Geopolitical volatility, record-breaking emigration waves, and a new generation of location-independent workers have made "where is safe?" the defining question of international relocation in 2026.
180K+ | 18th | 163 |
What we’ll cover
Why safety has become the #1 priority for expats in 2026
What the Global Peace Index actually measures
The safest countries to move to right now
The gap between popular destinations and truly safe ones
What to consider when choosing your next country
Something has shifted. For years, expats ranked career opportunity, cost of living, and climate as the top factors in a relocation decision. In 2026, safety has moved to the front of that list and the data explains why.
The United States recorded net negative migration for the first time since the Great Depression in 2025, with roughly 150,000 more people leaving than arriving. A Wall Street Journal analysis tracked at least 180,000 Americans who relocated to just 15 countries and experts believe the true number is significantly higher once all nations report. Citizenship renunciations surged 102% year-over-year, with 2026 on track to set an all-time record.
It's not just Americans. Expat communities worldwide are growing in response to rising political instability, healthcare anxiety, and a broader question that more people are asking themselves: is where I live actually safe for my family?
The 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI), published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, provides the most authoritative answer available. It scores 163 countries across 23 indicators: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarization. Here is what it tells us, and what it means for your move.
The 2026 rankings: the world's safest countries for expats
Nordic and Western European countries continue to dominate the top of the index, but 2026 has several standout stories, particularly for expats who want safety without sacrificing affordability or accessibility.
1. 🇮🇸 Iceland (Nordic · EU-adjacent) For the 18th consecutive year, Iceland holds the top spot. No military, unarmed police, and one of the world's lowest homicide rates. With a population under 400,000 and near-zero violent crime, it offers a rare combination of genuine security and tight-knit community. English is widely spoken in Reykjavík. GPI Score: 1.10 |
2. 🇮🇪 Ireland (European Union) Ireland climbs to second place in 2026. Violent crime is rare, gun ownership tightly regulated, and its English-speaking culture makes it the easiest European country for Anglophone expats to integrate into. Strong healthcare and a welcoming national character. EU membership means access to the entire continent. GPI Score: 1.16 |
3. 🇳🇿 New Zealand (Pacific) New Zealand combines natural isolation with a community-oriented police force and consistently low violent crime rates. It has ranked in the top five for more than a decade. Strong democratic institutions and a multicultural society make it one of the most livable countries for families. GPI Score: 1.22 |
4. 🇫🇮 Finland (European Union) Finland returned to the top 10 after briefly dropping in 2024, now ranking third globally in Safety and Security. It remains the world's happiest country, a correlation the GPI report explicitly highlights. The social contract is strong, corruption is nearly absent, and public services are exceptional for residents. GPI Score: 1.25 |
5. 🇵🇹 Portugal (European Union) The standout story of 2026. Portugal is the only major expat destination in the GPI top 10 and uniquely combines safety with affordability. A homicide rate of just 0.7 per 100,000, a growing English-speaking population, Golden Visa pathways, and a warm climate have helped drive demand. American relocations to Portugal have nearly tripled since 2024. GPI Score: 1.28 |
6. 🇸🇬 Singapore (Southeast Asia) Singapore is the benchmark for urban safety in Asia, strict rule of law, exceptionally low crime, and an expat community exceeding 1.7 million people. The city-state ranks second in the Economist Intelligence Unit's Safe Cities Index. Its English-speaking environment and world-class healthcare make relocation particularly smooth for professionals and families. GPI Score: 1.30 |
7. 🇸🇮 Slovenia (European Union · Underrated) Slovenia is 2026's dark horse. Significantly cheaper than Austria or Switzerland, with comparable safety scores, EU membership, strong English proficiency, and a fast-growing startup ecosystem. It is becoming a favorite among safety-conscious expats seeking a high quality of life without Nordic-level living costs. GPI Score: 1.33 |
"The combination of safety, affordability, and accessibility Portugal offers is rare. It's the only country in the world's top 10 for peace that a middle-income expat can actually afford to live in."
Found a destination that fits your priorities? Get matched with vetted movers who can help you relocate with confidence.
Safety is more than low crime, what the data actually measures
One of the most important things to understand about expat safety in 2026 is that crime statistics alone are a poor guide. The GPI's 23 indicators cover three interconnected dimensions that matter far more holistically to someone building a life abroad.
Societal Safety Measures homicide rates, violent crime, incarceration levels, access to weapons, and the degree of trust people place in institutions and their communities. | Ongoing Conflict Evaluates a country's involvement in domestic or international conflicts, exposure to terrorism risks, and indicators of political instability. |
Militarization Assesses military expenditure as a percentage of GDP, the size of armed forces relative to the population, and nuclear or heavy weapons capabilities. | Why the United States Ranks Low Despite having lower crime rates than many countries ranked below it, the United States scores poorly in the militarization and ongoing conflict categories, placing it around 130th out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index. |
The expat safety gap: where people think they're going vs where they should go
The most popular expat destinations aren't always the safest. Mexico remains the top destination by volume for Americans, with roughly 1.2 million already living there, but it sits in the lower half of global safety rankings. Thailand, Bali, and Dubai draw enormous expat communities on the strength of lifestyle appeal, yet score far below the top-tier safe countries.
This isn't to say these destinations are wrong choices. Safety is one factor among many, and millions of expats live happily in countries that aren't in the GPI top 20. But the fastest-growing relocation category in 2026 is people who are leaving specifically because they want to feel safer and for them, the data makes a compelling case for Portugal, Slovenia, New Zealand, and the Nordic countries.
The Netherlands deserves a specific mention: in addition to topping the 2026 traveler safety index, it ranks first globally in English proficiency among non-native speakers, making it the most accessible top-safety country for most expats. Utrecht and The Hague are experiencing record inflows of international professionals in 2026.
Thinking about moving abroad? Explore safe destinations and compare trusted relocation options with Relocately.
Start now
Más como esto
