Panama named the best place in the world for work-life balance
WHILE many people move abroad to expand their careers and gain international work experience, settling into a new country also means navigating unfamiliar customs, language, and routines. Without a healthy balance, work can quickly dominate daily life and while the struggle may be real in any country, a new study shows that striking the balance between on and off the clock can be a bit easier in some countries than others.
According to InterNations, the world’s largest global network for people living abroad, the site’s Expat Insider Report ranked Panama No. 1 for work–life balance. Specifically in the ranking’s Working Abroad Index—in which Panama climbed from 12th place last year to first this year—this category evaluates expats’ satisfaction with working hours and overall work–life balance.
To ensure accuracy, only destinations with at least 50 respondents were included, with 46 countries and territories qualifying in 2025.
Panama came out on top for working hours, overall job satisfaction, and expats’ ability to maintain a healthy balance.
Notably, fewer than one in five expats move to Panama for job-related reasons, at just 19% compared to 36% globally. Instead, many expats relocate to Panama for lifestyle improvements, the experience of living abroad, or retirement. In fact, about 18% move there to retire, far above the global average of 3%, a statistic which makes the country’s strong performance in work-related rankings even more impressive, as it excels in an area that is not the primary draw for most newcomers.
Panama also performs strongly in economic confidence and career outlook. Around 67% of expats rate their job security and personal career opportunities positively, higher than global averages. In addition, 78% rate the country’s economy favourably, indicating a high level of trust in the broader economic environment.
A significant portion of expats are self-employed, with about 24% working as freelancers and 22% running their own businesses. This independence allows many expats to create schedules that better balance work and personal life.
In second place is Oman, a country that often flies under the radar for expat life. Yet its working expat population nearly doubles its citizen workforce. The country also offers robust infrastructure, with new projects such as the Hafeet Rail, enhanced digital connectivity, favourable tax policies, and a low crime rate.
Rounding out the top five are Denmark, Australia, and Norway.
