When moving abroad, there are lots of factors to consider; visa applications, cost of living, and the overall lifestyle you can expect as an expat in your destination of choice. But, how exactly can we tell which would be the best country to move to as an expat?
Interested in finding out, the experts at UpCounsel.com created an index score ranking from a variety of data sources in order to determine the most expatriate-friendly country in the world.
The top 10 most expatriate-friendly countries
|
Rank |
Countries |
International migrant stock as a percentage of the total population |
Human Development Index* (HDI) |
Passport Strength (Number of visa free destinations) |
Expat Score |
|
1 |
Singapore |
43.1 |
0.938 |
192 |
9.49 |
|
2 |
Germany |
18.8 |
0.947 |
190 |
9.24 |
|
=3 |
Switzerland |
28.8 |
0.955 |
186 |
9.20 |
|
=3 |
Luxembourg |
47.6 |
0.916 |
189 |
9.20 |
|
4 |
Sweden |
19.8 |
0.945 |
188 |
9.13 |
|
5 |
Ireland |
17.6 |
0.955 |
187 |
9.05 |
|
6 |
Australia |
30.1 |
0.944 |
185 |
9.04 |
|
7 |
New Zealand |
28.7 |
0.931 |
186 |
8.97 |
|
8 |
Norway |
15.7 |
0.957 |
186 |
8.90 |
|
9 |
Austria |
19.3 |
0.922 |
188 |
8.92 |
|
10 |
Liechtenstein |
67.9 |
0.919 |
178 |
8.81 |
UpCounsel.com found that Singapore is the most expatriate-friendly country, with an overall expat score of 9.49. With its high Human Development Index* (HDI) of 0.938, a 43.1% immigrant population and a passport strength with 192 visa free destinations, the highest of all countries measured, Singapore is a hotspot for international residents.
Germany ranks in second place, with an expat score of 9.24. While it has a smaller migrant population (18.8%), Germany’s HDI of 0.947 and high passport strength put it in pole position as a destination for expats.
Switzerland and Luxembourg tie in third place. With Switzerland’s exceptionally high HDI of 0.955 and Luxembourg’s international migrant residents making up more than half of the population, each country offers unique opportunities for newcomers.
Ireland and Norway both boast high HDI scores (0.955 and 0.957 respectively) at fifth and eighth place in the top ranking, meaning their education services, life expectancies and income per capita are some of the best in the world.
Liechtenstein follows up in tenth place with an expat score of 8.81. With international residents making up 67.9% of its population, expatriates are sure to feel at home here.
*The Human Development Index is an index score composed of several indicators, including life expectancy, average years of education, expected years of education and income per capita to determine standard of living.