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The best countries to work in and make money
- Living abroad can be a unique opportunity to improve language skills and broaden our horizons. But it can also be a great way to line our pockets for a few years.
Every year, HSBC surveys thousands of expats in more than 190 countries and territories to assess the best places for foreigners to find fulfillment in their careers. Its 2018 survey takes into consideration three main aspects: Economics, experience, and family. Filtering just for economics, this list ranks the best countries and territories to advance in your career.
© iStock
0 / 46 Fotos
45. Argentina - Salaries paid in pesos tend to be low—the average annual salary is US$11,970—but most expats are paid in US dollars, euros, or sterling, depending on the company.
© iStock
1 / 46 Fotos
44. Brazil - Expats in Brazil are generally paid well compared to locals—the average Brazilian makes an annual salary of US$8,840—, but salaries are still low compared to the developed world. On the other hand, companies tend to offer good benefits for expats, including airfare allowances for trips home and repatriation support.
© iStock
2 / 46 Fotos
43. Turkey - Expat salaries in Turkey are lower than average salaries in most Western countries, but the cost of living is a also lower, so you can make your money stretch.
© iStock
3 / 46 Fotos
42. Egypt - Expats in Egypt are rarely there for financial reasons, but expat salaries paid in dollars are usually higher than average local salaries—which is US$3,410.
© iStock
4 / 46 Fotos
41. South Africa - As is the case in many emerging economies, expat salaries paid in a stronger currency than the rand are higher than the average local salary, though they still tend to be lower than average salaries in Western countries. But then again, it's important to take into consideration that the cost of living is lower.
© iStock
5 / 46 Fotos
40. Spain - Expats in Spain rarely have lucrative expat packages. And with an average annual salary of US$27,580, wages are lower than in other Western countries.
© iStock
6 / 46 Fotos
39. France - Expat salaries in France are in the same range as those in other western European countries.
© iStock
7 / 46 Fotos
38. Kenya - Expat salaries in Kenya tend to be very competitive and include packages that may cover housing, education allowances, a company car, and private health insurance.
© iStock
8 / 46 Fotos
37. Portugal - Portugal isn't known for its expat salaries or packages, so you're likely to earn less here than in other European countries.
© iStock
9 / 46 Fotos
36. Thailand - Salaries for skilled expats are highly competitive in Thailand, but the pay for unskilled labor is lower than in the US or the UK for similar positions.
© iStock
10 / 46 Fotos
35. Philippines - Expat salaries are high for executive and skilled positions, though they tend to be lower than the pay in other popular Asian expat destinations.
© iStock
11 / 46 Fotos
34. Peru - Peru is a good choice for expats in the mining industry, and though salaries tend to be lower than in Asian and European expat destinations, cost of living is also lower. Additionally, expats in Peru often receive relocation packages that include a company car, education allowance, among others.
© iStock
12 / 46 Fotos
33. Malaysia - The country offers many opportunities in IT, engineering, teaching, and banking sectors and salaries are well above the global average.
© iStock
13 / 46 Fotos
32. Mexico - Mexico's emerging market and booming economy make it a good choice for expats with all kinds of expertise, including teachers, entrepreneurs and senior executives. Expat salaries are lower than in Western countries, but so is the cost of living.
© iStock
14 / 46 Fotos
31. Japan - Japan's innovative nature paired with its strong economy make it a lucrative destination for expats. Japanese companies have some of the best expat packages in the world.
© iStock
15 / 46 Fotos
30. South Korea - South Korea is a lucrative business destination thanks to its booming economy based largely on the exports of cars and electronic goods. Relocation packages often include housing, the costs of which are high.
© iStock
16 / 46 Fotos
29. Indonesia - Boasting Southeast Asia's strongest economy, Indonesia has a number of thriving industries and is a good destination for entrepreneurs. Expat salaries are good and often include lucrative packages.
© iStock
17 / 46 Fotos
28. Ireland - Ireland is a good destination for those in the IT, finance, and health care sectors. Expat salaries tend to be similar to local salaries, but earning potential is high in corporate environments.
