6 de September, 2024
Portugal is often recognized as one of the safest countries in the world, consistently ranking high in global safety indexes. But what does that really mean in practical terms? Is Portugal a safe place to live? And how has this sense of security evolved over recent years? What is the crime rate in Portugal? In this article, we will explore the topic of safety in Portugal by referencing recent rankings and statistical data. Learn how the country addresses its safety challenges and discover which types of crime are most prevalent. We also provide insights into the safest areas in Portugal, including specific information about safety in Lisbon and Porto.
Drawing on data from the Global Peace Index, the Annual Internal Security Report (RASI), and European statistical sources such as Eurostat, we offer a current and accurate overview of the safety landscape in Portugal. This will help you assess whether the country provides the peace of mind and stability you seek for yourself and your family.
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Yes! Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world according to international rankings. Additionally, the most common incidents in Portugal are generally non-violent, such as thefts and minor robberies. The crime rate in Portugal shows that violent situations, like homicides and violent crimes, have very low rates, even when compared to the European Union average. Metropolitan areas like Lisbon and Porto, while busier and more tourist-oriented, still maintain a safe environment, with most crimes being opportunistic or property-related, such as vehicle theft.
Based on various global rankings, Portugal stands out for its low crime rates and high level of safety. Below are some of the main global, European, and national reports that provide insights into safety and crime levels in Portugal:
The Global Peace Index is compiled annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), a global non-profit organization dedicated to measuring and understanding worldwide peace. This index evaluates 163 countries across several security and conflict-related indicators, such as crime levels, internal and external conflicts, militarization, and political stability. Local crime rates are analyzed alongside issues of militarization and global conflict involvement.
In 2024, Portugal ranks 7th, though it has shifted positions over the last decade. In 2014, it ranked 18th, while in 2020, it climbed to 3rd. Despite these fluctuations, Portugal has consistently held top positions, surpassing European countries like Spain (23rd), Norway (28th), Italy (33rd), the UK (34th), Sweden (39th), Greece (40th), and France (87th). It ranks even more favorably when compared to Brazil (131st) or the United States (132nd)!
Eurostat is the European Union’s statistical office responsible for collecting, processing, and publishing comparable data to support EU policies. Among its responsibilities is the analysis of crime across the EU. In these reports, Portugal stands out positively. For instance, Portugal has one of the lowest homicide rates in the EU and reports violent crime rates (such as assaults) below the EU average.
According to the latest Eurostat data (2022), Portugal’s homicide rate is 0.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, with 5 reported rapes per 100,000 people annually. In comparison, France has a homicide rate of 1.2 and 56 rapes per 100,000 inhabitants.
The Annual Internal Security Report (RASI) is an official government publication that provides detailed data on crime and safety in Portugal. The latest report, released in 2023 and covering 2022, continues to show that violent crime accounts for a small fraction of overall crime in the country. More detailed figures can be found below.
While some media outlets suggest an increase in crime in Portugal, it’s important to highlight that the country still reports lower numbers than those seen in the early 2010s. Moreover, the most common crimes remain minor offenses, such as theft, often driven by the rise in tourism within the country.
It’s also worth noting that this slight increase in crime is not a phenomenon unique to Portugal. Globally, many regions have experienced a rise in crime following the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to factors like economic crises, growing social inequality, and the psychological effects of the pandemic. Despite this, Portugal remains one of the safest countries in both Europe and the world.
Property crimes remain the most common in Portugal in 2023. Notably, “other frauds,” which include various types of scams such as false business promises, pyramid schemes, and fraudulent sales of non-existent products or services, are prevalent. These are generally non-technological frauds carried out using more traditional methods but still represent a significant portion of fraud-related crimes in Portugal.
Following this, the category of Crimes Against People includes domestic violence and offenses against physical integrity (such as fights and assaults), which are also among the most frequent, showing a 5.8% increase.
In the category of Crimes Against Public Order, notable crimes include driving under the influence of alcohol, drug trafficking, and counterfeiting.
Domestic Violence
Although domestic violence saw a slight decrease of 0.1% compared to the previous year, it remains one of the most prevalent crimes in Portugal, with 30,461 reported cases. Of these, violence against a partner accounts for 85.5% of occurrences. Besides Lisbon and Porto, the districts of Setúbal and Aveiro also stand out with a high number of cases. It is noted that 69.3% of the victims are women, and 78.9% of those accused are men.
Driving Under the Influence
The crime of driving with a blood alcohol level of 1.2 g/l or higher was responsible for 24,133 occurrences, representing 54.3% of crimes against public order.
Human Trafficking and Illegal Immigration
The Annual Internal Security Report revealed an alarming increase in investigations related to human trafficking and assistance with illegal immigration in 2023. Cases of human trafficking rose by 158%, while investigations into assistance with illegal immigration increased by a staggering 298%. This worrying trend reflects the growing issue of labor exploitation and other severe forms of abuse. To avoid becoming a victim or inadvertently engaging in illegal activities, it is crucial to follow legal pathways for immigration. If you are considering living in Portugal, seek specialized advice to secure your visa and residence permit safely and in compliance with local laws.
