🇵🇹 Portugal in 2026: One of the Safest Countries on Earth

Is Portugal safe? The numbers — and the experience — say yes.

If safety ranks high on your list for where to live, retire, or work remotely, Portugal continues to earn its global reputation. In the 2025 Global Peace Index, Portugal was ranked #7 out of 163 countries — ahead of Switzerland, Canada, and Japan.

By contrast? The United States ranked #128 — placing it in the bottom third globally for peace and safety. That’s a massive gap, and one that many Americans are starting to take seriously as they consider relocating.

So what’s behind Portugal’s consistently high safety ranking — and what does that mean for you as a potential resident?

📊 Global Peace Index Snapshot (2025 Rankings)

Rank	Country
1	Iceland
2	Ireland
3	New Zealand
4	Austria
5	Switzerland
6	Singapore
7	Portugal
...
128	United States

(Source: Global Peace Index 2025 – Institute for Economics & Peace)

✅ Why Portugal Is Considered One of the Safest Countries in the World

1. Low Crime & Community Cohesion

Portugal reports very low violent crime, and petty crime is mostly limited to tourist hotspots in Lisbon and Porto.

Homicide rate: 0.9 per 100,000 people
High trust in police and public institutions
Strong local communities where neighbors still look out for each other

2. Stable Government & Peaceful Society

Portugal has no internal or external conflicts and operates under a stable democracy with low militarization — a key reason why it consistently ranks in the global top 10.

While many countries lean heavily into defense spending, Portugal invests more in healthcare, education, and social support, which pays dividends in social harmony.

3. Top-Ranked Healthcare System

True safety also means being able to access help when you need it.

Excellent public healthcare (with very low costs for residents)
High-quality private hospitals for those who prefer faster access
Fast emergency response times (dial 112)

Portugal consistently ranks among the top 20 healthcare systems globally, providing peace of mind beyond crime rates alone.

🛡️ Practical Safety Tips for Expats and Visitors

Even in one of the world’s safest countries, basic precautions still apply:

Be aware in crowded areas (especially tourist zones in Lisbon & Porto)
Use ride-share apps like Uber, Bolt, or Free Now
Withdraw cash at indoor ATMs inside banks
Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases — it builds rapport quickly
Know the emergency number: 112 (works for police, fire, and medical)

🧳 Who Chooses Portugal for Safety?

👩‍🦰 Solo travelers (including women) regularly report feeling safe, even after dark
👨‍👩‍👧 Families love the quiet neighborhoods, international schools, and low stress
👴 Retirees appreciate the slower pace, friendly locals, and affordable medical care
💻 Remote workers enjoy stable infrastructure and peaceful surroundings

🇺🇸 Why Americans Are Paying Attention

As crime, political unrest, and public health concerns continue to rise in the U.S., many Americans are actively exploring safer, saner alternatives abroad.

With the U.S. ranking #128 — and Portugal holding steady at #7 — the comparison is hard to ignore.

More and more people are realizing that you don’t have to settle for daily stress or uncertainty. You can choose something better. And Portugal, for thousands each year, is exactly that.

🏡 Ready to Live Somewhere That Feels Safe Again?

Whether you’re relocating full-time, buying a second home, or just exploring your options — Portugal offers a rare combination of peace, beauty, and opportunity.

✅ Safer streets
✅ Trusted healthcare
✅ Friendly communities
✅ Real estate options in thriving but stable markets

📩 Let us help you choose the right city and neighborhood for your needs. From Lisbon to Cascais, Oeiras to the Algarve, we know the landscapes — and we’ve helped hundreds of Americans make the move safely and smoothly.

👉 Book your free consultation now, and take the first step toward living with less fear — and more freedom.

Contact Us:

Email: info@PortugalDreamRealEstate.com