Safety is consistently rated as the #1 factor for people considering emigration with families. Low crime, political stability, rule of law, and personal security form the foundation of a good life abroad.
We ranked countries using safety data covering crime rates, political stability, rule of law, and personal security indices to identify the safest destinations for immigrants.
The 20 Safest Countries for Immigrants
| Country | Monthly Cost | Visa Options |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | €2,697 | 17 |
| Austria | €2,030 | 19 |
| Canada | €2,427 | 15 |
| Denmark | €2,350 | 14 |
| Finland | €1,267 | 9 |
| Germany | €2,275 | 19 |
| Iceland | €2,473 | 6 |
| Ireland | €2,717 | 10 |
| Japan | €1,560 | 14 |
| Luxembourg | €2,333 | 6 |
| Monaco | €9,910 | 1 |
| Netherlands | €2,654 | 14 |
| New Zealand | €2,053 | 15 |
| Norway | €3,000 | 13 |
| Qatar | €1,447 | 3 |
| Singapore | €3,040 | 15 |
| South Korea | €1,515 | 19 |
| Switzerland | €3,750 | 17 |
| Taiwan | €10,735 | 7 |
| United Arab Emirates | €2,356 | 26 |
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Get Your Free Verdict →What Makes a Country Safe for Immigrants?
Safety for immigrants goes beyond general crime statistics:
- Low violent crime — Murder rates, assault, robbery statistics
- Political stability — Peaceful transitions of power, absence of civil conflict
- Rule of law — Functioning judiciary, police accountability, anti-corruption
- Immigrant acceptance — Social attitudes towards foreigners, integration support
- Natural disaster risk — Earthquake, flood, and extreme weather exposure
- Cybersecurity & data protection — Especially relevant for digital professionals
Safety vs Affordability Trade-off
Many of the safest countries are also expensive (Switzerland, Iceland, Norway). But there are affordable safe options. Countries like Slovenia, Czech Republic, Estonia, and Portugal combine strong safety records with Moderate living costs — making them excellent choices for budget-conscious emigrants who prioritise security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest country in the world to move to?
We no longer publish our own safety score — we had no source we could stand behind for it. Iceland, Japan, Switzerland and the Nordic countries are consistently placed among the safest in independent indices such as the Global Peace Index; consult those directly for a ranked figure.
Are safe countries always expensive?
No. While many top-ranked safe countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Norway) are expensive, there are affordable alternatives. Countries like Slovenia, Czech Republic, Poland, and Estonia offer strong safety with much lower costs of living.
Is it safe for women to emigrate alone?
Safety varies significantly by country. Nordic countries, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan are consistently rated safest for solo female travellers and residents. Check country-specific data on gender-based violence, harassment statistics, and legal protections.
Should safety be my top priority when choosing where to move?
Safety should be a strong factor but not the only one. A very safe country where you can't find work or afford to live isn't a practical choice. We recommend filtering for countries that meet your safety threshold, then ranking by visa accessibility, career opportunities, and cost of living.
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About the author
António Mira is the founder of whereTOemigrate. For over a decade he has worked at the intersection of Portuguese real estate and overseas business, helping international clients navigate the cross-border decisions that come with relocating. He sits on the board of CCIAP (Portuguese-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council, and the Portugal-Hong Kong Business Association — always with one focus: enabling overseas business and human mobility into and out of Portugal.
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