 53.

From Visitor to Resident: Expats Are Loving Spain

According to the Expat Insider survey, the main motivation of 20% of foreign nationals in Spain is a better quality of life. Spain, with its magnificent landscapes in Spain and culture, enviable lifestyle, and multicultural demographic, has long been a favored destination for tourists. However, in recent years, it has also become a top choice for those looking to relocate permanently.

Among the expat community, almost 10% of the expats move to Spain to retire, while 9% of them simply enjoy living there. One of the main compelling reasons for retirees is Spain’s laidback but safe living environment. Spain is considered a safe country with low crime rates compared to many other European nations. This sense of security is especially important for families and retirees who are looking for a secure and peaceful place to live.

More than half of the expats living in Spain plan to spend their lives there with a 51% rate, while 15% of them are planning to be there more than 5 years. The survey results by InterNations show that Spain is not only a great place for a seasonal vacation but also one of the best countries in Europe for relocation.

Want to Learn More?

If you are wondering how daily life goes in Spain, take a look at our blog pages. You can also browse our listings to find your new property in Spain, and contact us to start building your own dream life in the best country to live in Europe.