12 Safest Countries in The World for Indian Immigrants
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The 12 safest countries in the world for Indian immigrants in 2026 include Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Australia, and more, with details on safety rankings, cost of living, and healthcare scores.
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International tourism is making a remarkable comeback, reaching a whopping 96% of pre-pandemic levels by July 2024, fueled by Europe’s strong demand and Asia-Pacific’s reopening. With a considerable 790 million international travellers recorded in the first 7 months of 2024, it is an 11% increase in comparison to 2023 and only 4% less than levels in 2019, clearly reflecting a world eager to explore again.
But for immigrants and tourists alike, the question remains - Which destination offers not just opportunities and adventure but also safety? Dive into our comprehensive blog for the list of safest countries in the world, the safety ranking for the countries, and also discover which are the top countries for safety and quality of life. Let's get started.
List of Top 12 Safest Countries in the World
To understand which are the safest countries to live in 2026 for expats, students and families, we have considered the recently released Safest Countries Rankings report by World Population Review and US News.
|
Global Safety Rank |
Country |
Safety Index Score |
Crime Impact Score |
Overall Safety Rating |
|
1 |
Switzerland |
1.294 |
1.265 |
89 |
|
2 |
Norway |
1.644 |
1.198 |
85 |
|
3 |
Sweden |
1.709 |
1.842 |
83 |
|
4 |
Austria |
1.294 |
0.582 |
92 |
|
5 |
Denmark |
1.393 |
0.720 |
94 |
|
6 |
Canada |
1.491 |
1.870 |
88 |
|
7 |
Finland |
1.420 |
0.949 |
86 |
|
8 |
New Zealand |
1.282 |
0.217 |
90 |
|
9 |
Australia |
1.505 |
1.973 |
86 |
|
10 |
Belgium |
1.492 |
1.347 |
70 |
|
11 |
Netherlands |
1.491 |
1.402 |
75 |
|
12 |
Ireland |
1.260 |
0.233 |
83 |
*Source: US News Report, World Population Review
1. Switzerland
Switzerland has been known as the safest country for Indians, considering its safety and security efficiency. US News report ranks Switzerland as the Safest country and the Best country overall. Also in the Global Peace Index rankings, Switzerland ranked among the top 10 safest countries in the world.
- Situated in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is landlocked and surrounded by mountains. This makes it difficult for would-be invaders to mount an attack. Even if they could, the country has a well-armed and trained Swiss militia to ensure its residents' well-being.
- Switzerland enjoys a low crime rate and effective law enforcement, along with being famous for its political stability. The country has been governed by a coalition of parties for decades, and there have been no major uprisings or riots noted in recent memory.
- Many such combinations of factors make Switzerland an attractive destination for Indian immigrants seeking a safe place to live and work.
Also Read: High - Paying Switzerland Jobs for Indians
2. Norway
Norway is ranked the 2nd Safest country for families and individuals as per the US News Safety Rankings. Norway has also successfully secured its place among the top 25 most peaceful countries in the world rankings, as per the Global Peace Index report
- The reasons why Norway is considered to be the safest country in the world for Indian immigrants are many. For starters, Norway is one of the top destinations with the lowest crime, and in fact, its violent crime rate is also so low that it is often considered to be one of the safest countries in the world.
- Additionally, Norway is also home to a large number of refugees and asylum seekers, meaning that there is a large community of people who understand what it means to be an immigrant in a new country.
- Norway also has various policies and programs in place that help immigrants integrate into Norwegian society. For example, the Norwegian government offers free language classes to all immigrants who want to learn Norwegian.
Quick Read: Best Universities in Norway
3. Sweden
According to the US news report, Sweden ranks 3rd on the safety index, and as per the Global Peace Index, Sweden is also one of the top 30 safest places to live in the world rankings.
- Strong economy of Sweden paired with excellent healthcare, impressive education structure and a lot more to experience and explore, which attracts immigrants from all around the world.
- Sweden is one of the liveliest and safest countries in the world for Indian immigrants, with a low crime rate and a high standard of living. Sweden is an ideal place to live and work for expats from around the world.
- The employment market is currently blooming in Sweden, hence immense opportunities for Indian immigrants to find employment in Sweden.
4. Austria
Austria was ranked among the top 5 safest countries in the world as per the US News Ranking and World Safety Report.
- Along with being the highlight of the historic epicentre and offering unmatchable job opportunities in Austria, the country is also one of the best countries in terms of safety and living standards.
- Austria is a landlocked country well known for its rich culture and heritage, and is the creative and cultural hub of Europe.
- The crime rate in the country is significantly low, and even the areas like forests that are inhabited are safe without the fear of robbery or assault, etc.
