In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 countries with most Chinese expats. If you wish to learn about more, head straight to the 16 Countries with Most Chinese Expats.
5. Canada
Total Chinese Expats: 1,769,195
Canada, one of the countries with highest number of Chinese expats, welcomed 81,500 Chinese students in 2018 and saw Chinese tourists spend $5.9 billion the same year. Two-way investment between China and Canada surged, with China’s FDI stock reaching $17 billion by 2018. Chinese multinationals in Canada contributed $14.8 billion in sales in 2017, employing nearly 23,000 Canadians. Vital trade relations saw Canadian exports to China hit $21.95 billion in Q3 2023, with both direct and portfolio investments increasing.
4. Indonesia
Total Chinese Expats: 2,832,510
Chinese expatriates and investors are attracted to Indonesia, one of the countries with most Chinese expats, for its economic growth, partnerships, and demand for skilled labor. Direct Chinese investments reached $8.23 billion in 2022. The country’s large population and rising consumer spending create an appealing market. Chinese companies invest heavily in sectors like manufacturing, construction, energy, technology, and electric vehicles, forming complete industrial chains. Indonesia targets increased exports to China and offers investment opportunities through its capital relocation project to Borneo.
3. USA
Total Chinese Expats: 5,025,817
The USA, one of the countries with the highest numbers of Chinese expats, has a large Chinese diaspora of over 5 million individuals, with Chinese immigrants making up 5% of the immigrant population, favoring states like California and New York. They come for education and jobs, often obtaining H-1B and investor visas. About 16% of expatriates in China are American, and the USA attracts 28% of Chinese expats worldwide. Monthly trade balances vary, with a $25.16 billion deficit in January 2023. The USA is a major destination for Chinese investors, issuing nearly half of EB-5 investor green cards to Chinese nationals in 2018.
2. Malaysia
Total Chinese Expats: 6,884,800
Chinese expatriates increasingly choose Malaysia for economic opportunities, education, and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. Affluent Chinese citizens now make up 30.5% of MM2H holders. Malaysia’s appeal also includes its significant Malaysian Chinese population (22.8%) and status as a top destination for Chinese property investors. Despite occasional tensions, the Malaysian Chinese community dominates the country’s business sector, doubling their equity ownership from 22.8% in 1969 to 45.5% in 1990. Many of Malaysia’s wealthiest individuals are of Chinese descent.
1. Thailand
Total Chinese Expats: 9,300,000
Thailand, standing first among the countries with most Chinese expats, has seen a notable rise in Chinese expatriates, impacting real estate and business sectors. Reasons include economic opportunities, cultural affinity, and investment potential. This influx has led to a real estate boom, concerns about affordable housing, and a visible presence of Chinese businesses. The Thailand Board of Investment reported a 70% increase in investment deductions in the year’s first half, with China contributing 16.9%. In the real estate sector, predominantly Chinese foreign buyers make up 10.8% of condominium transfers in Thailand. Property prices in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district have risen due to an influx of Chinese residents who are willing to pay more than locals.
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