Expat Statistics in 2025

In 2025, more people are living outside their country of birth than ever before. The world has become increasingly interconnected, and moving abroad is no longer just for diplomats, high-level executives, or retirees—it’s a lifestyle choice for millions. From digital nomads and students to skilled professionals and migrant workers, the expat community is larger and more diverse than ever.

So, how many people have actually packed up and made a new home in another country? Let’s take a look at the numbers.

How many people are living abroad? 

The global expat population has reached its highest level in history, with more people choosing to live outside their home country than ever before. 

Whether for work, study, retirement, or lifestyle changes, millions of individuals are relocating across borders every year. 

Global expat population in 2025

The number of people living outside their country of birth has steadily increased, reaching 300–304 million in mid-2024. This represents about 3.6–3.7% of the world’s total population.

Compared to previous years:

• 2020: 281 million expats (3.6% of global population)
• 2010: 220 million expats (3.2%)
• 2000: 174 million expats (2.8%)
• 1970: 84 million expats (2.3%)

Over the last five years, the number of expats has increased by 19–23 million, marking a 7–8% growth since 2020. Since 1970, the global expat population has more than tripled.

Annual growth rate

• Between 2010 and 2020, the expat population increased by an average of 6.1 million people per year.
• Between 2020 and 2025, the growth rate slowed slightly to 4.75–5.75 million per year.
• Experts predict this trend will continue, with the expat population surpassing 350 million by 2035.

Who are these expats?

The global expat community is diverse, including workers, students, retirees, and migrants who move for various reasons. 

Trends driving the growth of the expat population

Several factors have contributed to the continued rise in global migration:

1. Economic & career opportunities

54% of expats are workers, with many moving for higher salaries and career growth.

Countries with labor shortages (such as Germany, Canada, and Australia) actively recruit skilled foreign workers.

Multinational corporations continue to transfer employees across borders.

2. Rise of digital nomads & remote work

Over 35 million people now work remotely while living abroad.

More than 50 countries have launched digital nomad visas, making it easier to live and work internationally.

Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe are becoming hotspots for remote workers.

3. Education & study abroad

More than 6 million international students are studying in foreign universities.

The most popular destinations for students include the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany.

Education migration has grown by 60% since 2000, showing a long-term trend in global mobility for learning.

4. Retirement migration

Over 18–20 million retirees (6–7%) have chosen to relocate for a better quality of life.

Top retirement destinations include Spain, Portugal, Panama, Mexico, and Thailand.

Aging populations in Western countries are leading more retirees to seek affordable and comfortable living abroad.

5. Political & climate migration

50–55 million expats (17–18%) have moved due to war, economic collapse, or environmental issues.

Climate change is expected to displace up to 200 million people by 2050, increasing migration flows.

Many countries are adjusting policies to accommodate new waves of migrants and refugees.

How long do expats stay abroad?

Not everyone who moves abroad does so permanently. Some stay for just a few months, while others settle for life. Here’s a breakdown of how long expats typically plan to stay:

Where are expats moving?

As the global expat population reaches an all-time high, certain countries continue to attract more foreign residents than others. Some destinations are popular for job opportunities, while others appeal to retirees, students, or digital nomads. 

Top 10 countries hosting the most expats (2025)

The following countries host the largest expat populations as of 2025:

Fastest-growing expat destinations (2020–2025)

While traditional expat destinations like the U.S. and UK continue to attract large numbers, some countries have seen rapid growth in their expat populations in recent years.

Why are these countries growing?

• Portugal and Mexico are two of the most attractive destinations for digital nomads and retirees.
• Thailand and Vietnam are becoming hubs for entrepreneurs and online workers due to affordability and infrastructure.
• Colombia has launched new visa programs to attract skilled professionals.
• The UAE continues to attract expats with zero income tax and high salaries.

Best countries for expats (Satisfaction rankings 2025)

Beyond just population size, surveys reveal which countries expats enjoy living in the most. The Expat Insider 2025 Survey ranked the best expat destinations based on quality of life, ease of settling in, and cost of living.

What expats love about these countries?

• Mexico is the #1 expat destination for happiness, with 90% of expats satisfied with their quality of life.
• Spain and Portugal rank high for their warm climate, excellent healthcare, and work-life balance.
• Thailand and Vietnam are affordable and welcoming to remote workers and entrepreneurs.
• Panama and Costa Rica attract retirees with low costs, easy residency, and high safety levels.

Why are expats choosing these destinations?

Each country attracts expats for different reasons. Here’s a breakdown of why people are moving to these top destinations:

Why do people move abroad? 

