Safest Countries for Americans Moving Abroad (2026)
Low crime and high stability — the safest destinations for US citizens, ranked.
Ireland (the world's #2 on the Global Peace Index), Japan, and Portugal top the list, followed by Canada, Germany, and Spain — all far safer than most large US metros, with petty theft the main day-to-day concern.
Safety is often the deciding factor, especially for families and retirees. These countries combine low violent crime with political stability and rank near the top of global peace indices — a marked contrast to safety concerns in parts of Latin America.
No country is crime-free; petty theft exists in every capital. But on the metrics that matter most — violent crime and stability — these are among the safest places an American can move.
- 15% pricier than USVisa: HardUS treaty: Yes
The world's 2nd-safest country on the Global Peace Index, native English-speaking, with violent crime rare — the main risk is pickpocketing in central Dublin.
Moving to Ireland → - 231% cheaper than USVisa: HardUS treaty: Yes
Famous for safety and order — extremely low violent crime and a place you can walk anywhere at night. The trade-offs are the language barrier and a harder residency path.
Moving to Japan → - 332% cheaper than USVisa: ModerateUS treaty: Yes
Consistently among the world's safest countries (top-10 Peace Index), with an easy visa path and great English — a big reason it's Europe's top pick for Americans.
Moving to Portugal → - 410% cheaper than USVisa: HardUS treaty: Yes
A safe, stable, familiar society with universal healthcare; the challenge is competitive immigration, not safety.
Moving to Canada → - 514% cheaper than USVisa: ModerateUS treaty: Yes
Safe by international standards with low violent crime (Munich is among Europe's safest big cities); watch petty theft around major stations.
Moving to Germany → - 629% cheaper than USVisa: ModerateUS treaty: Yes
Very safe with a relaxed street culture and world-class healthcare; normal big-city precautions apply in Madrid and Barcelona.
Moving to Spain →
We ranked on global peace/safety indices, violent-crime levels, and political stability, favoring destinations Americans consistently rate as safe. Petty-theft caveats are noted on the country profiles.
Country figures are drawn from our individually-sourced country profiles. General information for US citizens, not legal or tax advice.
Frequently asked
What is the safest country for Americans to move to?
Ireland ranks 2nd on the Global Peace Index and is native English-speaking, making it a standout. Japan and Portugal are also among the safest, followed by Canada, Germany, and Spain — all far safer than most large US cities.
Are Latin American destinations safe for Americans?
It varies sharply by region. Highland cities like Cuenca (Ecuador) and much of Mexico's expat areas are safe, while some coastal regions carry higher US State Department advisories. Always check the specific area, not just the country.