In this article, we will be navigating through the American expat community while covering the 20 countries with the most American expats. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis, you can move directly to the 5 Countries With the Most American Expats.
American Expat Community: An Overview
Over the years, Americans have chosen various countries around the world as their new homes. For many of these immigrants, better job prospects are a core factor that guides their decision to relocate. Others move to their desired destination to pursue a relationship or an adventure. Those who are young also tend to move out of the US to seek quality education. Some of the top industries for American expats include education, IT, marketing, advertising, and communications. While the work-life balance is compromised in America, these expats enjoy a laid-back life in different countries around the world such as Mexico, Japan, Germany, and Italy. Quality healthcare is another factor motivating people to move.
A wave of international visitors mostly from the United States landed in Mexico during the pandemic. While Mexico’s borders were open, many of these Americans traveled to the country while they were remotely working for their employers in the US. This digital nomad influx came at a price for the locals as the long-term residents in Mexico City were displaced by the newcomers. This was due to a rising trend of renting houses among homeowners, through short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. On October 12, CNBC reported there was a substantial increase in the number of Americans who applied for or renewed residency visas. Americans who have settled in Mexico deem the country as a cheap place with an improved life quality and a strong community. The Black Americans felt especially safer in Mexico than in the US. You can also take a look at some of the best countries for expats.
Bright Job Prospects for the Immigrants
Expats can build a lucrative career abroad since they typically relocate to a place that offers ample employment opportunities. However, this transition can be difficult. Some of the leading companies offering employment opportunities and assistance with relocation to their employees include Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), salesforce.com, inc. (NYSE:CRM), and Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN). Let’s take a look at what these firms have been up to.
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), one of the most widely used e-commerce platforms in the US, offers its services across the globe and serves as an attractive choice for expats who wish to seek rewarding careers. Amazon’s Global Mobility Program is designed to help employees navigate their way across countries as the company is a large procurer of employment-sponsored visas. It supports its mobile workforce with visa and immigration processes, cultural integration training, and relocation support. The company claims to be a top company ranked by LinkedIn in countries including Japan, Spain, India, the UK, Italy, Australia and Germany, popular destinations among American expats. On October 9, Reuters reported that Amazon UK will be spending $207 million on two pay rises for its frontline operations staff over the next 6 months. The company planned to raise its minimum starting pay rates from October 15 and then later in April, 2024. The company has also started hiring for more than 15,000 seasonal roles across the UK for the festive period.
One of the leading manufacturers of Customer Relationship Management software, salesforce.com, inc. (NYSE:CRM), serves as a highly ranked employee-centric company around the world. It operates in numerous countries such as Canada, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The company allows its employees to relocate and cites a story of an employee who relocated from Ireland to Australia. Although the firm laid off 10% of its workforce during restructuring in January, it is all set to offer diverse employment opportunities. On September 15, Bloomberg reported that the company will be hiring 3,300 workers who will be working across different departments including sales, engineering, and for the company’s data cloud product. While many of the new hires will be those who once worked at the company, other positions will be open to those seeking employment at a known multinational cloud-based software company.
Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) specializes in IT services and consulting and creates an inclusive and accessible workplace for all employees. It provides employee relocation assistance through tools and resources to support employees in their transition to new locations. Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) continues to expand its footprint across various countries some of which tend to be common locations for Americans to settle in. On November 2, the company reported its expansion in Spain by acquiring Innotec Security, a prominent Spanish cybersecurity company. This development will add 500 cybersecurity professionals to Accenture’s workforce of 20,000 professionals globally thereby making the company one of the top managed security services players in Spain. Back in October, the firm acquired a U.K. technology consultancy to build upon its presence in the United Kingdom.
Now that we have taken a look at the American expat situation, we can move to the 20 countries with the most American expats.
Our Methodology:
In order to compile a list of the 20 countries with the most American expats, we sourced data from the United Nations’ International Migrant Stock 2020 published by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. The most recent data relevant to expats was released in 2020. We selected the percentage of total American expats in every country as our primary metric which was supplemented by the number of US citizens in each of the selected countries.
Finally, we ranked the 20 countries with the most American expats in ascending order of their percentages of US expats and the number of US citizens living in each country.
20 Countries With the Most American Expats
20. India
Percentage of Total American Expats: 1.1%
Number of US Citizens Living in India: 32,867
India ranks as one of the 20 countries with the most American expats. India is home to many Americans some of whom are immigrants from the US while others are Indian citizens of American descent. The growing economy and the low cost of living also attract Americans to the country. Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai are known Indian cities among those settling in India.
