Safest Countries to Move to in 2025

When people start researching a move abroad, one question surfaces before all others: is it safe? Not the food, not the weather, not even the cost of living. Safety is the bedrock. Get it wrong and nothing else matters — no amount of cheap rent or stunning coastline compensates for looking over your shoulder every time you leave the house.

The challenge is that "safe" is a loaded word. It means different things to different people. For a solo female traveler, it might mean low rates of gender-based violence and strong legal protections. For a family with children, it might mean walkable neighborhoods and dependable emergency services. For a retiree, it might mean political stability and accessible healthcare.

Most "safest countries" lists lean on a single data source — usually the Global Peace Index — and call it a day. That is not enough. A country can rank high on the GPI but have serious gaps in healthcare infrastructure or face significant natural disaster risk. You need the full picture.

At WhereNext, we built that full picture. Our safety score is a composite of five pillars — the Global Peace Index, crime rates, political stability, natural disaster risk, and healthcare quality — drawn from institutional sources including the Institute for Economics and Peace, UNODC, World Bank Governance Indicators, WHO, and the Global Health Security Index. No gut feelings. No sponsored content. Just the data. You can read our full methodology here.

Here are the ten safest countries to move to in 2025, and what the data actually tells us about each one.

How We Measure Safety: Five Pillars

Before diving into the rankings, it is worth understanding what goes into the score. Our composite safety metric evaluates each country across five distinct dimensions:

• Global Peace Index (GPI): Published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the GPI measures the absence of violence across 163 countries. It accounts for armed conflict, militarization, societal safety, and security. It remains the gold standard for international peace comparisons.
• Crime rates: Homicide rates, assault rates, and property crime data from the UNODC, Numbeo, and national statistical agencies. All numbers are normalized per 100,000 population for fair cross-country comparison.
• Political stability: Drawing from the World Bank Governance Indicators, this pillar captures the likelihood of destabilization, government effectiveness, rule of law, regulatory quality, and control of corruption. Stable institutions make a country predictable and trustworthy for long-term residents.
• Natural disaster risk: Some of the safest countries by crime metrics sit on fault lines or in typhoon corridors. We factor in the World Risk Index and historical disaster data to ensure the ranking reflects environmental threats alongside human ones.
• Healthcare quality: Safety extends beyond crime and conflict. Access to quality emergency care, hospital density, and universal coverage all play a role. We use WHO data, the HAQ Index, and the Global Health Security Index to evaluate how well a country protects your health when things go wrong.

Each pillar is normalized to a 0-100 scale. The final safety score is a weighted composite, with GPI and crime rates carrying the heaviest weight. You can see exactly how each dimension is weighted on our methodology page.

The 10 Safest Countries to Move to in 2025

Here is the full top-10 ranking at a glance. Every score reflects our composite safety metric. Click any country to explore its full profile.

Now let us break down each country — what makes it safe, where the tradeoffs are, and who it is best suited for.

1. Iceland — Safety Score: 96/100

Iceland has topped the Global Peace Index for sixteen consecutive years, and the reasons run deeper than its small population. The country has no standing army. Its police force is largely unarmed. The incarceration rate is among the lowest on Earth. Violent crime is so rare that a single homicide can make national headlines for weeks.

What truly sets Iceland apart is social trust. Icelanders routinely leave doors unlocked. Parents park strollers with sleeping babies outside restaurants. The culture is built on mutual accountability and transparency — the country has one of the most open government transparency records in the world.

The tradeoffs are real: Iceland is expensive, with a cost of living roughly 30-40% higher than Western Europe. The weather is harsh, with long, dark winters. And the population of around 380,000 means a small social pool. But on pure safety metrics, no country on Earth does it better.

Explore Iceland's full country profile

2. New Zealand — Safety Score: 93/100

New Zealand pairs geographic isolation with some of the strongest democratic institutions in the world. Corruption is nearly non-existent — the country consistently ranks in the top three on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. Its rule of law score is among the highest globally.

The public healthcare system is well funded, the police force is effective and community-oriented, and the culture places a strong emphasis on fairness and egalitarianism. For families, New Zealand offers safe schools, clean environments, and strong child welfare protections. Children commonly walk to school unaccompanied, even in larger cities.

Natural disaster risk is the one area where New Zealand loses points. The country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. However, building codes are among the strictest in the world, and the country's disaster preparedness infrastructure is robust. Housing costs, particularly in Auckland and Wellington, are high.

Explore New Zealand's full country profile

3. Portugal — Safety Score: 91/100

Portugal is the safety success story of southern Europe. Ranked 7th on the 2024 Global Peace Index, the country has seen crime rates drop steadily for over two decades. Lisbon and Porto are walkable, welcoming, and remarkably safe for cities of their size. The homicide rate sits below 1.0 per 100,000 — less than a fifth of the US rate.

