Switzerland replaces Singapore as the ‘world’s best destination for expats’ with foreigners earning an average of more than £88,000
- 82 percent of expats living in Switzerland said their quality of life had improved
- Average expat salary of £88k – well above world average – saw it take the top spot
- Immigrants also rated the country highly for its stunning scenery and cleanliness
- Singapore knocked down to the second place, with Canada third and Spain fourth
Switzerland is the world’s new top destination for expats thanks to its high salaries, stunning scenery, and low pollution, a survey has shown.
In total, 82 percent of expats living in the country told HSBC that their quality of life had improved after the move, putting it top place in the bank’s global ranking.
Average expat salaries of more than £88,000 – well above the global average of £60,000 – saw knock Singapore off top spot for the first time in four years.
The results were revealed by HSBC’s annual Expat Explorer report after researchers spoke to 18,000 people in 163 different locations.
They found that – aside from its wealth and beauty – Switzerland also ranked high for political and economic stability.
Another 62 percent of respondents said they felt safer in the European nation than in their home country.
Singapore, which has won every year since 2015, remains a great place for families with children, the survey showed.
Switzerland took first place off of Singapore, which has topped the table for the last four years, though expats still reported that it was a great place to take children
More than two-thirds of expats said their children had excellent opportunities to learn foreign languages there, while 62 per cent said the schools are better than their home countries.
In third-place Canada, expats reported having more disposable income thanks to reduced expenses.
Living in Spain – which rose nine places to fourth compared to last year – caused an increase in mental well-being in more than half of those who relocated there.
If readdressing your work-life balance is a priority, then New Zealand might be the answer – 69 percent of expats noted an improvement compared to home.
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