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Portugal is Among the Safest Countries in the World in 2026

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Article

Portugal is Among the Safest Countries in the World in 2026

Article -> September 7, 2022

Article

Relocation to Portugal

Portugal is Among the Safest Countries in the World in 2026

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In June 2025, the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) released the 19th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI).
The report analyses 163 states and territories, which refers to 99.7 % of the world’s population, using 23 indicators that measure societal security, domestic & international conflict, and militarisation.
For the 19th consecutive year, Europe is the safest region, capturing 8 of the 10most-peaceful spots.
Portugal once again features prominently, holding 7th place worldwide and confirming its long-standing reputation as one of the safest places to live and invest.

Portugal Has Been Among the Top 10 Safest Countries in the World Since 2015

Portugal first broke into the Global Peace Index's Top 10 in 2015 and has never left it since.
In 2025, it maintained its position at 7^th, a remarkable achievement in a period when global peacefulness slipped a further 0.36%.
The GPI, an annual report, assesses the relative peacefulness of nations and regions by examining three core aspects: societal safety and security, the extent of domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarisation.
This comprehensive evaluation includes factors such as crime rates, incidences of terrorist acts and violent demonstrations, relations with neighbouring countries, political stability, and the proportion of the refugee population.
A total of 23 indicators measure the absence of violence or fear of violence, which are scanned annually to ensure the GPI remains a reliable and trustworthy global ranking.
This methodology enables the Institute for Economics and Peace to assess a country’s harmony or discord and determine the safest places to live.

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Top Safest Country in the World

1. Iceland

Iceland continues to top the Global Peace Index, maintaining its undisputed position.
Known for its high quality of life, this Nordic country boasts a rich Viking history and exotic landscapes, including volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields.
In 2025, Iceland stayed the most peaceful country in the world, a position it has held since the GPI was first published 2008.

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2. Ireland

Ireland, often called the “Emerald Isle” for its stunning green landscapes, has a rich history that can be seen in its medieval castles and rolling hills and fields.
In 2025, it retains its title as the second safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index.

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3. New Zealand

New Zealand, an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, consists of two main islands and over 700 smaller ones.
It remains the only Oceanian country to rank among the top safest countries in the world.
In 2025, New Zealand rose from fourth to third safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index.

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4. Austria

Austria, located in Central Europe by the Eastern Alps, is a federation of nine states, including the capital Vienna.
Famous for its musical history, medieval castles, palaces, and cathedrals, Austria is also a top destination for winter sports.
In 2025, Austria reached fourth place on the Global Peace Index, an incredible achievement.

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5. Switzerland

Known for its neutrality, the country has remained unaffected by past European conflicts.
With a strong economy boosted by banking operations, Switzerland offers its citizens a high quality of life.
Switzerland surprised everyone in 2024 by moving up from ninth to sixth place in the GPI ranking, and in 2025, it has risen one more place to fifth

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6. Singapore

Singapore ranks sixth and is one of the two countries from the Asia and Pacific region in the top 10, along with Malaysia in 10^th place.
This city-state is highly multicultural, with four official languages.
Ranked eighth in 2023, Singapore’s rise reflects its commitment to improving societal security.

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7. Portugal

Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula next to Spain, is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, a fact which made the nation a crucial player during the Age of Discovery.
The country is a popular destination for holidaymakers and expats, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and sunny weather, as well as a high quality of life.
Portugal maintained the same position in 2025 as in 2024 at 7^th place, demonstrating its continuing stability and commitment to peace.

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Why is Portugal one of the Safest Countries in the World?

In 2025, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world.
The Global Peace Index has also classified Europe as the Safest Region in the World, despite recent and ongoing world events. As a member of the European Union, Portugal adheres to high standards of security and safety.
Portugal emphasises a healthy relationship between its police forces and local communities, which improves efforts against criminal activities.
The country also focuses on crime prevention, starting early with school programs on safety and active campaigns against criminality. Portugal’s modest size and population make it easier to maintain peace in a smaller territory.
In recent years, Portugal has experienced a tourism boom, making it a key economic driver, representing 20% of the Portuguese GDP in 2024 and continuing in 2025.
This has led to increased efforts to foster and promote safety. While normal precautions should always be taken when visiting or moving to Portugal, violent crime remains at an all-time low and continues to decline.
Petty theft and domestic violence are the main criminal occurrences.

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Portugal is a Safe Haven for Families

Safety First: Portugal consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries, offering families peace of mind in everyday life.
Cost of Living: Compared to other countries, Portugal remains one of the most affordable places to live, even when factoring in healthcare, education, and daily expenses.
Sunny Climate: Mild winters, warm summers, and lots of sunshine support an outdoor, active lifestyle year-round.
Family-centred culture: Daily life revolves around family, friends, and community, supported by strong social values and public policies.
Education Options: Quality public education, a wide range of international schools, and respected universities make Portugal suitable for all stages of schooling.
Low Violent Crime: Public safety is high, with most crime being non-violent, allowing families to live, move, and invest with confidence.

It’s truly possible to have it all when ensuring your family's safety, and Portugal is the perfect place for it.

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Portugal is a Safe and Low-Risk Destination for Investments

Lower Investment Risk: While all investments carry risk, Portugal significantly reduces exposure through long-term political stability, strong institutions, and predictable regulation.
7th Safest Country in the World: Consistently high safety rankings make Portugal a natural choice for families, retirees, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking peace of mind.
EU and Eurozone Protections: Operating under European Union frameworks and the Euro provides currency stability, legal clarity, and an added layer of financial and regulatory security.
Track record of investor trust: Portugal’s Golden Visa programme has attracted over €7 billion in foreign investment, reflecting sustained international confidence in the country’s stability.
Confidence that compounds: Safety encourages long-term settlement, which in turn reinforces economic stability and investor confidence.

In short, Portugal doesn’t just offer opportunities for growth, it also provides a secure and peaceful backdrop for your investment and lifestyle goals. Its combination of economic stability and personal safety makes it one of the most compelling places in the world to invest, live, and thrive.

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Read More:
Cost of Living in Portugal: Still Affordable in 2026
Healthcare System in Portugal: A Key Benefit for Expats and Foreigners
What are the Best Schools in Portugal for my Children?
Retiring in Portugal - What Do You Need to Know?

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