Safest Countries to Live in Europe
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Contents
- Why Safety Should Top Your List (Even Before Tax Benefits)
- How We Really Know Which Countries Are Safe
- The 10 Safest Countries in Europe for 2025
- 1. Switzerland
- 2. Iceland
- 3. Denmark
- 4. Portugal
- 5. Austria
- 6. Slovenia
- 7. Finland
- 8. Norway
- 9. Ireland
- 10. Luxembourg
- Safety Considerations for Families
- Healthcare and Emergency Services
- Building Your Plan B: Safety First, Not Safety Only
- Why Your Plan B Needs More Than Just Safety
- The Bottom Line: Options Matter
How safe a place is comes up a lot when clients ask us to help them find the “best” overseas place to live. If you’re in the same boat – you’re thinking of leaving the US but aren’t quite sure where yet – Europe is worth a look for plenty of reasons.
Including, of course, that it’s generally quite safe overall.
But here’s the thing – not all European countries are equally safe. And even within countries, different cities have different risk profiles.
This guide aims to cut through the noise to show you which European countries truly deliver on safety, based on real data. It also highlights which ones make the most sense for Americans looking for a second home, investment opportunities, or even a new passport.
Why Safety Should Top Your List (Even Before Tax Benefits)
Looking for places to invest, buy a second home, or get another passport? It’s tempting to focus on low taxes or high returns. We all want to save money.
But what good is saving on taxes if you don’t feel safe walking around at night? Or if the banks fail and take your money with them?
Safety isn’t just about not getting mugged (though that’s important). It’s about a whole package:
- Can you walk around at night without worry?
- Is the government stable?
- Will your money be there when you want it?
- If you have a health emergency, will help come quickly?
- Are people generally happy, or angry and desperate?
- Can the country handle disasters without falling apart?
- Is your personal data safe from hackers?
- Is the air clean enough to breathe?
These questions separate truly safe countries from ones that just look good in travel brochures. Let’s see which European countries actually deliver in 2025.
How We Really Know Which Countries Are Safe
Every country claims to be safe in their tourism ads. But we need hard data, not marketing. To find out which countries truly deserve their safety reputation, we’ve looked at several trusted measurements:
- 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI): Ranks 163 countries based on how peaceful they are – looking at crime, conflict, and military activity, and provides a “State of Peace” score. The closer to 1 the score is, the more peaceful the country.
- 2023 Global Organized Crime Index (GOC): Shows how much organized crime exists in a country, on a scale of 1 to 10. Scores lower than 3 represent a “non-existent to little” organized crime influence, while scores between 4 and 5 represent a “moderate” influence.
- 2022 Human Development Index: Looks at overall quality of life, because poverty often leads to crime. The closer to 1 the number is, the higher the quality of life.
- 2024 World Happiness Report: Happy, satisfied citizens generally create safer societies. Measured on a scale of 1 to 10.
We’ve combined all these rankings to give you the real picture.
The 10 Safest Countries in Europe for 2025
1. Switzerland: Not Just Good at Banking
- Global Peace Index (GPI) Ranking: 6th in the world.
- “State of Peace” Score: 1.35 (The closer to 1 the better.)
- Global Organized Crime (GOC) Score: 4.87 (Scores lower than 3 represent a “non-existent to little” organized crime influence, while scores between 4 and 5 represent a “moderate” influence.)
- Human Development Index (HDI) Score: 0.967 (Rank #1 globally. The closer to 1 the number is, the higher the quality of life.)
- World Happiness Score: 6.935 (out of 10).
- Capital: Bern
When most people think of Switzerland, they picture banks and chocolate. But this country’s real strength is safety: Gun violence is significantly lower than America’s, and the murder rate is seven times lower.
Why It’s So Safe:
- Switzerland has maintained neutrality since 1815.
- Violent crime is very rare.
- Laws are enforced fairly.
- Emergency help comes quickly.
- Their banking system is very stable.
What This Means for Americans: While Switzerland still provides good offshore options for (seriously wealthy) individuals with its banking privacy and solid currency, opening an account there as an American can be a chore of its own. Getting residency isn’t easy. Swiss citizenship takes a long time and requires you to integrate into Swiss society.
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2. Iceland: Ranked First in the World
- Global Peace Index (GPI) Ranking: 1st in the world.
