Five of the Best Countries for Expats in the World in 2022

Are you thinking of moving to another country? Or are you curious about where your home is on the list of safe destinations for expats? While it’s exciting to be at the beginning of an adventure, safety and security are equally important when you consider moving abroad as an expat. In the age of the global COVID-19 epidemic, safety has become a special concern. Digital security is now a top priority as more and more commerce and works move online.

These are the countries that will be the safest for expats in 2022. This ranking considers personal, health and infrastructure safety and digital security. These are the most secure countries globally, ranging from low-crime countries and thriving business environments.

Which countries are safest for expats?

The answer to which country is safest depends on the person you ask. How safe you feel in any country also depends on your situation. For example, there are very few LGBTQ rights available in certain countries. Some destinations are safer for men than others. Safety-wise, Nordic countries are the best performing, while European countries lead safety leagues. Which is the most secure? Denmark and Iceland are two of the most stable countries in the world. They have low crime rates and also enjoy political stability. Safety can vary depending on where you live in a country. According to The Economist’s Safe Cities Index 2021, Sydney is fourth in safety. However, Australia is not ranked high in any other safety rankings.

These are the places that often rank at the top of safety rankings.

1. Austria: 95% feel safe in Austria.
2. Canada has a low crime rate.
3. Denmark has low crime rates and almost no natural disaster risk.
4. Iceland has very low levels of crime and high levels of equality.
5. Finland: 99 percent of foreigners feel safe in Finland – this compares to 84% worldwide.
6. Japan: Foreigners are not targeted in crimes, according to the OSAC security organization.
7. New Zealand has very strict entry rules due to Covid-19.
8. Portugal is a safe place to live – expats love it.
9. Singapore: crime has been severely curtailed in this area, and firearms have been strictly controlled.
10. Switzerland has a low crime rate and a law-abiding populace. It also boasts high levels of equality.
11. Taiwan: crime involving foreigners is uncommon here.
12. UAE: expats rate the country highly for safety.

Other studies have produced slightly different lists since this ranking. We take a closer look at the safety of different countries for expats. This list includes the safest destinations for expatriates and their families in 2022. It also includes countries with the lowest crime rates.

This is our roundup of the safest countries for expats in 2022

These countries are the safest for expats.

This list includes the top destinations that expatriates and their families can move to in 2022. It was compiled using the most recent data available, including earning potential, quality, education and healthcare. This list does not take COVID-19 restrictions into account. You’ll need to research local restrictions.

Expats should consider safety as a top concern. How do you know if a country is safe? Safety and security are not only about the number of crimes committed. Other factors that contribute to safety or lack thereof include:

• Civil unrest at various levels
• Political stability
• Personal safety
• public health
• Transport safety
• Digital security

It would be best if you also thought about the natural environment. Is a country more susceptible to natural disasters? Is its infrastructure capable of handling the unexpected?

According to 2021’s Global Peace Index, the world is less secure than in 2020. Civil unrest resulted from Covid-19 and rising tensions between powerful nations. More are expected. The pandemic made high-infection areas feel unsafe. However, there are many reasons to be an expat in 2022. There are also many great places to relocate to.

1/ Denmark

The Scandinavian country is considered one of the most secure in the world. There is almost no chance of natural disasters and a low crime rate. Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is ranked number 1 on the Economist’s Safe Cities Index 2021.

Public health:

The OECD states that people in Denmark have good access to quality healthcare. Denmark spends more than the EU average of 10.1% on healthcare. Our latest ranking of nations with the best healthcare system.

Infrastructure:

Denmark boasts a modern infrastructure and the highest reliability of electricity in Europe. Copenhagen’s airport is ranked 3rd in the European Consumer Airport Index. The standard of public transport is very high.

Personal safety

Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world.

Digital security:

Broadband internet is available in almost every part of the country. With its Cyber and Information Security Strategy, the government improves digital security.

Security in the environment

Denmark plans to recycle 70% of its waste by 2024. Denmark has made investments in greener transport, and Copenhagen has its climate adaptation program.

2/ Iceland

The Global Peace Index ranks Iceland first, based on safety and security, ongoing conflicts and militarization.

Public health:

Taxes fund Iceland’s universal healthcare system. Although there are no private hospitals in Iceland, doctors can still see patients privately.

Infrastructure:

According to the IMD World Competitiveness Report, Iceland is ranked top in basic infrastructure. It has a strong telecoms network and excellent airport connections. Driving can be difficult on Iceland’s rural roads due to poor roads and bad weather. Public transport is very basic, and most people own cars.

Personal safety

Iceland is one of the safest countries globally because it has such a low crime rate, particularly violent crime.

Digital security:

Iceland has a strong track record in dealing with cybersecurity issues. In 2013, the government established a task force to help lay the foundation for reliable, secure systems.

Security in the environment

Iceland’s air pollution is lower than the OECD average, and almost all Icelanders have homes that use energy from renewable sources. According to the OECD’s Better Life Index, Iceland ranks first in environmental quality.

Canada 3/

Canada is the only non-European country in the top 10 Global Peace Index countries. This is due to its low crime rate. Toronto is ranked second in The Economist’s Safe Cities Index.

Public health:

Canadians live longer than the OECD. Average. Average.

Infrastructure:

Canada boasts a vast network of roads, railways and international airports. Canada has spent more than $71 billion to improve its infrastructure, including public transport and green infrastructure.

Personal safety

Canada has been a safe country for many years with a decline in crime. Canada has strict gun laws.

Digital security:

Canada, like many other countries, is facing cyber security threats. The Safe Cities Index still rates Toronto as having the best digital security.

Security in the environment

Canada is known for its green spaces and outdoor lifestyle. It is ranked above the average in environmental quality in the OECD’s Better Life Index. Toronto was second in environmental security in the Safe Cities Index.

4/ Japan

Japan is ranked second in Asia for the Global Peace Index, and Tokyo is ranked fifth in Economist’s index as the safest country to visit.

Public health:

Japan has the longest average life expectancy among the OECD countries. It also has low obesity rates and a lower-than-average level of alcohol and smoking. Japan has a universal healthcare system where patients pay 30% and the government 70% of the costs of medical care.

Infrastructure:

Japan is known for its high-speed, cutting-edge trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet train) network.

Personal safety

According to the OSAC security organization, Japan has one of the most secure countries in the world.

Digital security:

While cyber security was bolstered in Japan during the Tokyo Olympics, cybercrime remains a problem.

Security in the environment

Japan is making efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050. This includes investing in next-generation solar cells, hydrogen fuel, and electric cars.

5/ Singapore

Singapore is a stronghold against crime, and firearms are tightly controlled. The third-ranked city-state in the Safe Cities Index in Singapore. 

Public health:

The quality of healthcare in Singapore is consistently among the top globally. The country offers both universal and private healthcare. The life expectancy in Singapore is one of the longest anywhere globally.

Infrastructure:

Singapore Changi is a busy airport in Southeast Asia and has been rated one of the best. Singapore has the world’s best port and telecommunications.

Personal safety

One of Singapore’s greatest attractions is its low crime rate. It is one of the safest cities in the entire world. It is a safe place to live, and there are no violent crimes. Guns are also strictly controlled.

Digital security:

While Singapore is ranked second in the Safest Cities digital safety ranking, scams are not uncommon. The country is also known for its large number of digital nomads.

Security in the environment

The Green Plan 2030 of Singapore sets out the goals for sustainable development. Its targets include planting 1 million trees and reducing waste by 30%.