It's really no surprise that Portugal tops the list of countries recommended by expats. From its great weather, culture, low crime rates, people, and food to its affordable cost of living, natural beauty and health system, expats love almost everything about the country. As a way to encourage foreigners to move to Portugal, the government even offers free Portuguese language classes at schools throughout the country. Portugal also offers a digital nomad visa, and many locals have a high level of English that attracts expats.
With the rise in global mobility and a growing number of countries opening their doors to foreign workers. More and more new locations are available to expats around the globe. But how exactly do you decide between such a diverse choice of destinations for expats?
The availability of jobs, cost of living, quality of life and access to healthcare should all be taken into consideration. Which is why we’re here to help you in navigating this crucial decision. This article will explore some of the most popular countries for expats in 2023 to help you make the right decision.
1. Portugal
2. Spain
Spain is a very popular destination for expats due to year-round sunshine, the culture, excellent and inexpensive food and wine, and public transportation. It also has one of the lowest costs of living in Europe and some of the best healthcare in the world. Skilled foreign workers continue to be in demand with jobs such as engineering, customer service, skilled trades and language teachers widely available. A huge 14% of Spain’s population are expats from all around the world.
3. Taiwan
The tropical island off the coast of China, is continuously ranked within the top destinations for expats multiple years in a row. Some of the best benefits for expats include personal safety, a high quality of life, affordable healthcare, and welcoming friendly locals. Making it easier for expats to settle here. Taiwan is known for its exceptionally modern infrastructure with affordable public transport, making it extremely easy to navigate. With a lower cost of living in comparison to most western countries it’s no surprise why Taiwan continues to be one of the top destinations for expats in 2023.
4. Sweden
Ranked as one of the happiest places to live, Sweden is the largest of the Nordic countries. Known for being very inclusive and welcoming of all types of people, it is one of the easiest places to move and settle in. The country not only offers beautiful landscapes but also a friendly lifestyle which embraces a good work-life balance. A family-oriented culture makes it a good place to advance your career while raising children. Education is free in Sweden, and this translates into huge cost savings for families with children. Making friends can take a while but will be easier if you learn the language and get involved in your community.
5. Germany
Another popular destination for expats is Germany. It’s estimated 250,000 expats live there currently, with the numbers rising every year. Germany is known as the economic engine of the European Union. In fact, it’s one of the top economies in the world and there is also a demand for highly skilled workers in nearly every industry. One of its biggest advantages is its location – it’s the perfect country to position yourself if you want to travel around Europe. You can easily drive to most European countries, and spend weekends in cities like Rome, Paris or Vienna.
6. Mexico
In 2022 Mexico was reported as the top destination for expats to live, with 91% of expats saying they are happy with their life there. Offering a vibrant culture, diverse landscape, and friendly people, it’s no wonder that many expats have chosen to make this their new home. From the cost of living to job opportunities and quality healthcare, there are numerous benefits for those looking to move to Mexico in 2023.
7. Switzerland
Another popular destination for expats, Switzerland offers exciting employment packages and an excellent standard of living. It’s great for those who love the outdoors, as there are many beautiful lakes, mountains to hike in and skiing in the winter. Switzerland offers one of the world’s top educational systems and consistently ranks as one of Europe’s safest nations, making it appealing for those with children. It can be difficult to land work if you don’t speak German or French, but if you can land a job in Geneva or Zurich you’ll be lucky enough to enjoy one of the highest-paid salaries in the world. The average salary in Switzerland is approximately Є58,000 per annum.
8. Canada
Canada too is popular with expats from all over the world. There are a wide range of employment opportunities which makes it a great country to move to. Its healthcare system, friendly locals and very high quality of life are just some of the reason expats choose it as a place to live. For those who like to get out in nature and have an active lifestyle, from kayaking lakes in the summer to skiing in winter, Canada has an abundance of outdoor space and natural resources. You can opt for one of the many large modern cities with plenty of opportunities such as Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal or get a more European vibe in Quebec which is predominately French-speaking.
9. Singapore
Singapore packs everything an expat could want into one of the world’s smallest territories. Currently ranked as the top Asian country for expats, here you can benefit from generous financial packages, great career opportunities and low tax rates. Although education is expensive, it is rated one of the top places for raising children abroad due to the quality of the education system and the range of schools.
The trickiest part about living in Singapore is balancing your high income with the high cost of living. The most common advice for expats planning a move there is to make sure you negotiate for allowances for schooling and housing as part of your salary package.
What to consider when choosing your location as an expat
Choosing a new country to call home is an exciting and daunting task. With so many factors involved, it can be difficult to know where to start. As an expat, you need to consider the practical facts about each prospective destination, this can include:
The cost of living
Before you make the decision on where you want to live as an expat, take careful consideration on the cost of living in your ideal destination. With inflation on the rise in 2023 and fears of a growing recession. It’s your responsibility to safeguard yourself and your finances. Choose a destination where you can comfortably afford a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Make sure to research the price of housing, transportation, amenities etc, to ensure they will be feasible with your own budget. Being practical when it comes down to the brass tacks will help ensure you have a successful experience as an expat.
A work life balance
With mental health struggles growing for expats year by year consider prioritising a country that will support a healthy work life balance. Giving you the opportunity to mix with others and enjoy activities outside of work. Mixing with other expats and locals through group communities is a great way to help settle down in your new home. Consider choosing a destination that other expats have successfully settled in or places reported to have friendly environments.
International health care
Having the right health care plan in place will ensure you’re protected no matter where you decide to move as an expat. With Allianz Care, we offer international health insurance designed for professionals working abroad. Contact us today.
