Best Places to Work Abroad

Last year, British banking giant HSBC surveyed nearly 27,000 expats in 190 countries and territories to find out more about expat life in these places. The HSBC Expat Explorer Survey looked at criteria such as career prospects, work/life balance, income, the local economy and political situation, quality of life, education and how easy it would be for expats to integrate. Here are the countries that top the list of the best places to work abroad, considering all three key areas.

https://www.expatexplorer.hsbc.com/survey/files/pdfs/overall-reports/2016/HSBC_Expat_Explorer_2016_report.pdf

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France

France ranked 21st overall and scored very well for work/life balance and job security. There’s strong competition for jobs and being able to speak French will definitely be an asset. The big draw for expats is France’s exceptional quality of life.

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Japan

In 20th place overall, Japan offers an exciting experience for expats. The country scored very well for job security, but the formal and sometimes mind-boggling business culture may take some getting used to.

Japan ranked 1st for safety and with its high-quality schools, it’s a great choice for families. Not looking to leave the country? Here are the best places in Canada to raise kids.

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Vietnam

Vietnam ranked 19th overall and due to its growing economy there are many job opportunities for expats, especially in tourism and construction. Culture shock is common among new arrivals but with an open mind and a willingness to try all things Vietnamese, you can turn living and working here into an unforgettable adventure.

See more: the coolest jobs for people who love to travel.

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Oman

In 18th place overall, Oman scored particularly well for work/life balance and wage growth. While Oman is one of the more progressive Arab states and expats are welcomed, it’s becoming harder for foreigners to find a job here.

However, there are still plenty of opportunities in healthcare, education and the oil industry.

In pictures: 20 of the most generous countries in the world.

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Russia

Russia, which ranked 17th overall, has a very diverse expat community but doing business here can be very challenging because of all the red tape. While the cost of living not one of the cheapest in 2017, it’s easy to integrate into the local community. Russia also ranked 2nd for school quality.

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Spain

Spain ranked 16th overall and while the economy is still struggling after the global financial crisis of a few years ago, the relaxed lifestyle and relatively low cost of living make up for it. Many expats run their own businesses because jobs are hard to come by.

See more: the 10 best places for Canadians to retire around the world.

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Netherlands

The Netherlands, which ranked 15th overall, has a strong economy and while you’ll be expected to work hard, the country also scored very well for work/life balance. It's also one of the healthiest cities in the world.

Most Dutch people pride themselves on being liberal, tolerant and welcoming of expats and you’ll enjoy a very high quality of life here.

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Taiwan

Many expats working in Taiwan, which ranked 14th overall, are English teachers. The country scored well for job security but also for entrepreneurship, making it a good place to start your own business. Culture shock and language barriers are some of the biggest challenges to overcome.

See more: the 50 best countries to stretch your dollar.

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Hong Kong

Hong Kong ranked 13th overall and 1st for career progression. With one of the world’s highest GDPs per capita, you can make good money here but you might not enjoy a great work/life balance.

While Hong Kong is safe, it’s also densely populated and the cramped quarters can take some getting used to.

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United Arab Emirates

More than 80% of the UAE’s population are expats, lending a cosmopolitan air to the country, which ranked 12th overall. The UAE scored particularly well for wage growth, entrepreneurship and career progression but it can be difficult to integrate into the conservative local culture, so take a look at these expert trips that make travelling so much easier.

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Australia

Australia came in 11th overall and scored higher than any other country in the survey for the ease of integrating into the local culture. The weather’s great, it has some of the most beautiful beaches and the quality of life is high. The legendary laid-back attitude of Australians is found in the business world as well.

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Germany

In 10th place overall, Germany came out on top for job security and economic confidence. It’s a good choice for expats who want to further their careers while enjoying a high quality of life and it's a very safe place to live.

One of the biggest challenges for expats in Germany can be understanding and getting used to the very formal corporate culture.

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Bahrain

Bahrain ranked 9th overall and also received high scores for wage growth, work/life balance and entrepreneurship. However, starting your own business here can be challenging.

Because Bahrain is one of the most liberal Persian Gulf states, expats find it easy to integrate into the community here.

See more: 15 ways to travel the world while making a difference.

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Sweden

Sweden, which ranked 8th overall, came in second place for job security and work/life balance. It’s a very family-friendly country, ranked first for childcare quality and one of the places where people live the longest. While Sweden’s social programs are generous, cities such as Stockholm experience housing shortages so it may be difficult to find a good place to live.

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Austria

In 7th place overall, Austria also got very high scores for job security, economic confidence and work/life balance. It’s a great country for starting a business in but property prices are high. However, the quality of life is good, making Austria a great choice for expat families.

See more: the 10 best cities in the world for millennials.

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Norway

Norway came in 6th in the Expat Explorer Survey’s overall rankings and topped the list for work/life balance. The economy is strong and expats can enjoy job security as well as good career growth.

However, competition for the best jobs is tough and the cost of living in Norway is high, however the minimum wages are higher than in Canada.

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Switzerland

Switzerland, which ranked 5th overall, came out on top for economic factors in general and wage growth specifically. In addition to its stable economy, the country is a good choice for career progression, job security and a work/life balance.

It’s also one of the safest countries for expats to live in and is home to one of the world's sexiest cities.

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Czech Republic

The Czech Republic came in 4th, after Canada which ranked 3rd overall. As one of the most industrialized countries in Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic has plenty of opportunities in automobile production and tech.

There is tough competition for jobs but you will enjoy a good work/life balance here. Plus. there are some absolutely stunning (but lesser known) towns to visit.

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New Zealand

New Zealand ranked 2nd overall and while it’s not the best country in which to progress your career, it is easy to start your own business here and enjoy a great work/life balance.

With good, affordable healthcare and education, the Land of the Long White Cloud is a great country in which to raise children.

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Singapore

The Asian city-state has the highest ranking overall as well as for entrepreneurship. Singapore also ranked 2nd for career progression but only came in 35th place for work/life balance. Even though Singapore is extremely safe (it's one of the best destinations for solo travellers!)and clean, the cost of living here is high.