The 10 Safest Countries in the World for Expats

Unless you are being relocated to a specific country by an employer, the world really is your oyster. However, many potential expats focus on which country has the best weather, career opportunities, or low living costs and high salaries. What many forget to consider, though, is how safe a country is. Understandably, no right-minded individual is going to move to a country that is facing conflict or has a reputation for high crime levels. But, to help you out, we can report that the 10 countries below are the safest in the world for expats.

The world’s largest network for expats, InterNations, asked 14,300 expats, from 174 nationalities, across 191 countries, a series of questions.

In a survey by InterNations, the world’s largest network for people who live and work abroad, the company asked 14,300 expats a series of questions. The respondents, representing 174 nationalities and living in 191 countries or territories, were asked to rate 43 different aspects of life abroad on a scale of 1-7. One of the categories was ‘personal safety and security’.

The majority of expat-safe countries span Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Check them out below:

Taiwan

The small island nation of Taiwan is the third safest country in Asia for expats. Like countries all over the world, Taiwan’s cities do fall foul of pick-pocketing and theft, so expats should exercise caution like they would in any busy foreign area.

Taiwan’s police force is championed for being very fair and kind. Expats should not be afraid to approach them as they are pillars of the community to provide aid to all. Expats should always make sure to invest in expat healthcare in Taiwan.

Finland

The Expat Insider Survey from InterNations revealed that seven out of 10 expats living in Finland thought of personal safety as a benefit to their move. Helsinki is ranked the world’s second safest city and, in general, crime rates in Finland are low and violent crime is a rare occurrence.

New Zealand

Peaceful New Zealand lives up to this buzzword according to the expats living there. Understandably, common sense should be utilised in the cities but, on the whole, New Zealand benefits from low crime rates. When it comes to safety, expats trekking in the wilderness or taking part in extreme sports should keep their wits about them.

Norway

An extremely popular location for expat families, it is no surprise that Norway is in the top 10 safest countries. Police in Norway don’t carry guns and crime rates are very low; the majority being petty thefts and vandalism. Speed limits are also very low in Norway, particularly in areas where moose or elk roam the wilderness. Norwegians drive extremely carefully in general.

Switzerland

Nowhere on the planet is completely safe and crime free. However, the wealthy nation of Switzerland comes close and it is regarded as one of Europe’s most peaceful countries to live in. One of the biggest concerns to safety is the weather, which is very changeable due to the numerous mountains.

Malta

The small archipelago is very popular with British expats due to its wonderful year-round weather. However, consisting of just 400,000 residents also means Malta is quiet and safe.

Canada

Expatriate favourite Canada’s police officers are widely recognised for their red-coat uniform and brown hat. However, due to low crime rates, the Mounties rarely have to jump into action. Expats are rarely concerned about their safety when living in the country, aside from the odd case of petty theft of dangerous driving conditions due to snow.

Japan

According to the Global Peace Index, Japan is the fifth most peaceful country in the world. Given its reputation for tranquillity, it is not hard to understand why Japan is ranked the third safest country for expats to live and work.

Singapore

With a strong economy and great career prospects, more and more people are emigrating to Singapore. The island nation suffers little from serious crime, but expats should be vigilant in cities after dark, just like anywhere in the world.

Luxembourg

With a population of just half a million people, Luxembourg is hailed the safest country in the world according the to the Expat Insider survey results. Even in the city, expats need not fear when the sun goes down. However, it is advised to exercise caution just to be on the safe side.