Millions of people relocate each year, but their reasons for moving abroad vary widely. Some seek career advancement, while others are drawn by a better quality of life, love, education, or financial opportunities. Understanding these motivations helps us see why certain destinations are growing and how global migration is evolving.

This chapter breaks down the primary reasons why expats move in 2025, backed by statistics and insights into global migration patterns.

Top reasons people move abroad in 2025

According to global expat surveys, the five main reasons people relocate are:

Each of these categories reflects different motivations, so let’s dive deeper into what drives people to relocate.

1. Career & job opportunities (35%)

The number one reason people move abroad is for work—whether it’s for a new job, career advancement, or business opportunities.

How expats find jobs abroad:

• 15% of expats relocate after finding a job on their own.
• 9% are recruited internationally for specialized skills.
• 8% are sent abroad by their employer.
• 2% move to start their own business.

Countries expats move to for work:

• United States & Canada – High-paying jobs in technology, finance, and healthcare.
• Germany & Australia – Strong demand for skilled labor and engineers.
• United Arab Emirates & Saudi Arabia – Tax-free salaries attract professionals in finance, construction, and hospitality.
• Singapore & Hong Kong – Major hubs for finance, business, and innovation.

Top industries employing expats

2. Lifestyle & adventure (26%)

Many people move abroad to improve their quality of life or pursue new experiences.

Breakdown of lifestyle-driven relocations

Top destinations for lifestyle expats

• Mexico – Ranked #1 for expat happiness, thanks to affordability and friendly communities.
• Spain & Portugal – Top choices for their sunny climate, great healthcare, and laid-back lifestyle.
• Thailand & Vietnam – Popular among digital nomads and retirees due to low costs and vibrant cultures.
• Costa Rica & Panama – Attractive for expats looking for nature, safety, and tax benefits.

These countries appeal to those who prioritize work-life balance, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences.

3. Love & family (21%)

Not all moves are career-driven—many expats relocate for personal relationships and family reunification.

Why people move for love & family:

• 9% move to live in their partner’s home country.
• 6% relocate because of their partner’s job.
• 5% move for other family-related reasons (e.g., joining parents, raising children abroad).

Top destinations for family-based moves:

• UK & Australia – Strong migration policies for family reunification.
• Canada & France – Favorable visa options for family-sponsored immigrants.
• United States – High number of marriage-based green cards and family sponsorships.

With international marriages becoming more common, many expats move to start a life with their partner abroad.

4. Education (10%)

Many students move abroad for higher education, language studies, or academic research.

• 9% move for university or college.
• 1% relocate to improve their language skills.

Top study abroad destinations

• United States – Hosts 1.1 million international students, the largest in the world.
• United Kingdom – Over 600,000 foreign students, mostly from China, India, and Nigeria.
• Canada & Australia – Known for high-quality universities and post-graduate work opportunities.
• Germany & France – Popular for low-cost or tuition-free higher education.

5. Other reasons (8%)

Not all expats move for work, study, or love. Some relocate for political, safety, religious, or humanitarian reasons.

Breakdown of other expats

Political & climate migration trends

• 50–55 million people (17–18%) worldwide have migrated due to conflict, economic collapse, or climate change.
• Climate refugees are expected to reach 200 million by 2050, increasing future migration flows.
• Countries like Canada, Germany, and Sweden have been among the most welcoming to humanitarian migrants in recent years.

How long do expats stay abroad?

Moving abroad is a major life decision, but for many expats, it’s not always permanent. Some people relocate for a short-term work assignment, while others settle indefinitely. In this chapter, we’ll explore how long expats typically stay abroad, whether they return home, and what trends influence their decisions.

According to global expat surveys, the planned duration of stay varies widely. Some people move abroad temporarily, while others make it a lifelong commitment.

What influences how long expats stay?

Several factors determine whether an expat stays short-term, long-term, or permanently:

1. Job & career stability

Expats who move for work (35%) often stay as long as their job allows.

Highly skilled professionals (tech, healthcare, finance) are more likely to settle long-term due to job security and high salaries.

Contract workers, freelancers, and remote workers often move between countries more frequently.

2. Residency & citizenship options

Some countries offer easy residency pathways, encouraging expats to stay longer.

Portugal, Spain, and Canada provide clear routes to permanent residency and citizenship.

Other countries, like the UAE and Singapore, have strict visa rules that make long-term stays difficult.

3. Cost of living & financial comfort

Expats in affordable countries like Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam are more likely to stay longer.

High-cost destinations like Switzerland and Hong Kong see more short-term expats due to expensive living costs.

4. Family & relationships

Expats who move for love or family (21%) tend to settle permanently.

Those who start families abroad are less likely to return home, especially if their children are raised in the new country.

