Hungary was named the 5th best country for expat career opportunities in 2026, based on a new survey by insurance specialists William Russell.
The research comes from the international health insurance specialists William Russell, who analysed factors such as foreign-born employment rates, to reveal the countries with the most migrant employees.
The countries with the highest migrant employment rates:
| Rank | Countries | Foreign-Born Employment Rate |
| 1 | Iceland | 84.2% |
| 2 | New Zealand | 82.3% |
| 3 | Czech Republic | 79.5% |
| 4 | Slovakia | 78.5% |
| 5 | Hungary | 77.9% |
| 6 | Australia | 77.5% |
| 7 | Switzerland | 77.1% |
| 8 | Ireland | 77.0% |
| 9 | Chile | 76.5% |
| 9 | Portugal | 76.5% |
Iceland has the highest employment rate for expat workers, with 84.2% of foreign-born residents in work. The country’s strong labour market and high levels of workforce integration mean expats are more likely to secure employment quickly and settle into stable careers.
New Zealand ranks second, with 82.3% of expat workers in employment. Strong demand for skilled workers, combined with a resilient jobs market, continues to make it one of the most attractive destinations for people relocating overseas.
The Czech Republic takes third place, where 79.5% of expats are employed. A growing economy and expanding employment opportunities have helped the country become an increasingly attractive destination for international professionals looking to build their careers abroad.
Further Study Insights:
- Iceland ranks as the most welcoming country, offering one of the strongest environments globally for expat integration.
- Japan ranks as the least welcoming country overall, offering one of the most challenging environments for expat integration.
- Zurich was named as the friendliest city, with a score of 9.06/10, combining high safety (76.7) with low social friction (24.9).
William Cooper, Director at William Russell, adds:
“One of the biggest mistakes expats make is assuming that popular countries guarantee an easy transition. In reality, the first few months are when most challenges arise, such as navigating healthcare systems and securing a stable income. Preparing for those early stages is often more important than the choice of destination.”
Check out the full research on this website.
Featured image: depositphotos.com
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