The Best Southeast Asian Countries for Foreigners to Settle Down

When it comes to choosing a Southeast Asian country to live in long-term as a foreigner, various factors such as cost of living, lifestyle preferences, job opportunities, language, culture, and safety need to be considered.

Here’s a more detailed overview, including recent facts and statistics:

1. Singapore 🇸🇬

• Pros: Singapore is one of the safest and most developed countries in the world. It boasts excellent healthcare, top-tier infrastructure, and a strong expat community. It’s ideal for professionals due to its booming finance, technology, and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Cost of Living: Extremely high—Singapore is ranked as one of the most expensive cities globally for expatriates. Housing and schooling costs can be significant.
• Job Opportunities: Singapore’s low unemployment rate (around 2%) and strong economy make it a hotspot for highly skilled workers. It is a major financial hub.
• Visa Options: Long-term work visas and Permanent Residency are possible for qualified professionals.
• Quality of Life: Exceptional; modern amenities, highly efficient public transport, and cleanliness.
• Key Stats:
  • Average expat salary: $62,000 to $117,000 annually.
  • Mercer ranks Singapore as the top Asian city for quality of life.

2. Malaysia 🇲🇾

• Pros: Malaysia offers an excellent balance between affordability and modern amenities. Kuala Lumpur is a well-developed city with a thriving expat scene, while Penang and Langkawi are popular for retirees. English is widely spoken.
• Cost of Living: Lower than Singapore and similar to Thailand. You can live comfortably on $1,200–$2,000/month depending on location.
• Job Opportunities: While manufacturing, electronics, and IT sectors offer job opportunities, there are restrictions on foreign workers in certain fields.
• Visa Options: The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa is attractive for long-term expats, retirees, and remote workers.
• Quality of Life: Good healthcare, modern infrastructure, and a rich cultural blend make Malaysia highly livable.
• Key Stats:
  • Cost of living: Kuala Lumpur is 45% cheaper than Singapore.
  • Expat population: Around 2 million, with a large community in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

3. Thailand 🇹🇭

• Pros: Thailand is famous for its beaches, food, and affordable cost of living. It’s a favorite among digital nomads and retirees, with Bangkok and Chiang Mai being expat hubs.
• Cost of Living: Very affordable; expats can live well on $1,000–$1,500/month. In tourist areas, prices are higher, but Thailand remains budget-friendly compared to Western countries.
• Job Opportunities: The economy is diverse, with opportunities in tourism, education (ESL teaching), and IT. However, strict rules limit certain professions to Thai citizens.
• Visa Options: Retirement visas are available, as well as the Elite Visa, which provides long-term residency options for those who can afford it.
• Quality of Life: Thailand offers a laid-back lifestyle with great food, beautiful landscapes, and a moderate pace of life.
• Key Stats:
  • Thailand ranks 43rd on the Cost of Living Index 2024.
  • Healthcare in Bangkok is considered world-class, and medical tourism is booming.

4. Vietnam 🇻🇳

• Pros: Vietnam is rapidly becoming an expat favorite, thanks to its low cost of living, vibrant cities, and growing economy. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer business and entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Cost of Living: Among the lowest in Best Southeast Asian Countries. Expats can live comfortably on $800–$1,200/month in major cities.
• Job Opportunities: Foreigners work in education, tourism, and start-ups. The IT sector is growing quickly, attracting many tech professionals.
• Visa Options: Vietnam offers work permits and investor visas. Long-term options are limited but can be arranged through employers.
• Quality of Life: Affordable, rich in culture, and offering a good balance between urban and rural living.
• Key Stats:
  • GDP growth: Around 6.3% in 2023, showing resilience and strong economic potential.
  • Expat population: Over 100,000 and growing, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship.

5. Indonesia 🇮🇩

• Pros: Bali is a major expat hotspot, especially for remote workers and creatives. Beyond Bali, Jakarta is a bustling metropolis with business opportunities, and other islands like Lombok are emerging as quieter alternatives.
• Cost of Living: Affordable, with Bali being more expensive due to its popularity. In Jakarta, expats can live well on $1,200–$2,000/month.
• Job Opportunities: Most expats work in tourism, education, or digital fields. Indonesia’s start-up scene is also growing, especially in Jakarta.
• Visa Options: Limited long-term visa options, though the government is considering a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers.
• Quality of Life: Bali offers a unique lifestyle with nature, creativity, and community. Infrastructure outside major cities can be challenging.
• Key Stats:
  • Indonesia ranks 10th in the Global Nomad Index 2023 for affordability and digital nomad culture.
  • Healthcare is improving but is better in major cities.

6. Philippines 🇵🇭

• Pros: The Philippines is ideal for expats due to its English-speaking population, tropical climate, and island life. The business outsourcing industry also makes it appealing for professionals.
• Cost of Living: Affordable; you can live comfortably on $1,200–$1,800/month, depending on location.
• Job Opportunities: The BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry is massive, and there are opportunities in tech and teaching.
• Visa Options: Retirees and long-term expats often use the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV).
• Quality of Life: Varied—some areas have limited infrastructure, but cities like Manila offer modern amenities. Island destinations like Cebu and Palawan are highly desirable.
• Key Stats:
  • English proficiency is among the highest in Asia.
  • Philippines ranked 14th in the Best Places to Retire Index 2023.

7. Cambodia 🇰🇭

• Pros: Cambodia offers a low cost of living and relaxed visa rules. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the main expat destinations.
• Cost of Living: Very affordable. Expats can live comfortably on $1,000–$1,500/month.
• Job Opportunities: Limited, but available in tourism, NGOs, and teaching English.
• Visa Options: Business visas are easily renewable, and Cambodia has long-term visa options.
• Quality of Life: Simple lifestyle with some developing infrastructure. It’s a good base for exploring the region.
• Key Stats:
  • Cambodia ranks 7th globally in the Cost of Living Index 2024.
  • GDP growth in 2023 was around 5.5%, indicating strong economic potential.

Conclusion

• Best for Professionals: Singapore and Malaysia (due to stable job markets and high quality of life).
• Best for Digital Nomads: Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia (due to affordability and lifestyle).
• Best for Retirees: Malaysia and the Philippines (due to low cost of living and English proficiency).