- “State of Peace” Score: 1.112 (Best rating of any country.)
- Global Organized Crime (GOC) Score: 3.37 (Scores lower than 3 represent a “non-existent to little” organized crime influence, while scores between 4 and 5 represent a “moderate” influence.)
- Human Development Index (HDI) Score: 0.959 (Iceland ranks at #3. The closer to 1 the number is, the higher the quality of life.)
- World Happiness Score: 7.515 (out of 10. Ranks #3 in the world.)
- Capital: Reykjavik
The data on Iceland makes a compelling case for travelers and future expats. It’s been #1 on the Global Peace Index since 2008, and violent crime is so rare that it makes news when it happens.
The Global Organized Crime Index gives Iceland a very low score of 3.37 – meaning organized crime barely exists here. The air and water are also extremely clean.
Why It’s Like Living in a Safety Bubble:
- Violent crime rates are extremely low.
- Iceland has no standing army but participates in peacekeeping missions and is protected under NATO.
- 98% of people say they have someone to count on in a crisis.
- Government corruption is minimal.
- Ranks sixth best for women’s safety worldwide.
- Third happiest nation on earth.
For Americans Considering Iceland: The economy is small but stable. You’ll find investment opportunities in renewable energy, tourism, and tech. While no Golden Visa program exists in Iceland, you can obtain residency through employment, family reunification, or study, among other methods. Citizenship requires time and a basic proficiency of Icelandic – which is very difficult.
3. Denmark: The Safest Place for Women
- Global Peace Index (GPI) Ranking: 8th in the world
- “State of Peace” Score: 1.382 (The closer to 1 the better.)
- Global Organized Crime (GOC) Score: 4.02 (Scores lower than 3 represent a “non-existent to little” organized crime influence, while scores between 4 and 5 represent a “moderate” influence.)
- Human Development Index (HDI) Score: 0.952 (The closer to 1 the number is, the higher the quality of life.)
- World Happiness Score: 7.521 (out of 10. Ranks #2 in the world.)
- Capital: Copenhagen
Denmark, among other things, is an especially safe place for women: The Women’s Peace and Security Index ranks it as the #1 safest nation for women out of 177 countries.
The Economist ranked Copenhagen as the world’s safest city in 2021, and Denmark’s “prevention over cure” approach to crime has created a society of citizens who naturally look out for each other.
Why Danes Feel Safe:
- Violent crime is very rare.
- Their social system works well.
- Women and men are treated equally.
- People generally trust the police.
- Healthcare is available to everyone.
- Communities are close, and people trust each other.
For Americans Thinking About Denmark: The investment environment is very stable, though taxes are high. You can get residency through a job, investment, or starting a business. The social services, schools, and healthcare are excellent, which is great for families. Getting citizenship isn’t easy, but the benefits are good if you’re looking for long-term security.
4. Portugal: Safe, Sunny, and Welcoming
- Global Peace Index (GPI) Ranking: 7th in the world
- “State of Peace” Score: 1.372 (The closer to 1 the better.)
- Global Organized Crime (GOC) Score: 4.88 (Scores lower than 3 represent a “non-existent to little” organized crime influence, while scores between 4 and 5 represent a “moderate” influence.)
- Human Development Index (HDI) Score: 0.874 (The closer to 1 the number is, the higher the quality of life.)
- World Happiness Score: 6.013 (out of 10).
- Capital: Lisbon
Portugal ranks 7th on the Global Peace Index just behind Switzerland, combining low crime with stability and a population that welcomes foreigners.
Its Global Organized Crime Index score is a solid 4.88, meaning organized crime is below the global average. That’s not nothing, obviously, but it means you’re very unlikely to have any problems in this area. Add in beautiful beaches, great food, and one of Europe’s lowest costs of living, and it’s easy to see why Americans are moving here.
Why Portugal Feels So Safe:
- You can walk around major cities feeling secure.
- The government is stable.
- Police are visible but friendly.
- Women’s safety ranks 19th globally (very good for Southern Europe, although certainly not on par with other places in Europe).
- Healthcare is generally excellent and affordable.
- Portuguese people welcome foreigners.
For Americans Looking at Portugal: Portugal’s updated Golden Visa program in 2025 has a simple deal: Invest €500,000 in qualifying Portuguese funds or create at least 10 full-time jobs in a Portuguese business that you own, and you get to live there legally.
