Safety is a top priority when moving abroad. We ranked countries by combining budget-friendliness with quality-of-life indicators — focusing on destinations known for political stability, low crime, and welcoming attitudes toward foreigners. Here are the safest countries for expats in 2026.

122

Countries

from $900

Cheapest

from $800

Most expensive

277

Total cities

🇦🇱

Albania

The Balkans' rising star — official digital nomad visa, 0–13% income tax, Albanian Riviera beaches, and all-in living from $900/month

from $900 100 Mbps Good among under-35s and in tourist areas; improving rapidly 2 cities

🇦🇷

Argentina

Buenos Aires: world-class steak, tango, and a tech-hub culture at 40–60% of Western European costs — with a newly stabilised economy and a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa

from $1,000 50 Mbps Moderate — highest in Latin America, basic outside Buenos Aires 3 cities

🇦🇺

Australia

Sun, space, and one of the world's highest standards of living — with a clear path to permanent residency

from AUD 3,500 55 Mbps Native language 3 cities

🇦🇹

Austria

Imperial grandeur meets modern liveability — Europe's most liveable city, world-class healthcare, and an unmatched quality of life

from €2,200 120 Mbps Widely spoken in Vienna; moderate elsewhere 2 cities

🇧🇭

Bahrain

Zero income tax, the Gulf's most liberal culture, and a FinTech-powered economy on an island kingdom

$1,400–$3,200 155 Mbps Widely spoken — common in business and daily life 2 cities

🇧🇩

Bangladesh

South Asia's hidden gem — ultra-affordable living, vibrant culture, and a rapidly growing economy

from $600 60 Mbps Widely spoken in business & expat areas 2 cities

🇧🇧

Barbados

The Caribbean's premier digital nomad destination — 12-month Welcome Stamp visa, English-speaking, no capital gains tax, and world-class beaches just 4.5 hours from New York

from $2,500 72 Mbps Native — English is the official and everyday language 2 cities

🇧🇪

Belgium

The heart of Europe — EU capital, trilingual culture, generous expat tax regime, and a gateway to France, Germany, and the Netherlands

from €2,100 122 Mbps Widely spoken in Brussels and business; high proficiency nationwide 3 cities

🇧🇿

Belize

Central America's only English-speaking nation — territorial tax system, Qualified Retirement Program from age 40, Caribbean coastline, and a cost of living 50% below the US

from $1,500 50 Mbps Official language — English used in government, schools, media 2 cities

🇧🇹

Bhutan

The Land of the Thunder Dragon — a Himalayan kingdom measuring success by Gross National Happiness, offering the world's first blockchain-backed digital nomad visa, pristine mountain air, and a profoundly mindful way of life

from $600 30 Mbps Good — medium of instruction in schools; widely spoken in towns 2 cities

🇧🇴

Bolivia

South America's most affordable frontier — dramatic landscapes, indigenous culture, and a cost of living that stretches every dollar

from $800 43 Mbps Limited — Spanish essential for daily life 2 cities

🇧🇦

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Europe's hidden gem — stunning scenery, Ottoman charm, and one of the continent's lowest costs of living

from €800 40 Mbps Widely spoken among younger generation 2 cities

🇧🇼

Botswana

Africa's most stable democracy — diamond wealth, pristine wilderness, and a growing expat scene

from $1,000 87 Mbps Official language — widely spoken 2 cities

🇧🇷

Brazil

South America's vibrant giant — digital nomad visa, tropical lifestyle, and affordable living in the world's 5th-largest country

from $1,200 120 Mbps Limited — basic outside business/tourist areas 3 cities

🇧🇳

Brunei

Tax-free oil wealth, zero income tax, and one of Asia's safest nations wrapped in tropical Borneo rainforest

$1,000–$2,500 50 Mbps Widely spoken — used in business and education 2 cities

🇧🇬

Bulgaria

The EU's lowest taxes — 10% flat income and corporate tax, euro adopted in 2026, Schengen member, and home to Europe's cheapest digital nomad hub in Bansko

from €600 300 Mbps Very good among under-40s in Sofia; good in tourist areas and tech sector 2 cities

🇰🇭

Cambodia

Southeast Asia's most laid-back expat haven — dollar-based economy, ultra-low cost of living, easy long-term visas, and a welcoming culture that makes settling in effortless

from $800/mo 35 Mbps Widely spoken in expat areas and tourist hubs 3 cities

🇨🇦

Canada

One of the world's most immigrant-friendly nations — quality healthcare, multicultural cities, and a clear path to permanent residency

from $2,400 230 Mbps Official language — spoken natively by ~75% 3 cities

🇨🇱

Chile

South America's most stable democracy — Andean backdrops, world-class wine, Patagonian wilderness, and a Santiago expat scene that punches well above its weight

from $1,200 120 Mbps Moderate 2 cities

🇨🇳

China

The world's manufacturing powerhouse and cultural giant — massive opportunity, fascinating daily life, and a cost of living that stuns Western expats

from $1,200 200 Mbps Low overall; moderate in expat hubs and international business 2 cities

Showing top 20 of 122 countries

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Safest Countries for Expats