5 Asian Countries Among the Top 10 Expat Destinations in 2025

Affordable living, vibrant culture, and career opportunities have made Asian countries particularly attractive to expatriates. According to the recently released 2025 International Expat Insider Survey, five out of the top 10 expatriate destinations in the world are in Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The top 10 countries for expatriates in 2025 are: Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Spain, and Malaysia.

Expatriates consider personal financial comfort as their primary reason for happiness, and Asia has made significant progress in this regard. China, for example, has moved up from 19th place last year to 6th this year, primarily due to work-life balance, salaries, and job security. Malaysia has entered the top 10 for the first time, while Vietnam ranks 5th.

Cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen in China are very popular among expatriates. Dutch expat Chris Oberman mentions that there are plenty of opportunities for expats in Shanghai, with the city's fast public transport system and online shopping options making life easier. Learning Chinese can add to the benefits of living there.

Malaysia scores highly in terms of personal finance, housing, and language, with English being widely spoken, making it especially attractive to newcomers. Australian expatriate Christine Reynolds highlights that the cost of living in Malaysia is lower, leading to an improved standard of living in housing, healthcare, and transportation.

Vietnam, ranking in the top five for expatriates, has claimed first place in the "Personal Finance Index". The country's affordable cost of living has made life much more enjoyable for expatriates. American expat Norman Bour states that one can rent a studio apartment just three blocks from the sea for only $360 per month. Building a community with locals is easy, which is something many expatriates do not expect. However, paperwork, such as visa renewals, can test one's patience. Despite this, Vietnam’s unique coffee culture and its rhythm of life are particularly beloved by expatriates.