Top of main content

Expat Explorer Survey 2021

Expats around the world give their views on living abroad in our annual survey

Expat Explorer paints a picture of growing global confidence

"For 14 years, HSBC has commissioned Expat Explorer: one of the longest running studies examining the lives of those who relocate abroad. The 2021 survey is our broadest look at expat living to date, with expats from a record-breaking 46 countries and regions sharing their views.

 

Helping our customers understand, navigate and succeed in an increasingly globalised world is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to support those living abroad."

 

Cameron Senior, Interim Head of HSBC Expat.

Future outlook

This edition of Expat Explorer reveals growing global confidence, with nearly two thirds of expats optimistic about the next 12 months.
Read valuable insights into what it is like to live abroad right now.
65 per cent
65% of expats are feeling optimistic about the year ahead.
75 per cent
75% of expats are optimistic 'normality' will return.
71 per cent
At 71%, Asia ranked as the highest region for optimism about the year ahead.
80 per cent
4 out of 5 expats say they will continue living in their host country for the next year at least.

Guides to help you prepare for living abroad

Your guide to expat life in a selection of countries and regions.
Premium banking that supports your international lifestyle.

How do expats feel about their ambitions and finances?

In today's fast-moving world, understanding your finances is key to achieving success.
63 per cent
63% have seen their disposable income increase since moving abroad.
9 per cent
Only 9% of expats have had help from a financial adviser.
52 per cent
Expats find their finances complex to manage, 52% of these say this is due to their tax situation.
60 per cent
60% say that saving for retirement is one of their top 3 goals.

Expat lifestyle

Two thirds of expats report a better quality of life since relocating.
Read how expats are staying for longer and embracing their communities.
92 per cent
Nearly all expats in Australia, Switzerland and Jersey (CI) would recommend the location as a stable place to live.
45 per cent
Expats recommend living in Europe for expanding cultural horizons (42%) and stability (45%).
90 per cent
9 out of 10 expats in Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus and Spain recommend moving there for the quality of life.
71 per cent
Overall, the MENAT region (Middle East, North Africa and Turkey) was the highest ranking region for quality of life, with 71% of expats recommending it.

You may also be interested in

Read our 10-step guide to moving abroad to make sure you've got everything covered.
Read our considerations for managing your money overseas.

All Expat Explorer survey data and all tips (in quotation marks) are provided by HSBC.

 

This information does not constitute advice and no liability is accepted to recipients acting independently on its contents. The views expressed are subject to change.