Canada tops destinations for UK expats

British expats have rated Canada the best country to live in, it was revealed yesterday.

The country was seen as having the best quality of life, according to a survey of UK expats worldwide by NatWest International Personal Banking (NatWest IPB).

Expats living in Canada particularly liked the peaceful nature of the country and its sound banking system.

They also gave high marks to Canada’s natural beauty, its healthcare system and its education standards.

Second in the quality-of-life table was New Zealand, followed by Australia, France and South Africa.

Of the 1,430 UK expats surveyed, more than half earned between £50,000 and £100,000 a year.

The biggest earners appeared to be in Hong Kong where 47 per cent of UK expats had annual salaries of more than £100,000. In contrast, only five per cent of UK expats in Portugal earned in excess of £100,000.

Natwest PIB head Dave Isley said: “Canada’s excellent working conditions, financial security and peaceful reputation have pushed Canada into this year’s pole position. It seems the pull of the beautiful Rockies, the Mounties and the marvellous taste of maple syrup is a real sticking point for British expats.”

This is how the countries were rated by UK expats:

1. Canada
2. New Zealand
3. Australia
4. France
5. South Africa
6. Portugal
7. Spain
8. US
9. United Arab Emirates
10. Singapore
11. Hong Kong
12. China.