19. Ireland
Percentage of Total American Expats: 1.17%
Number of US Citizens Living in Ireland: 35,190
Americans also tend to move to Ireland in pursuit of work, family, or the ease of accessing the rest of Europe. English is widely spoken in Ireland, easing the decision to move in for US residents. Low crime and affordable private health insurance are other expat benefits in Ireland.
18. Netherlands
Percentage of Total American Expats: 1.18%
Number of US Citizens Living in the Netherlands: 35,242
The 20 countries with the most American expats include the Netherlands as well. This small country from Europe offers a thriving economy, a diverse society, and a high quality of life to American expats. Amsterdam is a popular destination among those settling in the Netherlands. Getting around the country and even to neighboring European nations is convenient.
17. New Zealand
Percentage of Total American Expats: 1.2%
Number of US Citizens Living in New Zealand: 35,989
New Zealand also makes it to the list of countries with the most American expats. The New Zealand city is also recruiting Americans through well-paying jobs. The work-life balance is good in New Zealand. The high standard of living and the mild climate are additional pros.
16. Philippines
Percentage of Total American Expats: 1.26%
Number of US Citizens Living in the Philippines: 37,857
The Philippines is one of the top destinations in Asia among American expats. Many of the locals can even speak English. The exchange rate is also favorable since the expenses tend to be cheaper for American expats in the Philippines. These factors enable the Philippines to qualify as one of the countries with the most American expats.
15. Switzerland
Percentage of Total American Expats: 1.29%
Number of US Citizens Living in Switzerland: 38,779
Switzerland is another country with the most American expats. The country is regarded as one of the safest nations with additional perks such as a vibrant culture and a good quality of life. Better salaries, access to universal healthcare, and education are other factors behind Americans immigrating to Switzerland.
14. Peru
Percentage of Total American Expats: 1.38%
Number of US Citizens Living in Peru: 41,292
Many Americans move to Peru to settle there permanently thereby making the country one of the 20 countries with the most American expats. The cost of living is comparatively low in Peru. Networking opportunities with other Americans are also available which helps new American expats in settling in.
13. Bangladesh
Percentage of Total American Expats: 1.51%
Number of US Citizens Living in Bangladesh: 45,115
Bangladesh is another country to host many American expats. Gulshan, Baridhara, and Banani are popular destinations in the country where expats feel comfortable. Traveling around is relatively easier and cheaper. The country has a good geographical position in Asia and offers good investment opportunities.
12. Italy
Percentage of Total American Expats: 1.8%
Number of US Citizens Living in Italy: 54,011
Italy is another European country that attracts Americans. While many of these American expats choose to live in bigger cities such as Milan and Rome, other small-sized Italian towns are also an available option. The overall environment is secure and stable which makes Italy a popular destination for Americans.
11. Spain
Percentage of Total American Expats: 1.91%
Number of US Citizens Living in Spain: 57,112
Spain is one of the 20 countries with the most American expats. The country is a popular place to seek a living among digital nomads and retirees. The Spanish quality of life and economic opportunity combined with the abundance of historical attractions drive Americans to relocate to Spain for a better future at an affordable cost.
10. Japan
Percentage of Total American Expats: 1.95%
Number of US Citizens Living in Japan: 58,340
Japan qualifies as another country that hosts many immigrant Americans. The country is deemed a good place to live and work in Asia. Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka are strong economic places for the incoming expats to settle in. The Japanese sense of community also helps Americans feel at home.
9. France
Percentage of Total American Expats: 2.06%
Number of US Citizens Living in France: 61,668
Americans also tend to immigrate to France. Apart from affordable healthcare, better job security, and reasonable work-life balance, the country acts as a gateway to other EU nations for expats. Many of the American expats settle in the vibrant capital city of Paris, a center of economic opportunities.
8. South Korea
Percentage of Total American Expats: 2.27%
Number of US Citizens Living in South Korea: 68,050
South Korea is another popular destination among American expats. These expats tend to benefit from the established public transit system, universal health coverage, and low crime rates in South Korea. These factors make the country one of the 20 countries with the most American expats.
7. Israel
Percentage of Total American Expats: 2.56%
Number of US Citizens Living in Israel: 76,794
As mentioned above, Israel hosts many Americans thereby qualifying as one of the countries with the most American expats. The country offers an extensive healthcare system, a hospitable community, and is developed in terms of science and technology. Other travel destinations in Europe and Africa can also be conveniently accessed from Israel.
6. Australia
Percentage of Total American Expats: 3.89%
Number of US Citizens Living in Australia: 116,620
Australia ranks as another country that is home to a lot of American expats. The transition for Americans is easier since the country is English-speaking. The country is also known to be tolerant of all lifestyles and hence, accommodates many immigrants.
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Disclosure: None. 20 Countries With the Most American Expats is originally published on Insider Monkey.