Spain secures 4th place in latest survey on expat quality of life

Spain is always there or thereabouts on expat surveys, and the latest one cements its reputation as a fine place to live.

The 2016 InterNations Expat Insider survey has ranked Spain as the fourth best place in the world to be an expat, far ahead of countries such as France, Italy, Germany and Australia.

In one of the most extensive studies ever conducted to look into the general living standards and experiences of expatriates globally, the poll of 14,000 people asked respondents to rate several elements of life overseas, including health, safety and security, personal happiness, leisure options, the quality of transport and travel, and employment opportunities…

Top spot was taken by the island of Taiwan, which was ranked strongly on its economy, safety and cultural attractions. Second place, and the highest European nation in the survey, was Austria, which provides a high standard of living and excellent employment options for expats.

One ahead of Spain in third place was Japan, which is perhaps the most surprising of all countries in the top ten given the nation’s famed hostility to other cultures. However, as a temporary expat, Japan offers a good package of safety, leisure options, high paying jobs and excellent cultural attractions.

Spain, as ever, scored very well across the board, with the survey particularly praising its excellent climate, beautiful scenery and relaxed pace of life. The country ranked second overall for leisure options, with expats particularly full of praise for Spain’s warm approach to children and its outdoorsy culture.

Malta, the Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland were the other European countries in the top ten, along with Singapore and Costa Rica. France, which has long seen itself as the go-to destination for fun-seeking expats, actually came in 15^th place, and was surrounded by Australia (16^th), New Zealand (13^th) and Canada (12^th).

Spain’s neighbour Portugal ranked 14^th while Italy and the UK failed to make the top 20.