Stay for five years, and you can apply for Portuguese citizenship — which means an EU passport. Portugal also offers a special tax regime for newcomers working in research or innovation, called the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), which may reduce your local tax burden. You’ll still need to pay U.S. taxes, though.
We do a lot of work in Portugal for the reasons mentioned above – especially around issues of real estate and their Golden Visa. If either of those interest you, or you already have a property in Portugal and need a little help with taxes or US compliance, feel free to get in touch.
5. Austria: Central European Safety and Sophistication
- Global Peace Index (GPI) Ranking: 3rd in the world
- “State of Peace” Score: 1.313 (The closer to 1 the better.)
- Global Organized Crime (GOC) Score: 4.13 (Scores lower than 3 represent a “non-existent to little” organized crime influence, while scores between 4 and 5 represent a “moderate” influence.)
- Human Development Index (HDI) Score: 0.926 (The closer to 1 the number is, the higher the quality of life.)
- World Happiness Score: 6.810 (out of 10).
- Capital: Vienna
Austria ranks third on the Global Peace Index. Vienna, its capital city, is often called one of the best places to live in the world. Crime is low, public services work well, and people enjoy life there.
Austria has its generally strong economy, fair legal system, and quick emergency services to thank for its well-known security.
What Makes Austria Safe:
- Very low violent crime rates.
- Excellent healthcare system with rapid emergency response.
- Strong rule of law and judicial efficiency.
- Political stability and neutrality.
- Well-maintained infrastructure.
- High social welfare standards.
For American Investors and Expatriates: Austria is a safe bet for your money. You can invest in real estate, tech companies, or factories. Want to live there? You can get residency by investing some money, starting a business, or getting a job. Austria’s still open to offshore banking for Americans. Getting an Austrian passport takes quite a while, though, and dual citizenship is generally not permitted—except in special cases. Taxes are also painfully high, with a 20% VAT and up to 50% on income.
6. Slovenia: Safety in Eastern Europe
- Global Peace Index Ranking: 9th in the world
- “State of Peace” Score: 1.395 (The closer to 1 the better.)
- Global Organized Crime (GOC) Score: 4.37 (Scores lower than 3 represent a “non-existent to little” organized crime influence, while scores between 4 and 5 represent a “moderate” influence.)
- Human Development Index (HDI) Score: 0.926 (The closer to 1 the number is, the higher the quality of life.)
- World Happiness Score: 6.792 (out of 10).
- Capital: Ljubljana
Slovenia has quietly become one of Europe’s safest nations. This small Central European country boasts both natural beauty and extraordinary safety metrics, making it an attractive destination for those seeking security without Western Europe’s high costs.
Ljubljana, the capital, was named the Green Capital of Europe in 2016 for its environmentally friendly policies and car-free city center. Beyond environmental consciousness, Slovenia offers reliable personal safety with a Global Organized Crime Index score of 4.37.
What Makes Slovenia Safe:
- Low crime rates, especially violent crime.
- Stable political system.
- Strong environmental protections.
- Well-developed infrastructure.
- Excellent healthcare accessibility.
- Strategic location between Western and Eastern Europe.
For American Investors and Expatriates: Slovenia offers affordable real estate and business opportunities compared to Western Europe. Residency can be obtained through investment, employment, or entrepreneurship.
The country’s EU membership provides access to the broader European market, while its location offers a gateway to emerging Eastern European economies.
However, high income taxes and a complex bureaucracy can pose challenges for entrepreneurs. Additionally, limited English fluency outside major cities may create communication barriers for newcomers.
7. Finland: Northern European Security and Satisfaction
- Global Peace Index Ranking: 13th in the world
- “State of Peace” Score: 1.474 (The closer to 1 the better.)
- Global Organized Crime (GOC) Score: 2.98 (Scores lower than 3 represent a “non-existent to little” organized crime influence, while scores between 4 and 5 represent a “moderate” influence.)
- Human Development Index (HDI) Score: 0.942 (The closer to 1 the number is, the higher the quality of life.)
- World Happiness Score: 7.736 (out of 10. Ranks #1 in the world.)
- Capital: Helsinki
Finland consistently ranks well in the World Happiness Report, a distinction closely tied to its exceptional safety and social cohesion. Finnish society is built on trust and equality, resulting in minimal crime and a very high quality of life.
