Best Countries To Be An Expatriate

Ireland

Before the recession Ireland had one of the fastest growing economies in Europe. In fact, it was even dubbed the “Celtic Tiger”. Although its economy was hit harder than many of its European counterparts there are still plenty of opportunities for expats here.

Italy

With an attractive culture, lifestyle, and landscape, Italy remains a favorite destination for exapts. As with Spain, the biggest issue you’ll probably have is finding a job.

Thailand

Although the political situation is in a bit of a mess right now and finding a job can be a challenge, if you do manage to get yourself established you’ll probably find yourself enjoying the extremely low cost of living.

United Kingdom

Although job prospects and work visas are tighter than they were pre-crisis there are still numerous opportunities for people with skills and determination. Just be ready for a high cost of living, poor weather, and plenty of urban congestion.

Kuwait

With over 80% of the country’s workforce consisting of foreigners it is no surprise that the government has cracked down on immigration a bit. If you do manage to find a job, however, you’ll find that the culture shock is not quite as extreme as in neighboring Saudi Arabia.

Spain

While salaries here can be low, so is the cost of living. Just make sure to secure your job ahead of time because if you wait until arrival you may find yourself struggling. Spain was hit hard by the global recession.

Saudi Arabia

Although expats typically do not move here for the lifestyle, food, weather, or any of the other typical reasons mentioned on this list, they do move here for jobs.

Netherlands

As one of the world’s earliest democracies and the founders of the stock market, you may be surprised to find that the Dutch are a very calm and laid back people. With an excellent standard of living and great public amenities, numerous expats have decided to call the Netherlands home.

France

While the French are reknowned for their choice to “work to live” rather than “live to work” finding a job in cities like Paris may be hard if you are not fluent in French. At the end of the day though, most expats don’t come here to climb the ladder of ambition but to live out their twilight years amongst the richness of the culture and beauty of the country.

Mexico

While most of the expats coming here arrive for purposes of retirement, there are an ever increasing number of jobs to be found in cities. Crime is always an issue but as long as you stay out of the bad areas you should be ok.

South Africa

In spite of the crime, South Africa boasts an incredibly diverse landscape and cultural experience. Many expats move here to take advantage of labor shortages in areas such engineering and IT, as well as the low cost of living.

New Zealand

This remote, sparsely populated part of the world boasts some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. Unlike places like Dubai and Qatar, people generally come to New Zealand in order to escape the rat race rather than jump into it. Just beward the earthquakes…

Qatar

With the highest per capita income in the world it is no surprise that increasing nunbers of foreigners are moving in order to take advantage of the economy and tax free environment.

United States

Known as the land of immigrants, the US has been a popular expat destination since day one. Since it is such a large and diverse country it is hard to draw generalizations related to cost of living, climate, and lifestyle. However, if you have some pioneer spirit, the US can certainly be a rewarding place to live.

Turkey

A very culturally and religiously homogenous nation, you may be surprised to find it is very welcoming to foreigners. As it has still not been admitted into the EU its cost of living is significantly lower than many other nations on this list.

Hong Kong

With excellent amenities such as health carem, education, and public transportation the Pearl of the Orient is one of the most successful capitalist economies in the world. Beware, however, that employment opportunities are not quite what they used to be and high costs of living should be carefully considered.

United Arab Emirates

With some of the most westernized cities in the Middle East and no income tax, places like Dubai have a workforce that consists primarily of expats.

Belgium

Located in the heart of Europe and headquarters for the EU and NATO, Belgium is a young and diverse country with a high standard of living, all of which are obvious attractions to expats.

Russia

In spite of the language barrier (very few Russians speak a second language) and a relatively high cost of living in cities like Moscow, as the world’s largest country you might be surprised to find more than the stereotypical depressing winter, dictator/mafia infested, vodka drinking Russia you have in your mind.

Canada

The exemplary social programs, wide open spaces, and resilient economy all contribute to one of the highest per capita immigration rates in the world.