---
type: "Topics"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/topics/40605019.md"
description: "The untold truths about immigration. Read this before deciding where to go.1. 🇨🇭 SwitzerlandLocals are cold, xenophobic, and have self-interest ingrained in their DNA. It's almost closed to Chinese nationals; the only way in is via an EU passport as a stepping stone.But—the state's safety net is ridiculously strong. The minimum hourly wage translates to about 35,000 RMB per month, with no overtime, weekends off, and 25-30 days of annual leave. Get in and you're set for life.2. 🇳🇿 New ZealandLocals are collectively 'lying flat'—no entrepreneurial spirit. Ambitious people will feel stifled. Extreme environmental policies mean few jobs in high-pollution industries.But the value of its residency is shockingly high—permanent residency is valid for life, recognized no matter how many years you're away, a rarity globally.3. 🇸🇬 SingaporeOnly welcomes elites; ordinary folks, forget it. A one-bedroom apartment starts at 10,000 RMB per month, and the cost of living is crushing.But its safety, salaries, and efficiency beat the West hands down. Those who can hustle thrive here.4. 🇨🇦 CanadaA massive influx of Indians, with visibly declining safety and economy. Immigration thresholds are getting higher, and the value for money is much worse than before.The only reason to go: raising kids. Public education is high quality, less competitive, and kids face less pressure.5. 🇦🇺 AustraliaThe bar is genuinely high—IELTS 7 in all four sections, technical skills, and a bachelor's/master's degree are all mandatory. Many get stuck here and settle for New Zealand instead.But once you're in, it's worth it: salaries exceed most European countries, healthcare is free for all, the economy is stable, and unemployment is low.6. 🇬🇧 United KingdomTerrible weather, high prices, and healthcare waits until you get better on your own. Living costs in London are hellishly difficult.But the education is top-tier, on par with the US's first tier, yet the atmosphere is more reserved, cultivating character over grades. The gap between Wang Shiling and Huang Duoduo is a microcosm of the UK-US education gap.7. 🇯🇵 JapanToo many rules and restrictions. Immigrants can easily be labeled 'unpatriotic' by the older generation.But it's much livelier than the West, with incredibly high density of entertainment, food, and culture, offering a great quality of life.8. 🇵🇹 PortugalHigh unemployment, low per capita income, and worrying bureaucratic efficiency. The country is on a downward trend overall, with few development opportunities.But it has a hidden value: a stepping stone. A Portuguese passport allows legal immigration to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the US—this is the real reason many choose it."
datetime: "2026-05-10T16:46:05.000Z"
locales:
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/topics/40605019.md)
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/topics/40605019.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/topics/40605019.md)
author: "[浩浩荡荡地](https://longbridge.com/en/profiles/19784218.md)"
---

# The untold truths about immigration. Read this bef…