5. Retirement plans

6–7% of expats move abroad specifically for retirement.

Retirees in Spain, Portugal, and Panama are highly likely to stay permanently.

Some retirees return home for healthcare access or family reasons as they age.

Do expats return to their home country?

While many expats plan to stay abroad forever, not everyone remains overseas permanently. Some eventually return home due to career changes, family obligations, or economic factors.

Reasons Expats Return Home

Who is most likely to return home?

• Expats with short-term contracts (1–3 years).
• Workers in countries with strict visa rules (e.g., UAE, Singapore).
• Young professionals seeking better career options in their home country.
• Families moving back for children’s education or aging parents.

Who stays abroad permanently?

• Retirees in low-cost, expat-friendly countries.
• Entrepreneurs and business owners who establish companies abroad.
• Expats who gain citizenship or permanent residency.
• People who integrate deeply into the local culture.

Countries where expats stay the longest

Some countries retain expats for the longest periods due to factors like job security, residency pathways, and quality of life.

Where do expats go next?

• From High-Cost Countries to Low-Cost Ones: Expats leaving Switzerland, Singapore, or Hong Kong often move to Portugal, Thailand, or Mexico.
• From Work Destinations to Retirement Hubs: Professionals who spent years in the UAE or U.S. often retire in Spain or Panama.
• From Temporary to Permanent Destinations: Many expats start in Europe or the U.S., then move to cheaper, long-term-friendly destinations like Vietnam or Costa Rica.

This trend shows that expat life is often not a one-time move but a journey through multiple countries.

Financial impact of expats (Earnings, Spending, and Economic Contributions in 2025)

Expats are more than just international residents—they are key players in the global economy, driving growth, boosting government revenues, and filling crucial labor gaps. Whether they are high-earning professionals, entrepreneurs, or migrant workers, expatriates influence their host countries through spending, taxes, investments, and workforce contributions. At the same time, their home countries benefit from remittances and cross-border business ties.

How much do expats earn?

Expats’ earnings vary widely based on location, industry, and experience level. While some relocate to high-paying corporate roles, others move to countries with a lower cost of living to maximize their financial freedom.

Global expat salary breakdown (2025 Estimates)

• Switzerland tops the list, with expats earning an average of $111,600 annually due to high salaries in finance, pharmaceuticals, and consulting.
• The U.S., Hong Kong, and Singapore offer strong salaries, especially in tech, finance, and business sectors.
• Expats in Mexico and Thailand earn less, but benefit from lower living costs, allowing them to maintain higher disposable income.

Top-paying expat industries

Highly skilled professionals in finance, IT, and engineering earn the highest salaries, particularly in high-cost destinations like Switzerland, the U.S., and the UAE.

How do expats spend their money?

Where expats live greatly influences how much they spend and save.

Expat Spending Breakdown (Global Average)

• Housing is the biggest expense, with expats spending 30–40% of their income on rent and utilities.
• Healthcare costs vary—some expats benefit from state-funded healthcare (Europe), while others pay high premiums (U.S., private insurance markets).
• Savings & Investments: Expats in lower-cost countries (Thailand, Mexico) can save up to 25% of their income, while those in high-cost cities (London, New York) save far less.

Economic contributions of expats

Beyond their personal finances, expatriates contribute to both host and home country economies in multiple ways, from paying taxes and filling labor market gaps to launching businesses and sending remittances.

Expats increase government revenues by paying:

• Income taxes (where applicable)
• Sales taxes (VAT)
• Property taxes
• Social security contributions

Tax contributions:

• In the United States, foreign-born workers contribute $3.3 trillion to GDP (~17% of the total economy).
• Undocumented immigrants alone contributed $96.7 billion in U.S. federal, state, and local taxes in 2022.
• In Canada, Germany, and the UK, studies show that immigrants pay more in taxes than they receive in benefits, leading to net fiscal contributions.
• In Gulf countries, where no personal income tax exists, expats still contribute significantly through consumption taxes (VAT) and corporate economic activity.

Expats in the workforce & labor market

Expats help fill skill gaps and support economic growth.

In Saudi Arabia, 76% of the workforce consists of foreign-born workers.

In Qatar, 95% of the workforce is expatriate.

The UAE’s economy is almost entirely expat-driven, with 89% of the population and 92% of the workforce being foreigners.

In the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), over 20% of doctors and nurses are foreign-born.

In the European Union, two-thirds of new jobs (2019–2023) were filled by non-EU foreign workers.

Expats fill both high-skill and essential service jobs, from Silicon Valley engineers to oil and construction workers in the Gulf.

Expat entrepreneurs & business investment

Expats don’t just fill jobs—they create them.

