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China Back in Top 10 of Best Destinations for Expat Workers
By Crystal Wilde , eChinacities.comIn a striking turnaround, China has surged back into the global expat spotlight, landing 6th place overall in InterNations' 2025 Expat Insider ranking—reaffirming its appeal as one of the world's best destinations for expat workers. This rise marks a dramatic leap from its 19th‑place ranking in 2024, making China, alongside Malaysia, one of only two new entries to crack the top 10 this year.
☆ Booming career prospects: China climbed 21 places to reach 9th in the Working Abroad Index, driven by high marks for Career Prospects (3rd), and Salary & Job Security (5th).
☆ Improved quality of life: Jumping from 19th to 6th in the Quality of Life Index, China's biggest improvements this year were in Safety & Security (35th → 17th) and Leisure Options (25th → 5th).
☆ Stronger personal finances: In the Personal Finance Index, China advanced from 10th to 4th place. Notably, only 6% of expats in China report that their disposable income isn't sufficient—down from 18% in 2024.
Not Without Its Challenges
However, some areas of expat life in China remain a work in progress. In the Expat Essentials Index, China ranks 38th, largely due to challenges like language barriers and difficulties with administrative and digital tasks.
Why It Matters to Expats Looking for in China
For expat job-seekers, these improvements signal much more than numbers—they translate to real, tangible benefits:
☆ Better career opportunities with competitive pay and job security.
☆ Safer, more enjoyable living conditions, with access to quality leisure, healthcare and transit systems.
☆ A more manageable cost of living, allowing expats to stretch their disposable income further.
The impressive climb up the rankings underscores China's resurgence as a compelling destination for international professionals. If you're considering a move or career in China, now is a great time to explore the expanding possibilities.