Unlike local investors, expats face additional challenges such as currency fluctuations, foreign taxation, economic instability, and political risks in different jurisdictions. This makes safety a top priority when choosing investment options.
What are the safest investments for expats? Those that provide stable returns, liquidity, and capital protection, while being accessible across borders.
If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me ([email protected]) or WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).
This includes if you are looking for a second opinion or alternative investments.
Some facts might change from the time of writing, and nothing written here is financial, legal, tax or any kind of individual advice, or a solicitation to invest.
While riskier assets like cryptocurrencies or high-growth stocks may offer significant returns, they also expose expats to market volatility and regulatory uncertainties that can erode their wealth.
What makes an investment safe for expats?
Not all safe investments are equal—what works for a domestic investor may not be ideal for an expat investing into offshore vehicles.
Capital Preservation Over High Returns
First of all, safe investments with high returns are exceedingly rare. Rare enough that for expats, protecting wealth is often more important than chasing high returns.
A safe investment should hold its value over time, withstand economic downturns, and minimize the risk of capital loss.
Safe investments tend to be low-volatility assets such as government bonds, high-yield savings accounts, and blue-chip dividend stocks.
These investments provide predictable income and long-term stability, making them ideal for expats who want to preserve their wealth while earning steady returns.
In contrast, high-risk investments—such as speculative stocks, emerging-market funds, or cryptocurrencies—can experience sharp declines in value, exposing expats to financial uncertainty.
For expats who move frequently or rely on their investments for financial security, prioritizing capital preservation over aggressive growth is a smarter approach.
Liquidity & Accessibility
Expats often need quick access to funds, especially when facing unexpected relocations, emergency expenses, or changes in residency status. Safe investments should be easily liquidated without significant penalties or loss of value.
Highly liquid investments include high-yield savings accounts, money market funds, and publicly traded stocks or ETFs. These assets can be converted into cash quickly, making them ideal for expats who may need to withdraw funds at short notice.
On the other hand, illiquid investments—such as real estate, private equity, or long-term fixed deposits—can be challenging for expats.
Selling property in a foreign country can take months, and withdrawing money from fixed-term deposits may incur penalties. Therefore, expats should balance their portfolio with a mix of liquid and long-term investments to maintain financial flexibility.
Low Market Volatility
Safe investments should be resistant to sharp market fluctuations, ensuring stable returns regardless of economic cycles. Expats who invest in highly volatile assets may see their wealth eroded during market downturns, making it harder to maintain financial security abroad.
Government-backed securities, high-grade corporate bonds, and dividend-paying blue-chip stocks offer low volatility and steady income. These investments provide protection against market crashes, unlike high-risk speculative assets that can lose value quickly.
Tax & Currency Considerations
Expats must navigate complex tax laws and currency risks, which can impact investment returns.
Some countries tax worldwide income, meaning an expat may face double taxation on foreign investment earnings. Others impose withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and capital gains, reducing net returns.
To minimize tax liabilities, expats should look for tax-efficient investment vehicles such as:
- Offshore savings accounts in tax-friendly jurisdictions (e.g., Singapore, Switzerland).
- Tax-advantaged retirement accounts (e.g., international pension plans, IRAs, or 401(k)s).
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) domiciled in tax-friendly countries to reduce withholding tax on dividends.
Currency fluctuations also affect investment returns, particularly for expats who earn in one currency but invest in another. Holding assets in stable currencies (USD, EUR, CHF, SGD) can protect wealth from depreciation.
Additionally, expats should diversify across multiple currencies to reduce exposure to exchange rate volatility.
What are the safest investments right now for expats?
The following options offer the best balance of low risk, steady returns, and liquidity, making them ideal for expats seeking financial security.
High-Yield Savings Accounts & Fixed Deposits
A high-yield savings account in a stable, well-regulated jurisdiction is one of the safest places for expats to park their money. These accounts provide liquidity, minimal risk, and modest interest earnings while ensuring easy access to funds.
For longer-term savings, fixed-term deposits (certificates of deposit or time deposits) offer slightly higher interest rates in exchange for locking up funds for a set period (usually 6 months to 5 years).
Fixed deposits in strong currencies (USD, EUR, CHF, SGD) provide stability and protect against currency depreciation in volatile economies.
However, expats should carefully consider foreign banking restrictions, deposit insurance coverage (such as FDIC in the U.S. or FSCS in the U.K.), and potential early withdrawal penalties before committing to fixed-term savings.
