Choosing where to live as an expat involves more than a list of attractive cities. The practical factors that determine whether a destination works for a working expat, and for their family, are specific: the immigration route available, the tax environment, the healthcare system, the English-language infrastructure, the quality of international schooling, and the cost of living relative to income.

For a full walk-through of what to expect when your company moves you abroad, see the complete guide to international employee relocation.

This guide covers the destinations that consistently rank highly among the expat population and for working professionals relocating internationally, with an honest look at what each one offers and what to consider before committing.

What makes a country work well for expats

Before looking at specific destinations, the factors that make a country genuinely liveable for working expats are worth establishing:

• A clear and accessible immigration route for skilled workers and their families
• A tax environment that does not create disproportionate double taxation risk
• A healthcare system, or a private healthcare infrastructure, that is accessible to foreign nationals
• A practical level of English-language accessibility in daily life and professional environments
• Good international schooling options for families relocating with children. For a destination-by-destination breakdown specifically focused on family considerations, see our guide on best countries for expat families.
• A stable political and security environment
• A cost of living that is manageable relative to typical expat salary levels

No single country scores perfectly on all of these. For more on why destination selection matters at a programme level, see our guide on the role of global mobility in company growth. The right destination depends on the individual’s circumstances, employer, nationality, family situation, and what they are optimising for.

For context on how the mobility landscape has evolved, see our guide on how 2025 transformed global mobility and what it means for your 2026 strategy.

The United Arab Emirates

The UAE, and Dubai in particular, has established itself as one of the most active expat destinations globally. It is home to one of the largest expatriate populations in the world by proportion of total residents.

• Tax environment: No personal income tax. Employer-paid salaries are received without income tax deduction in the UAE, though home country tax obligations may still apply depending on nationality.
• Immigration: A well-developed employer-sponsored visa system for skilled workers. The UAE has also introduced long-term residency options and a digital nomad visa category. 
• Lifestyle: English is widely used in professional and commercial environments. International schooling is extensive. Infrastructure is modern. The cost of living, particularly housing, is high relative to many other destinations.
• Considerations: Cultural and legal norms differ significantly from Western environments and require genuine orientation before arrival. Summer temperatures are extreme and affect outdoor lifestyle significantly.

For work permit guidance, see our guide: Work permits for the United Arab Emirates: A guide for corporate employees and for a deeper look at daily life in the UAE, see our guide on moving to the UAE from the UK.

Singapore

Singapore is consistently cited as one of the most liveable expat destinations for working professionals and families. It combines safety, infrastructure quality, and an internationally oriented business environment.

• Tax environment: Territorial tax system: only income sourced in Singapore is taxed. No capital gains tax. Income tax rates are relatively moderate.
• Immigration: A structured employment pass system for skilled foreign workers. Processing times are generally efficient. 
• Lifestyle: English is one of four official languages and the primary language of business. Healthcare is excellent. International schooling options are extensive. The cost of living is high, particularly housing.
• Considerations: Housing costs and international school fees represent a significant portion of typical expat budgets. The city-state’s size limits the variety of lifestyle and travel options available without leaving the country.

For work permit guidance, see our guide: Work permits for Singapore: A guide for international employees and for a deeper look at daily life in Singapore, see our guide on living in Singapore as an expat.

Germany

Germany is Europe’s largest economy and one of the most established destinations for corporate expat assignments. It combines economic stability, a highly developed public services infrastructure, and access to the broader European Union.

• Tax environment: Tax rates are higher than in many competing destinations. Germany has an extensive bilateral tax treaty network that mitigates double taxation risk for most nationalities.
• Immigration: A structured skilled worker visa system. Germany has introduced reforms to make its immigration routes more accessible to non-EU nationals. 
• Lifestyle: English is widely spoken in professional environments. Public healthcare is comprehensive. International schooling is available in major cities. Cost of living is moderate relative to income levels.
• Considerations: German is the language of daily life outside major city professional environments. Cultural adjustment involves significant language learning for full social integration. 

