Singapore scores as the top destination for expats

Singapore ranks as top destination in the world for expats, according to a HSBC 21.950 expats poll released earlier this week

The HSBC Expat Explorer country league table placed Singapore ahead of expat preferred countries, based on questions about career opportunities, health and financial standards and overall quality of life. The city-state scored the highest when expats were asked about economy confidence.

The city has a strong economy and offers better career development, child health care and a better quality of life, "even though it is more expensive", when compared to the country of origin, according to survey respondents. Singapore seems to be a good place to start a business, for new entrepreneurs.

Matthew Colebrook, head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at HSBC Singapore, declared about poll results: "Singapore has worked hard to position itself as attractive for business. It is pleasing to see that its economic and political stability and general pro-business approach is being recognized by entrepreneurs globally."

The HSBC Expat Explorer surveyed 21,950 respondents from 39 countries. Singapore scored ahead of countries like New Zealand, Sweden, Germany and Australia. Sweden was ranked the best place for families, while Switzerland is the preferred destination for finance and career oriented expats.

The following were found to be in the top ten destinations preferred by expats:

1. Singapore

2. New Zealand

3. Sweden

4. Bahrain

5. Germany

6. Canada

7. Australia

8. Taiwan

9. United Arab Emirates

10. Switzerland

"Living abroad allows people to realize a whole range of ambitions. Learning new skills, enjoying a different culture or growing closer to loved ones through a shared adventure: these are just some of the rewards expats tell us they have enjoyed through their time in another country," as Dean Blackburn, Head of HSBC Expat, explains in press release.