Group Crime and Juvenile Delinquency
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of arrests for crimes committed in groups, particularly in the metropolitan areas of Lisbon and Porto. This mainly involves rival gangs of young people from different neighborhoods. Such violence, often linked to local rivalries and amplified by social media, has led to a rise in group crimes, defined as those committed by three or more individuals. In 2023, there were 6,756 occurrences of this type of crime, a 14.6% increase compared to the previous year.
Other Common Crimes
The list of common crimes also includes offenses against physical integrity, with 24,111 records, and theft from motor vehicles, which, despite a decrease compared to the previous year, still reached 20,180 occurrences. Cybercrime and communications fraud were also notable, with 20,259 reported cases, highlighting the growing concern for digital security. Additionally, crimes such as threats and coercion (16,676 cases) and driving without a license (15,579 cases) remain significant challenges for authorities.
Rising Crime Types
Among the most notable increases compared to the previous year are: misuse of credit or debit cards (+67%), other frauds (+39%), and drug trafficking or precursor substances (+20.1%).
Falling Crime Types
Regarding reductions, notable decreases were observed in burglaries involving breaking and entering, scaling, or using false keys (-11.2%) and thefts from motor vehicles (-6.8%).
According to the RASI 2023, the safest cities in Portugal, or those with the lowest crime rates, are located in the Autonomous Region of the Azores: Corvo, Lajes das Flores, Calheta, São Roque do Pico, Santa Cruz das Flores, Madalena, Vila do Porto, Lages do Pico, and Nordeste. Additionally, Santana, on Madeira Island, is also noted for its low crime rate. These are small, less populated cities.
Among the districts of Portugal, those with the lowest number of recorded incidents across all their municipalities combined are:
Naturally, the more touristy and populous cities, as well as district capitals, have a higher number of reported incidents. Below, you can find the total number of complaints by district and the cities with the highest number of incidents in each district:
| District/Region | Total Occurrences | City | Occurrences in the City |
| Lisbon District | 88.369 | Lisboa | 33.616 |
| Sintra | 11.896 | ||
| Cascais | 7.079 | ||
| Loures | 6.847 | ||
| Amadora | 5.875 | ||
| Oeiras | 4.951 | ||
| Porto District | 55.730 | Porto | 14.552 |
| Gaia | 8.656 | ||
| Matosinhos | 5.399 | ||
| Maia | 4.083 | ||
| Setúbal District | 35.310 | Almada | 7.789 |
| Setúbal | 5.046 | ||
| Seixal | 4.456 | ||
| Barreiro | 3.586 | ||
| Faro District | 27.144 | Loulé | 5.094 |
| Albufeira | 4.182 | ||
| Aveiro District | 20.582 | Santa Maria da Feira | 3.146 |
| Braga District | 19.219 | Braga | 5.142 |
| Guimarães | 3.032 | ||
| Santarém District | 14.584 | Santarém | 1.959 |
| Leiria District | 13.843 | Leiria | 3.635 |
| Coimbra District | 10.196 | Coimbra | 3.828 |
| Autonomous Region of the Azores | 9.788 | Ponta Delgada | 3.188 |
In OPorto, one of the less secure cities in Portugal, the most frequently reported crime is theft from motor vehicles, followed by offenses against physical integrity and domestic violence. Despite this, Porto remains a city where the overall sense of safety is generally positive. When visiting the city, especially if you plan to explore Porto on foot, we recommend being cautious of pickpockets (4.8% of crimes). Avoid leaving items unattended, particularly if you are dining at outdoor cafes. Opportunistic thefts account for 22.1% of police incidents in the city.
Lisbon is the least safe city in the country, but violent crime has shown a decreasing trend, reflecting an improvement in public safety. The most frequent incidents include online fraud, other types of scams, and domestic violence. These crimes have registered a significant number of cases in the Portuguese capital. Despite this, Lisbon maintains a generally safe environment. The city offers a high quality of life and a sense of security. Pickpocketing accounts for 11.9% of incidents. As with what we recommend in Porto, be mindful of your belongings: opportunistic thefts account for 12% of crimes.
The sense of safety in Portugal is unparalleled! Being able to walk freely in the streets, use your phone in public spaces, enjoy outdoor cafes without being disturbed, and use public transport late at night without worries is a luxury that many value! I have lived in the country for 10 years and have no complaints. This reality has a very positive impact on the daily lives of those who live here. For example, if you want to move to Portugal with young children, you can enjoy parks and public spaces with your family in peace. When my daughter was small, it was common for us to have picnics in the gardens on our own. For those with teenage children, it is reassuring to know that they will have more freedom to use public transport and go out with friends without fear. The same goes for the elderly. Overall, this tranquility is one of the greatest advantages of living in Portugal!
We cannot say that there are no crimes here. Indeed, some caution is needed when walking through the busiest streets of major cities, especially at night. However, with a few precautions, the overall safety that Portugal offers is sufficient. For those seeking a safe and welcoming environment, the country stands out as an excellent choice.
If you are planning to move here, speak with our consultants to learn how to become a global citizen while adhering to all local laws!
Author:
Silvia Resende
