While they may be economic and demographic powerhouses, the U.S., China and the U.K. are not great choices for expatriates, according to InterNations, a German-based online expat community.
Small, growing and modernizing countries were ranked the best places for expatriates in the InterNations Expat Insider 2017 survey, while the U.S. dropped farther out of favor.
In the 2017 survey, the U.S. ranked as the 43rd-best expat destination, falling 17 places from its 26th place ranking in 2016. Expatriates in the U.S. cited declining quality of life, lower ease in settling in, declining support for family life and increasing cost of living as marks against the U.S.
American expatriates, on the other hand, are finding high levels of satisfaction abroad. Approximately one-fifth of Americans living abroad are retirees, making retirement the most common employment status among U.S. expatriates. InterNations notes that many Americans are moving to destinations like Mexico and Costa Rica – both among the top expatriate destinations overall – for their low cost of living and relatively high quality of life.
Now in its fourth year, the InterNations Expat Insider survey ranks 65 expatriate destinations based on how they’re rated by expat residents. The Expat Insider survey includes 12,500 respondents representing 166 nationalities, living in 188 countries.
10 – Spain
Expatriates in Spain reported very high levels of personal happiness and satisfaction, with 89 percent of the respondents in InterNations survey saying they are satisfied with life in the Iberian nation.
9 – Singapore
A booming global financial center, Singapore is a multi-cultural modern melting pot offering expatriates job security, leisure options and excellent education, childcare and family support services. Singapore also scores highly for safety and stability.
8 – Colombia
Expatriates have come to embrace Colombia for its vibrant and welcoming culture, but the South American country’s growing and modernizing economy has also drawn foreigners. Though Colombia suffers from high levels of crime, cities like Bogota are generally safe for expatriates.
7 – Malta
Malta’s history, Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches already draw foreigners to the island. Expatriates make Malta a long-term home for its high quality of life, growing economy, stability and low crime rate.
6 – New Zealand
Oceania remains a popular destination for expatriates, but New Zealand in particular ranks highly for its quality of life, leisure options and clean environment. Expatriates also enjoy excellent healthcare in New Zealand, however, quality comes at a price: New Zealand ranks as the second most expensive country in the world.
5 – Portugal
Portugal climbed 23 places from its 2016 ranking to become the fifth best destination for expatriates in 2017. Portugal ranked as best country in terms of quality of life, the second best country in terms of peacefulness, and the fourth best in terms of ease of settling in.
4 – Taiwan
Taiwan, the best country for expatriates in 2016, fell to fourth place in 2017. The island nation in the South China Sea ranked as the second best country in terms of quality of life, and the 4th best country for personal safety. It also ranks highly in health and well being and travel and transportation.
3 – Mexico
Mexico has ranked among the top 5 destinations for retirees in InterNations survey every year. In 2017, the North American country scored high for ease of settling in, personal finance and cost of living. Expatriates in Mexico report high levels of financial satisfaction, possibly because they enjoy a low cost of living.
2 – Costa Rica
Due to its friendly culture, Costa Rica continually ranks high as a destination for English-speaking expats. The central American country also scored high for quality of life, ease of settling in and family life.
According to InterNations, expatriates in Costa Rica seem to be enjoying general improvement in their financial destinations, which may explain why it is becoming a retirement destination. A third of the Costa Rican respondents in 2017 were retirees.
1 – Bahrain
Bahrain went from the 19th best country for expats in 2016 to the first place position in 2017, a leap forward that InterNations attributes to the ease at which foreigners settle in to the Persian Gulf country.
Expatriates in Bahrain typically enjoy high rates of employment and financial security. The country also ranks high in family life, education and the availability of childcare.
