Every year thousands of people decide to move to other countries for work, love, or fun. Sometimes they choose another continent to experience other cultures, but many decide to play a safer card and stay in a region that resembles their own.

In 2018, an HSBC “Expat Explorer” Survey was conducted and the results are in. It contains 3 sections: economic factors, experience and family groups. will 2019 follow the trend, it seems so!

Let’s take a look at the best destinations for you as a future expat!

1. Singapore

Singapore is in first place for the fourth time in a row. Considering both economic factors (e.g. politics, career progression, etc.) and experience (integration, making friends, culture, etc.) and family groups (health, quality of childcare, social life), it is at the top.

The city-state is a financial cradle, so expats from all over the world choose this place as their temporary home, but it will take some getting used to. However, you will have to get used to the density of people – hopefully it will only take a few weeks and no longer!

2. New Zealand

While some are quite likely to move to New Zealand for Lord of the Rings, many other reasons may lead expats to live on this island. In terms of work/life stability, it is in the top two, but in terms of savings and disposable income, expats responded that they were not so happy with this point. However, this is a fantastic place to start a business.

3. Germany

One of the most powerful countries in the European Union is definitely leading in terms of economic motives. One can also see that making friends and socializing are not among its strong points. However, families with children can take advantage of fantastic services.

Are you looking for a job in Germany?

Find jobs in Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich or Stuttgart!

Courtesy of HSBC Expat Explorer Survey 2018

4.                                                                                                                                               Canada

Canada is the only North American in the top ten, probably not a coincidence. According to expats, it’s a great place for families with children, but they have to overcome many challenges in order to make friends. Work-life balance is not a myth in Canada, and career progression is very common, but individuals may be concerned about increasing their savings.

5.                                                                                                                                               Bahrain

This island-state ‘only’ reached the number 9 spot in 2017, but has almost reached the podium in 2018. The reason is money, as Bahrain is a financial cradle. According to more than 22,000 expats who responded to this survey, they can have a better work-life balance. Based on the graphs, it can be concluded that expats were not so positive about their physical health or cultural experience in their new home.

6.                                                                                                                                               Australia

Perhaps another paradise for expats in terms of experiences, but Australia is only ranked number 7, considering the economy, and even worse in terms of family groups. Still, this island in the southern hemisphere can provide expats with a great work-life balance. They also enjoy a stronger entrepreneurial spirit.

Courtesy of HSBC Expat Explorer Survey 2018

7. Sweden

The only Nordic country in the top 31 is Sweden. It is said that most Swedes who live elsewhere, come back when they want to start a family. Well, there’s a reason for that. Expats with families can easily manage their life and work here while enjoying government and workplace support. If expats can deal with the winter darkness, then it’s an amazing place to live and work.

8. Switzerland

In the heart of Europe, this mountainous country known for its banking system and watches among others, maintains its number 8 spot on the list – due to economic factors. No surprise! While expats say the schools are fantastic in Switzerland, they fail to make friends, and integration can be complicated. However, if expats are looking for a place to earn and save money, they should consider emigrating from their home country to Switzerland.

9. Taiwan

Politically speaking, Taiwan is an interesting case, but expats feel safe and well integrated there. Although work sometimes overtakes private life, making friends is not a headache for any of them. Financially speaking, expats say they can save more money than in their home countries.