For those considering living and working abroad, safety will likely be a key factor in choosing a destination.
William Russell, an expat insurance provider, has ranked the safest places to live as an expat in 2025.
The ranking uses data from the 2024 Global Peace Index and the World Risk Report, which consider factors such as political instability, the level of violent crime, the impact of terrorism, and vulnerability to natural disasters.
William Russell said it also considers healthcare access and digital security.
It found that the safest countries shared a few characteristics, including high levels of wealth, social welfare, and education.
There’s another common thread — the majority are in Europe.
10. Malaysia
Tenth on William Russell’s ranking is Malaysia.
As Malaysia exits an era of political turmoil, its government hopes that rising investments and startups flowing into the country signal that it is on its way to becoming Asia’s Silicon Valley.
The HSBC Expat guide says Malaysia’s growing IT sector already offers plenty of opportunities for expats, who may choose the country for its relatively low living costs, accessible healthcare, and tropical climate.
9. Slovenia
William Russell also ranks Slovenia highly as an expat destination.
The OECD Better Life Index notes that Slovenia outperforms the global average in safety. It found that 91% of people in the country feel safe walking alone at night, and that the homicide rate is far below the OECD average.
For expats moving with families, Brittany McAnally, who lived in Slovenia for a year with her family, told Business Insider that Ljubljana, the picturesque capital, feels especially safe for raising kids.
8. Denmark
Denmark came in eighth.
Ilana Buhl, an American teacher who moved to Denmark in 2018, told BI she feels much safer there, both as a woman and in terms of gun violence.
Beyond safety, Buhl said she enjoys a significantly better work-life balance— a core aspect of Danish working culture, where long summer vacations are standard and employees receive at least five weeks of paid leave a year.
7. Portugal
Portugal, already a hub for digital nomads, came seventh.
The European nation is drawing in North Americans, who praise its affordable healthcare, quality of life, and work-life balance.
The Global Peace Index 2024 ranked it seventh in the world for safety, noting high levels of political stability and very low levels of violent crime.
6. Switzerland
Switzerland is famously politically neutral, meaning there’s little risk of it being involved in an international conflict. This likely factored into its ranking.
The Global Peace Index notes that there’s a low risk of violent crime, political instability, or political terror within the country.
Expats generally earn well in Switzerland, but a 2024 study by consulting firm Mercer found that Swiss cities, including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern, are among the most expensive cities in the world to live in as an expat.
Mercer ranked Zurich as 2024’s most liveable city, thanks in part to its public services and low crime rates.
5. Singapore
Fifth on William Russell’s ranking of the safest places for expats is Singapore.
Although it’s one of the world’s most expensive cities, HSBC Expat says international workers are still drawn to the city-state by its high salaries, opulent lifestyles, and convenient location for travel across Southeast Asia.
Healthcare there also ranks among the best in the world, although it can be expensive.
William Russell noted that Singapore also has efficient infrastructure and is one of the most digitally secure countries in the world.
4. New Zealand
New Zealand, fourth on William Russell’s ranking, is making moving there easier for expats, investors, and digital nomads.
In the past few weeks, it has relaxed both its “golden visa” and visitor visa rules.
Although the country has recently faced economic headwinds, it is a peaceful place with a low crime rate and plenty of opportunities for expats in engineering, medicine, and other industries.
That said, William Russell noted that there are environmental safety issues, such as rising sea levels leading to more flooding in coastal areas.
3. Austria
Austria came third in the ranking.
William Russell said that factors that make it safe for expats include a strong public health system, an extensive rail system, and a low rate of serious crimes.
In 2024, Vienna, Austria’s capital, was number two in Mercer’s ranking for most liveable cities for expats. Meanwhile, The Economist Intelligence Unit named it the most liveable city in the world in 2024, for the third year running.
2. Ireland
Coming in second in the ranking, William Russell attributed Ireland’s safety for expats to factors such as a downward-trending crime rate, a tolerance of migrants, and a strong and stable economy.
Alexis McSparren, an American who moved to Ireland, told BI that she has never felt safer than she does living in Dublin, highlighting, in particular, the strict gun laws.
1. Iceland
Top of the ranking was Iceland.
The European nation has a significant expat population. According to Statistics Iceland, over 20% of its population was born overseas. Safety, no doubt, plays a big part.
Iceland has topped the Global Peace Index list since 2008, thanks to its low crime rate and its avoidance of international conflicts.
While five expats told BI in 2024 that expensive groceries and the limited daylight in winter can be challenging, the country’s stunning scenery, high-quality public services, and safety continue to attract international workers.
William Russell also said that the country topped its ranking owing to factors such as environmental safety — there are few dangerous wildlife and excellent air quality.
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