© iStock
18 / 46 Fotos
27. Russia - Russia is one of the world's largest exporters of gas, but its expat community goes well beyond that, from language teachers, to diplomats, and executives. Expat salaries and packages tend to be lucrative to offset the high cost of living in many parts of Russia.
© iStock
19 / 46 Fotos
26. Taiwan - A hub of international enterprises, Taiwan is a great destination for those working in IT and technology. Expat salaries tend to be high, particularly for those in corporate environments.
© iStock
20 / 46 Fotos
25. United Kingdom - Boasting the fifth largest GDP in the world, the UK is an economic powerhouse that attracts expats from all walks of life. Expat salaries are similar to local salaries, but they tend to be high in general.
© iStock
21 / 46 Fotos
24. Poland - Since joining the EU, Poland has attracted a number of multinational companies, which have transformed the local economy.
© iStock
22 / 46 Fotos
23. Belgium - The local market is a tough one for expats to put their foot in the door, but new opportunities have grown considerably as the country recovers from the financial crisis. Tax rates in the country are among some of the highest in the world, but expats who are in the country for a short period pay lower rates.
© iStock
23 / 46 Fotos
22. Saudi Arabia - The country is well known for its booming oil and gas industries, but its economic power also includes opportunities in engineering, construction, IT, and telecommunications. Saudi Arabia offers great career advancement and high earning potential.
© iStock
24 / 46 Fotos
21. Kuwait - Kuwait has one of the most open economies among Gulf countries, a highly skilled workforce, and a low unemployment rate. Its lucrative employment packages are becoming increasingly rare, but the country still offers good opportunities for expats.
© iStock
25 / 46 Fotos
20. United States - The US offers plenty of opportunities for expats, but its corporate environment can be brutal. Large corporations often offer generous packages for expats on long-term contracts.
© iStock
26 / 46 Fotos
19. China - The world's second largest economy is overflowing with opportunities. Expat salaries tend to be high and large companies often offer generous employment benefits and packages.
© iStock
27 / 46 Fotos
18. Hong Kong - In the last few decades, Hong Kong has emerged as a global financial power. Salaries and packages tend to be high, particularly for those in finance and executive positions.
© iStock
28 / 46 Fotos
17. Bahrain - Bahrain has one of the most diversified economies in the region and offers good quality of life and earning potential for expats. Salaries are similar and often higher than those in Western countries.
© iStock
29 / 46 Fotos
16. Vietnam - Vietnam offers good opportunities in the construction and tourism industries. Expat salaries aren't as high as in other destinations, but this is offset by the low cost of living.
© iStock
30 / 46 Fotos
15. India - India's strong emerging market is in high demand for skilled expats, particularly those in IT, financial services, pharmaceutical research, manufacturing, aviation and telecommunications. Also, India has the world's second largest percentage of high-earning expats, so salaries are pretty competitive.
© iStock
31 / 46 Fotos
14. New Zealand - New Zealand is highly business-friendly and offers good opportunities for expats in education, healthcare and forestry. Salaries are higher for jobs on the Immigration New Zealand's Essential Skills in Demand List.
© iStock
32 / 46 Fotos
13. Qatar - The country's petrochemical industry has been attracting expats for years, but the government has also made efforts to expand other sectors, such as financial services, tourism, health, and education. Expat salaries continue to be high, but its once-famous employment packages are becoming increasingly rare.
© iStock
33 / 46 Fotos
12. Oman - Expats can still find good career opportunities in Oman, though the government has implemented efforts to focus on its local workforce. Expat salaries in Oman aren't as lucrative as in other Gulf countries, but you're still likely to earn more here than you would in a Western country.
© iStock
34 / 46 Fotos
11. Australia - Australia boasts a strong, competitive economy that allows expats to thrive in many industries. The country is also home to the world's largest minimum wage at AU$18.29 an hour, approximately US$13.76.
© iStock
35 / 46 Fotos
10. Czech Republic - Its educated and skilled workforce has helped attract large companies to the Czech Republic. Many companies offer high salaries for senior positions, as well as generous benefits.
