- Jayanti Malhotra
"The group of InterNations expats in Vienna is so open and friendly that it was very easy to make friends."
What It’s Like to Be an Indian Expat
According to the UN Migration Report, there are 17.5 million Indian expats — the largest group of people who live outside their home country! This is great news for those who want to connect with other Indian expats when living abroad.
No matter where you are in the world, as an Indian expat you will most likely have a mix of experiences — from the excitement and novelty of learning the culture of your adopted country to struggling with the inevitable culture shock, with or without a language barrier. So, you may find it comforting to meet other Indian expats who can share information with you, like where to celebrate Diwali, or at least where you can find good Indian food.
How to Meet Other Indian Expats Abroad
Meeting other expats really helps with the settling-in process and can make you feel at home in your new destination a whole lot faster. Established in 2007, InterNations has become the largest expat network with more than 4 million members —with Indians making up quite a significant share! As a trusted community, InterNations offers events and activities that bring expats together, wherever they are in the world.
A fun and easy way to connect with other Indians abroad is by attending InterNations events! You’ll find a wide range of networking opportunities and activities tailored to your hobbies and interests, available both online and in person. The events have a laid-back vibe where you can exchange tips about expat life and make new friends.
A Few Facts about Indian Expats
InterNations conducts an annual survey of expats worldwide called Expat Insider, to answer questions such as why they moved abroad, how long they plan to stay, and how happy they are.
Here are some of the things Indian expats shared about their experiences abroad:
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More than a quarter of Indian expats (2930%) were either sent abroad by their employer or were recruited internationally, compared with the global average of 21%.
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76% of Indian expats are working full time abroad, compared with the global average of 57%.
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25% of Indian expats have intend to livelived in their adopted countriesities for more than five years, compared with the global average of 19%, although only 22% think they will remain forever, whereas the global average is 33%.
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37% of Indian expats are in senior or specialist job positions, compared to the global average of 29%. And 21% work in the IT industry, compared with the global average of 11%.
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66% of Indian expats feel at home in their adopted countryity, which is nearly on parin line with the global average of 67%.
Find Other Indian Expats in Your Country
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The Top Communities for Indian Expats
So, where can you find other Indians when living abroad? InterNations, which has 420 communities in 166 countries, is a good place to start!
While the top destinations for Indians are North America, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, more and more Indians are choosing to live in European countries — and not just the UK. Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia also hold special places in the hearts of Indian expats. Below are some of the popular destinations.
- Indian expats in the UK
- Indian expats in the USA
- Indian expats in Germany
- Indian expats in the UAE
- Indian expats in Singapore
- Indian expats in Saudi Arabia
- Indian expats in Australia
- Indian expats in Canada
- Indian expats in Oman
- Indian expats in Qatar
- Indian expats in the Netherlands
- Indian expats in Malaysia
- Indian expats in France
Indian Expat Communities in Africa
While Indians have a long history in Africa — particularly in Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa — the vast continent continues to be a popular destination for expats. South Africa is particularly well-regarded for its ethnic diversity, job opportunities, and of course for its beautiful landscape.
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Congo
- Congo, DR
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia, the
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Indian Expat Communities in Asia
India’s eastern neighbors, Southeast & East Asia, have long been desirable destinations. With fast-growing economies, welcoming communities, not to mention the delicious food, there are plenty of opportunities to be had in Asia.
- Bangladesh
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- The Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Indian Expat Communities in Europe
Europe is an exciting destination for Indian expats, especially for young people who want to take advantage of the free education in Germany, for example, and the great work-life balance. And, of course, the best Indian food outside India can be found in London!
Western Europe
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Eastern Europe
- Albania
- Belarus
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Greece
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
Indian Expat Communities in North America
From the more British, laid-back Canada to the dynamic cities of the United States, North America has been a big draw for Indian expats. Without a big language barrier and with plenty of high-earning jobs available, life in North America has a lot to offer, even with the long-haul travel to India.
Indian Expat Communities in Oceania
With the beautiful beaches, warm weather, and laid-back culture of both Australia and New Zealand, Oceania remains a top destination for Indians seeking education opportunities or exciting experiences abroad. Plus, there are established Indian communities — and the Polynesian Islands are just a hop away!
Indian Expat Communities in South- & Middle America
From Caribbean beaches to the Andes Mountains, South America offers exciting possibilities for Indians who are interested in living abroad. The fantastic weather, low living costs, and friendly people make many countries in South America worth moving to.