Why Portugal Feels Safer Than the U.S. for Expats

Portugal ranks among the safest countries in the world but what does that actually feel like for Americans who move there?

For many U.S. citizens considering life abroad, safety is a key consideration in finding a new place to live. While Portugal’s sunshine, coastlines, and culture tend to grab the headlines, a quieter but equally powerful motivator is this: it’s a place where you can simply exhale. You can walk your dog at night. Let your kids explore the neighborhood. Skip the security cameras. And still feel fine.

In this post, we explore what contributes to that feeling and why so many Americans find Portugal to be a surprising contrast to life back home.

Global Safety Rankings Tell Part of the Story

Let’s start with the data. Portugal ranks #7 on the Global Peace Index (2024), ahead of most European countries and far ahead of the U.S. This index measures factors like violent crime, incarceration rates, militarization, and political stability. Portugal also has:

• Extremely low gun ownership compared to the U.S.

• Minimal violent crime and very few cases of homicide

• Low rates of burglary and assault in most regions

It’s the kind of country where national news rarely leads with a crime story and many locals leave their doors unlocked during the day in rural areas.

Safety in Portugal Isn’t Just About Crime Stats

What makes Portugal feel safe often goes beyond numbers. There’s a certain ease to daily life that emerges from the environment itself.

• Walkable communities encourage people to be out and about, at all times of day. Whether you’re in Lisbon, Porto, or a small village in Alentejo, you’re likely to see people walking dogs, chatting on park benches, or enjoying a late-night espresso.

• Visible community presence helps foster accountability and social trust. People tend to look out for one another, and there’s a sense of shared public space rather than gated privatization.

• Police presence is steady but non-aggressive, and law enforcement is often seen as approachable. Portugal also benefits from community policing efforts and low rates of police-related conflict.

Communities are safe and open

In the U.S., many expats and retirees are used to neighborhoods with fences, cameras, guards, and alarm systems. These security features are often seen as necessary because you never know what could happen if you reduced your vigilance.

In Portugal, that culture simply doesn’t dominate. Most people live in open communities, including expats. Buildings may have buzzer systems and secure doors, but rarely is there a fortress mentality. There are some gated villas or private properties, but they’re the exception and not the rule.

And that’s a reflection of the national psyche. There’s less fear. Less suspicion. And in many cases, fewer reasons to be worried.

What Should Newcomers Expect?

If you're thinking of relocating, here’s what you’ll want to know from a practical standpoint:

• Emergency services are accessible and reliable, with a universal emergency number (112) for police, ambulance, and fire.

• English is widely spoken, especially among professionals, so there’s no language barrier in reporting issues or getting help.

• Most expats adjust quickly to feeling safer but it’s also okay to take time to recalibrate. The slower pace and increased trust can take some getting used to, especially if you’re coming from a high-security environment.

  
  

A Less Tense Way of Life

Safety in Portugal isn't a 100% guarantee at all times because no country is perfect but there are fewer things to worry about here. That shift changes how you live. You may find yourself walking more and worrying less. You become more present in public space without your guard up.

In many ways, it's not about what Portugal has, but about what it lacks: the fear, the tension, the constant sense of vigilance that defines much of modern life in the U.S.

Thinking of relocating to a place where you can live more openly and calmly? Portugal might be the reset you didn’t know you needed.

If you're exploring your options for residency through investment, our team is here to help you plan your next chapter both securely and confidently on your terms.