A new ranking has revealed the world’s safest country to move as an expat and it’s a European country that tops the list.

The expat experts at William Russell looked at key factors such as personal security, public health, infrastructure and environmental safety to determine the winner. 

Read on if you’re looking for relocation inspiration…

Iceland 

Iceland takes the crown as the safest country in the world to be an expat, due to its ‘low crime rate’, ‘high life expectancy’ and ‘high air quality’. 

A William Russell spokesperson explains: ‘Iceland’s life expectancy is currently 82.6 years, higher than the EU average of 80.9 years. In terms of accessing healthcare, Icelanders generally report low levels of unmet medical needs.’ 

Iceland’s air quality is so good that it ‘exceeds’ the World Health Organization’s guidelines for air quality.

Although Iceland has ‘few dangerous wildlife’, William Russell warns prospective expats that ‘earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can occur’ although they are ‘rarely dangerous’.

A new ranking has revealed the world’s safest country to move as an expat and it’s a European country that tops the list. Iceland takes the crown

Second on the list is the Emerald Isle, which makes the grade for its ‘strong and stable economy’ and ‘tolerance of migrants’. Pictured above is Cobh

Ireland

Second on the list is the Emerald Isle, which makes the grade for its ‘strong and stable economy’ and ‘tolerance of migrants’. 

The country also has a life expectancy of 82.2 years, which is higher than the EU average (80.9 years).

A William Russell spokesperson adds that Ireland has made progress on infrastructure and public health in recent years. 

However, they say that Ireland does suffer from a ‘lack of affordable housing’, which could impact prospective expats. 

Austria 

Austria places third on the list and is recognised for its ‘low crime rates’ and ‘strong judicial system’. 

Expats can take advantage of Austria’s ‘incredibly extensive rail system’ which stretches for 6,123km/3,804 miles. 

Austria places third on the list and is recognised for its ‘low crime rates’ and ‘strong judicial system’

A William Russell spokesperson explains: ‘In Austria, the health system has almost universal coverage, and accessibility is considered to be generally good.’

On the flipside, they warn: ‘[Austria’s] energy infrastructure can be problematic, as, in recent years, the country has been heavily reliant on Russian oil, which is even more of an issue, given the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.’ 

New Zealand 

New Zealand lands just outside the top three in fourth place due to its ‘low crime rates’. 

A William Russell spokesperson says: ‘New Zealand is about as safe as it gets. The country has a remarkably low crime rate compared to global averages.’ 

New Zealand’s universal healthcare and ‘friendly’ people also helped to land it in the top four. 

However, would-be expats are warned: ‘New Zealand’s sea levels are slowly rising, meaning that flooding in coastal areas is becoming much more frequent. As such, homeowners and expats in these areas could face costs related to these environmental challenges.’ 

Singapore 

While Singapore’s ‘low crime rate’ helps boost its safety scores, a William Russell spokesperson warns that it is due to the country’s ‘strict laws’

New Zealand lands just outside the top three in fourth place due to its ‘low crime rates’

Singapore rounds off the top five for safety due to its ‘low crime rates’, ‘efficient infrastructure’ and ‘good air quality’. 

However, while Singapore’s ‘low crime rate’ helps boost its safety scores, a William Russell spokesperson warns that this is partly due to the country’s ‘strict laws’. 

They say: ‘You should familiarise yourself with these laws before moving, as jaywalking and littering could land you a hefty fine.’

While the country’s healthcare is high quality, it’s not free, so the expat experts advise setting up a ‘comprehensive insurance plan’ before moving to Singapore.