Best countries to start an international career in

Do you want to launch your international career but you aren't sure where to start from? Europe appears to be the best area to secure a job in. For second year in a row, Switzerland tops the rankings as the best country for pursuing an international career, followed by Germany, and Sweden.

More than 26,000 expats living in over 100 countries worldwide were interviewed for the survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of HSBC Expat between March and April 2016. Participants were asked to share their views on different aspects of their life abroad, such as their career, earnings, experience, family life, and economics.

Why you should work in Switzerland

Switzerland is much more than smooth chocolate and stunning alpine sceneries. Besides the breathtaking lush green landscapes coupled with a rich cultural heritage, Switzerland stands out for granting expatriates with high earnings and administering a considerate work culture. Foreign professionals in Switzerland are generally entitled to an annual income of USD 188,275 compared to the global average of USD 97,419.

But in Switzerland you won't only benefit from a generous salary — you will also find the right balance between work and personal life, which so many international employees are admitting to have lost. Sixty-nine percent of the expats said that their work-life balance has improved since they moved to Switzerland. And we have no reason not to believe them when considering the flexible work environment, the working hours, and the value given to leisure time and family in Switzerland. Regarding the work culture, 61% of expatriates agreed that it is better compared to their home countries.

What is so special about working in Europe

“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,” says Dean Blackburn, Head of HSBC Expat.

Moving up one place from 2015, Germany is now the 2nd best destination in the world for expat employees. Commended for its work culture, Germany provides greater work security to expatriates according to 69.9% of participants. Many of them also believe that they enjoy a better work-life balance in Germany than in their home country. The same applies to Sweden, which ranks 3rd. However, only 34.7% believe that moving to Sweden has boosted their career.

Other European destinations for a rewarding career

Now in the top 10, the United Kingdom, Austria, and Norway are also attractive destinations for foreign professionals seeking a more rewarding career. Moving up nine places from 2015, the UK seems to be offering a better work environment to expatriates. Sixty-four percent said that they have picked up new skills since their move while 62% have progressed in their career. We should point out though that the survey was conducted before the UK referendum vote, and UK's decision to leave the European Union.

Austria and Norway are also praised by expatriates for the work culture and the improvement they have seen in their work-life balance.

Working in the Middle East or Asia

Ranking 4th overall in the survey results, the United Arab Emirates offer the best employment packages for expatriates, including several benefits as confirmed by 91% of participants. Assets include accommodation and health allowances for expats and their families. In other Gulf countries such as Bahrain, expatriates are also entitled to an annual allowance that enables them to travel back home.

Singapore and Hong Kong are also in the top 10 thanks to career development prospects along with greater earnings for high profile expatriates. However, 30% of the respondents in Singapore and 50% in Hong Kong believe that their work-life balance has not improved since their move.

Leave us a comment: Has your job abroad boosted your career? If you have not yet made the move, which country would you rather consider?