© iStock
36 / 46 Fotos
9. Austria - Austria offers good opportunities for those in the banking and tourism industries. Expat salaries are high, particular for those in managerial positions.
© iStock
37 / 46 Fotos
8. Canada - Besides offering plenty of opportunities in the energy sector, Canada has also expanded its finance, real estate and communications industries. Salaries tend to be higher in Canada than in the US and the UK, particularly in mining, oil/gas drilling and telecommunications.
© iStock
38 / 46 Fotos
7. Sweden - The country's innovative industries attract expats from all over the world. Expat salaries are high, as are the cost of living.
© iStock
39 / 46 Fotos
6. Netherlands - The economically robust country offers good career prospects in food processing, chemicals, gas and oil. Expat salaries tend to be high, but expats must prove they have a skill no local applicant does.
© iStock
40 / 46 Fotos
5. United Arab Emirates - The country has a small population, meaning its economy depends on skilled expats. In fact, more than 80% of its workforce is made up of expats.
© iStock
41 / 46 Fotos
4. Singapore - Singapore's thriving, high-paced economy offers good opportunities for expats. Salaries tend to be high, particularly for positions in finance and marketing.
© iStock
42 / 46 Fotos
3. Germany - Europe's strongest economy offers great career advancement opportunities for highly qualified expats. Salaries tend to be high, particularly for those in managerial positions.
© iStock
43 / 46 Fotos
2. Norway - Norway has a booming economy brimming with opportunities. Salaries are high, but so is the cost of living.
© iStock
44 / 46 Fotos
1. Switzerland - Switzerland's economy has remained strong, in spite of volatility experienced by its neighbors. Expat salaries are high, especially those employed to make up for local skills shortages.
© iStock
45 / 46 Fotos
The best countries to work in and make money
- Living abroad can be a unique opportunity to improve language skills and broaden our horizons. But it can also be a great way to line our pockets for a few years.
Every year, HSBC surveys thousands of expats in more than 190 countries and territories to assess the best places for foreigners to find fulfillment in their careers. Its 2018 survey takes into consideration three main aspects: Economics, experience, and family. Filtering just for economics, this list ranks the best countries and territories to advance in your career.
© iStock
0 / 46 Fotos
45. Argentina - Salaries paid in pesos tend to be low—the average annual salary is US$11,970—but most expats are paid in US dollars, euros, or sterling, depending on the company.
© iStock
1 / 46 Fotos
44. Brazil - Expats in Brazil are generally paid well compared to locals—the average Brazilian makes an annual salary of US$8,840—, but salaries are still low compared to the developed world. On the other hand, companies tend to offer good benefits for expats, including airfare allowances for trips home and repatriation support.
© iStock
2 / 46 Fotos
43. Turkey - Expat salaries in Turkey are lower than average salaries in most Western countries, but the cost of living is a also lower, so you can make your money stretch.
© iStock
3 / 46 Fotos
42. Egypt - Expats in Egypt are rarely there for financial reasons, but expat salaries paid in dollars are usually higher than average local salaries—which is US$3,410.
© iStock
4 / 46 Fotos
41. South Africa - As is the case in many emerging economies, expat salaries paid in a stronger currency than the rand are higher than the average local salary, though they still tend to be lower than average salaries in Western countries. But then again, it's important to take into consideration that the cost of living is lower.
© iStock
5 / 46 Fotos
40. Spain - Expats in Spain rarely have lucrative expat packages. And with an average annual salary of US$27,580, wages are lower than in other Western countries.
© iStock
6 / 46 Fotos
39. France - Expat salaries in France are in the same range as those in other western European countries.
© iStock
7 / 46 Fotos
38. Kenya - Expat salaries in Kenya tend to be very competitive and include packages that may cover housing, education allowances, a company car, and private health insurance.
© iStock
8 / 46 Fotos
37. Portugal - Portugal isn't known for its expat salaries or packages, so you're likely to earn less here than in other European countries.
