10 Safest Countries in Europe in 2025: Where to Live, Travel, and Relocate Safely

Safest Countries in Europe

1. Iceland

• Global Peace Index: #1 worldwide
• Corruption Perceptions Index: Score 74/100
• Quality of Life Index: Ranked #12 globally
• Safest city: Reykjavík. Extremely low crime, safe for solo travelers and families.
• Additional safety metrics: Police are unarmed and community-focused with high gender equality and societal trust.

Iceland is consistently rated as one of the top ten safest countries in the world, with a remarkably low crime rate and a strong sense of societal trust. The country’s lack of a military, minimal organized crime, and strong gender equality contribute to its top ranking. Reykjavik is one of the safest cities in Europe to live, especially for solo travelers, women, and digital nomads. Although residency is harder for non-EU nationals, the country remains a model of peace and security.

2. Denmark

• Global Peace Index: #2 globally
• Corruption Perceptions Index: Score 90/100 (among the least corrupt worldwide)
• Quality of Life Index: Ranked #3 globally
• Safest city: Copenhagen. Clean, organized, and one of the best cities to live and work in Europe.
• Additional safety metrics: Ranked #1 for women’s safety (WPS Index); strong rule of law and emergency services.

Denmark ranks second on the Global Peace Index and first for women’s safety, making it one of the safest countries in Europe for families and expats. The country’s very low crime rate, transparent governance, and efficient emergency services create a secure environment. Copenhagen regularly tops global rankings for livability and personal safety, while smaller cities like Aarhus and Aalborg also score well for quality of life.

3. Ireland

• Global Peace Index: #3 worldwide.
• Corruption Perceptions Index: Score 77/100.
• Quality of Life Index: Ranked #21 globally.
• Safest cities: Galway and Cork. Relaxed, low-crime, and culturally rich.
• Additional safety metrics: High social cohesion. Safe for women, retirees, and solo travelers.

Ireland has emerged as one of Europe’s most peaceful countries, offering a stable, English-speaking environment with strong rule of law and friendly, inclusive communities. Expats report feeling secure both in urban and rural areas, with low levels of violent crime and strong emergency response infrastructure. Ireland is also ideal for solo travelers and retirees thanks to its laid-back lifestyle and deep-rooted respect for personal safety.

4. Austria

• Global Peace Index: #5 globally.
• Corruption Perceptions Index: Score 71/100.
• Quality of Life Index: Ranked #5 globally.
• Safest city: Vienna. Consistently ranks #1 in global livability and safety.
• Additional safety metrics: Excellent public transport, low crime, strong healthcare.

Austria consistently ranks among the safest countries in Europe thanks to its stable political system, low violent crime, and well-functioning public services. Vienna is a standout, often considered the safest and most livable capital in the world. Expats appreciate Austria’s orderly environment, strong infrastructure, and cultural richness, which together contribute to a peaceful and secure lifestyle.

5. Switzerland

• Global Peace Index: #10 globally.
• Corruption Perceptions Index: Score 82/100.
• Quality of Life Index: Ranked #2 globally.
• Safest cities: Zurich and Lucerne. Clean, well-managed, and very low crime.
• Additional safety metrics: Strong rule of law, dependable infrastructure, ideal for retirees and families.

Switzerland has long been a global symbol of stability, neutrality, and safety. Expats consistently rate it as one of the best places to live long-term, especially for retirees and high-net-worth individuals. Its low crime rate, exceptional healthcare system, and dependable public infrastructure make cities like Zurich and Geneva secure choices for families and professionals alike. Switzerland’s governance and predictability are among the strongest in Europe.

6. Finland

• Global Peace Index: #13 globally.
• Corruption Perceptions Index: Score 87/100.
• Quality of Life Index: Ranked #4 globally.
• Safest cities: Helsinki and Espoo. Environmentally safe, clean, and safe at night especially.
• Additional safety metrics: High institutional trust with strong educational and healthcare systems.

Finland offers a uniquely safe environment that balances social freedom with civic responsibility. It ranks in the top 10 globally for peace and governance, and in the top 3 for happiness and education. Urban areas are clean, well-managed, and extremely safe, even at night. Expats value the openness, equality, and protective public policies that make Finland one of the safest countries in Europe to raise children or study abroad.

