Singapore is best country for expats, study finds

Singapore came top for the fourth year running

Singapore is the best country for expats, according to an HSBC study.

The Asian country has topped the bank’s annual Expat Explorer survey, which analyses data from more than 22,000 respondents, for the fourth year running.

It offers the best overall package according to those surveyed, who were asked to rate countries on a range of factors including career progression, work/life balance, healthcare, tolerance and the ability to make new friends.

“Combining high scores across our key measures, the territory ticks many of the boxes on the expat wish list,” says the report.

“They’re certainly drawn to this global financial hub with its strong and stable economy. Almost half of all expats in Singapore moved to progress their careers (45 per cent). And though more than quarter simply wanted a challenge, many more (38 per cent) wanted to improve their earnings.”

Expats in Singapore earn an average annual salary of $162,000 (£127,350) – $56,000 (£44,000) more than the global average, according to HSBC.

Nearly half (47 per cent) of those who had moved there for work also said they had stayed due to the quality of life it offered them and their families. Some 60 per cent of expat parents in Singapore said their children’s health and wellbeing was better there than at home.

Singapore was followed by New Zealand, which also came in second last year, ranked number one for the “experience” category – factors include quality of life, culture, integration, safety and healthcare.

Germany came in third place, performing well for “economics” factors, followed by Canada and Bahrain, the latter having risen four places in the rankings since 2017. The Middle Eastern country came top for wage growth in this year’s survey.

One of the highest leaps on the list was Ireland, which rose 10 places from 28th to 18th between 2017 and 2018.

The UK places 22nd in the rankings, five places up from last year’s report and one higher than the US. It scored well for career progression, job security and tolerance, but performed poorly for “health”, “closeness with partner”, “integration” and “property”.

Top 10 countries for expats 2019

1. Singapore
2. New Zealand
3. Germany
4. Canada
5. Bahrain
6. Australia
7. Sweden
8. Switzerland
9. Taiwan
10. United Arab Emirates