The Safest Countries in the World for Expats 2025

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 2025, highlighting the factors that make them ideal places to live and work. We collected data on 128 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 gave each country a score 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.

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 seeking 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. Flooding, though a potential risk during heavy rains, is well-managed through advanced drainage systems and urban planning.

Singapore also ranks highly in the Peace and Crime Rate categories. Petty crimes such as theft are rare, and violent crime is virtually unheard of, making 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.

Switzerland is the second safest country in the world, offering a secure and peaceful environment for expats.

Political stability is a hallmark of Switzerland. It typically takes a neutral stance in global affairs, which, when combined with a well-established and decentralised government, creates a highly predictable and secure environment. Expats living in Switzerland rarely face political unrest and can enjoy a calm and reliable way of life.

From a natural disaster perspective, Switzerland is relatively safe, though it is not completely free from risks. Whilst the country does occasionally experience minor earthquakes and avalanches in the mountainous regions, these risks are carefully managed through advanced monitoring and safety measures. Flooding from heavy rains is also mitigated by robust infrastructure, and overall, the country’s preparedness ensures that natural disasters have minimal impact on daily life.

A relatively low crime rate in Switzerland is a key contributing factor, with violent crime being extremely rare and petty crimes such as pickpocketing occurring at significantly lower levels compared to many other countries. This sense of safety is supported by a high standard of living and a well-functioning legal system that effectively enforces laws.

Aside from Singapore, Qatar is the only country on our top 10 safest countries ranking to be located outside of Europe. Coming 8^th overall, Qatar ranks second for the lowest crime rate in the world. The country has strict laws and strong law enforcement which contribute to an environment where violent crime is rare, and petty crimes such as theft are infrequent. This sense of safety extends to public spaces, which helps to make Qatar a comfortable place to live and work.

Political stability is another key factor in Qatar’s safety. The country enjoys a stable governance structure and is largely free from political unrest. It has a focus on economic development and maintaining good international relations which ensures a secure environment for residents.

Natural disaster risks in Qatar are minimal due to its geographical location. The country is not prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, or flooding, though the arid climate does mean there are occasional sandstorms. However, these are generally well-anticipated and managed, with clear guidelines put in place to ensure public safety.

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.

Ireland is the 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.

Germany is the second 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.

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.

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 350,000, 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.

Ireland is the second most peaceful country in the world. Ranking 27^th in the overall safest country list, Ireland’s long history of peaceful governance helps to raise it to the top section of this category. Ireland’s political environment is stable, with regular, free, and fair elections. This stability has fostered a climate of trust and confidence in government institutions, contributing to the country’s consistently high score in terms of political stability and governance.

In addition to political stability, Ireland’s commitment to peace is reflected in its foreign policies and international relations. As a neutral country, Ireland has a long-standing tradition of non-intervention in military conflicts and focuses on diplomacy and conflict resolution. This dedication to neutrality enhances its reputation as a peaceful nation.

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.

Belarus has the second-lowest risk of natural disasters. Located in Eastern Europe, it’s far from tectonic plate boundaries, so the country isn’t prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or major geological hazards. It has a temperate climate which means it experiences distinct seasons, but it’s not subject to extreme weather events such as hurricanes or typhoons. Belarus does experience occasional flooding from heavy rains or snowmelt, however, it has well-managed water systems and low-lying topography which generally prevent widespread damage.

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

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