7. Norway

• Global Peace Index: #25 globally.
• Corruption Perceptions Index: Score 84/100.
• Quality of Life Index: Ranked #6 globally.
• Safest cities: Bergen and Trondheim. Very low crime, high quality of life
• Additional safety metrics: One of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries with generous family benefits and education.

Norway is known for its social safety nets, extremely low crime rates, and strong civic trust. The country is especially appealing for families thanks to generous parental leave, top-tier education, and public services. Norway also excels in women’s and minority safety, making it one of the safest countries in Europe for long-term living. Expats frequently highlight the balance between nature, well-being, and safety.

8. Slovenia

• Global Peace Index: #8 in Europe.
• Corruption Perceptions Index: Score 56/100.
• Quality of Life Index: Ranked #29 globally.
• Safest city: Ljubljana. Walkable, peaceful, and community-oriented.
• Additional safety metrics: Low-cost, low-crime with good healthcare and overall infrastructure.

Slovenia is often overlooked but ranks as the safest Eastern European country in 2025. Ljubljana offers a charming, peaceful urban core with minimal crime and strong community ties. The country has low corruption levels, good healthcare, and an expanding reputation as a hub for remote workers and retirees. Slovenia is ideal for those seeking very safe countries in Europe without the high price tag of Western nations.

9. Portugal

• Global Peace Index: #7 globally.
• Corruption Perceptions Index: Score 62/100.
• Quality of Life Index: Ranked #7 globally.
• Safest cities: Braga, Cascais, and Porto. Safe, welcoming, and affordable.
• Additional safety metrics: Ranked #1 in InterNations’ Expat Safety Score.

Portugal blends affordability with safety like few countries in Europe. It enjoys a very low violent crime rate, strong police visibility, and a welcoming culture. Expats and retirees especially favor its peaceful coastal towns and laid-back pace. The country’s top ranking in safety perception surveys highlights its appeal for solo travelers, women, and families alike. Portugal also offers attractive visa options, including the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, Portugal D7 visa for retirees, and Portugal Golden Visa, making it especially appealing to those from politically or economically unstable regions seeking a secure, long-term base.

10. Netherlands

• Global Peace Index: #16 globally.
• Corruption Perceptions Index: Score 79/100.
• Quality of Life Index: Ranked #8 globally.
• Safest cities: Utrecht and Groningen. Expat-friendly, safe, and vibrant.
• Additional safety metrics: Strong rule of law with excellent LGBTQ+ protections and healthcare access.

The Netherlands is progressive, well-governed, and socially inclusive. Factors that contribute to its high safety rankings. It maintains low rates of violent crime and high levels of institutional trust. Urban infrastructure is designed with safety in mind, from bicycle-friendly roads to comprehensive healthcare access. For young professionals, families, and LGBTQ+ residents, the Netherlands offers a uniquely secure and supportive environment.ty trends.

How are the safest countries in Europe ranked?

Europe’s safest countries aren’t ranked by crime rates alone. Global indexes evaluate a mix of social, political, and institutional factors that influence everyday safety for residents, travelers, and expats.

Key indicators include:

• Global Peace Index (GPI): Measures violence, political stability, terrorism risk, and relations with neighbors. Iceland, Denmark, and Austria consistently lead the rankings.
• Safety Perception Index: Captures how safe people feel based on surveys about crime, police trust, and personal security.
• Crime statistics: Drawn from sources like Eurostat, including homicide rates, theft, violent crime, and organized criminal activity.
• Human Development Index (HDI): High HDI countries tend to offer safer environments due to better healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
• World Happiness Report: Safer societies often correlate with higher happiness levels, especially in Nordic countries.
• Quality of Life Index: Measures a broad range of factors, including Migrant Acceptance which is a key component for expats seeking inclusive and tolerant societies.
• Expat safety rankings: Based on real-world feedback from expats on safety for women, children, public spaces, and emergency services.

Other indexes include the Women, Peace and Security Index for Gender safety and equality, the Global Organized Crime Index that’s related to illicit activity risk and lastly, the Corruption Perceptions Index that inspects institutional trust and legal confidence.