Safest · 2026

10 Safest Cities for Expats in 2026

Safety underpins everything else about settling in. These are the destinations where newcomers — solo movers and families alike — can feel most secure, day and night.

  1. 1

    SingaporeSingapore

    97/100
    Safety score

    Routinely ranked the world's safest city — low crime, clean streets, and you can leave a laptop on a café table.

    Singapore relocation guide
  2. 2

    TokyoJapan

    96/100
    Safety score

    Astonishingly safe — lost wallets get returned and late-night trains feel secure for everyone.

    Tokyo relocation guide
  3. 3

    Abu DhabiUAE

    95/100
    Safety score

    One of the world's safest cities — crime is negligible and family life feels notably secure.

    Abu Dhabi relocation guide
  4. 4

    SeoulSouth Korea

    94/100
    Safety score

    Exceptionally safe, with a 24-hour street culture — late-night cafés and transit feel secure.

    Seoul relocation guide
  5. 5

    DubaiUAE

    93/100
    Safety score

    Extremely low crime and heavy policing make Dubai one of the safest mega-cities for solo and family life alike.

    Dubai relocation guide
  6. 6

    Hong KongHong Kong SAR

    93/100
    Safety score

    Extremely safe, with very low street crime and a transit system you can ride alone late at night without a thought.

    Hong Kong relocation guide
  7. 7

    DohaQatar

    92/100
    Safety score

    One of the safest capitals anywhere — violent crime is negligible and you can wander Souq Waqif at any hour.

    Doha relocation guide
  8. 8

    TaipeiTaiwan

    92/100
    Safety score

    Exceptionally safe, with a 24-hour convenience-store culture — late-night streets and transit feel secure for everyone.

    Taipei relocation guide
  9. 9

    RiyadhSaudi Arabia

    90/100
    Safety score

    Very low crime and a strong sense of personal safety, within a conservative social and legal framework.

    Riyadh relocation guide
  10. 10

    AmsterdamNetherlands

    89/100
    Safety score

    Safe and orderly; bikes, not crime, are the main daily hazard for newcomers.

    Amsterdam relocation guide

How we ranked

Each city gets a 0–100 safety score reflecting violent- and petty-crime levels and overall personal security for newcomers, ranked highest first. Scores are curated for 2026; always check current, neighbourhood-level advice before you move.

We score all 28 cities in the Globe Quest atlas and show the top 10 here. As we add destinations, this ranking updates automatically.

Found your shortlist? Plan the move.

Globe Quest builds a free, AI-personalized plan for any of these cities — the language, culture and setup steps timed to your move date.