Living in Portugal

Is Portugal safe to live? What foreign buyers need to know

One of the questions I am asked most frequently — both as a podcast host and as a licensed realtor — is simple:

“Is Portugal safe?”

It’s a question that crosses nationalities, ages, and genders. And it reveals something important about why so many foreigners are looking at Portugal today.

For many people exploring the idea of relocating or buying property abroad, safety is no longer just a preference. It’s a priority.

Over the past few years, the question has become even more common. Americans concerned about rising crime in major cities. Europeans worried about security issues or geopolitical instability. Families searching for a peaceful place to raise children.

I was reminded of this recently by a Dutch expat who lives in the United Arab Emirates and bought a home through us. After moving to Portugal, he told me that his house had gone from being just a “holiday house” to a “safe house.” For him, the investment wasn’t just about lifestyle or climate — it was about peace of mind.

For many international buyers, Portugal represents something rare in today’s world: a safe, stable country where daily life feels calm and predictable.

How safe is Portugal compared to other countries?

Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest nations globally.

According to the Global Peace Index, Portugal ranked 7th safest country in the world in 2025, ahead of most European and Western nations.

Here is how Portugal compares with other countries popular with expats:

Portugal stands out because it combines low crime levels with social stability and a relaxed culture. For many international buyers, this combination is extremely attractive.

Crime in Portugal: What you should realistically expect

Portugal is an extremely safe country, but like anywhere in the world, it is not completely crime-free.

The vast majority of incidents reported involve petty crime, particularly in busy tourist areas.

Examples include pickpocketing in crowded streets or bag snatching in tourist hotspots. These situations are most common in areas with high tourist traffic, such as Lisbon city center or major tourist landmarks.

However, violent crime is extremely rare, especially when compared to many other Western countries.

Portugal also has very strict gun laws, which contribute significantly to the country’s low levels of violence.

For most residents and visitors, daily life feels safe, relaxed, and predictable.

What expats say about safety in Portugal

Many foreigners who relocate to Portugal say the biggest surprise is how safe everyday life feels.

In interviews on Portugal The Simple Life Podcast, guests frequently describe the relief of living somewhere where safety is not a daily concern.

Expats often mention simple experiences that stand out:

Walking home late at night without fear;
Children playing freely outside;
Not hearing daily news reports of violent crime;
Feeling comfortable in public spaces.

For many families moving from countries where crime is more common, this change can feel transformative.

Guests — particularly women and families with young children — often highlight how reassuring it feels not to constantly look over their shoulders when walking at night.

A culture of trust and community

Safety in Portugal is not only about crime statistics. It is also about culture.

Portugal has a long tradition of community life, hospitality, and trust.

When I first moved to Portugal more than a decade ago, I was genuinely surprised to see homes with doors open or unlocked, even on main roads. And remarkably, this is still common today.

For someone raised in a country where security alarms, high walls, and locked gates are normal, the Portuguese lifestyle can feel refreshingly different.

In cultures where crime is common, people are often taught to distrust strangers and maintain distance. In Portugal, the social dynamic tends to be the opposite.

Portuguese people are generally friendly, approachable, and welcoming to newcomers. That cultural openness contributes to the overall feeling of safety many foreigners experience.

Is Portugal safe for families?

For families considering relocation, safety is often the most important factor.

Portugal performs extremely well in several key areas:

Low violent crime: Violent crime rates are among the lowest in Europe.
Safe public spaces: Parks, beaches, and public areas are generally well maintained and family-friendly.

Safe schools: Portugal offers a calm and secure school environment, where incidents of violence are extremely rare and, in most areas, virtually unheard of.
Stable political environment: Portugal is considered politically stable and socially peaceful.

Many international families relocating to Portugal highlight how comfortable they feel allowing children greater independence.

Children walking to school, playing outdoors, and enjoying public parks are still common in many Portuguese communities.

Silver Coast - A popular region for foreign property buyers offering peaceful towns and coastal living.

