After four years at the top, Switzerland has nudged ahead of Singapore as the best place in the world to live and work, according to HSBC’s global expat survey. Despite the dip, Singapore remains the best destination for families.

The HSBC Expat’s Annual League Table of Best Places to Live and Work 2019 - in its 12th year -  aims to survey the attitudes, opinions and experiences of people living overseas.

Quality of life, highly competitive salaries, and stunning surroundings have seen Switzerland take the top spot for the first time, climbing from eighth place last year.

Singapore remains the best destination for those relocating with children largely on the back of its well-regarded education system, job stability and opportunities as well as the quality of life it offers.

Ian Yim, head of Wealth & International, HSBC Bank (Singapore) says, “In 2018, we pointed out that other countries have started to up their game in their pursuit to attract the highest caliber of international talent, and Switzerland’s rapid ascent is a clear example of this. Nevertheless, our study shows that Singapore remains an attractive destination for expats especially if they are looking to build a long-term career while raising a family.”

Singapore is the only Asian city state that is ranked in the top three, and is even ahead of key international markets including Australia, Germany and the UAE.

One of the biggest draws of Singapore for expat families is its safety and clean environment. About 85% of expats “feel safer and more secure” in Singapore and appreciate the “very clean and safe public spaces” that the country offers. These scores are significantly higher than the global average of 48% and 41% respectively.

Singapore also scored significantly higher than the global average when it comes to having an “excellent education system” (47% vs 26%), “and being “a good place to raise children” (54% vs 28%).

About 62% of expats agree that the quality of education their children receive is better in Singapore than it would be in their home country, the percentage is significantly higher than the global average of 36%.

According to expats in Singapore, the benefits of raising children abroad include “fluency in more than one language” (69% vs 68% globally), “better quality of education” (50% vs 32% globally) and “more open to new experience and cultures” (74% vs 72% globally). In all areas, Singapore scored higher than the global average.

Yim adds, “Our research shows that internationally mobile people are looking for places that match their priorities, goals and objectives. Singapore in particular tops the ‘Little Expat league table’ which looks at expats’ attitudes and opinions about family life in their adopted city. The Singapore government’s ongoing focus on getting its fundamentals right in staying ahead and intensifying competition globally will ensure it remains an attractive destination for expats for years to come.”