© iStock
9 / 46 Fotos
36. Thailand - Salaries for skilled expats are highly competitive in Thailand, but the pay for unskilled labor is lower than in the US or the UK for similar positions.
© iStock
10 / 46 Fotos
35. Philippines - Expat salaries are high for executive and skilled positions, though they tend to be lower than the pay in other popular Asian expat destinations.
© iStock
11 / 46 Fotos
34. Peru - Peru is a good choice for expats in the mining industry, and though salaries tend to be lower than in Asian and European expat destinations, cost of living is also lower. Additionally, expats in Peru often receive relocation packages that include a company car, education allowance, among others.
© iStock
12 / 46 Fotos
33. Malaysia - The country offers many opportunities in IT, engineering, teaching, and banking sectors and salaries are well above the global average.
© iStock
13 / 46 Fotos
32. Mexico - Mexico's emerging market and booming economy make it a good choice for expats with all kinds of expertise, including teachers, entrepreneurs and senior executives. Expat salaries are lower than in Western countries, but so is the cost of living.
© iStock
14 / 46 Fotos
31. Japan - Japan's innovative nature paired with its strong economy make it a lucrative destination for expats. Japanese companies have some of the best expat packages in the world.
© iStock
15 / 46 Fotos
30. South Korea - South Korea is a lucrative business destination thanks to its booming economy based largely on the exports of cars and electronic goods. Relocation packages often include housing, the costs of which are high.
© iStock
16 / 46 Fotos
29. Indonesia - Boasting Southeast Asia's strongest economy, Indonesia has a number of thriving industries and is a good destination for entrepreneurs. Expat salaries are good and often include lucrative packages.
© iStock
17 / 46 Fotos
28. Ireland - Ireland is a good destination for those in the IT, finance, and health care sectors. Expat salaries tend to be similar to local salaries, but earning potential is high in corporate environments.
© iStock
18 / 46 Fotos
27. Russia - Russia is one of the world's largest exporters of gas, but its expat community goes well beyond that, from language teachers, to diplomats, and executives. Expat salaries and packages tend to be lucrative to offset the high cost of living in many parts of Russia.
© iStock
19 / 46 Fotos
26. Taiwan - A hub of international enterprises, Taiwan is a great destination for those working in IT and technology. Expat salaries tend to be high, particularly for those in corporate environments.
© iStock
20 / 46 Fotos
25. United Kingdom - Boasting the fifth largest GDP in the world, the UK is an economic powerhouse that attracts expats from all walks of life. Expat salaries are similar to local salaries, but they tend to be high in general.
© iStock
21 / 46 Fotos
24. Poland - Since joining the EU, Poland has attracted a number of multinational companies, which have transformed the local economy.
© iStock
22 / 46 Fotos
23. Belgium - The local market is a tough one for expats to put their foot in the door, but new opportunities have grown considerably as the country recovers from the financial crisis. Tax rates in the country are among some of the highest in the world, but expats who are in the country for a short period pay lower rates.
© iStock
23 / 46 Fotos
22. Saudi Arabia - The country is well known for its booming oil and gas industries, but its economic power also includes opportunities in engineering, construction, IT, and telecommunications. Saudi Arabia offers great career advancement and high earning potential.
© iStock
24 / 46 Fotos
21. Kuwait - Kuwait has one of the most open economies among Gulf countries, a highly skilled workforce, and a low unemployment rate. Its lucrative employment packages are becoming increasingly rare, but the country still offers good opportunities for expats.
© iStock
25 / 46 Fotos
20. United States - The US offers plenty of opportunities for expats, but its corporate environment can be brutal. Large corporations often offer generous packages for expats on long-term contracts.
© iStock
26 / 46 Fotos
19. China - The world's second largest economy is overflowing with opportunities. Expat salaries tend to be high and large companies often offer generous employment benefits and packages.
© iStock
27 / 46 Fotos
18. Hong Kong - In the last few decades, Hong Kong has emerged as a global financial power. Salaries and packages tend to be high, particularly for those in finance and executive positions.