For work permit guidance, see our guide: Work permits for Germany: A guide for international employees and for a deeper look at daily life in Germany, see our guide on moving to Germany.

Australia

Australia’s combination of quality of life, English language, political stability, and natural environment makes it a consistently popular choice for long-term international relocation.

• Tax environment: Australia taxes residents on worldwide income. A bilateral tax treaty network exists, but Australian tax residency rules are important to understand before the move.
• Immigration: Multiple skilled worker visa categories. Processing times and eligibility requirements have evolved in recent years. 
• Lifestyle: English language. Strong public healthcare system through Medicare, with access linked to residency and treaty arrangements. The cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne is high; other cities offer better value.
• Considerations: Distance from Europe and North America is a practical consideration for those with strong home-country ties. Property ownership by non-residents is subject to restrictions.

For work permit guidance, see our guide: Work permits for Australia: A guide for international employees and for a deeper look at daily life in Australia, see our guide on living in Australia as an expat.

Canada

Canada is one of the most straightforward destinations for skilled worker immigration and offers a strong quality of life with a well-developed multicultural environment.

• Tax environment: Canada taxes residents on worldwide income. Tax rates vary by province.
• Immigration: Canada has one of the most transparent and accessible immigration systems for skilled workers, with multiple pathways to permanent residency. 
• Lifestyle: English and French are official languages. Healthcare is publicly funded for residents. International schooling options are available in major cities.
• Considerations: Cost of living in Toronto and Vancouver is high. Winter climate in most regions is significantly colder than most international assignments are accustomed to.

For work permit guidance, see our guide: Work permits for Canada: A guide for international employees and for a deeper look at daily life in Canada, see our guide on living in Canada as an expat.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands offers a distinctive combination: strong English proficiency, a central European location, and the 30 percent tax ruling, which provides a significant tax benefit for qualifying international skilled workers.

• Tax environment: The 30 percent ruling allows qualifying expats to receive 30 percent of their salary tax-free. This benefit has specific eligibility requirements and a maximum duration; confirm current terms with a tax adviser.
• Immigration: EU and EEA nationals do not require a work permit. Non-EU nationals require a work permit arranged through the employer. 
• Lifestyle: English is almost universally spoken in professional and daily life. Amsterdam in particular has one of the largest expat communities in Europe. Cycling infrastructure is exceptional. Housing is in high demand in major cities.

For work permit guidance, see our guide: Work permits for the Netherlands: A guide for international employees and for a deeper look at daily life in the Netherlands, see our guide on living in the Netherlands as an expat.

For HR and mobility teams planning relocations to any of these destinations, MOVEPLUS™ coordinates every element of the move through our relocation service coordination offering from visa and immigration to destination services and settling-in support.

Get in touch to discuss how MOVEPLUS™ can support your next international relocation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Which country is the easiest for expats to get a work visa?

Canada and the Netherlands are among the most accessible for skilled worker immigration. Canada’s Express Entry system is transparent and points-based, with relatively clear eligibility criteria. The Netherlands benefits from strong EU infrastructure and the 30 percent ruling for qualifying international workers. The right answer depends on your nationality, profession, and employer situation.

2. Which country is best for expats who do not want to pay high income tax?

The UAE has no personal income tax. The Netherlands’ 30 percent ruling reduces the effective tax rate for qualifying expats significantly. Singapore’s territorial tax system and moderate rates are also favourable. Note that home country tax obligations may still apply regardless of the host country’s rates, particularly for US citizens.

3. Is there a best country for expats overall?

No single answer fits all circumstances. The UAE and Singapore offer strong compensation environments but high living costs. Canada and Australia offer quality of life and accessible immigration but tax worldwide income. Germany and the Netherlands offer stability and European access. The best destination is the one that aligns with your professional circumstances, family needs, and personal priorities.

4. Where do most corporate expats live?

The largest concentrations of corporate expat populations are in major international business hubs: Dubai, Singapore, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Sydney, Toronto, and Hong Kong. The specific destinations that are most active in any given year shift with corporate investment flows and immigration policy changes.