Move Over Dubai, This European City Has Officially Been Named The Best Place In The World For Expats

Ever caught yourself daydreaming about moving somewhere sunnier, slower and far less stressful than your current city? It turns out many expats around the world are searching for exactly that balance between quality of life, affordability and everyday happiness and one European capital has now emerged as the most desirable destination for it all.

A new international study has named Lisbon as the world’s most livable city for expats in 2026. The Portuguese capital topped a newly released ranking evaluating the best destinations for internationally mobile residents based on quality of life, affordability, healthcare, safety and ease of settling in.

The report, published by Global Citizen Solutions, assessed 35 cities across six continents as increasing

numbers of professionals, retirees and remote workers look beyond traditional relocation hotspots. Researchers noted that modern expats are prioritising lifestyle quality, social integration and flexibility over purely financial opportunities.

Lisbon Tops The World’s Most Livable Cities For Expats

Lisbon’s growing popularity among expats has been building steadily over the past few years, particularly among remote workers and younger professionals seeking a slower and more affordable European lifestyle. The city scored strongly for climate, healthcare access, public safety, walkability and overall lifestyle quality.

Meanwhile, Portugal’s digital nomad-friendly policies and relatively accessible residency pathways have also contributed to its growing appeal among international residents. The country has increasingly become a hub for freelancers, entrepreneurs and location-independent workers looking for a balance between work and lifestyle.

Lisbon achieved an impressive overall score of 88.49 out of 100, outperforming 34 other cities across six continents. Unlike some competitors that excel in isolated areas, the Portuguese capital delivered consistently high marks across the board. It stands out particularly for its relative affordability compared to other Western European hubs, combined with excellent air quality, solid safety levels, and high English proficiency.

The Top 10 Most Livable Cities for Expats 2026

1. Lisbon, Portugal – 88.49
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands – 81.97
3. Melbourne, Australia – 81.79
4. Vienna, Austria – 81.07
5. Barcelona, Spain – 80.70
6. Singapore – 80.58
7. Auckland, New Zealand – 80.15
8. Tokyo, Japan – 79.78
9. Copenhagen, Denmark – 79.57
10. Seoul, South Korea – 78.89

Europe dominates the upper reaches of the list, with five cities in the top 10, underscoring the continent’s enduring appeal for quality-of-life seekers. Amsterdam impressed with top-tier English proficiency, healthcare, and sustainable transport, though its higher cost of living prevented it from claiming the top spot. Melbourne, the highest-ranked non-European city, shone in cleanliness and healthcare but lagged slightly in safety metrics.