Are you considering living and working in Asia? Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Dubai and Japan are among the destinations most frequently considered by expatriates, but each suits different priorities. Career prospects, living costs, family life, access to healthcare, language and visa conditions should all be compared before you decide.
This guide explores five destinations to consider for a move to Asia. It is not a universal ranking: the best country for you will depend on your profile, career plans, budget and healthcare needs.
How should you choose the best Asian country to live in?
Start by defining your personal priorities. Visa requirements and the right to work are essential, alongside rent, taxation, international school fees and infrastructure. For healthcare, check whether foreign residents can access the public system, what private treatment may cost and which benefits are included in any employer-funded plan.
You can also explore our Asia-Pacific destinations to understand how healthcare is organised in each country and what international residents should consider before moving.
1. Singapore: an international business centre
Singapore is particularly well suited to professionals looking for a multicultural environment, strong connections across Asia and a structured administrative framework. English is widely used at work and in everyday life, which can make settling in easier for international residents.
Budget is an important consideration, particularly for housing, international education and treatment in the private sector. Eligibility for a work pass depends on your profile, employer and the rules in force when you apply.
Singapore combines high-quality public and private healthcare. Foreign residents do not necessarily have access to the same funding arrangements as citizens and permanent residents.
2. Hong Kong: a highly connected Asian city
Hong Kong remains a highly international destination with a strong presence in finance, trade, logistics and professional services. English is widely used in many workplaces alongside Cantonese.
Housing often represents a substantial share of an expatriate budget. Before accepting an assignment, compare net income, employer benefits, international school fees and the medical cover included in the package.
Hong Kong has both public and private healthcare sectors. Waiting times, access conditions and fees vary according to the facility and the patient’s status. For cover designed for internationally mobile residents, explore MyHEALTH Hong Kong.
3. Thailand: a wide choice of lifestyles
Thailand offers very different living environments. Bangkok concentrates many corporate headquarters and career opportunities, while Chiang Mai, Phuket and other locations may suit family, entrepreneurial or remote-working plans, provided that you hold the appropriate visa.
Living costs vary considerably by city, neighbourhood, accommodation and lifestyle. Residence and employment requirements should be checked with the relevant authorities, as visitor status does not necessarily permit professional activity.
Major cities have private hospitals and clinics used to treating international patients. However, hospital treatment and specialist care can still be costly. Explore MyHEALTH Thailand and check the applicable benefits, limits and excesses.
4. Dubai: an international destination in the Middle East
Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, attracts professionals from sectors including finance, technology, trade, logistics, construction and tourism. English is widely used in professional life, but understanding local laws, customs and business practices remains essential.
Your budget will depend heavily on the neighbourhood, accommodation, school fees and the level of services you choose. Residence is generally linked to a visa that reflects your employment, family or business circumstances.
Access to care relies on public and private facilities as well as health insurance that meets local requirements. Before moving, explore APRIL International’s destination guides and check your policy’s geographical area of cover carefully.
5. Japan: infrastructure, safety and quality of life
Japan may appeal to expatriates drawn to its infrastructure, public transport, innovation and varied employment centres. Tokyo offers many international opportunities, while other cities may provide a different pace of life and a lower overall budget.
Speaking Japanese makes administration and everyday life considerably easier, although some international companies use English at work. Housing and daily expenses vary significantly between Tokyo, other major cities and regional locations.
Japan has an established health insurance system, but enrolment conditions and out-of-pocket costs depend on residence and employment status. Supplementary or international cover may be useful depending on your needs, travel plans and existing benefits.
Which Asian destination may suit your profile?
For an international career: Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai are home to many international businesses and multicultural working environments.
For a wider choice of lifestyles: Thailand allows you to compare a major capital, regional cities and coastal destinations across very different budgets.
For infrastructure and transport: Japan stands out for the density of its networks and the variety of its major cities.
In every case, compare visa conditions, the employment market, actual housing costs, taxation, education and healthcare access. Rules can change, so check official sources before making a decision.
Planning healthcare cover before moving to Asia
Employer-funded health insurance can provide a useful foundation, but check whether it also covers dependants, routine treatment, hospital care, maternity, dental and optical care, pre-existing conditions, medical evacuation and treatment received while travelling outside your country of residence.
When comparing policies, examine annual limits, sub-limits, excesses, waiting periods, exclusions, geographical cover and reimbursement arrangements. Read our guide to choosing the best international health insurance for your individual circumstances.
APRIL International offers long-term international health insurance designed for people living abroad. Available benefits and services depend on the selected plan, country of residence and policy terms.
Frequently asked questions about moving to Asia (FAQ)
What is the best Asian country for expatriates?
What is the best Asian country for expatriates?
There is no single answer. Singapore may suit professionals seeking an English-speaking international environment, Hong Kong may appeal to people working in finance and services, Thailand offers several distinct lifestyles, Dubai supports a wide range of international careers, and Japan attracts those who value infrastructure and culture. Visa eligibility, employment, budget and healthcare should guide your choice.
Which Asian country has the lowest cost of living?
Which Asian country has the lowest cost of living?
Living costs depend more on the city, neighbourhood and lifestyle than on the country alone. Thailand may cost less than Singapore or Hong Kong in many situations, but accommodation, international school fees and spending habits can change the budget considerably.
Do expatriates need health insurance to live in Asia?
Do expatriates need health insurance to live in Asia?
Requirements vary by country, visa and employment status. Even where insurance is not compulsory, it may be valuable if access to the local system is limited or if you want to use private healthcare. Always check limits, excesses, exclusions and the geographical area of cover.
Is employer-funded health insurance enough in Asia?
Is employer-funded health insurance enough in Asia?
That depends on the policy. Check cover for family members, outpatient treatment, hospital care, maternity, dental and optical treatment, pre-existing conditions, assistance and treatment outside the country. Additional cover may be needed if the benefits or limits are insufficient.
How should a family prepare for a move to Asia?
How should a family prepare for a move to Asia?
Compare schools, fees, neighbourhoods, commuting times, dependant visa options and family healthcare cover. It is also sensible to plan recommended vaccinations, paediatric care and access to any regular treatment or medication.
