Japan tops expat integration struggle list despite open visa policy

New research from international health insurance specialist William Russell has identified the countries where expats are likely to face the greatest challenges when settling abroad, highlighting the importance of preparation and support during international assignments.

The study analysed factors including migrant population, foreign-born employment rates, and visa openness to produce a “welcoming score” for expats. Japan ranked as the least welcoming destination, scoring just 3.91 out of 10. Despite a relatively open visa system, the country has one of the world’s smallest migrant populations (2.8%), which may contribute to a more difficult integration experience.

Finland placed second, followed by Italy, with both countries recording strong visa openness scores but comparatively low rankings in the overall expat experience. South Korea and Mexico completed the top five least welcoming destinations, demonstrating that even popular relocation markets can present significant barriers to newcomers.

For employers sending staff overseas, the findings reinforce the need to look beyond visa requirements when planning international assignments. Access to healthcare, local support networks, and practical relocation assistance can all play a critical role in helping employees settle successfully and reducing the risk of costly assignment disruption.

The wider study also found Iceland to be the world’s most welcoming country for expats, while Zurich was named the friendliest city globally.

William Cooper, Director at William Russell, commented: “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.”

Virginie Faucon, Global Head of Marketing and Brand at AXA Global Healthcare, recently discussed how companies could meet the evolving needs of global expats.