The 10 best countries for expats to work in

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10. Bahrain

10. Bahrain

Average expat salary: $98,622.

65% of expats receive an annual allowance for trips home in Bahrain as part of their job, according to HSBC. Across the Middle East, 91% of expats report some kind of benefit as part of their contract, compared to a global average of 67%.

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9. United Kingdom

9. United Kingdom

Average expat salary: $83,227.

It's the UK's first time in the top 10 for expats (although note that the survey was done prior to the Brexit vote — things may have changed since them.) HSBC says: "Expats in Britain [are] among the most likely in the world to pick up new skills compared to their home country (64%) and progress their career (62%)."

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8. Hong Kong

8. Hong Kong

Average expat salary: $169,756.

Hong Kong is a great place for expats looks to further their career but not for those looking for a better quality of life, according to HSBC. 68% of respondents said this was a good place to further their career but 50% said their work-life balance had worsened since moving to Hong Kong.

7. Austria​

7. Austria​

Average expat salary: $85,288.

Like Britain, it's Austria's first time in the top 10 this year. Austria rates highly for work-life balance — 71% of respondents highlighted this as a benefit — and work culture, with 62% of expats reporting improvement on their native jobs market.

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6. Singapore

6. Singapore

Average expat salary: $138,641.

Like Hong Kong, Singapore is a great place to progress a career but not the best for work-life balance. 62% of expats here said they had made progress in their careers but 30% reported a decline in living standards. However, 53% of expats working in Singapore said they felt more fulfillment in their jobs.

5. Norway

5. Norway

Average expat salary: $97,486.

Norway is a newcomer to the top 10 this year and HSBC says that across all countries surveyed expats working in Norway had the biggest improvement in their work-life balance, with 87% of respondents citing this.

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4. United Arab Emirates

4. United Arab Emirates

Average expat salary: $112,820.

56% of expats receive an accommodation allowance in the UAE, according to HSBC, and 75% receive health benefits.

3. Sweden

3. Sweden

Average expat salary: $84,802.

71% of expats who go to Sweden to work say the work culture is an improvement on their native country. Dean Blackburn, Head of HSBC Expat, says: "According to our survey, Europe is home to some of the best destinations for a successful expat career. Six European countries have made their way into the top 10 and are recognised for their strong work culture, great work-life balance and relatively good job security."

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2. Germany

2. Germany

Average expat salary: $97,693.

Germany is the best destination for expats who main priority is acquiring new skills, followed by job security and career progression, according to HSBC. 70% of expats say job security is better than their home country.

1. Switzerland​

1. Switzerland​

Average expat salary: $188,275.

HSBC says: "For the second year in a row, Switzerland is ranked the best all-round destination for a career abroad. The country combines the best earning prospects with a good work-life balance and an excellent work culture. The average annual expat income in Switzerland is $188,275, almost twice the global average of $97,419."

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