Check Out: Work Opportunities in Austria
5. Denmark
Denmark is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world rankings. As per the US News report, Denmark is ranked among the top 5 safest countries with the lowest crime rates and security. As per world safety rankings, Denmark is the 2nd most peaceful nation, making it a top choice for immigrants and students seeking safety and stability.
- Denmark offers world-class education with numerous scholarship options. The country's education system focuses on sustainability and innovation, which attracts international students looking for high-quality learning in a safe environment.
- Denmark's integration policies include free language courses and community support programmes, which make it easier for newcomers to adapt and thrive. The country's strong job market and emphasis on work-life balance also appeal to immigrants
- Denmark has had a reputation as a family-friendly country supported by excellent healthcare, generous parental leave policies and a focus on child welfare.
6. Canada
Canada, as per the US news report, has been ranked the 6th safest country in the world. The Global Peace Index report also recognises Canada as the 11th most peaceful country in the world rankings.
- Aspects like safety in Canada are high, with a recorded low crime rate, making it one of the safest places to live for expats and families.
- Canada has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all over the world and has a reputation for being a tolerant and multicultural society, making it a top choice for expats from all around the world.
- Additionally, Canada's economy is also an important reason of what makes it is home to many opportunities for skilled workers.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Canada
7. Finland
Finland is often hailed as one of the safest countries in the world, consistently ranked at the top of global safety and quality of life indices. As per UN News Report, Finland is among the top 10 safest countries in the world for immigrants and travellers and among the top 15 peaceful countries ranking by Global Peace Index.
- Finland is recognized for low crime rates, excellent governance, and commitment to equality, along with being a beacon of security and well-being.
- Finland’s education system is globally recognised for its collaboration and inclusivity, offering free or low-cost education to international students, along with providing research and practical-based learning in a safe and welcoming environment
- Finland offers comprehensive integration programmes, including free language courses and support networks to help immigrants adapt successfully.
- Finland is considered one of the best countries in the world for raising children. With top-notch healthcare facilities, generous parental leave policies and a strong emphasis on child safety and education, families enjoy unparalleled support and quality of life.
Explore: Cost of Studying in Finland for International Students in 2025-26
8. New Zealand
The Netherlands is ranked the 8th safest country in the world by the US News report and has also been recognised by the Global Peace Index among the top 5 safe countries with good job opportunities.
- New Zealand is an economically stable country with a good healthcare system.
- The country has a very low crime rate and is relatively free of political violence, hence is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world for Indian immigrants.
- Additionally, Indian immigrants to New Zealand will find that they have many opportunities to thrive and build a good life for themselves and their families.
Check Out: Why Study in New Zealand?
9. Australia
Australia is ranked 9th by the US News report under the best countries' safety index. Also, the Global Peace Index ranks Australia as the 22nd most peaceful country to live in the world.
- Australia is a very welcoming and multicultural country. For a while now, it has been a preferred destination for Indians and is also considered to be the safest country in the world for Indian immigrants.
- Australia has a very low crime rate compared to other developed countries. In fact, Australia's crime rate is so low that it is often considered to be one of the safest countries in the world.
- Australia is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries, with robust visa programs like the Skilled Migration Australia Program and pathways to permanent residency.
10. Belgium
Belgium is a hub of culture and diplomacy, which is also known as one of the top countries for safety and quality of life. The country is ranked highly in various global safety rankings, that is, 10th as per the US News safety rankings. Belgium offers a secure environment for residents and visitors alike
- Belgium is a top destination for international students as it is home to many prestigious universities, along with the benefits of a multilingual environment and proximity to major European cities, creating unique learning opportunities
- Belgium's diverse population and inclusive policies make it welcoming for immigrants. The country's healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world, and its Social Security benefits provide added assurance for newcomers
- Belgium's historic cities like Brussels, Brooks and Antwerp are renowned for their safety & rich culture, coupled with the country's efficient public transportation, making exploring easy and secure
11. The Netherlands
The Netherlands is ranked 11th under the safety index as per the US News rankings, and among the top 20 safest countries as per the Global Peace Index, most peaceful countries for immigrants and families.
- The crime rate in the Netherlands is very low, and there is a strict rule of law.
- The Netherlands also has a very welcoming attitude towards immigrants. In fact, about 14% of the population in the Netherlands is immigrants. So you will not feel out of place here.
- The Dutch government provides many services and facilities to help immigrants settle in and integrate into society. There are also many organizations that can help you with everything from finding a job to learning the language.
