These are the top 10 countries to live and work, according to 18,000 expats

The UAE is famous for not having any federal income tax, and 0% VAT tax in many other aspects of daily life.

It is an "excellent destination for the financially motivated," HSBC said, adding that many expats see their net incomes increase after moving there.

The financial perks have seen more than half of the expats interviewed have opted to extend their stay in the country, HSBC added.

Many expats say the quality of life and political stability in Germany are better than the rest of the world.

Parents also said the schooling in Germany is generally better.

Expats here said people are open and welcoming, and told HSBC they enjoy the cultural scene on offer.

Most expats reported feeling physically healthier after moving, and that the environment is better in Australia than back home. Many also praised the work-life balance.

However, the cost of living here can be high, InterNations reported last year.

New Zealand is a popular country for expats, particularly for those from English-speaking countries like Britain, South Africa, and the US, InterNations said last year.

A lot of people who moved to New Zealand said their quality of life has improved. According to HSBC, people who moved here were more likely to stay for over 20 years than in any other country.

The "relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle" in Spain allows expats to enjoy a good quality of life and to improve their mental well-being, HSBC said.

67% of respondents also said they have seen an improvement to their work-life balance after moving here.

Canada is one of the most welcoming countries in the world to foreign visitors, HSBC said, noting that many expats move here for the long term.

Singapore is the best place in the world for expat families, with many parents telling HSBC that its schooling system is better than in their home countries.

InterNations also ranked the city nation 5th best in the world for raising families, with parents praising job prospects and personal safety.

However, the cost of living can be quite high in the country, survey participants said.

Read more: Singapore and Hong Kong have overtaken the US as the most competitive economies. Here's how 25 countries rank.

A large majority of expats who moved to Switzerland told HSBC they saw an improvement in their quality of life, and that their surroundings are cleaner and safer than in their home country.

Their average salaries are also at $111,587 — far higher than the global average of $75,966 for expats.

However, this may be offset by the cost of living in some Swiss cities.

The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Zurich and Geneva the 4th- and 5th-most expensive cities in the world this year.

Read more: These are the most expensive cities in the world in 2019