The country ranks fourth on the Women’s Peace and Security Index, making it particularly safe for women travelers and residents. Finland’s education system is world-renowned, and its social welfare provisions create a secure environment for raising families.
However – and this is a big one – the country has an 830-mile (1,340 km) long border with Russia, something that Russia has taken advantage of over the years. We don’t necessarily see that as a short-term risk, but it is a consideration.
What Makes Finland Safe:
- Very low violent crime rates.
- Transparent governance with minimal corruption.
- Excellent education and healthcare systems.
- Strong gender equality measures.
- Fourth safest country for women according to the Women’s Peace and Security Index.
- Ranks first in world happiness, indicating high citizen satisfaction.
For American Investors and Expatriates: Finland offers a stable business environment with strengths in technology, clean energy, and design. Residency can be obtained through employment, entrepreneurship, or investment (though no Golden Visa program exists).
While taxes are relatively high, the quality of public services and overall safety make Finland an attractive option for families seeking long-term security.
8. Norway: Prosperity and Peace
- Global Peace Index Ranking: 28th in the world
- “State of Peace” Score: 1.638 (The closer to 1 the better.)
- Global Organized Crime (GOC) Score: 3.75 (Scores lower than 3 represent a “non-existent to little” organized crime influence, while scores between 4 and 5 represent a “moderate” influence.)
- Human Development Index (HDI) Score: 0.966 (Norway ranks at #2. The closer to 1 the number is, the higher the quality of life.)
- World Happiness Score: 7.262 (out of 10)
- Capital: Oslo
Norway combines extraordinary wealth from its oil resources with progressive social policies and exceptional safety standards. The country’s strong focus on equality and welfare creates a society with minimal crime and high social trust.
Norway excels in disaster preparedness, with well-developed emergency response systems. The country invests heavily in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, providing a comprehensive safety net for residents and visitors alike.
However, the high cost of living — particularly in cities like Oslo — can be prohibitive for some. Winters are long and dark, so be prepared to exhaust your binge-watch list several times.
What Makes Norway Safe:
- Very low violent crime rates.
- Excellent disaster preparedness.
- Strong gender equality measures.
- Comprehensive social welfare system.
- Stable political environment.
- High-quality healthcare with rapid emergency response.
For American Investors and Expatriates: Norway offers investment opportunities primarily in renewable energy, maritime industries, and technology. Residency can be obtained through employment, entrepreneurship, or family connections.
While Norway’s citizenship process is lengthy, the country’s exceptional quality of life makes it worth considering for long-term security.
9. Ireland: English-Speaking Safety and Business Opportunities
- Global Peace Index Ranking: 2nd in the world
- “State of Peace” Score: 1.303 (The closer to 1 the better.)
- Global Organized Crime (GOC) Score: 5.08 (Scores lower than 3 represent a “non-existent to little” organized crime influence, while scores between 4 and 5 represent a “moderate” influence.)
- Human Development Index (HDI) Score: 0.950 (The closer to 1 the number is, the higher the quality of life.)
- World Happiness Score: 6.889 (out of 10)
- Capital: Dublin
Ireland stands out as an English-speaking nation with exceptional safety credentials. The Global Peace Index 2024 ranks Ireland as the second most peaceful country in the world, while its Global Organized Crime Index rating of 5.08 makes it safer than many larger European nations.
Ireland combines safety with a business-friendly environment, offering one of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates and a highly skilled workforce. The country’s strong social cohesion and welcoming attitude toward foreigners enhance its appeal for expatriates.
Keep in mind, though, that housing shortages and rising property prices — especially in Dublin — can make settling in difficult. Public infrastructure outside major cities may also lag behind other Western European countries.
What Makes Ireland Safe:
- Very low violent crime rates, especially outside Dublin.
- Strong rule of law and judicial system.
- Political stability.
- Excellent healthcare system.
- English-speaking population, easing transition for Americans.
- Strong social cohesion and community support. (To see it in action, just head to the local pub.)
For American Investors and Expatriates: Ireland offers significant advantages for American businesses and investors, including shared language, cultural similarities, and EU market access. Residency can be obtained through investment (€1 million in the Immigrant Investor Programme), entrepreneurship, or employment. Ireland also offers one of the strongest passports in the world, and allows dual citizenship.
