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Insurance company William Russell has compiled a list of the countries considered the safest for expats in 2025.
When forming the rating, political stability, crime rate, risks from natural disasters, and the state of the healthcare system were taken into account.
This list includes a number of European countries, including Slovenia and Switzerland, as well as Asian countries.
Safety is a key consideration for those planning to live and work in another country, so William Russell, an insurance company that provides services to expats, has identified the safest places to live in 2025.
Experts analyzed data from the Global Peace Index 2024 and the World Risk Report, taking into account the political situation, the level of violent crime, the threat of terrorism, and vulnerability to natural disasters.
As William Russell notes, the availability of quality medicine and the level of digital security were also taken into account.
It turned out that the best indicators are in countries with high levels of well-being, developed education and strong social programs. It is also noticeable that most of them are located in Europe.
10. Malaysia
Skyline of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, the country's capital, is a popular choice among foreigners.
Malaysia was ranked tenth on William Russell's list.
The country is trying to overcome a period of political instability, and its authorities are counting on the influx of investment and startups to become a prerequisite for transforming Malaysia into the "Asian Silicon Valley."
The HSBC Expat guide notes that foreigners choose Malaysia in particular because of its growing IT sector, affordable cost of living, reasonable prices for medical services and warm tropical climate.
9. Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia also received high scores in the expat safety rating.
According to the OECD Better Life Index, the country outperforms the global safety average: 91% of respondents feel safe even when walking alone at night. The homicide rate is also well below the OECD average.
This is especially attractive for families with children: Brittany McAnally, who lived with her family in Slovenia for a year, told Business Insider that Ljubljana gives the impression of a very safe and child-friendly city.
8. Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
In Denmark, there is a special emphasis on work-life balance.
Denmark took eighth place.
Ilana Bull, an American who moved there in 2018, says she feels much safer in Denmark — both in terms of personal safety as a woman and because of the lack of large-scale problems with guns.
She also admires the excellent work-life balance. In the Danish work culture, long summer vacations are the norm, and employees receive at least five weeks of paid vacation per year.
7. Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has already become a magnet for digital nomads.
Seventh place was taken by Portugal, which has long attracted digital nomads.
This European country is popular among North Americans due to its affordable healthcare, high quality of life, and balanced work schedule.
In the 2024 Global Peace Index, Portugal ranks seventh, with a high level of political stability and extremely low rates of violent crime.
6. Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland
Swiss cities are often called some of the most expensive in the world, but the quality of life there is extremely high.
Switzerland is famous for its political neutrality, which minimizes the risk of involvement in world conflicts.
The Global Peace Index indicates a low chance of violent crime, political instability, or political terror in a country.
Expats working in Switzerland tend to earn high incomes. However, according to a 2024 study by consulting firm Mercer, Swiss cities (Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern) are among the most expensive in the world for foreigners to live in.
At the same time, Mercer ranked Zurich first in terms of ease of living in 2024 due to the high quality of public services and low crime rates.
5. Singapore
Singapore
Although Singapore is considered a very expensive city, high salaries attract expats there.
Fifth place in the William Russell ranking was taken by Singapore.
Despite the city-state's position as one of the world's most expensive metropolises, HSBC Expat claims that foreign professionals are attracted by high salaries, a luxurious lifestyle, and a favorable geographical location for traveling around the Southeast Asian region.
Singapore's healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world, although not cheap. William Russell also emphasizes the country's efficient infrastructure and high level of digital security.
4. New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
For foreigners seeking to live, work or invest, New Zealand creates favorable conditions.
Fourth in the ranking was New Zealand, which offers convenient conditions for expats, investors, and digital nomads.
Recently, the requirements for the "golden visa" and guest visa have been simplified here to encourage foreigners.
Although the country's economy has been struggling in recent months, crime rates are low and life is generally peaceful. There is a significant demand for specialists in the fields of engineering and medicine.
However, William Russell notes certain environmental security challenges, such as rising sea levels and increased risk of flooding in coastal areas.
3. Austria
Vienna, Austria
The capital of Austria, Vienna, has repeatedly been recognized as one of the most comfortable cities to live in.
Austria took third place.
According to William Russell, safety in the country is guaranteed by a strong healthcare system, an extensive rail network, and a low level of serious crime.
In 2024, Vienna ranked second in Mercer's ranking of the most livable cities for foreigners. And according to The Economist Intelligence Unit, it was the best city in the world to live in for the third time in a row.
2. Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
Crime in Ireland continues to decline, and attitudes towards migrants remain tolerant.
Ireland comes second on William Russell's list, thanks to a gradual decline in crime rates, a positive attitude towards migrants, and a stable economy.
Alexis McSparren, an American who moved to Dublin, admits she has never felt as safe as she does here, especially in the context of strict gun laws.
1. Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland has been at the top of the Global Peace Index since 2008, having low crime rates and avoiding international conflicts.
Iceland became the leader of this ranking.
This European country has a significant expat population: according to the statistical office, over 20% of the population was born abroad. One of the decisive factors is safety.
Thanks to its low crime rate and lack of involvement in military conflicts, Iceland has been ranked first in the Global Peace Index since 2008.
While five expats shared with Business Insider some challenges in 2024 — the high cost of food and short daylight hours in winter — the stunning scenery, quality public services, and sense of security continue to attract foreigners.
William Russell adds that Iceland has a high level of environmental safety - there is no dangerous wildlife here, and the air quality is considered one of the best in the world.