What makes Portugal exceptional among safe countries is the combination of safety with affordability. Unlike Iceland or Switzerland, you can live well in Portugal on a moderate budget. The D7 visa offers a straightforward path for remote workers and retirees, and the healthcare system scores strongly on both quality and accessibility.

Portugal also scores well on natural disaster risk — no earthquakes of significance in modern history, no hurricanes, and a mild Mediterranean climate. It is no accident that Portugal has become the fastest-growing expat destination in Europe.

Explore Portugal's full country profile

4. Denmark — Safety Score: 90/100

Denmark is a masterclass in how institutions create safety. The country ranks first or second globally in governance quality, corruption control, and press freedom. Its police force is professional, accountable, and embedded in the communities it serves. Danes report some of the highest levels of personal safety satisfaction in Europe.

Copenhagen exemplifies Danish safety philosophy: cycling infrastructure, human-centered urban design, and social policy converge to create public spaces where people genuinely feel secure. The welfare state provides a safety net that reduces the economic desperation that drives crime in many other countries.

Healthcare is universal and excellent. Emergency services are well-resourced and fast. The cost of living is high — particularly housing — but Denmark's safety infrastructure is genuinely world-class.

Explore Denmark's full country profile

5. Austria — Safety Score: 89/100

Austria flies under the radar in safety conversations, which is a mistake. Vienna has been ranked the world's most livable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit multiple years running, and safety is a cornerstone of that ranking. Violent crime rates are extremely low, the judiciary is independent and effective, and emergency services are outstanding.

Austria's central European location gives it excellent infrastructure and connectivity without the crime rates of some larger neighbors. Healthcare is comprehensive, with universal coverage and modern facilities. The country also benefits from political stability and strong EU protections.

For expats, Austria offers Swiss-level safety at meaningfully lower cost. The cultural scene — especially in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck — is rich, and the outdoor recreation is superb.

Explore Austria's full country profile

6. Japan — Safety Score: 87/100

Japan occupies a unique position in global safety. Its homicide rate of approximately 0.3 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world. You can leave a wallet on a Tokyo train and expect it returned. Children as young as six ride the subway alone. The level of everyday personal safety is genuinely remarkable.

This safety is rooted in a culture of social order, community responsibility, and respect for public spaces. Japanese cities are clean, well-lit, and designed for pedestrians. Public transport runs with clockwork precision and is safe at all hours.

Japan scores lower on our composite than its crime stats alone would suggest because of natural disaster risk. The country sits squarely on the Ring of Fire and experiences regular earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic activity. However, Japan's disaster preparedness is arguably the best in the world — strict building codes, advanced early warning systems, and a population trained in emergency response. Healthcare is excellent, affordable, and universally accessible.

Explore Japan's full country profile

7. Switzerland — Safety Score: 86/100

Switzerland's safety reputation is well earned. Political neutrality maintained across centuries, a strong rule of law, and one of the most effective healthcare systems on the planet make it a fortress of stability. Crime rates are low across the board. Zurich, Geneva, and Bern consistently rank among Europe's safest cities.

The Swiss political system — built on direct democracy, federalism, and decentralization — creates high institutional trust. Emergency services are fast, professional, and exceptionally well-resourced. Public infrastructure is immaculately maintained.

The barrier is cost. Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. A one-bedroom apartment in Zurich can easily exceed $2,500 per month. But if your income supports it, the safety and quality of life are nearly unmatched.

Explore Switzerland's full country profile

8. Singapore — Safety Score: 85/100

Singapore is arguably the safest city-state on Earth. Violent crime is nearly non-existent. Property crime is rare. You can walk through any neighborhood at three in the morning without a second thought. The country achieves this through strict law enforcement, comprehensive surveillance, and a culture that takes public order seriously.

Healthcare is world-class, infrastructure is impeccable, and English is widely spoken. For expats seeking safety in Asia, Singapore is the obvious first choice.

The tradeoff is personal freedom. Singapore's laws around speech, assembly, and certain personal behaviors are strict by Western standards. The cost of living is also high, particularly for housing and car ownership. But if your priority is physical safety and stability, Singapore delivers at the highest level.

Explore Singapore's full country profile

9. Canada — Safety Score: 84/100

Canada combines the scale and diversity of a large country with safety metrics that rival much smaller nations. The homicide rate is roughly a quarter of its southern neighbor's. Political stability is strong, multicultural integration is a core national value, and universal healthcare ensures that emergency care is accessible to everyone regardless of income.

Canadian cities consistently rank well on global livability indices. Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary all score highly for safety, infrastructure, and quality of life. The country's immigration system is among the most structured and transparent in the world, making it a realistic option for skilled workers and families.

The climate is the obvious consideration — Canadian winters are long and demanding. But the social infrastructure, healthcare access, and institutional stability make Canada an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing safety alongside English-speaking convenience.

Explore Canada's full country profile

10. Slovenia — Safety Score: 83/100

Slovenia is the sleeper pick on this list, and the data suggests it deserves far more attention. Ranked 8th on the Global Peace Index, this small Alpine nation of two million people combines European safety standards with a cost of living significantly lower than its Western neighbors. Ljubljana is consistently cited as one of Europe's safest and most livable small capitals.

