The latest Expat Insider 2025 ranking reveals the world’s least friendly countries for foreigners, with Kuwait once again taking the top spot. Expats cite challenges in making local friends, difficulties integrating into the culture, and a generally unwelcoming social environment.
Czechia follows in second place, with many newcomers reporting reserved social interactions, while Austria ranks third, continuing its reputation for being difficult for outsiders to fully assimilate into. Northern and Central European nations also dominate the list, including Norway, Germany, Finland, and Sweden, all of which rank within the top ten.
Many of these countries score highly in safety, infrastructure, and quality of life, yet remain challenging when it comes to friendliness and social openness. South Korea also appears at number eight, highlighting similar concerns around social barriers and difficulty forming meaningful personal connections.
In Southeast Asia, Singapore stands out as the only country from the region included in the top 15, ranking 13th. While Singapore is globally recognized for efficiency, safety, and economic opportunities, expats often report a fast-paced lifestyle and reserved social culture that can feel less warm compared to neighboring Southeast Asian cities.
This contrast underscores the unique social dynamics of the region, where many countries are known for hospitality—making Singapore’s placement an interesting outlier within the broader list.
