Britons seeking a better life elsewhere might find the move more challenging in certain countries. 

Iceland, Luxembourg and New Zealand are all great spots for expats looking to relocate, praised for their high employment rate for foreign residents and providing a reasonably smooth transition for newcomers. 

But not every country is so friendly and open, and new research has revealed the least-welcoming locations for Brits to move to. 

Considering factors like career opportunities, visa openness and migrant population, experts at William Russell have identified the ten least-welcoming countries. 

William Cooper, director at the international health insurance company, says: '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.'

1. Japan

Despite boasting impressive mountains, iconic cherry blossoms and an amazing food scene, Japan might not be the best place to move to. 

Those looking to relocate to the island nation may find the transition difficult, as it ranks as the least-welcoming for expats.

It is home to the smallest migrant population among the bottom 10 countries, at just 10 per cent, although it does score well for visa openness at 74 out of 100.

The research highlights expats might struggle to socially integrate and settle in. Japan receives a welcoming rating of 3.91 out of 10. 

2. Finland

Although Finland may have a relatively high foreign-born employment rate of 67.7 per cent and a 93 out of 100 score for visa openness, it still places second in the least-welcoming rankings. 

The Nordic country is identified as having some practical and social aspects that make relocation there tricky for newcomers. 

It has quite a small migrant population of 9.2 per cent and an overall welcoming score of 4.15 out of 10.  

3. Italy

Millions of Brits visit Italy each year, many for their summer holidays along the coast and to landmark cities like Rome. 

But moving there might not be the same experience, as the European country ranks as the third least-welcoming for expats.  

Foreign-born employment rate in Italy is 64 per cent - below the index average among the most welcoming destinations. 

However, it does have a strong visa openness score of 93 out of 100. 

4. South Korea 

South Korea ranks as the fourth least-welcoming country for Brits to move to. 

It boasts the lowest employment rate for newcomers, at just 5.3 per cent, and has a small migrant population of 3.5 per cent. 

The Asian country does have a high visa openness score of 100 - one of the highest in the rankings.  

5. Mexico

Located in North America, Mexico places fifth in the least-welcoming table. 

Brits looking to move here might find it difficult, as it has a low foreign-born employment rate of 51.8 per cent.

There's also a tiny migrant population accounting for just 1.3 per cent. 

6. Lithuania

Another European country, Lithuania, places sixth and scores 4.92 out of 10 for its welcomeness. 

Brits may struggle to find other expats, as the migrant population only stands at 6.1 per cent. 

However, the employability rate for non-locals is decent at 71.7 per cent. 

7. Greece

This is a popular spot for holidays, often drawing in Brits with its pristine beaches, island escapes and local cuisine. But moving to Greece might not be as enjoyable as a short break there. 

The country ranks seventh overall with a score of 5.02 out of 10.

It does have one of the higher migrant populations in the table of 14.2 per cent, but its employment rate for foreign residents is relatively low at 62.5 per cent.  

8. Turkey

Turkey is another destination that many Britons see as a perfect choice for their summer holidays. 

But as the eighth least-welcoming country for expats, relocating there may be a different story.

Finding a job in Turkey might be a challenge, as the foreign employment rate is only 44.7 per cent, and the migrant population sits at 8.1 per cent, meaning integrating with other expats may be tricky to do too.

9. Latvia 

Located on the Baltic Sea, Latvia ranks as the ninth least-welcoming country for expats. 

With a welcoming score of 5.27 out of 10, Latvia also has a migrant population of 11.8 per cent, which could make the transition difficult. 

The country does boast one of the higher employment rates for newcomers in the table, at 70.4 per cent. 

10. Germany

Germany rounds off the top 10 least-welcoming countries to move to, with an overall score of 5.42 out of 10.

It has the largest migrant population of 19.8 per cent and a visa openness score of 93 out of 100.