The country benefits from EU membership, strong governance, low corruption, and a well-functioning healthcare system. Violent crime is rare. The natural environment — Alps, Mediterranean coast, forests — is extraordinary for a country this compact. And unlike the Nordic countries or Switzerland, you can live comfortably on a moderate budget.

For expats looking for European safety without European prices, Slovenia is arguably the best value proposition on this list.

Explore Slovenia's full country profile

Iceland vs New Zealand: A Head-to-Head Safety Comparison

Our top two countries are both island nations with strong institutions and exceptional safety records, but they differ in important ways. Here is how they compare across key safety and quality-of-life metrics.

Iceland wins on raw safety metrics — it has held the GPI's top spot for over a decade and a half. But New Zealand offers a more practical package for most expats: English as a native language, a milder climate, a larger job market, and lower (though still high) living costs. Both countries have meaningful natural disaster risk but invest heavily in preparedness.

The right choice depends on your priorities. If absolute safety is your non-negotiable, Iceland is unmatched. If you want top-tier safety combined with better lifestyle balance, New Zealand offers the stronger overall proposition. Use our comparison tool to weigh them against your personal priorities.

Safest Countries for Solo Travelers and Women

A country's overall safety score tells only part of the story. Safety is experienced differently depending on who you are. For solo female travelers and women moving abroad, specific factors matter: rates of gender-based violence, legal protections, cultural attitudes, street harassment prevalence, and how safe it feels to walk alone at night.

We cross-referenced our safety data with the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Index, OECD gender equality indicators, and expat survey data from women living abroad. Here is how the ranking shifts when we filter specifically for women's safety.

The notable shifts: Denmark moves up significantly thanks to its world-leading gender equality policies and strong legal frameworks for protecting women. Japan and Singapore slip slightly — while both are extraordinarily safe in terms of street crime, they score lower on gender equality indices and have more traditional cultural dynamics around women's roles.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, the picture shifts further. Iceland, Denmark, New Zealand, Portugal, and Canada all have strong legal protections including marriage equality. Japan and Singapore, while physically safe, have weaker legal frameworks for LGBTQ+ rights. Research the specific legal landscape carefully before choosing these destinations.

Healthcare as a Safety Factor: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Most safety rankings ignore healthcare entirely. That is a mistake. If you have a medical emergency in a country with poor hospital infrastructure, your safety is compromised regardless of how low the crime rate is. A heart attack in a country without accessible emergency care is as dangerous as living in a high-crime area.

Every country on our top-10 list scores above 80/100 on healthcare quality. Japan and Switzerland lead the pack with world-class universal systems. Iceland and Denmark offer comprehensive public healthcare. Even Slovenia — the most affordable option on the list — delivers strong healthcare outcomes through its public system.

For Americans in particular, this is a paradigm shift. Moving to any of these countries means gaining access to healthcare systems that are not only safer but dramatically more affordable than the US system. See our healthcare rankings for a deeper analysis.

Practical Safety Tips for Expats

Moving to a safe country does not eliminate the need for common sense. Here are actionable steps to maximize your safety when relocating:

• Research neighborhoods, not just countries. Safety varies within any country. Use local crime statistics, expat forums, and neighborhood-level data to choose where within a country to settle.
• Register with your embassy. Consular registration ensures you receive emergency notifications, travel advisories, and assistance during crises.
• Learn local emergency numbers. They vary by country. Locate your nearest hospital and understand how to access police and ambulance services before you need them.
• Secure health insurance immediately. Even in countries with universal healthcare, expats often face waiting periods. Private international insurance bridges the gap.
• Understand natural disaster protocols. If you move to Japan, learn earthquake drills. In New Zealand, understand tsunami evacuation routes. In Iceland, know the volcanic alert system. Preparedness is a form of safety.
• Connect with the expat community. Other expats are your best source of real-time, on-the-ground safety intelligence that no index can capture.

Finding Your Safest Match

Safety is foundational, but it is not the only factor. The best country for you depends on how safety intersects with your other priorities: cost of living, career opportunities, climate, visa accessibility, cultural fit, and personal freedoms.

That is exactly what WhereNext is designed to help with. Our platform lets you weight the dimensions that matter most to you — including safety — and returns a personalized ranking tailored to your situation. If safety is your top priority, the quiz will reflect that. If you want to balance safety with affordability, it adjusts accordingly.

• Take the WhereNext quiz — a 2-minute questionnaire that generates your personalized country ranking based on your priorities.
• Explore the full safety rankings — sort and filter every country by safety score and related metrics.
• Compare your top picks — put any two countries head-to-head on the metrics that matter most to you.

Safety is not a luxury. It is the foundation that every other part of your life abroad is built on. Start with the data, take it seriously, and you will be making the most important decision of your relocation on solid ground.