Expat statistics: How many are we?
Interested in some Expat Statistics?
Recently I started wondering how many Expats and Expat Wives are currently living abroad. After some research I found a couple of surveys from different years and conducted by surveying major companies worldwide. The surveys from different years show some minor but very interesting trends – especially in regards to female Expats and Expat partners. I have put together a small Infographic with the key finding. Let me know what you think about it.
Expat statistics: key facts
My first insight: Corporate transferees are only 4% of all Expats working and living abroad. While there are over 50 Million Expats, only 8.4 Millionare defined as corporate transferees. This number is expected to grow further.
The number of female Expats is rising: While 2012 there were only 20% female Expats sent abroad by companies this figure has risen to 25% in the last couple of years. It is expected to grow further since it is a vital career step to take.
Rather obvious fact: Going abroad is mostly a family decision. 70% of all corporate transferees are married or partnered.
However most noteworthy: The fear of potential unemployment for the partner is real!
27% of all Expats are leaving their family behind to not risk the professional life of the partner. This is seen as a major trend leading to shorter time periods abroad.
Only 20% of all Expat partners/spouses have been working before AND during their time abroad while the majority of 49% was not able/allowed to find a job again.
Considering this figure with the total number of male Expats living abroad together with their family, that results in 1.5 Million women who quit their job due to the relocation of their husband.
Another interesting fact: The question wether the partner will have a job abroad will get bigger. 33% of the companies questioned see this factor rising in importance.
Companies are aware of the fact that the partner plays a crucial role in the decision process of going abroad or not.
Last but not least: „Family related issues“ is the most common reason for Expat failure and an early return home.
Want some good vibes in your mail?
all key expat figures in one graphic
What do you think about the Expat Statistics? Let me know!
I hope you find this overview helpful.
My two major sources have been the Global Mobility Trends Survey by BGRS from different years and the free summary of Global Expatriates by Finaccord.
Have you found other interesting figures?
Let me know in the comments below or send me a direct mail to info@sharethelove.blog.
You can also subscribe to my newsletter for not missing out on new blog posts. It’s free and I promise I won’t spam you 🙂
Have you seen my other posts about being an Expat Wife? Check out my latest blog post here. Thanks for stopping by and sharing the love!
Thanks for sharing the love and stopping by
Share this article with a friend and share the love:
You also might like:
Why Expat Partners Especially Need Help with Crafting a Compelling Pitch and CV
In this blog post, we explore the unique challenges expat partners face in creating effective CVs and pitches, especially when dealing with career gaps. Drawing from personal experiences and professional expertise, the post introduces the CV Lab, a tailored program designed to help expat partners craft compelling, authentic CVs and LinkedIn profiles. It emphasizes the importance of confidently communicating one’s professional story, transforming perceived gaps into strengths.
Working on your LinkedIn profile is no fun – yet it’s essential
What to expect from this article: Learn more about the importance of LinkedIn in the job hunting process and how you can utilise this platform even if you are not keen on including Social Media in your career planning process.
Paving a Successful Career Path Abroad: How „New Roots“ Can Guide You
Embracing a new beginning abroad is no easy feat, especially when it comes to restarting or reinventing your career in unfamiliar territories. Discover how the “New Roots” program stands as a beacon of support and guidance, nurturing expat partners to forge successful career paths in a new country.
How Expatriate Partners Can Navigate Career Identity Transitions: Key Insights and Solutions
Discover key findings from a new study that looks at how expat partners manage their careers while living abroad. This information is important for anyone thinking about moving overseas and for companies that want to support their international staff.
Flourishing Abroad: Introducing the „New Roots“ Expat Partner Support Program
Discover the „New Roots“ program, your sanctuary of support and enrichment as you begin your life in a new country. Designed specifically for expat partners, this program will assist you in adapting to new cultures and building a fulfilling life in your new home. Read on to explore how I can help you navigate this exciting journey.
What do we know about expat partner career?
What do you actually know about expat partners and career planning? Numerous extensive academic studies have dealt with the question of how the career of partners who go abroad for a certain period of time for the partner’s job is affected. In this article, I’ll give you a quick run-through of some of the hot topics that are known about this.
5 Antworten
Hello Kate;
I stumbled on your blog in connection with writing an international business textbook. Your blog is a treasure! I have one question: You write „Corporate transferees are only 4% of all Expats working and living abroad. While there are over 50 Million Expats, only 8.4 Millionare defined as corporate transferees.“ I have difficulties understanding what you write. If the total is 50 million 4% equals 2 million and not 8.4 million. What is it that I misunderstand? And does „expat“ also include „inpats“? After all, they are also corporate transferees albeit in the opposite directions as would be transferees from one subsidiary to another subsidiary located in a different country.
Thank you!
Arieh
Hello Arieh, thanks a lot for your comment! I dug into this research again and it seems like the survey draws the percentage of a total of 231Mio expats. I have asked them for a definition to clear things up because they are also talking about a total of 50 Mio expats and hope to get an answer! I have linked the source if you want to take a look for yourself – it’s the Finaccrod study. About your other question: In my definition and what I have read so far Inpats are also expats. I guess the distinction makes sense from a corporate point of view but inpats are equally living abroad in another country like expats. So expats include inpats. Hope that makes sense to you. If you want to discuss further let’s connect via mail info@sharethelove.blog or let’s have a conversation via zoom. Would love to know more about your work! Thank you! Kate
There are really great stats, thanks for sharing! The most interesting one I found was that only 20% of expat spouses are working overseas.