Cecelia ChangFor many travellers in Southeast Asia, retirement today is no longer about slowing down. It’s about choosing a place that feels safe, welcoming, and enriching for the long term. According to International Living, safety has become one of the most decisive factors when retirees choose where to spend their later years.
Drawing on data from the Global Peace Index and the Annual Global Retirement Index, these destinations stand out not only for low crime and political stability, but also for lifestyle, healthcare, and overall quality of life.
Here are the top 10 safest places to retire in 2026, and why they continue to appeal to retirees from across Asia!
Also read: 11 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to for Better Opportunities
Safest places to retire in 2026
1. Portugal
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Portugal consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries, and it’s easy to see why it tops the list. Retirees are drawn to its relaxed pace of life, reliable healthcare system, and strong expat networks. For Southeast Asians, Portugal also offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared with other Western European countries — without compromising on culture, cuisine, or comfort.
2. Ireland
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Ireland combines a high level of personal safety with political stability and excellent public services. While the cost of living is higher than in many Asian destinations, retirees value Ireland’s clean environment, strong healthcare standards, and friendly, English-speaking communities.
3. Malaysia
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Closer to home, Malaysia remains a favourite for Southeast Asian retirees. With modern infrastructure, private healthcare that is both accessible and affordable, and a familiar multicultural environment, Malaysia offers a reassuring balance of safety and lifestyle. English is widely spoken, and the country’s long-standing appeal to expats continues to grow.
4. Spain
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Spain’s reputation for safety, sunshine, and social living makes it a natural choice for retirement. Beyond the famous cities, smaller coastal towns offer a slower pace of life, strong community ties, and affordable living — particularly appealing to retirees seeking warmth and walkable neighbourhoods.
5. Croatia
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Croatia has quietly risen as one of Europe’s safest countries. Its historic towns, scenic coastline, and improving healthcare system attract retirees looking for a calmer, less crowded alternative to Western Europe, while still enjoying high safety standards.
6. Italy
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Italy offers retirees something beyond safety — a deep sense of heritage and daily enjoyment. From small hill towns to coastal villages, many parts of Italy provide a secure environment, strong community life, and access to public healthcare. For those who value culture and tradition, Italy remains timeless.
7. Greece
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With improving infrastructure and a strong focus on attracting foreign retirees, Greece continues to climb retirement rankings. Its islands and mainland towns offer low crime rates, a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, and affordable living outside major tourist centres.
8. Montenegro
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Montenegro may be small, but it stands out for safety and stability. Known for its dramatic landscapes and quiet coastal towns, it appeals to retirees seeking tranquillity, lower living costs, and a slower rhythm of life in Europe.
9. Vietnam
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Vietnam is steadily gaining attention as a retirement destination thanks to its low cost of living, improving healthcare, and generally safe cities. Popular bases such as Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hanoi offer a comfortable mix of modern amenities and rich cultural heritage.
For Southeast Asian retirees, Vietnam feels both accessible and familiar, with excellent food, lively café culture, and flexible lifestyles. Daily expenses and healthcare remain highly affordable, making long-term living appealing, even though there is no dedicated retirement visa at present.
10. Costa Rica
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Often praised for its political stability, Costa Rica offers retirees a strong sense of security alongside excellent healthcare. Its focus on environmental protection and wellbeing resonates with those looking for a balanced, nature-led lifestyle.
Also read: Malaysia’s 2025 Visitor Numbers Overtakes Thailand: What It Means for Singaporeans
Why Safety Matters More Than Ever
For retirees, the safest places to retire go beyond crime statistics. It includes political stability, dependable healthcare, and a sense of ease in everyday life. For Southeast Asian travellers, these destinations also offer something else: choice. Whether that means staying close to home in Singapore or exploring a completely new chapter in Europe or beyond.
As global mobility continues to evolve, retirement is no longer a fixed destination, but a lifestyle decision. And in 2026, these ten countries stand out as places where security, comfort, and quality of life come together.
