The Safest Countries in the World for Expats 2026

When considering a move abroad, safety is often at the top of the list of priorities for expats. Whilst levels of safety can vary across the world, there are certain destinations that offer the perfect balance of safety and opportunity, providing expats with peace of mind and a secure environment to thrive.

In this blog, we’ll explore the safest countries in the world for expats in 2026, highlighting the factors that make them ideal places to live and work. We collected data on 125 countries, using the Global Peace Index to measure political stability and conflict risk, the Crime Rate Index to measure the level of crime, and the percentage risk of natural disasters to measure the likelihood of such events. We ranked each country for each category and then calculated an overall score to find the ultimate ranking of the safest countries in the world for expats.

We’ll explore each category, looking at the overall safest countries and taking a closer look at the countries most popular with UK expats, to see just how safe they are. We’ll also explore the most peaceful countries, the countries with the lowest crime rates and the locations with the lowest risk of natural disasters.

These are the top 10 safest countries in the world, providing a secure and stable environment for residents and visitors alike.

The full ranking can be found at the end of this article.

According to this ranking, Singapore is the safest country in the world. With its secure streets, stable governance, and expat-friendly environment, Singapore offers an unparalleled sense of safety and comfort for those looking for a new home abroad.

The city-state is situated outside major earthquake zones and is not prone to hurricanes, typhoons, or tsunamis, unlike many neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia. This has helped Singapore to achieve the lowest natural disaster risk out of all the countries assessed. Although flooding a potential risk during heavy rains, it is well-managed through advanced drainage systems and urban planning.

Singapore also ranks highly in the Peace and Crime categories. Petty crimes such as theft are rare, and violent crime is virtually unheard of, which has made it a place where residents and visitors alike feel secure. There is a strict legal framework and robust policing which act as strong deterrents against unlawful behaviour, ensuring peace of mind for those living in the city-state.

Political stability further enhances the sense of security in Singapore. The government is known for its effective governance and predictability, which reduces risks of civil unrest or instability. Expats are able to navigate daily life without concerns over political disruptions, which makes it an attractive destination for professionals and families alike.

In addition, Singapore has a large and diverse expat community which makes it particularly welcoming for foreigners. It is easy to find social networks and support groups, which helps newcomers to settle in quickly.

Slovenia comes second as the overall safest country. With its dramatic Alpine peaks, Adriatic coastline, and close-knit communities, Slovenia offers a slower pace of life without compromising on security.

Slovenia’s natural disaster risk is low overall, although it has a varied terrain which brings some regional considerations. Alpine areas can see sudden storms and rockfalls, and low-lying river valleys are occasionally prone to flooding. The country experienced its most severe flooding on record in 2023, and in response, the government has significantly stepped up investment in flood prevention and improved spatial planning. Overall, day-to-day risk for residents remains low.

Crime in Slovenia is similarly rare, and continuing to fall. Violent crime is a genuine rarity, with most safety concerns limited to occasional petty theft, such as pickpocketing in busier tourist spots like Ljubljana’s old town. Public transport is considered safe and reliable, and residents, including women walking alone at night, generally report feeling secure across the country’s towns and cities.

Slovenia’s political stability adds further reassurance for those relocating. The country benefits from a well-functioning democracy, low corruption, and strong rule of law, standing apart from some of the political instability seen elsewhere in the wider region. This consistency gives expats confidence in the systems and institutions they’ll be relying on.

Iceland takes third place overall, although it’s worth noting this small island nation has held the number one spot on the separate Global Peace Index for well over a decade. Its close-knit population and remote North Atlantic location contribute to a level of social trust that’s rare to find elsewhere.

Natural hazards are where Iceland asks for a little more awareness from newcomers. The country sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is one of the most geologically active places on Earth. There are frequent minor earthquakes and occasional volcanic eruptions, such as those seen periodically on the Reykjanes Peninsula. However, most of this activity occurs far from populated areas, and Iceland’s monitoring systems, run by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, are considered some of the most advanced in the world. This has means that eruptions are tracked and managed well before they pose a risk to residents.

