Switzerland dethrones Singapore as the best place for expats: study

Switzerland’s got the stunning views, but Singapore still wins for families.

Singapore’s four-year reign as the best destination for expats has been ended by Switzerland, according to HSBC’s latest global expats survey. Switzerland climbed to the top spot for the first time, jumping eight places to end Singapore’s dominance.

Based on the study, it seems like Singapore can’t compete with Switzerland’s highly competitive salaries and stunning surroundings, although Singapore remains the best destination for expats with children.

HSBC noted the good quality of the Lion City’s education system, job stability, and quality of life.

“Our research shows that internationally mobile people are looking for places that match their priorities, goals and objectives,” said Ian Yim, HSBC Singapore’s head of wealth and international. “Singapore in particular tops the ‘Little Expat league table’ which looks at expats’ attitudes and opinions about family life in their adopted city.”

HSBC noted Singapore’s safety and environment as a major draw for expat families. More than 85% of expats “feel safer and more secure” in Singapore and appreciate the “very clean and safe public spaces,” double the global average of 48% and 41% respectively.

Around half of expats described Singapore as a “good place to raise children” (54%) and praised the “excellent education system” (47%), with scores higher than the global average of 26% and 28% respectively.

The country scored higher than the global average in all areas measured, from “fluency in more than one language” (69% vs 68), “better quality of education” (50% vs 32%) and “more open to new experiences and cultures” (74% vs 72%).