© iStock
28 / 46 Fotos
17. Bahrain - Bahrain has one of the most diversified economies in the region and offers good quality of life and earning potential for expats. Salaries are similar and often higher than those in Western countries.
© iStock
29 / 46 Fotos
16. Vietnam - Vietnam offers good opportunities in the construction and tourism industries. Expat salaries aren't as high as in other destinations, but this is offset by the low cost of living.
© iStock
30 / 46 Fotos
15. India - India's strong emerging market is in high demand for skilled expats, particularly those in IT, financial services, pharmaceutical research, manufacturing, aviation and telecommunications. Also, India has the world's second largest percentage of high-earning expats, so salaries are pretty competitive.
© iStock
31 / 46 Fotos
14. New Zealand - New Zealand is highly business-friendly and offers good opportunities for expats in education, healthcare and forestry. Salaries are higher for jobs on the Immigration New Zealand's Essential Skills in Demand List.
© iStock
32 / 46 Fotos
13. Qatar - The country's petrochemical industry has been attracting expats for years, but the government has also made efforts to expand other sectors, such as financial services, tourism, health, and education. Expat salaries continue to be high, but its once-famous employment packages are becoming increasingly rare.
© iStock
33 / 46 Fotos
12. Oman - Expats can still find good career opportunities in Oman, though the government has implemented efforts to focus on its local workforce. Expat salaries in Oman aren't as lucrative as in other Gulf countries, but you're still likely to earn more here than you would in a Western country.
© iStock
34 / 46 Fotos
11. Australia - Australia boasts a strong, competitive economy that allows expats to thrive in many industries. The country is also home to the world's largest minimum wage at AU$18.29 an hour, approximately US$13.76.
© iStock
35 / 46 Fotos
10. Czech Republic - Its educated and skilled workforce has helped attract large companies to the Czech Republic. Many companies offer high salaries for senior positions, as well as generous benefits.
© iStock
36 / 46 Fotos
9. Austria - Austria offers good opportunities for those in the banking and tourism industries. Expat salaries are high, particular for those in managerial positions.
© iStock
37 / 46 Fotos
8. Canada - Besides offering plenty of opportunities in the energy sector, Canada has also expanded its finance, real estate and communications industries. Salaries tend to be higher in Canada than in the US and the UK, particularly in mining, oil/gas drilling and telecommunications.
© iStock
38 / 46 Fotos
7. Sweden - The country's innovative industries attract expats from all over the world. Expat salaries are high, as are the cost of living.
© iStock
39 / 46 Fotos
6. Netherlands - The economically robust country offers good career prospects in food processing, chemicals, gas and oil. Expat salaries tend to be high, but expats must prove they have a skill no local applicant does.
© iStock
40 / 46 Fotos
5. United Arab Emirates - The country has a small population, meaning its economy depends on skilled expats. In fact, more than 80% of its workforce is made up of expats.
© iStock
41 / 46 Fotos
4. Singapore - Singapore's thriving, high-paced economy offers good opportunities for expats. Salaries tend to be high, particularly for positions in finance and marketing.
© iStock
42 / 46 Fotos
3. Germany - Europe's strongest economy offers great career advancement opportunities for highly qualified expats. Salaries tend to be high, particularly for those in managerial positions.
© iStock
43 / 46 Fotos
2. Norway - Norway has a booming economy brimming with opportunities. Salaries are high, but so is the cost of living.
© iStock
44 / 46 Fotos
1. Switzerland - Switzerland's economy has remained strong, in spite of volatility experienced by its neighbors. Expat salaries are high, especially those employed to make up for local skills shortages.
© iStock
45 / 46 Fotos
The best countries to work in and make money
These are the countries that offer the best career opportunities and progression
© iStock
Every year, HSBC surveys thousands of expats in more than 190 countries and territories to assess the best places for foreigners to find fulfillment in their careers.
The survey takes into consideration three main aspects: Economics, experience, and family. Filtering just for economics, this list ranks the best countries and territories to work in and make money.
Click through the gallery to find out which they are.
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