• 19 VIETNAM – Vietnam’s economy is growing and the unemployment rate is low – so there are plenty of jobs for expats, especially in the construction and tourism industries. Voishmel / AFP
    19 VIETNAM – Vietnam’s economy is growing and the unemployment rate is low – so there are plenty of jobs for expats, especially in the construction and tourism industries. Voishmel / AFP
  • 18 OMAN – It is becoming more difficult for expats to get a job in the country due to its Omanisation programme, but if you are able to land one, you wil probably earn well and have a higher disposable income than you did back home. Bryn Lennon / Getty Images
    18 OMAN – It is becoming more difficult for expats to get a job in the country due to its Omanisation programme, but if you are able to land one, you wil probably earn well and have a higher disposable income than you did back home. Bryn Lennon / Getty Images
  • 17 RUSSIA – The country’s expat community is diverse – from language teachers and diplomats to senior executives working in large multinationals. Dmitry Kostyukov / AFP
    17 RUSSIA – The country’s expat community is diverse – from language teachers and diplomats to senior executives working in large multinationals. Dmitry Kostyukov / AFP
  • 16 SPAIN – While the country may not have scored well in terms of income and economy in HSBC’s 2016 Expat Explorer Survey, it ranked 2nd overall for the expat experience it offers.
    16 SPAIN – While the country may not have scored well in terms of income and economy in HSBC’s 2016 Expat Explorer Survey, it ranked 2nd overall for the expat experience it offers.
  • 15 NETHERLANDS – The Netherlands ranked highly for its exceptional schools, quality of life and job security. Jerry Lampen / EPA
    15 NETHERLANDS – The Netherlands ranked highly for its exceptional schools, quality of life and job security. Jerry Lampen / EPA
  • 14 TAIWAN – Taiwan came 7th overall for experience in HSBC’s 2016 Expat Explorer Survey and business is thriving on the island, generating all kinds of opportunities. Tyrone Siu / Reuters
    14 TAIWAN – Taiwan came 7th overall for experience in HSBC’s 2016 Expat Explorer Survey and business is thriving on the island, generating all kinds of opportunities. Tyrone Siu / Reuters
  • 13 HONG KONG – In HSBC’s 2016 Expat Explorer Survey, Hong Kong came first for career progression and was ranked as the 10th best expat destination overall. Anthony Kwan / Bloomberg
    13 HONG KONG – In HSBC’s 2016 Expat Explorer Survey, Hong Kong came first for career progression and was ranked as the 10th best expat destination overall. Anthony Kwan / Bloomberg
  • 12 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. The UAE offers expats an exceptional quality of life, with modern accommodation and medical facilities, good international schools and a highly developed infrastructure. Kamran Jebreili/ AP Photo
    12 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. The UAE offers expats an exceptional quality of life, with modern accommodation and medical facilities, good international schools and a highly developed infrastructure. Kamran Jebreili/ AP Photo
  • 11 AUSTRALIA – Many expats head for Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle under sunny skies. Mark Metcalfe Getty Images
    11 AUSTRALIA – Many expats head for Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle under sunny skies. Mark Metcalfe Getty Images
  • 10 GERMANY – As well as its financial strength, the country’s rich culture, natural beauty and comprehensive social security are very appealing to expats. Wolfgang Kumm / EPA
    10 GERMANY – As well as its financial strength, the country’s rich culture, natural beauty and comprehensive social security are very appealing to expats. Wolfgang Kumm / EPA
  • 9 BAHRAIN – People are drawn to Bahrain for its exciting career prospects and laid-back lifestyle. Mohammed Al Shaikh / AFP
    9 BAHRAIN – People are drawn to Bahrain for its exciting career prospects and laid-back lifestyle. Mohammed Al Shaikh / AFP
  • 8 SWEDEN – Expats are drawn to the country’s generous social security programmes and stable economy. Bob Strong / Reuters
    8 SWEDEN – Expats are drawn to the country’s generous social security programmes and stable economy. Bob Strong / Reuters
  • 7 AUSTRIA – Austria had particularly high scores for safety and economic confidence. Most expats live in Vienna, a city which has consistently held the top spot in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey. Jan Hetfleisch / Getty Images
    7 AUSTRIA – Austria had particularly high scores for safety and economic confidence. Most expats live in Vienna, a city which has consistently held the top spot in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey. Jan Hetfleisch / Getty Images
  • 6 NORWAY – Expats are attracted to the country’s reputation as a global leader in wealth and happiness, with a long life expectancy. Alister Doyle / Reuters
    6 NORWAY – Expats are attracted to the country’s reputation as a global leader in wealth and happiness, with a long life expectancy. Alister Doyle / Reuters
  • 5 SWITZERLAND – Switzerland’s business friendly legislation, economic stability and highly educated workforce all contribute to its popularity as an expat destination.
    5 SWITZERLAND – Switzerland’s business friendly legislation, economic stability and highly educated workforce all contribute to its popularity as an expat destination.
  • 4 CZECH REPUBLIC – Among the most industrialised economies in Central Europe, the Czech Republic is fast becoming one of the region’s most popular expat destinations. Joe Klamar / AFP
    4 CZECH REPUBLIC – Among the most industrialised economies in Central Europe, the Czech Republic is fast becoming one of the region’s most popular expat destinations. Joe Klamar / AFP
  • 3 CANADA – Canada came third overall in HSBC's 2016 Expat Explorer Survey, with 74 per cent of expats saying they found it easy to integrate into their local community. Chris Helgren
    3 CANADA – Canada came third overall in HSBC's 2016 Expat Explorer Survey, with 74 per cent of expats saying they found it easy to integrate into their local community. Chris Helgren
  • 2 NEW ZEALAND – In HSBC's 2016 Expat Explorer Survey New Zealand was ranked 5th for the ease with which new arrivals were able to integrate. James Morgan / AFP
    2 NEW ZEALAND – In HSBC's 2016 Expat Explorer Survey New Zealand was ranked 5th for the ease with which new arrivals were able to integrate. James Morgan / AFP
  • 1 SINGAPORE – The city-state is a buzzing metropolis where you can enjoy a high quality of life and confidence in the local economy – just two of the reasons it was named the best destination for expats in HSBC's 2016 Expat Explorer Survey. Edgar Su / Reuters
    1 SINGAPORE – The city-state is a buzzing metropolis where you can enjoy a high quality of life and confidence in the local economy – just two of the reasons it was named the best destination for expats in HSBC's 2016 Expat Explorer Survey. Edgar Su / Reuters

HSBC’s top expatriate destinations for 2016 – in pictures


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The UAE fell a few notches to 12th place among the favoured expatriate destinations in the world, according to HSBC’s Expat Explorer 2016 report. Find out which countries topped this year’s list.