Poll: Canada and Germany easiest to settle in

Canada, Germany and Spain are the easiest countries for expatriates to settle in, according to the results of a global study.

A total of 2,155 expats across four different continents were spoken to as part of the HSBC Bank International Expat Explorer survey.

Based on a range of criteria - including how easy it was to make friends with the locals - Canada was identified as the most welcoming country for emigres, with 95 per cent saying it was not a problem to bond with established citizens.

Germany came in second place, with 92 per cent.

Martin Spurling, chief executive officer for HSBC International, said: "This final report in our Expat Explorer series focuses on something that is incredibly important to all expats – their ability to fit in to their new home.

"This is often the aspect that is most daunting."

Meanwhile, a recent article on online resource Shelter Offshore suggested that the lack of a language barrier for English expats in New Zealand is a "massive bonus".