10 TOP Countries for Women Moving Abroad Solo
Moving abroad solo is an exciting adventure, but safety, affordability, and a welcoming environment are key considerations—especially for women. The good news? Plenty of countries offer all of that and more! Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city, a laid-back beach town, or a cultural escape, these destinations are among the best for women moving abroad solo.
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1. Portugal
Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Europe. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Lagos offer a relaxed lifestyle, excellent public transportation, and a strong expat community. English is widely spoken, and the cost of living is affordable compared to other Western European destinations. With Portugal’s D7 Visa and Digital Nomad Visa, long-term stays are easy to arrange.
2. Japan
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, making it an excellent choice for solo female expats. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto have low crime rates, efficient public transport, and a deep sense of respect for personal space. While the cost of living can be high, Japan offers job opportunities in English teaching, IT, and tourism. The country’s Working Holiday Visa and Cultural Visa provide great options for long-term stays.
3. Costa Rica
For women looking for a tropical paradise, Costa Rica is a top pick. It’s known for its friendly locals, laid-back lifestyle, and commitment to sustainability. Beach towns like Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo are great for solo female travelers, with strong expat communities and plenty of outdoor activities. The country’s Rentista Visa and Pensionado Visa make it easy to stay long-term without a work permit.
4. Spain
Spain is a fantastic destination for solo female expats, offering a mix of rich culture, incredible food, and a relaxed lifestyle. Cities like Valencia, Seville, and Barcelona have affordable living costs and excellent healthcare. Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa make it easy for non-EU citizens to live in the country without needing a work visa.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the safest countries for women and offers stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and an active outdoor lifestyle. Cities like Wellington and Auckland are great places to live, and the country’s Working Holiday Visa allows younger expats to stay for up to a year while working. For those looking for a more permanent move, New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Visa provides a pathway to residency.
6. Taiwan
Taiwan is often overlooked but is one of the best destinations for solo female expats. It has low crime rates, reliable public transport, and a strong expat community. Teaching English is a popular job option, and the cost of living is much lower than in Japan or South Korea. Taiwan’s Gold Card Visa makes it easy for skilled professionals to live and work in the country long-term.
7. Germany
Germany is an excellent choice for solo female expats, offering safety, a high quality of life, and strong job opportunities. Cities like Berlin and Munich have large international communities, great public transportation, and a progressive culture. Germany’s Job Seeker Visa allows foreigners to move to the country while searching for employment, making it a great option for women looking to establish a career abroad.
8. Malaysia
Malaysia is an affordable, welcoming country with a low cost of living and modern infrastructure. Kuala Lumpur is a popular base for expats, offering a mix of city convenience and tropical surroundings. The country’s Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Visa is a long-term residency option that allows foreigners to live in Malaysia without needing a job offer.
9. Canada
For women looking for an easy transition with minimal culture shock, Canada is one of the best options. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest countries, and cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal have strong expat communities. Canada offers multiple visa pathways, including the Express Entry Program and Working Holiday Visa, making it one of the easiest places to move long-term.
10. Thailand
Thailand is an excellent choice for solo female expats, offering affordability, safety, and a welcoming atmosphere. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok have strong expat communities, excellent healthcare, and a relatively low cost of living. Thai people are generally friendly and respectful, and the country’s efficient transportation system makes getting around easy.
Thailand also offers long-term visa options like the Retirement Visa, Education Visa, and the newly introduced Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), making it accessible for different types of expats. Plus, with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and world-famous food, Thailand is an exciting and comfortable place to call home.
