Residency Advanced’s Guide to the Safest Countries in the World for New Residency or Second Citizenship

“Investors often gravitate towards the world’s safest locations, especially when considering relocation with family. Based on the Institute for Economics and Peace’s Safety Perceptions Index (SPI), here’s our detailed look at the safest countries to consider for new residency or second citizenship, presented in reverse order.”

5.) United States

A country with an SPI score below 0.2 is deemed safe, and the United States scores 0.187. Among 121 surveyed countries, it ranks 43rd, surpassing nations such as Brazil (115th), India (90th), and Nigeria (104th).

The US EB-5 Investor Visa offers a three-step journey towards American citizenship. After 27 months of residency, you receive a provisional Green Card. Following another 3-6 months, you acquire a conditional Green Card, which assures permanent residency and the potential for US citizenship after five years.

4.) Malta

Malta scores 0.166, placing it 35th in the global safety rankings. It ranks higher than Algeria (0.214) at 61st, Kenya (0.358) at 101st, and Lebanon (0.203) at 55th.

The Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) provides a direct path to citizenship. A minimum investment of €600,000 can lead to Maltese nationality after 16-18 months of processing. This Citizenship by Investment grants a Maltese passport, allowing visa-free travel to 175 countries.

3.) Canada

Canada, the United States' neighbor to the north, ranks 33rd with an SPI score of 0.163. It stands above Iran (0.248) at 75th, Mexico (0.299) at 90th, and Tunisia (0.222) at 66th.

Investing C$275,000 allows participation in the Canadian Start-Up Visa Program. As a Permanent Resident, you must reside in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) over five years. One becomes eligible for Canadian citizenship after residing for 3 out of those 5 years (1,095 days).

2.) United Kingdom

Ranking 24th, the United Kingdom has an SPI score of 0.148. It is positioned above countries like Colombia (0.292) at 88th, Ghana (0.369) at 105th, and South Africa (0.373) at 107th.

The Innovator Founder Visa offers a pathway to a UK passport, facilitating visa-free entry to 177 countries. British citizenship is attainable after 5 years of permanent residency, beginning with an investment starting at £200,000.

1.) United Arab Emirates

The UAE is ranked second on the SPI’s list of safest countries, with a score of 0.073. Approximately 50% of its residents report feeling entirely safe living there.

The UAE Golden Visa is unique as a non-European golden visa program. A residency requires at least one visit every 6 months. While you cannot apply for a UAE Passport, which is ranked highly in the Passport Index, as a resident you gain visa-free access to 18 countries.