Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

The 10 safest countries to retire in 2025, ranked by a new study

Want to find a safe place to live out your golden years?

By
portugal trip by louis droege unsplash
Louis Droege / Unsplash

Are you thinking about retiring abroad and want to choose a safe, welcoming destination? International Living has just released its list of the top 10 safest places to retire in 2025, featuring nine countries and one province. The rankings are based on the latest Global Peace Index scores combined with firsthand accounts from expats living in each location.

Topping the list is Portugal, ranked seventh on the Global Peace Index. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and low crime rates, Portugal is considered one of the safest countries worldwide. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent, strict gun control laws keep firearms off the streets, and daily life is marked by a strong sense of calm and security. 

Recommended Videos

Portugal’s inclusive society welcomes people of all ethnicities and backgrounds, making it a comfortable choice for retirees from around the world. Nearly a quarter of the population is over 65, reflecting the country’s popularity among older adults. For American retirees, Portugal offers accessible residency options, including the popular Golden Visa program and pathways to long-term residency and citizenship.

Related: 
Upgrade your daily routine with the best smartwatches for men

In second place is Malaysia, ranked 10th on the Global Peace Index. While petty crime exists, as it does in most places, it remains rare, especially in popular expat hubs like Penang, Langkawi, Ipoh, and Kuching. Most expats enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, feeling comfortable walking, shopping, and dining out without worry.

Rounding out the top three is Ireland, which ranks second on the Global Peace Index. This small island nation enjoys low crime rates, a stable government, and a strong sense of community that appeals to retirees seeking a welcoming and secure environment. Violent crime is rare, gun ownership is tightly regulated, and petty crime remains relatively low compared to other Western countries. Ireland’s public healthcare system is also top-notch, with residents over 70 eligible for free general practitioner visits and additional benefits like free hospital care and prescriptions through the Medical Card, depending on income.

The 10 safest places to retire in 2025

Kinsale, Ireland
Cristi / Adobe Stock
  1. Portugal
  2. Malaysia
  3. Ireland
  4. Spain
  5. Italy
  6. Greece
  7. Vietnam
  8. Costa Rica
  9. Uruguay
  10. Bali, Indonesia
Amanda Teague
Amanda Teague
Contributor
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
Topics

Editors’ Recommendations

This East Coast city was just ranked the best for hockey fans
Boston took the number one spot
TD Garden

With the Stanley Cup Finals heating up and hockey fever sweeping the nation, a new study has revealed which U.S. city stands out as the ultimate destination for hockey fans, and surprisingly, it’s not one of the cities currently competing in the finals.

WalletHub analyzed 76 U.S. cities using 21 key indicators that make a city ideal for hockey enthusiasts. These factors ranged from ticket affordability, stadium capacity, and team performance to fan engagement and local support for the sport. The results crowned Boston, Massachusetts, as the best city for hockey fans in America.

Read more
Discover Croatia’s coast on 5 new luxury cruises
Sail the Adriatic on one of these 7-night cruises
Sail Croatia

Sail Croatia is setting a new standard for summer travel with the launch of its first-ever Luxury Explorer cruises, offering travelers a chance to experience the Adriatic like never before. With five exclusive departures available this summer, guests can sail aboard Queen Jelena or Esperanza, two of the fleet’s most elegant and spacious ships.

These seven-night cruises cater to couples, older families, and multi-generational groups looking for a more immersive way to explore Croatia’s famed coastline. Days are spent uncovering hidden coves, historic towns, and beautiful islands, while evenings bring time to unwind in a laid-back, social atmosphere. With space for just 38 guests, the experience remains intimate and personalized.

Read more
This famously safe country is now under a sudden U.S. travel advisory
Switzerland was placed under a Level 1 travel advisory
Zurich, Switzerland

Switzerland, long celebrated for its neutrality, low crime rates, and overall stability, has been quietly placed under a Level 1 travel advisory by the U.S. Department of State as of May 20. While a Level 1 notice, the lowest on the State Department's four-tier scale, simply advises travelers to “exercise normal precautions,” the move raised eyebrows for its suddenness and lack of explanation.

The advisory update came without fanfare or detail. The only note included on the State Department’s website reads: “Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.” Yet, just four days later, on May 24, the Department reported demonstrations near the main train station in Bern, Switzerland’s capital, accompanied by a heavy police presence.

Read more