In Which Countries Are Employees Happier?

If Singapore is at the forefront of the Expat Explorer study of countries where it is good to expatriate, for those who wish to make a career, things are a little different. "According to our survey" explains Dean Blackburn, head of HSBC Expat, "Europe is home to many of the best destinations for expatriates". The 6 European countries in the top 10 are thus "recognized for their professional culture, very good balance of life and a good security of employment".

1. Swiss

"The country combines the best wages with a good balance of life and an excellent professional culture. The average annual salary in Switzerland is € 179,636, about twice the overall average of € 93 048" comments HSBC.

2. Germany

Germany beats all recourse in terms of job security: 70% of the expatriates interviewed say that job security is better than in their native country. It is also a preferred destination for expatriates wishing to acquire new skills, and the country is also acclaimed on the issue of career progression. The average salary of an expatriate is € 93 296.

3. Sweden

The average annual salary in Sweden is € 80 986. 71% of expatriates in Sweden believe that the professional culture is a progression in relation to their country of birth.

4. United Arab Emirates

56% of expatriates in the United Arab Emirates receive an annual allowance for travel back to their country of origin, according to HSBC, and 75% report having medical benefits. Average annual salary: € 107 748.

5. Norway

With an average annual salary of € 97 486, Norway is the country where the expatriate respondents noted the most notable progress in their life balance, with 87% of respondents citing this criterion. It is for all these reasons that it entered the Top 10 in 2016.

6. Singapore

Singapore the controversial... The average salary is of € 132 400 per year. It is the ideal place to advance his career but not for the quality of life: if 62% of expats have the feeling of having progressed professionally, 30% entrust a lowering of their standards of living. 53% of expatriates living in Singapore, however, feel fulfilled in their work.

7. Austria

Austria also entered the Top 10 in 2016, as it was highly rated for work-life balance: 71% of respondents ranked it as an advantage. Culture at work is also highlighted: 62% of the expatriates interviewed said they had made progress in comparing with the situation in their country. The average salary is € 81 410.

8. Hong Kong

Just like Singapore, Hong Kong is the right place to make a career (68%) but not to improve the quality of life according to HSBC: 50% of the expatriates interviewed said their life balance, between work and personal life, is worse since they moved to Hong Kong.

9. UK

The United Kingdom entered the top 10 in 2016. Expatriates there are the most likely to acquire new skills (64%) and to advance their careers (62%), compared with their countries of origin. It should be noted, however, that the Expat Explorer study was conducted before the Brexit, so the feeling of expatriates may without doubt be expected to change in the next few years.

10. Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an island off the west coast of Saudi Arabia, between Qatar and the latter. Its particularity is to count more than 660 000 expatriates or 54% of its population.