Imagine trading crowded sidewalks for cobblestone streets where neighbors greet you by name, and the biggest worry is whether tonight’s sunset will paint the sea gold. International Living’s latest report on the 10 Safest Places to Retire in 2025 combines their Annual Global Retirement Index with the respected Global Peace Index to reveal havens where retirees can truly relax—each ranking well above the U.S., which sits at No. 132 on the Global Peace Index for 2024.
Portugal
Nestled on Europe’s sun-drenched Atlantic coast, Portugal tops many retirees’ wish lists—not only for its gorgeous beaches and historic towns, but for its sense of security. Ranked 7th on the Global Peace Index and 2nd on International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index, violent crime is virtually unheard of here. Whether you’re sipping vinho verde at a café in Lisbon or strolling seaside promenades in the Algarve, you’ll feel wrapped in that warm, welcoming “bom dia” spirit.
Malaysia
From the colonial-era streets of Penang to the lush highlands of Cameron, Malaysia delivers a peaceful, multicultural lifestyle. With a GPI rank of 10 and 7th place on the Global Retirement Index, everyday life unfolds without the low-grade tension found elsewhere. Expats rave about late-night hawker markets and the easy camaraderie of a society where Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous cultures coexist in harmony.
Ireland
Emerald-green landscapes, cozy pubs, and a gentle pace of life make Ireland feel like a retreat. It boasts the world’s 2nd most peaceful ranking on the Global Peace Index—well above the U.S.—and sits at No. 15 on the Global Retirement Index. Here, neighbors truly look out for one another, free GP visits for those over 70 reinforce security, and parish gatherings or a friendly “céad míle fáilte” ensure you’ll never feel like an outsider.
Spain
Spain’s vibrant plazas, tapas bars, and sun-soaked coastlines come with the ultimate luxury: complete personal safety. At 23rd on the Global Peace Index and 6th on the Global Retirement Index, Spain outpaces the U.S. in both crime and political stability. Whether wandering home through Seville’s lantern-lit streets or sharing laughter at a Barcelona café, you’ll quickly appreciate why retirees here rest easy—just stay mindful of pickpockets in crowded markets.
Italy
Between rolling Tuscan hills and pastel-lined Amalfi villages, Italy offers a retirement back-drop as timeless as its art. Though exact rankings vary, it’s consistently highlighted by International Living’s experts for low violent crime, a universal healthcare system, and tight-knit communities where nonni (grandparents) are revered. From leisurely espresso mornings in Florence to sunset strolls along the Ligurian coast, La Dolce Vita is as safe as it is sweet.
Greece
Santorini’s blue-domed churches and Crete’s olive-grove-dotted landscapes lure many, and with good reason: Greece combines Mediterranean charm with remarkable safety. Cited by International Living among the top peaceful retirements, the only real tension you’ll encounter is choosing between late-night taverna dinners or early-morning sea swims.
Vietnam
For retirees craving affordability and adventure, Vietnam’s bustling cities and serene rice terraces offer both—and safety comes as standard. Ranked 41st on the Global Peace Index and 16th on the Global Retirement Index, expats praise the close-knit communities of Hoi An or Da Lat. Imagine exchanging “xin chào” greetings over fresh-shucked oysters by the Mekong Delta—without a care in the world.
Costa Rica
Pura vida isn’t just a slogan—it’s a way of life in Costa Rica. Holding the No. 38 spot on the Global Peace Index and 3rd on the Global Retirement Index, this lush paradise rewards retirees with world-class healthcare, stable democracy, and wildlife-rich rainforests as neighbors. In towns like Atenas or Grecia, you’ll trade traffic jams for toucan calls and unlock true peace of mind.
Uruguay
Often called “South America’s Switzerland,” Uruguay blends European flair with beach-side tranquility. With a top-60 GPI ranking and 14th place on the Global Retirement Index, this small nation offers universal healthcare, robust pension systems, and relaxed coastal towns like Punta del Este—where mornings start with sea breezes and end with pastel-colored sunsets.
Bali, Indonesia
Though technically an island province, Bali made the cut for its serene spirituality, low crime, and tight-knit expat enclaves. While Indonesia’s overall GPI rank hovers in the mid-30s, Bali’s villages—from Ubud’s rice terraces to Canggu’s surf breaks—are havens of safety. Rooster-crowned sunrises, daily temple offerings, and the gentle hum of scooter traffic create a retiring rhythm unlike anywhere else.
Ready to explore your safest retirement haven?
- International Living’s 10 Safest Places to Retire in 2025 International Living
- Travel + Leisure: These Countries Were Just Named Safer for Retirees Than the U.S. Travel + Leisure
- Global Peace Index 2024 Report (Institute for Economics & Peace) Institute for Economics & Peace
Pack your bags for security—and serenity—abroad!
-Thanh Thuỷ-