In an increasingly uncertain world, safety and stability have become major priorities for investors, entrepreneurs, retirees and families considering a move abroad. While factors such as taxes, healthcare, education and business opportunities remain important, personal security continues to be one of the key considerations when choosing where to live.
One of the most widely recognised measures of safety and peacefulness is the Global Peace Index (GPI), published annually by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP). The report evaluates 163 countries and territories, covering more than 99% of the world's population, and provides a comprehensive overview of global peace and security.
The latest Global Peace Index 2026 confirms a trend that has remained remarkably consistent over the years: Europe continues to be the safest region in the world.
How Does the Global Peace Index Rank the Safest Countries in the World?
The Global Peace Index measures peacefulness using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators grouped into three broad categories:
- Societal safety and security
- Ongoing domestic and international conflict
- Militarisation
These indicators assess factors such as homicide rates, violent crime, political instability, incarceration rates, perceptions of criminality, military expenditure, access to weapons and involvement in external conflicts.
Each country receives an overall score, with lower scores indicating higher levels of peacefulness.
The 2026 report paints a concerning picture of global stability. According to the Institute for Economics & Peace, the number of active conflicts around the world has reached its highest level since the end of the Second World War. Rising geopolitical tensions, increasing military expenditure and growing regional instability have all contributed to a continued decline in global peacefulness.
Despite these challenges, several countries continue to demonstrate exceptional levels of safety, stability and quality of life.
What Are the Top 10 Safest Countries in the World in 2026?
According to the Global Peace Index 2026, the world's safest countries are:
- Iceland
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Slovenia
- Ireland
- Austria
- Portugal
- Singapore
- Finland
- Japan
Europe once again dominates the rankings, accounting for seven of the ten safest countries globally, with the only exceptions being Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore, all of which have consistently ranked among the world's most peaceful nations since the index's inception.
The consistency of the rankings is particularly noteworthy. Iceland has maintained the number one position every year since the index was introduced in 2007.
Portugal continues to perform exceptionally well, ranking seventh globally and reinforcing its reputation as one of Europe's most secure and attractive destinations for international residents.
Why Is Europe the Safest Region in the World?
Western and Central Europe remains the most peaceful region in the world according to the 2026 Global Peace Index.
Several factors contribute to Europe's strong performance, including:
- Stable democratic institutions
- Strong rule of law
- Low levels of violent crime
- High-quality healthcare systems
- Effective public services
- Robust social protections
- Political stability
While Europe faces many of the same geopolitical challenges affecting the rest of the world, its countries consistently score highly across measures of societal safety and security.
This stability has helped make Europe one of the world's most desirable destinations for investors, retirees and families seeking a secure environment and a high quality of life.
How Other Regions Compare
Although Europe remains the global leader in peacefulness, other regions continue to experience varying levels of stability.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region remains one of the most peaceful areas in the world. New Zealand continues to lead the region and remains one of the safest countries globally, while Singapore maintains its position among the world's safest destinations thanks to its low crime rates and strong governance.
North America
North America remains relatively peaceful overall, largely driven by Canada's strong performance. However, concerns regarding violent crime, political polarisation and social tensions continue to impact regional scores.
South America
South America has recorded improvements in some areas but continues to face challenges related to organised crime, internal security concerns and political instability.
Middle East and North Africa
The Middle East and North Africa remain the least peaceful region globally. Ongoing conflicts, geopolitical tensions and rising military expenditure continue to weigh heavily on the region's rankings.
South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa
Both regions continue to experience challenges related to political instability, terrorism, internal conflict and economic pressures, contributing to lower overall peace scores.
Why Safety Matters When Choosing a Second Residency
For many individuals, obtaining a second residency or citizenship is about far more than mobility or tax planning.
A peaceful country often provides access to stronger institutions, better healthcare, higher-quality education, stable property markets and a greater overall sense of security.
For families, this can mean a safer environment in which to raise children. For retirees, it can provide peace of mind and access to world-class healthcare systems. For entrepreneurs and investors, political and economic stability create favourable conditions for long-term planning and wealth preservation.
As global uncertainty continues to rise, safety has become one of the primary motivations behind investment migration.
How to Live in Europe Through Investment Migration
Europe's combination of safety, stability and quality of life has made it one of the most attractive destinations for residency by investment.
Several programmes allow investors, entrepreneurs and international families to establish residency in some of the world's safest countries.
Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Golden Visa remains one of Europe's leading residency-by-investment programmes.
Recent reforms have increased minimum investment thresholds in many areas of the country, with qualifying investments starting at €250,000, €400,000, or €800,000 depending on the property's location and category. Certain property conversion and redevelopment projects may still qualify under lower investment thresholds.
Successful applicants gain residency rights in Greece while benefiting from visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.
As a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area, Greece offers investors access to one of the world's most stable and desirable regions.
Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal continues to attract significant international interest through its Golden Visa programme.
Following legislative changes, direct residential real estate investment is no longer the primary route to qualification. Today, many applicants qualify through regulated investment funds and other approved investment categories.
The programme provides residency rights in Portugal with a pathway towards permanent residency and citizenship after five years, subject to meeting legal requirements.
Portugal's position as the seventh safest country in the world, combined with its excellent healthcare system, strong infrastructure and welcoming culture, makes it one of Europe's most attractive destinations for investors.
Portugal D2 Visa
Entrepreneurs seeking a more active route to residency often choose the Portugal D2 Visa.
Designed for business owners and entrepreneurs, the D2 Visa allows applicants to establish a new business or expand an existing company into Portugal.
The programme has become increasingly popular among investors seeking access to the European market while building a long-term presence in one of the world's safest countries.
Building a Safer Future in Europe
The Global Peace Index is not the only factor investors should consider when selecting a residency or citizenship programme. However, it offers valuable insight into the safety, stability and quality of life available in different parts of the world.
The 2026 rankings once again demonstrate that Europe remains the safest region globally, with countries such as Portugal, Ireland, Switzerland, and Slovenia consistently setting the standard for peacefulness.
For investors seeking a secure future, enhanced global mobility and access to some of the world's most stable societies, European residency programmes continue to offer compelling opportunities.
Start Your Journey with Investment Visa
Choosing the right residency or citizenship programme requires expert guidance and careful planning.
At Investment Visa, our experienced advisors help investors, entrepreneurs and families identify the solutions best suited to their personal and financial goals. Whether you are considering the Greece Golden Visa, Portugal Golden Visa, Portugal D2 Visa or other international opportunities, our team can guide you through every stage of the process.
Contact Investment Visa today and discover how investment immigration can help you build a safer and more secure future for yourself and your family.
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