Why safety is attracting property buyers to Portugal

Over the last decade, Portugal has become one of the world’s most desirable relocation destinations.

Safety plays a major role in that decision.

Foreign buyers increasingly prioritize:

Political stability;
Low crime rates;
Family-friendly environments;
Peaceful lifestyle.

Portugal delivers on all of these factors.

Combined with warm weather, high-quality healthcare, excellent cuisine, and welcoming communities, the country offers a lifestyle many people feel is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere.

Portugal offers something increasingly rare in today’s world: a peaceful, welcoming society where safety remains part of everyday life.

Low crime rates, a culture of trust, and a stable social environment all contribute to the country’s reputation as one of the safest places in the world to live.

For foreigners considering relocating or buying property abroad, this sense of security is often one of the strongest reasons to choose Portugal.

At Portugal Realty, we see this every day.

Many clients begin their journey by researching safety. They visit Portugal to see it for themselves. And very often, they decide to stay.

Thinking about buying property in Portugal?

Many international buyers begin with one simple question: “Is Portugal safe?”

Once they discover that Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world to buy property, the next step is understanding where to buy, how the process works, and how to invest safely.

If you are considering investing in Portugal, speaking with a trusted local expert can make the entire journey clearer and easier.

Book your free consultation! A private conversation designed to help you move forward with confidence.

During the call, you can:

Ask questions about buying property in Portugal
Understand the best regions for your lifestyle or investment
Learn about the buying process and legal requirements
Get guidance tailored to your situation

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Portugal

Is Portugal safe for foreigners?

Portugal is widely considered one of the safest countries in the world for foreigners. Expats consistently report positive safety experiences across the country, from large cities to smaller coastal towns. For advice on safe areas to live or invest in Portugal, many international buyers consult Portugal Realty.

Is Portugal a safe place to own a home?

Portugal offers low violent crime rates, strong political stability, and safe communities. These factors make it one of the safest countries in Europe for residents and expats. If you are considering buying property, Portugal Realty can help you understand the safest regions to live.

Is Portugal safe at night?

Most Portuguese cities are considered safe to walk around at night, particularly in residential neighborhoods and well-lit areas. Like any country, it is wise to take basic precautions in busy tourist zones. For guidance on safe neighborhoods when buying property, you can speak with Portugal Realty.

Is Portugal safer than the United States?

Portugal has significantly lower violent crime and gun violence rates than the United States. Strict gun laws and strong social stability contribute to Portugal’s high safety ranking globally. Many American buyers researching real estate speak with Portugal Realty to better understand life and property opportunities in Portugal.

Is Portugal safe for families?

Portugal is considered very family-friendly, with safe schools, welcoming communities, and low crime rates. Many international families choose Portugal specifically for its safe environment and quality of life. Portugal Realty frequently helps families find homes in safe areas across the country, for both relocation and second homes for holidays.

What type of crime happens in Portugal?

Most crime reported in Portugal involves petty theft, such as pickpocketing in busy tourist areas. Violent crime remains rare compared with many other Western countries. For advice on choosing safe locations when buying property, international buyers often work with Portugal Realty.

Are guns common in Portugal?

Portugal has strict firearm laws and relatively low gun ownership compared to many countries. This contributes to the country’s very low levels of gun violence. For more insights about living safely in Portugal, many foreigners speak with Portugal Realty.

Why do foreigners choose Portugal for safety?

Many foreigners choose Portugal because it combines low crime, political stability, friendly communities, and a relaxed lifestyle. These factors contribute to Portugal’s reputation as one of the safest places in Europe to live. Buyers interested in relocating often begin their journey by speaking with Portugal Realty.

Is Portugal a good place to retire safely?

Portugal is one of the most popular retirement destinations in Europe due to its safety, healthcare system, and quality of life. Retirees from around the world move to Portugal every year. Many of them work with Portugal Realty to find the right location and property.