Where Iceland excels is in its exceptionally low crime rate. Violent crime is almost unheard of, and the greatest concern for most residents is the occasional pickpocketing incident in busier tourist areas of Reykjavik. Iceland also consistently ranks among the best places in the world for women to feel safe living and walking alone, which is a reflection of its broader culture of trust and community.

Political stability plays a significant role in Iceland’s reputation for safety. The country maintains no standing army, has a long history of peaceful transitions of power, and benefits from low corruption and strong democratic institutions, all factors that virtually eliminate the risk of civil unrest for those settling there.

For UK expats considering a move abroad, understanding the safety of their destination is crucial. In this section, we explore how safe the countries most popular with UK expats are.

Germany is the safest country among the most popular destinations for UK expats. Violent crime is relatively rare, and petty crime, such as theft, is kept under control by efficient law enforcement and a strong legal framework. Germany also benefits from low risks of natural disasters, with the exception of occasional flooding in some areas, which is managed with effective modern flood protection systems.

In addition to its safety, Germany is an appealing destination for UK expats for several reasons. The country has a strong economy, with high standards of living, excellent healthcare, and a robust job market, offering ample opportunities for career growth. Germany’s proximity to the UK makes it easy for expats to maintain connections with family and friends, while its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg provide plenty of social and cultural experiences.

Ireland is the second safest country among the most popular destinations for UK expats, thanks to its high score for peace and relatively low risks of crime and natural disasters. Ireland is a popular destination for UK expats due to its proximity to the UK which often makes the transition easier, with short travel distances and a similar cultural landscape. The shared language also removes a significant barrier, and the country’s welcoming atmosphere, rich history, and vibrant social scene make it an appealing place to live.

When it comes to finding a safe place to live, some countries stand out for their commitment to peace, stability, and harmony. Below are the most peaceful countries in the world.

According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world. The country has a well-established democratic system, which is known to be transparent, with low corruption, and an inclusive political environment. Iceland has a population of just over 400,000, meaning it has a unique ability to maintain a close-knit community where the rule of law is strictly upheld, and civil liberties are respected. There is very little political unrest, and elections are peaceful.

Iceland has a robust social welfare system and generally high standards of living. These both play a role in promoting and supporting societal stability, helping to reduce inequality and ensure that all citizens have access to essential services like healthcare and education.

When it comes to personal safety, some countries are able to offer exceptionally low crime rates, providing residents and visitors with a sense of security. Below are the counties with the lowest crime rates in the world.

The UAE has the lowest crime rates in the world. This is due to a combination of strict laws, efficient law enforcement, and cultural factors. The country has a robust legal system with severe penalties for criminal activities, including heavy fines, long prison sentences, and in some cases, corporal punishment. These stringent laws act as a powerful deterrent to potential offenders. Additionally, the UAE has a highly visible police presence, supported by extensive surveillance in public areas, ensuring quick identification and resolution of criminal activity.

Culturally, the UAE places significant value on respect for authority, family reputation, and social harmony, which discourages unlawful behaviour. All these factors are also present in the other Middle Eastern countries that feature highly in this category, such as Qatar and Oman.

For expats seeking a safe haven from the threat of natural disasters, some countries have exceptionally low risk, offering residents minimal exposure to earthquakes, floods, and other environmental hazards. Below are the countries with the lowest risk of natural disasters.

Singapore has the lowest risk for natural disasters of any country in this ranking. Situated in Southeast Asia but outside the region’s major seismic and storm belts, the city-state sits well clear of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means it faces no meaningful risk of earthquakes or volcanic activity. Its position close to the equator also keeps it largely out of the path of the typhoons and tropical cyclones that regularly affect its neighbours. Flooding during periods of heavy monsoon rain is the main natural hazard Singapore does contend with, but decades of investment in advanced drainage infrastructure and careful urban planning mean this rarely translates into serious or lasting damage.

Below is the complete list of the safest countries in the world.

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