Government Bonds & Treasury Securities
Government bonds are among the safest investments for expats, particularly those issued by stable economies with strong credit ratings (such as the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, and Singapore).
These bonds provide fixed interest payments, capital preservation, and resistance to market volatility.
- U.S. Treasury Bonds are considered one of the safest investments globally, backed by the U.S. government.
- German Bunds and Swiss Government Bonds offer stability and low inflation risks, making them attractive for conservative investors.
- Inflation-Protected Bonds (TIPS in the U.S.) protect against rising inflation, ensuring that purchasing power is maintained.
While government bonds provide lower returns than stocks, they are a safe and reliable way to preserve wealth, particularly for expats looking for low-risk fixed-income investments.
Money Market Funds
Money market funds invest in short-term, highly liquid assets such as Treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit.
These funds provide higher returns than traditional savings accounts while maintaining low risk and easy access to capital.
For expats, money market funds offer an ideal alternative to keeping cash in a regular bank account, as they provide stability while generating modest returns.
Many are structured to minimize tax liabilities, making them a practical solution for holding emergency funds or maintaining cash reserves in a safe and liquid manner.
Dividend-Paying Blue-Chip Stocks & ETFs
While equities typically carry more risk than fixed-income assets, blue-chip dividend stocks and ETFs provide a relatively safe way for expats to generate passive income while preserving capital.
Companies with a strong dividend history, low volatility, and global market presence are preferred for long-term stability.
- Dividend Aristocrats (companies that have increased dividends for 25+ years) offer consistent cash flow with lower stock price volatility.
- Broad-market ETFs (such as S&P 500 ETFs or MSCI World ETFs) provide diversified exposure to global markets while maintaining stability.
- Low-volatility funds focus on companies that demonstrate resilience during market downturns.
For expats, investing in dividend-paying stocks or ETFs domiciled in tax-efficient jurisdictions can minimize withholding taxes on foreign dividends, ensuring higher net returns.
Real Estate in Stable Markets
Real estate remains one of the safest investments for expats when purchased in stable, high-demand locations. Unlike stocks, which can be volatile, real estate retains intrinsic value and often appreciates over time.
However, expats must carefully navigate foreign property ownership laws, taxation policies, and property management logistics.
For those who prefer hands-off real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) provide exposure to property markets without the complexities of direct ownership.
REITs offer passive income through dividends while maintaining liquidity, making them an attractive choice for expats seeking stable real estate investments.
Tax-Advantaged Retirement Accounts & Pension Funds
For long-term financial security, expats should consider tax-efficient retirement savings plans such as:
- 401(k) and IRAs (for U.S. expats) – These accounts provide tax-deferred or tax-free growth, depending on contribution type.
- Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs in the U.K.) – A flexible, tax-efficient retirement savings option for British expats.
- Offshore pensions – International pension schemes designed for expats seeking global retirement planning.
Retirement accounts offer long-term wealth preservation, tax benefits, and diversified investment options, making them one of the safest ways for expats to save for the future.
Minimizing the Risks of Investing as an Expat
Even the safest investments carry some degree of risk.
To protect wealth and maintain financial stability, expats should implement risk management strategies that mitigate exposure to economic uncertainty, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical instability.
Diversify Across Asset Classes & Currencies
Holding a mix of cash, bonds, real estate, stocks, and alternative assets reduces risk exposure. Expats should also diversify across multiple currencies, ensuring that their investments remain stable even if one currency depreciates.
Holding assets in strong currencies (USD, EUR, CHF, SGD) helps protect purchasing power.
Use Offshore & International Banking Solutions
Setting up an offshore bank account in a stable jurisdiction (such as Singapore, Switzerland, or Hong Kong) provides asset protection, currency diversification, and global access to funds.
Expats should also consider multi-currency accounts, which allow them to convert funds easily and reduce currency exchange risks.
Optimize Tax Efficiency
Taxation is a major concern for expats, particularly those subject to worldwide taxation (such as U.S. citizens). Expats should:
- Take advantage of tax treaties to avoid double taxation.
- Use tax-efficient investment structures, such as offshore pensions and ETFs domiciled in tax-friendly countries.
- Seek advice from an international tax specialist to minimize tax burdens on investment earnings.
Avoid High-Risk, Speculative Investments
While high-risk assets like cryptocurrencies, speculative stocks, and emerging-market investments may offer the potential for high returns, they also expose expats to significant losses, regulatory uncertainties, and liquidity risks.
Expats should focus on proven, low-volatility investment options that align with long-term financial stability.
Pained by financial indecision?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
