HSBC’s recent Expat Explorer survey may have ranked Singapore number one for overall expat experience, but it didn’t top every major category in the study.
Here is a brief look at the countries regarded as the top expat destinations for economics, experience and family.
Number 1 for economics − Switzerland
Switzerland shines for the second year in a row, offering unrivalled financial wellbeing and a strong economy for expats. Nearly nine in ten (87 per cent) of expats living in Switzerland feel confident about the political stability of the country and four in five (80 per cent) feel confident about its economy. Three quarters (75 per cent) of expats say the earning prospects are better in Switzerland than they are back in their home country, with an average annual income of US$188,000. Nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of expats in Switzerland are able to save more of their income there, while 73 per cent now have more disposable income. This compares to global expat averages of 53 per cent and 56 per cent respectively.
Top 5 for economics:
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- Germany
- Norway
- UAE
Number 1 for experience − New Zealand
New Zealand leads the way for an unrivalled expat experience. The vast majority (83 per cent) of expats there praise the country’s environment (air pollution, water quality) as better than in their home country, and nearly three quarters (73 per cent) say their quality of life has improved, which compares to 52 per cent of expats globally. Nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of expats are integrating well with the local people and culture, and the majority (57 per cent) agree that New Zealand welcomes people regardless of faith, races, gender and sexual orientation better than their home country.
Top 5 for experiences:
- New Zealand
- Spain
- Canada
- Singapore
- Australia
Number 1 for family − Sweden
Sweden offers an excellent environment for expat families. Nearly three quarters (75 per cent) of expat parents in Sweden rate their children’s quality of life as better than back home. Nearly half (46 per cent) say the quality of education in Sweden is better and 72 per cent say it is less expensive. A similar proportion (75 per cent) believe the quality of childcare available in Sweden is better than it is at home.
Top 5 for families:
- Sweden
- Czech Republic
- Singapore
- New Zealand
- Canada
Article published 29th September 2016