The most popular countries for expats are 'havens for a new adventure' - full list

Topping the list with the biggest increase since 1990 is South Korea, which has seen a rise of nearly 4,000 per cent, according to research by William Russell.

The country with the most expats was Spain, with 6,842,202 international residents, however this is only an increase 732.78 per cent.

Biggest change in expats (percentage increase)

1. South Korea - 3,896.07%
2. Colombia - 1,727.24%
3. Chile - 1,430.23%
4. Bulgaria - 757.1%
5. Spain - 732.78%
6. Serbia - 729.07%
7. Malta - 661.16%
8. Iceland - 582.64%
9. Finland - 510.31%
10. Turkey - 420.13%

The locations have seen a whopping increase in the number of expats setting up camp there and, surprisingly, no European spots made the top four. The experts discussed the top three.

South Korea

The experts said: "South Korea takes the top spot on our list, with the biggest increase in expat residents since 1990.

"This East Asian country may not have the most international migrants in the world, but when comparing its most recent figures to those of 1990, South Korea has seen a bigger change than any other, increasing by more than 3,800 per cent in the last 30 years."

Colombia

The experts added: "From around 104,000 international migrants in 1990 to a whopping 1.9 million as per the most recent figures, Colombia has experienced the second-biggest spike in expats of all the countries on our list.

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"Considering this country offers affordable housing and the opportunity to obtain citizenship within as little as five years, it is no wonder that expats are flocking here."

Chile

The experts commented: "With a 1,430.23 per cent increase in international migrants, Chile completes our top three.

"As the second South American country to feature in this ranking, it appears that this area of the world has become a haven for people looking for a new adventure. The combination of a low cost of living and high quality of life has made Chile a popular destination for retirees."