10. Luxembourg: Small Nation, Big on Security
- Global Peace Index Ranking: Not ranked in the GPI due to data limitations for microstates.
- “State of Peace” Score: N/A
- GOC Score: 85
- Human Development Score: 927 (Very high)
- World Happiness Score: 12
- Capital: Luxembourg City
Despite its small size (smaller than the US state of Rhode Island), Luxembourg offers notable benefits in terms of safety and financial security. According to the International Monetary Fund, Luxembourg has the world’s largest economy by GDP per capita, contributing to its exceptional stability.
Luxembourg’s financial sector makes it the largest investment fund center in Europe and the second largest globally after the US. This economic strength supports strong public services, excellent infrastructure, and a high quality of life.
What Makes Luxembourg Safe:
- Very low violent crime rates.
- Strong rule of law and regulatory framework.
- Political stability.
- Excellent healthcare and education systems.
- Minimal organized criminal activity.
- Strategic location in the heart of Europe.
For American Investors and Expatriates: Luxembourg offers significant opportunities in finance, investment funds, and wealth management. The country’s multilingual environment (Luxembourgish, French, and German are official languages, with English widely spoken in business) facilitates international operations. Residency can be obtained through investment, employment, or entrepreneurship. Watch out for high housing costs and a very bureaucratic, time-consuming process for permits and registrations.
Safety Considerations for Families
For families considering European relocation, safety extends beyond crime statistics to include education quality, healthcare access, and social support systems.
The following countries stand out for family safety:
Finland: World-class education system with a focus on student well-being, strong anti-bullying programs, and excellent healthcare.
Switzerland: Highly structured education, excellent healthcare, and safe, well-maintained public spaces.
Denmark: Strong family benefits, excellent school safety, and comprehensive healthcare system.
Austria: High-quality education combining academic excellence with vocational training, generally excellent healthcare, and, excellent transportation systems that give youngsters a means of independence early.
Slovenia: Affordable, high-quality education, excellent healthcare accessibility, and family-friendly communities.
Healthcare and Emergency Services
A country’s healthcare system plays a crucial role in overall safety. The following countries offer exceptional healthcare and emergency response:
Switzerland: Advanced, well-funded healthcare with both public and private options, rapid emergency response including air rescue services.
Austria: Top-ranked healthcare system with well-distributed medical centers and helicopter rescue services covering Alpine regions.
Germany: Dual public-private healthcare with high doctor-to-patient ratios and designated trauma centers in major cities.
Finland: Efficient universal healthcare with focus on preventive care and digitalized health records.
Portugal: Affordable, high-quality public healthcare with modern emergency facilities in major cities.
Building Your Plan B: Safety First, Not Safety Only
The most dangerous number in business is one. One supplier. One customer. One way to get new business.
The same is true with a Plan B strategy. Since 1984, The Nestmann Group has helped over 15,000 clients protect what they’ve built. Experience shows that safety often forms the foundation of any good Plan B.
A second residence or citizenship in a safe European country gives you:
- A place to go if things get difficult at home.
- Asset protection by spreading investments across countries.
- Access to stable banking systems.
- Affordable healthcare options.
- A stable environment for your family if needed.
Why Your Plan B Needs More Than Just Safety
Safety is crucial, but it’s just the beginning. A solid wealth protection plan needs several pieces working together.
- Asset Diversification: Don’t keep all your money in one country.
- Currency Diversification: The dollar won’t always be strong.
- Legal Tax Strategies: There are often legal ways to reduce your tax burden.
- Second Residency and Citizenship: Having options to live and invest elsewhere is valuable.
The Bottom Line: Options Matter
These safe European countries can help Americans protect themselves and their money. Maybe you like how stable Switzerland’s Franc is. Or perhaps Portugal’s Golden Visa sounds good. Or you might prefer Finland’s great lifestyle. No matter what, choosing a safe country helps you worry less about what’s happening in the world.
But safety alone isn’t enough. You also need smart tax planning, ways to protect your assets, and a plan that works for your own needs.
You worked hard for what you have. Why risk losing it? The Nestmann Group can help you use these safe countries to protect your wealth. Want to chat about how? Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation consultation.
About The Author
Need Help?
We have 40+ years experience helping Americans move, live and invest internationally…
Need Help?
We have 40+ years experience helping Americans move, live and invest internationally…
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