In the United States, immigrants represent 21.7% of all business owners, despite making up only 13.6% of the population.

55% of billion-dollar U.S. startups were founded by foreign-born entrepreneurs.

Similar trends are seen in Canada, the UK, and France, where foreign-born business owners drive economic dynamism.

Expatriate investors fund local startups, purchase real estate, and contribute to stock markets.

Global impact of remittances

Expatriates send record-breaking amounts of money to their home countries, far exceeding foreign aid and direct investment.

Remittance flows (2023–2025)

• Total global remittances: $857 billion
• Remittances to developing countries: $656 billion

Top recipients:

• India – $111 billion
• Mexico – $61 billion
• China – $53 billion
• Philippines – $42 billion

Impact on home economies:

• In the Philippines, remittances account for 8–9% of GDP.
• In El Salvador & Nepal, they make up 20% of GDP.
• In smaller nations (e.g., Tonga, Haiti), remittances exceed 30% of GDP.

These funds are used for education, home purchases, and small business development, helping to reduce poverty and boost financial stability in expats’ home countries.

Challenges faced by expats

While expatriates enjoy many benefits—new career opportunities, cultural experiences, and financial advantages—relocating to a foreign country comes with significant challenges. Expats must navigate complex visa requirements, bureaucratic hurdles, cultural adaptation, and personal struggles such as loneliness and making friends.

Visa and bureaucratic challenges

Getting a visa or residency permit is often the biggest administrative hurdle for expats. The complexity of immigration laws, changing policies, and long processing times can make relocation stressful.

Common visa-related issues

Toughest countries for expats to get visas (2025)

• Switzerland & Denmark – Strict work visa policies, high salary requirements.
• United States – Lengthy green card process, H-1B visa lottery system.
• Japan – High documentation requirements, preference for local hires.
• Australia – Competitive skilled migration system with strict point-based scoring.

Easiest countries for expats to get visas (2025)

• Portugal & Spain – Digital nomad and Golden Visa programs.
• Mexico – Low requirements for residency.
• Thailand – Special long-term visas for retirees and digital nomads.
• United Arab Emirates – New 10-year Golden Visa for skilled professionals.

Government response:

• More than 50 countries have introduced digital nomad visas to attract remote workers.
• Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Thailand offer fast-track residency for investors and retirees.
• Despite these improvements, visa uncertainty remains a major challenge for expats worldwide.

Language barriers and cultural adaptation

Relocating to a country where a different language is spoken presents major obstacles in daily life, work, and social interactions.

Expats’ biggest cultural challenges

• 43% of expats struggle with the language barrier, making it the most significant cultural challenge.
• Language difficulties affect everything from ordering food and finding housing to building friendships.
• 25% of expats report difficulties integrating into local society due to cultural differences.

Most difficult languages for expats to learn

• Mandarin Chinese – Complex characters, tonal pronunciation.
• Arabic – Different script, wide dialect variations.
• Japanese – Three writing systems, thousands of characters.
• Russian – Cyrillic alphabet, complex grammar.

Easiest difficult languages for expats to learn

• Spanish – Phonetic spelling, global usage.
• French – Shared vocabulary with English.
• Dutch – Simple grammar, similar sentence structure.
• Portuguese – Familiar to Spanish speakers.

Making friends & social integration

Moving abroad often means leaving behind family and social networks, leading to loneliness and difficulty forming new connections.

How easy is it to make friends abroad?

How easy is it to make friends abroad?

35% of expats find it difficult or very difficult to make local friends.

The most common reason for social difficulties is the language barrier (43%).

Expat communities and networking groups can help, but some expats feel stuck in “expat bubbles.”

Best & worst countries for social life

In Switzerland, Denmark, and Japan, cultural formality and reserved social norms make integration harder. In contrast, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand rank as the best countries for building friendships.

Cost of living & financial challenges

The cost of living in some expat destinations is rising rapidly, making affordability a growing concern.

How many expats struggle financially?

29% of expats say they are “just breaking even”—earning enough to cover costs but unable to save.

19% are struggling financially, especially in high-cost cities like London, New York, and Singapore.

Most expensive vs. affordable expat cities

Many expats in high-cost cities move to lower-cost countries like Thailand or Colombia to maximize their quality of life while spending less.

Legal & bureaucratic issues

From banking to healthcare, taxes, and visas, dealing with foreign bureaucracies is one of the most stressful aspects of expat life.

Top bureaucratic difficulties

32% of expats struggle with banking, particularly in countries with strict financial regulations (Switzerland, Japan).

27% find tax filing complicated, especially in the U.S., where citizens must file global income taxes even while living abroad.