Malta reconfirmed as the preferred country amongst expats 

No matter how much you are prepared to pay, you simply can’t import the sun. That’s why more than 60% of the British who participated in the annual study conducted by Internations have stated that the weather as a deciding factor when choosing their destination before moving abroad.

The expat consultancy organisation surveyed more than 14,000 respondents from over 191 countries to find which are the preferred homes away from home with a focus on those offering better climate.

The findings are listed below:

9. Ecuador
Around eight out of 10 expats rank Ecuador's climate as a benefit, but the country lost out on a high ranking because only half of expats in Ecuador are satisfied with their level of job security.

8. Uganda
The African nation ranked among the world's friendliest according to Internations, and 77% of expats considered the climate a potential benefit before moving.

7. Greece
Although 81% of expats considered Greece's warm climate to be attractive only a quarter of respondents are generally satisfied with their financial situation, compared with 64% globally.

6. Portugal
More than 80% of expats in Portugal said the sun was a potential benefit, but 26% expected the weak labour market to be a disadvantage, compared with 11% globally.

5. Spain
Almost 85% of expats were attracted by Spain's sun and a huge 88% rate the available leisure activities positively, compared to 72% globally.

4. Morocco
84% percent of expats considered the North African country's climate a benefit before moving, and the same ratio say that their disposable household income is enough or more than enough for daily life.

3. Cyprus
The climate in Cyprus attracted 86% of expats before moving. Cyprus also offers one of the shortest full-time workweeks in the world at only 41.5 hours per week.

2. Costa Rica
A whopping 89% of expats said they considered the climate in Costa Rica as a potential benefit, which might have something to do with the 92% of expats reporting that happy with their life in general.

1. Malta
As much as 92% of expats were attracted to Malta for the island's heavenly weather. With more than 300 days of sunshine, this is very much expected.

What makes Malta so attractive is that apart from its natural Mediterranean beauty, surrounded by clear blue waters, it is small enough that anywhere you go, no matter how far “inland,” you are, the gentle ocean breeze is only a few kilometres away.

The winter in Malta is still comfortably warm, with little rain and average temperatures in February - the coldest month - at 15 degrees Celsius.

If you are a foreign national and are considering moving to Malta, do get in touch to find out about our one-stop-shop advisory service for all migration and residency matters.