Expat families spend more time overseas than expats with no children because many countries offer a better education and lifestyle than their home, according to a new report.
A strong family ethos and the wish to for children to have the best schooling and lifestyle mean 57% of expat families spend five years or more in the same foreign country.
While for couples without children, the figure is 50%, research for HSBC Bank’s expat explorer survey revealed.
Asked to list the major reasons for stating overseas, expat families told the bank that making friends for their children was top.
Next, parents wanted their children to feel at home in a foreign country so that they were enjoying their lives.
Favourite countries
Australia and New Zealand were among the favourite countries for expats families. Almost three quarters of families stayed five years or more in Australia, compared to the international average of 57%.
The survey also revealed children in these two countries had an outdoors lifestyle, including playing more sport than average.
In Australia, 71% of children took part in sports. The global average was 28%.
Japan was also picked out by expats as a good place for families, with families much more likely to stay for more than five years than singles.
Three quarters of families have settled long term in the country, compared to 40% of singles and couples without children.
Expat top pick
When asked to list their favourite expat destinations for families, Sweden ranked first, followed by New Zealand and Singapore.
Sweden won out due to impressive schooling, government help with bringing up children and high living standards.
Expats particularly rated the 480 days which can be split between each parent after the birth of a new child, ongoing childcare and free schooling.
Expats also like Sweden because families find the language easy to learn and feel safe and secure in the country.
Rated at a massive 80% for expat family quality of life, Sweden is also a favourite for expats looking for relationships – with four out of 10 expats finding a new life partner while living in the country and 60% of couples moving there confirming their relationships have improved because of better living standards and less stress.