Also Read: Top Universities in the Netherlands
12. Ireland
If you are thinking about which country is safe for Indians, then the answer is Ireland, as India and Ireland have a special relationship. Ireland is safest places to travel in Europe and is ranked 12th Safest country by the US News rankings and among the top 3 most peaceful countries in the world by the Global Peace Index.
- Ireland's inclusive immigration policies, growing job market, and friendly locals make it a top destination for immigrants. Industries like IT, healthcare, and financial services are thriving, offering numerous opportunities for skilled workers.
- Governments' initiatives like English language programs and integration support further help immigrants settle seamlessly into Irish society.
- Ireland is one of the safest and most family-friendly countries in the world, offering an excellent education system, free healthcare for children under 6 years, and child safety policies, making it an ideal destination for families.
Check Out: Germany vs Ireland: Which is the Best Destination for Indian Students in 2026?
Visa-Friendliness Score for Indian Immigrants: Country-Wise Comparison
Visa-friendliness reflects how easily Indian nationals can obtain long-term visas, work permits, or residency pathways in a country. It is influenced by approval rates, processing time, post-study or work options, and PR accessibility. Below is a comparison of major immigrant-friendly countries for Indians based on these factors.
|
Country |
Visa-Friendliness Score (10) |
Work Visa Accessibility |
PR Pathway Ease |
Processing Speed |
|
Canada |
9.0 |
High |
High |
Moderate |
|
Germany |
8.5 |
High |
Moderate-High |
Fast |
|
Australia |
8.2 |
Moderate-High |
Moderate |
Moderate |
|
United Kingdom |
7.8 |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Moderate |
|
New Zealand |
7.6 |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Fast |
|
Netherlands |
7.5 |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Fast |
|
Ireland |
7.4 |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Fast |
|
Sweden |
7.2 |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Moderate |
|
Denmark |
7.0 |
Moderate |
Selective |
Moderate |
|
Switzerland |
6.8 |
Low-Moderate |
Selective |
Slow |
Quick Read: How to Move Abroad from India
Healthcare & Emergency Response Quality Score by Country
Healthcare and emergency response scores indicate how well a country handles medical care, ambulance access, disaster readiness, and public health infrastructure. For immigrants and long-term residents, these scores directly impact safety, insurance needs, and quality of life.
|
Country |
Healthcare System Quality |
Emergency Response Speed |
Disaster & Crisis Readiness |
Overall Score (10) |
|
Switzerland |
Excellent |
Very Fast |
Very High |
9.4 |
|
Norway |
Excellent |
Fast |
Very High |
9.3 |
|
Sweden |
Very Good |
Fast |
High |
9.1 |
|
Denmark |
Very Good |
Very Fast |
High |
9.0 |
|
Canada |
Very Good |
Moderate–Fast |
High |
8.9 |
|
Australia |
Very Good |
Fast |
High |
8.8 |
|
Netherlands |
Very Good |
Fast |
High |
8.7 |
|
Finland |
Very Good |
Fast |
High |
8.7 |
|
Germany |
Very Good |
Fast |
High |
8.6 |
|
Ireland |
Good-Very Good |
Moderate |
Moderate-High |
8.3 |
Essential Safety Tips for Immigrants Living Abroad
Moving to a new country brings opportunities, but personal safety should always be a priority. Understanding local laws, social norms, and emergency systems helps immigrants settle confidently and avoid common risks. These safety tips focus on everyday awareness, legal compliance, and smart planning.
- Learn local laws and regulations early: Each country has rules that may differ from your home nation, including ID requirements and public conduct. Knowing them helps you avoid fines, legal trouble, or unintentional violations.
- Register with local authorities if required: Some countries require immigrants to register their address or residence permit within a fixed timeframe. Timely registration ensures legal protection and access to public services.
- Choose housing in safe, well-connected areas: Research crime rates, transport access, and neighbourhood reviews before renting. Living in a well-lit, populated area reduces safety risks, especially for new arrivals.
- Keep important documents secure and backed up: Store passports, visas, and permits safely and keep digital copies. This makes replacement easier in case of loss or theft.
- Understand emergency numbers and healthcare access: Save local emergency numbers and locate nearby hospitals or clinics. Quick access to help can be crucial during medical or safety emergencies.
Safety Secured! Next in the Row is the Right Fit Destination Selection
Choosing the right country for immigration involves balancing safety, cost of living, and community support. Prioritizing nations with strong healthcare, low crime, and family-friendly policies ensures a secure and comfortable life. Careful research and planning make the transition smoother for you and your family.
If you would want further clarity on the best destination suitable as per your requirements and the abilities GetGIS is always more than happy to assist you with the required guidance to ensure that your dream to immigrate abroad is a reality.
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