Sep 13, 2024
By: Prerna Tyagi
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Explore the worst countries for expats to live in 2024, according to the Expat Insider survey by InterNations. The survey evaluates various indices such as Ease of Settling In, Personal Finance, Quality of Life, and Working Abroad. From struggling with bureaucracy to dissatisfaction with job security, these countries have left expats disillusioned.
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Although the UK ranks high for career prospects, expats are frustrated with low salaries, job insecurity, and shifting migration policies. These factors have significantly contributed to the UK's poor ranking in the survey.
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Despite its growing appeal for tech professionals and students, Ireland’s sky-high cost of living, housing crisis, and administrative complexities have led to discontent among expats. The difficulty in settling in and managing finances makes Ireland less attractive.
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While Malta offers beautiful landscapes and a Mediterranean climate, expats are unhappy with the island’s limited career opportunities, poor infrastructure, and high cost of living. Many expats find settling in Malta more difficult than expected.
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Italy’s low ranking is driven by its poor performance in the Working Abroad (49th) and Expat Essentials (52nd) Indices, especially for career prospects and administrative issues. Despite this, Italy's food and cultural appeal remain a silver lining, with 80% of expats enjoying its culinary scene.
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Though Norway has high living standards, expats find it challenging due to its competitive job market and high cost of living. For many, the struggle to integrate into the job market outweighs the country's natural beauty and social benefits.
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Despite its reputation for high quality of life, Canada ranks poorly for salary and job security (42nd) and overall working conditions (39th). Expats find the financial strain and job-related stress a stark contrast to the country’s welcoming image.
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German efficiency is famous worldwide, but it may not have permeated into their bureaucratic procedures and infrastructure. A Canadian expat noted “The bureaucracy is soul-crushing and not easy to navigate as a foreigner. There is little support for expats and very few services are available online.”
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Finland’s limited and highly competitive job market poses challenges for expats, particularly in finding diverse opportunities. A Vietnamese expat remarked on the difficulty of securing jobs in this otherwise peaceful and developed country.
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Thinking of moving abroad? Türkiye might not be your top pick. It ranks near the bottom in the Expat Insider 2024 survey, with poor performance in working conditions, expat essentials, and personal finances. Limited career opportunities and overall dissatisfaction with life abroad place Türkiye 52nd out of 53 countries.
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For the seventh consecutive year, Kuwait ranks last in the Expat Insider survey. Expats cite poor career prospects, struggles with settling in, and a low quality of life. Kuwait’s underwhelming public transport and general dissatisfaction with daily life make it the least preferred destination for expats in 2024.
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