Britons hoping to start a new chapter abroad may discover that settling overseas is far from straightforward in some destinations.
Countries such as Iceland, Luxembourg and New Zealand remain attractive options for expats, thanks to strong employment prospects for foreign residents and a relatively easy adjustment period for new arrivals.
However, not every nation offers the same level of openness, and fresh research has highlighted the places where Brits may face the toughest welcome.
Using measures including job prospects, visa accessibility and the size of the migrant population, analysts at William Russell compiled a list of the ten least welcoming countries for relocation.
William Cooper, a director at the international health insurance firm, said: “One of the biggest mistakes expats make is assuming that popular destinations automatically mean an easy move.
“In reality, the first few months are often the hardest, with obstacles such as understanding healthcare systems and finding reliable income. Being prepared for that early period can matter even more than the destination itself.”
Japan ranks as the least-welcoming place for expats, placing first overall
1. Japan
Despite boasting impressive mountains, iconic cherry blossoms and an amazing food scene, Japan might not be the best place to move to.
Those looking to relocate to the island nation may find the transition difficult, as it ranks as the least-welcoming for expats.
It is home to the smallest migrant population among the bottom 10 countries, at just 10 per cent, although it does score well for visa openness at 74 out of 100.
The research highlights expats might struggle to socially integrate and settle in. Japan receives a welcoming rating of 3.91 out of 10.
2. Finland
Finland follows in second place, despite a decent score of 93 out of 100 for visa openness
Although Finland may have a relatively high foreign-born employment rate of 67.7 per cent and a 93 out of 100 score for visa openness, it still places second in the least-welcoming rankings.
The Nordic country is identified as having some practical and social aspects that make relocation there tricky for newcomers.
It has quite a small migrant population of 9.2 per cent and an overall welcoming score of 4.15 out of 10.
3. Italy
Italy comes out as the third least-welcoming country, though many Brits choose it as their holiday destination each year
Millions of Brits visit Italy each year, many for their summer holidays along the coast and to landmark cities like Rome.
But moving there might not be the same experience, as the European country ranks as the third least-welcoming for expats.
Foreign-born employment rate in Italy is 64 per cent – below the index average among the most welcoming destinations.
However, it does have a strong visa openness score of 93 out of 100.
4. South Korea
South Korea places fourth overall and has the lowest employment rate for foreign residents
South Korea ranks as the fourth least-welcoming country for Brits to move to.
It boasts the lowest employment rate for newcomers, at just 5.3 per cent, and has a small migrant population of 3.5 per cent.
The Asian country does have a high visa openness score of 100 – one of the highest in the rankings.
5. Mexico
Mexico ranks fifth and has a tiny migrant population accounting for just 1.3 per cent
Located in North America, Mexico places fifth in the least-welcoming table.
Brits looking to move here might find it difficult, as it has a low foreign-born employment rate of 51.8 per cent.
There’s also a tiny migrant population accounting for just 1.3 per cent.
6. Lithuania
Lithuania places sixth and has a migrant population of only 6.1 per cent
Another European country, Lithuania, places sixth and scores 4.92 out of 10 for its welcomeness.
Brits may struggle to find other expats, as the migrant population only stands at 6.1 per cent.
However, the employability rate for non-locals is decent at 71.7 per cent.
7. Greece
Greece comes in at seventh place and is another spot that is popular for holidays but may not be the easiest to move to
This is a popular spot for holidays, often drawing in Brits with its pristine beaches, island escapes and local cuisine. But moving to Greece might not be as enjoyable as a short break there.
The country ranks seventh overall with a score of 5.02 out of 10.
It does have one of the higher migrant populations in the table of 14.2 per cent, but its employment rate for foreign residents is relatively low at 62.5 per cent.
8. Turkey
Turkey is the eighth least-welcoming country for expats to move to
Turkey is another destination that many Britons see as a perfect choice for their summer holidays.
But as the eighth least-welcoming country for expats, relocating there may be a different story.
Finding a job in Turkey might be a challenge, as the foreign employment rate is only 44.7 per cent, and the migrant population sits at 8.1 per cent, meaning integrating with other expats may be tricky to do too.
9. Latvia
Latvia ranks ninth and has one of the higher employment rates for newcomers in the table, at 70.4 per cent
Located on the Baltic Sea, Latvia ranks as the ninth least-welcoming country for expats.
With a welcoming score of 5.27 out of 10, Latvia also has a migrant population of 11.8 per cent, which could make the transition difficult.
The country does boast one of the higher employment rates for newcomers in the table, at 70.4 per cent.
10. Germany
Germany finishes off the top 10 and has the largest migrant population of 19.8 per cent
Germany rounds off the top 10 least-welcoming countries to move to, with an overall score of 5.42 out of 10.
It has the largest migrant population of 19.8 per cent and a visa openness score of 93 out of 100.
