Portugal Safety Ranking: One of the Safest Countries in the World

Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025

Portugal’s safety ranking — as one of the safest countries in the world — is not a fluke. It is based on many factors, such as the low risk of violent crimes, terrorist acts, and excellent political stability.

Portugal is the 7th safest country in the world based on the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) from the Institute for Economics and Peace. After climbing from 18th place in 2014, Portugal has held the same position as one of the top 10 safest countries in the world for almost a decade.

In the 19th edition of the Global Peace Index, which ranks 163 countries and independent territories, Portugal’s GPI score in 2025 is 1.371, second only to the following countries:

• Iceland (1st place – Score: 1.095)
• Ireland (2nd place – Score: 1.260)
• New Zealand (3rd place – Score: 1.282)
• Austria (4th place – Score: 1.294)
• Switzerland (5th place – Score: 1.294)
• Singapore (6th place – Score: 1.357)

The country’s safety ranking is measured across three main domains: Societal Safety and Security, Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and Militarization. Portugal ranks high on the Global Peace Index because it maintains strong, peaceful ties with its neighboring countries. There is a low risk of terrorist acts and violent demonstrations.

This comes at a time when global conflict deaths have reached their peak in 25 years, and 106 countries have become more militarized over the last two years.

The high ranking means that Portugal is safe, regardless of whether you want to live in major cities or rural areas. However, just like anywhere else in the world, Portugal has petty theft, especially in major tourist areas. Yet, with basic precautions, you can feel secure traveling alone at night compared to other countries such as the United Kingdom (30th place), France (74th place), and the United States (128th place).

The table below covers the key highlights from the Portugal safety index (GPI):

Why is Portugal one of the safest countries in the world?

Portugal has a favorable climate, a stable economy, and strong personal safety. Here are some of the main advantages that help Portugal rank among the safest countries to live in 2026.

Crime rates in Portugal

Based on reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), crime rates in Portugal are fairly low compared to other countries in Europe. In 2023, Portugal had a very low homicide rate of around 0.7–0.8 per 100,000 people. This is very low by international standards, several times lower than the US and well below the EU average.

In 2025, Portugal’s prison population was about 121 per 100,000 inhabitants, published the World Prison Brief (WPB). This data places it close to the European average, though significantly lower than countries like the United States, where incarceration rates are much higher.

The safety aspect is a key reason many US and UK nationals have pinpointed Portugal as a top destination for relocation, alongside its warm weather, strong economy, and friendly immigration policies.

Natural disasters in Portugal

The risk of natural disasters in Portugal is low to moderate, mainly due to storms, wildfires, and earthquakes. The country is situated on an active seismic zone, and even though earthquakes are very rare, they can happen.

During the summer months, there are wildfires in some areas, which can be a result of high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity. However, the country has an excellent system that responds well to wildfires and mitigates the damage.

In the winter, Portugal is vulnerable to storms. The country experiences Atlantic storms, which bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding. Despite the risk of damage, Portugal has systems in place to monitor severe weather and maintains a positive track record of managing natural disasters.

Political stability in Portugal

Portugal is a peaceful country with a stable political system. It ranks among the world’s safest countries due to the lower risk of political instability. As a parliamentary democracy, it has a long tradition of peaceful power transitions.

On that note, Portugal is part of the European Union, a member of the United Nations, and a member of the Council of Europe – all of which focus on security and stability. Portugal is also a member of NATO and one of the 12 founding members that signed the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949.

That being said, Portugal is not immune to social unrest and political pressures. In recent years, inflation stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic has led to budget deficits, housing shortages, and unemployment. However, these shortcomings have not caused widespread political instability. In 2026, Portugal remains a safe country to live in with a high quality of life.

Petty theft in Portugal

The main things you will deal with as a visitor or Portuguese resident are minor occurrences, such as:

• Pickpockets in crowded areas like public transport, busy squares, and markets
• Theft of bags, phones, or belongings left unattended on chairs or at the beach
• Occasional overcharging in bars and restaurants popular with tourists

Other High-Performing Countries

According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country to live in 2026, followed by Ireland, New Zealand, and Austria. Iceland consistently ranks as the most peaceful country in the world, holding the #1 spot for over 15 years.

The table below lists the top 20 safest countries in the world:

How Can Goldcrest Help You

Portugal’s safety and security is just one piece of the puzzle. But if you are looking for a peaceful place to live and buy property, then a buyer’s agent like Goldcrest can become your strategic partner.

As the first buyer’s agent in Portugal, Goldcrest can research the property market, negotiate prices, and navigate the entire acquisition process from start to finish. Compared to real estate agents (who work on behalf of the seller), we focus specifically on you – the buyer.

We offer:

• Property search services
• Market research and analysis
• Property management for long-term rentals
• Price negotiation services
• Rental service

Our team can connect you with local experts, such as tax advisors, lawyers, and contractors.

Contact us today and let us help you find your dream home.