Portugal Ranks 7th Among the Safest Countries in the World
September 10, 2025 · Portugal · 15 min read
A country’s safety is no longer an abstract value; it has become a leading consideration for investors looking for a stable place to live. Against this backdrop, Portugal continues to be regarded as a compelling choice, ranking 7th among the safest countries in the world in the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI).
A country’s safety is no longer an abstract value; it has become a leading consideration for investors looking for a stable place to live. Against this backdrop, Portugal continues to be regarded as a compelling choice, ranking 7th in the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI). This is not only a political and social achievement but also a meaningful endorsement for anyone considering settling in this Southern European country.
Global Peace Index 2025: Portugal climbs the rankings and reinforces its standing among the safest countries
According to the GPI 2025 report published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), Portugal rose to 7th place among the 163 countries ranked, up one place from the previous year. This puts Portugal behind only Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, and Singapore, all stable democracies known for their high quality of life.
Portugal ranks 7th in the 2025 Global Peace Index
Portugal’s score of 1.371 reflects a marked improvement in perceptions of criminality, political stability, and the level of investment in societal safety and security. The report also highlights that this is the result of a long process of social reform, with policies focused on internal peace rather than simply on strengthening military capability.
Why safety has become a deciding factor in choosing where to live
Safety is no longer just a symbolic metric; it has become a key factor in migration decisions worldwide. As traditional alliances weaken, regional conflicts spread, and the global economy faces growing instability, people, particularly the middle class and investors, are increasingly drawn to countries that are safe, stable, and accessible.
For many families, settling down means more than finding a home: it also means a welcoming environment, a reliable healthcare system, and security for their children’s future. Seen in this light, Portugal’s high GPI ranking has practical value. Portugal is not only a beautiful and easy place to live, but also somewhere you can build a long-term life with peace of mind.
Portugal: an ideal place to settle in Europe
Portugal has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most livable countries, with a mild climate year-round, a cost of living lower than much of Western Europe, convenient transport links, and, above all, an open attitude toward foreigners. Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve are also home to growing international communities, creating a familiar and mutually supportive environment for newcomers.
Ranking 7th worldwide on the Global Peace Index further strengthens Portugal’s position as a strategic choice for long-term relocation planning: a safe country that also offers access to healthcare, education, and the EU market.
Two of the most popular residency routes: the D7 visa and the Golden Visa through fund investment
Portugal D7 visa: an ideal option for people with passive income
The Portugal D7 visa is designed for individuals with a stable income from abroad that is sufficient to cover their living costs in Portugal without working there. It is well suited to investors, retirees, and others with a sustainable income from assets and investments.
With proof of passive income of at least €10,440 per year (approximately US$12,000), the D7 visa requires applicants to live in Portugal on a regular basis. Holders may not be absent from Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months, or 8 non-consecutive months in total, during the validity of the residence permit (2 or 3 years). Key benefits of the Portugal D7 visa for the whole family:
- Freedom of movement: travel throughout the Schengen Area.
- Multigenerational family residency: your spouse, dependent children, parents, and in some cases siblings.
- Access to public services: public healthcare, education, and social security, generally on terms similar to those available to Portuguese nationals.
- A path to citizenship: after the required period of lawful residence, you and your family may apply for Portuguese citizenship and, if it is granted, become EU citizens.
Strategic perspective
The Portugal D7 visa suits families planning to settle long term and benefit from Portugal’s education, healthcare, and social security systems. It is a choice for those who prioritize stability, safety, and a high quality of life.
| See full details of the Portugal D7 visa
Portugal Golden Visa through investment funds and the prospect of citizenship
The Portugal Golden Visa through investment funds is not only a gateway to the EU but also a strategic capital allocation decision.
- Investment route: you invest €500,000 (approximately US$560,000) in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund.
- Holding period: the investment must be held for at least 5 consecutive years.
Benefits during the residence period:
- You receive a Golden Visa residence permit (Residence Permit for Investment Activity, ARI), which grants lawful residence in Portugal.
- Freedom to travel throughout the Schengen Area.
- A minimum stay of 7 days per year on average, giving investors flexibility.
- A path to citizenship: once you complete the required period of lawful residence, you and your family may apply for Portuguese citizenship. If approved, you become EU citizens.
Strategic perspective
The Portugal Golden Visa suits international investors who want to diversify their assets and secure European residence rights without long minimum-stay requirements. It is a flexible option for entrepreneurs and global investors who value freedom of movement and want to optimize their international financial strategy.
| See full details of the Portugal Golden Visa program
Strategic comparison: Portugal D7 visa vs. Golden Visa
Criteria
D7 visa (passive income)
Golden Visa (fund investment)
Best suited to
People with stable income from pensions, rentals, or dividends.
Investors and entrepreneurs who do not plan to live in Portugal long term.
Financial basis
No investment required; proof of stable income (€10,440 per year).
A minimum investment of €500,000, carrying both risk and return potential.
Residence requirement
Absences from Portugal may not exceed 6 consecutive months, or 8 non-consecutive months in total, during the validity of the residence permit (2 or 3 years)
At least 7 days per year on average; no requirement to live in Portugal long term.
Investment risk
The risk of being unable to show that your income is stable and regular.
Market risk and the investment fund’s performance.
Key benefits
The whole family can live in Portugal long term and access local benefits.
A European residence permit without needing to live in Portugal full time. Diversification of assets abroad.
A note on the legal framework
Under the rules in force when this article was published, the minimum residence period required to apply for citizenship was 5 years. However, the Portuguese government was considering a new bill that could extend this to 10 years for most applicants.
This made it an important time to file under the existing legal framework and reduce the risk of a longer wait for naturalization.
IMM Group: why choose a proven advisory firm?
The global investment migration landscape is constantly shifting and increasingly complex, requiring investors to choose an advisory partner who not only helps them build a strong application but also provides a degree of comfort about their family’s future. For Portugal residency and all of our global investment migration solutions, IMM Group stands out as a strategic advisory partner, supporting you with experience and integrity.
As a pioneering, long-established firm with more than 21 years of hands-on experience in Vietnam, IMM Group is not a sales agent, and we do more than advise: we design global investment migration solutions built on:
- Rigorous due diligence and risk management: Our experience successfully handling hundreds of cases, including complex ones, enables us to conduct multi-layered project due diligence and protect investors’ interests rigorously, even during market crises.
- In-depth professional consulting and full transparency: Every IMM Group advisor and case manager is certified in investment migration advisory by the Investment Migration Council (IMC). Our team analyzes benefits and risks in full, so you can make decisions based on complete and accurate information. We put our clients’ long-term interests first.
- Integrity and commitment every step of the way: Guided by our philosophy, “Serving with Authentic Values,” IMM Group stays with you from the first step until you have settled in your new country. Integrity is our foundation, reflected in our readiness to stand up for clients’ interests and to proactively refund service fees when risks beyond the client’s control arise, as set out in the contract.
- Receiving and giving back: Since 2025, IMM Group has officially become a nonprofit enterprise, committing at least 50% of its annual profits to the Be Better Fund. By choosing IMM Group, you also help hundreds of students facing exceptional hardship gain a chance to change their lives.
If you are considering residency by investment in Portugal, contact IMM Group or leave your details below. Our experienced advisors will provide detailed guidance and help you assess your application’s chances of success. We will keep your personal data confidential and use the information you provide only to advise on your family’s case.
IMM Group
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- D7 visa program
- Portugal Golden Visa
- Portugal residency
- Portugal D7 visa
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