When it comes to work, everyone has different requirements and expectations. Some people expect high salaries, for others security and work-life balance are more important. To help expats decide what country provides their ideal working ‘climate’, InterNations’ Expat Insider survey ranks 68 countries worldwide according to the “best and worst” places in terms of expats’ work requirements.

Best countries to work in

Bahrain is top for career prospects

When it comes to the country offering the best career prospects, Bahrain still comes out top in this area and working satisfaction. 30 percent of expats reported that they were completely satisfied with their jobs in Bahrain, which is nearly double the global average. In addition, 85 percent (six out of seven respondents) rated their job satisfaction favourably. Bahrain’s economy is booming as global oil prices remain high and Bahrain continues to uncover additional oil and gas reserves – helping to boost the number of jobs available in a wide variety of industries.

Denmark offers the best work and leisure

Denmark ranks overall in 6^th position on the global expat index but comes in at first place when it comes to work and leisure. Half the respondents are completely satisfied with their working hours – with everyone feeling there is a good balance between the hours spent at work and the leisure options available in the country.

Taiwan is a consistent top performer

Taiwan is one country that has received positive results in all sub-categories in the Working Abroad Index. It has come in second overall after Bahrain, taken 3^rd place when it comes to career prospects and satisfaction, 8^th position when it comes to work and leisure and 7^th position when it comes to the country’s economy and job security. Over three-quarters of Taiwan’s expats are satisfied with their job security and 34 percent of expats are completely satisfied with their working hours – this could be since the Taiwan working week is shorter than average at 39.9 hours versus the average of 44.0 hours.

Ecuador is another top climber

Ecuador scores highly when it comes to the Working Abroad Index, rising a massive 40 positions from 51^st position in 2017 to 11^th overall in 2018. The biggest change was in career prospects with 69 percent of expats ranking this factor positively and 71% rating job satisfaction favourably. This year Ecuador has ranked 3^rd when it comes to the overall global index, climbing up 22 positions from its mediocre place at 25^th in 2017. This year, over 83 percent of expats in Ecuador are generally satisfied with their financial situation as oil prices increase and the country recovers from the devastating 2016 earthquake.

The worst place to work

Romania has suffered the biggest losses when it comes to the Working Abroad Index. For some, this result may be surprising as the country has experienced strong economic growth and low unemployment numbers in 2017. Despite these positives, expats are not happy with the salaries they receive in Romania and almost a quarter of expats are dissatisfied with their jobs.

If you are a South African living or moving abroad to work and would like to know more about how you can maximise your finances through financial emigration from South Africa, accessing your South African retirement annuity and our tailor-made tax solutions for South Africans around the world, contact FinGlobal today.