More and more people worldwide are considering leaving their home country and settling abroad. For example, global Google searches for ‘how to move abroad’ have increased by 29%.
But which are the most popular places for people wishing to live abroad? Are people seeking sunny weather and sandy beaches, or are a strong healthcare system, a healthy economy, and a welcoming attitude more important?
Remitly Global, (NASDAQ: RELY), a provider of digital financial services that transcend borders and particularly help immigrants worldwide, looked at global search data to discover the most popular destinations for inhabitants of 101 countries around the world. By analysing the average monthly search volume for phrases commonly associated with researching a move overseas and ranking them with the most searched-for location within each country, they were able to see which destinations came out top.
The most popular destination for people looking to move overseas was Canada, which topped the wish lists of 29 other countries.
However, Canadians themselves were found to be angling for a move to second-placed Japan, yet another country known for its stunning scenery, safety and a vast array of job opportunities. Other popular options included Spain and Germany in Europe and Qatar in Asia.
The most popular destinations for Europeans moving overseas
Looking a little closer to focusing solely on European searchers, we can see that the most popular relocation destination is Germany, which topped the list for eight countries within the continent. Benefits of the country include its excellent universal healthcare system, a thriving economy, fantastic public transport, low crime rates, clean environment and excellent job opportunities.
Canada was still the second most popular choice, with five European countries, including France and Belgium, listing it as their top pick.
Preferred overseas living locations for people from Asia
There seems to be more of a location-based split within the Asian countries. South-east Asian and Indonesian immigrants are mostly interested in heading to Japan, making it the preferred option for the continent as a whole, while many of the Middle Eastern and Arabic countries within the continent, such as Jordan and Lebanon, lean towards Qatar as their top choice. With high salaries and no taxes, as well as modern living, particularly in Doha, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular option.
The Top 10 Countries for Moving Abroad
Only two countries came up when it came to the other destinations South Americans would like to relocate to, and Spain was the top choice by a landslide. Portugal was the only other pick, showing that it could well be similarities in language and culture that draw residents of these countries overseas, along with the great healthcare, general safety levels and the fantastic quality of life that Spain offers.
It was an even split between Oceanic countries, showing no clear choice for favoured overseas living destinations. New Zealand and Fiji both chose each other as their top picks – New Zealanders probably appreciating the more cost-effective and relaxed way of life in Fiji and Fijians enjoying the abundance of working and living opportunities available in New Zealand. Australia, meanwhile, is another country that is mostly researching a possible move to Japan.