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Where to Go If World War 3 Breaks Out: 6 Safe Ports in a Storm

Everyone needs a contingency plan for if/when World War 3 breaks out. James Nuveen details six bolt-hole jurisdictions that may surprise you.
James Nuveen

James Nuveen
Medellín

Every day feels closer to World War 3 (WW3).

And, of course, many high-net-worth individuals are asking the important question: Where can I go to protect my family if the worst happens? 

Regardless of whether World War 3 occurs in the next few months or years (or never), it’s wise to have a plan. This is why you diversify your investments and hold insurance (even though you hope you never have to use it). A Plan B is no different, and this is why wealthy individuals invest in a second, third, or even fourth residency and citizenship. 

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So, let’s answer that question. What safe havens should be on your list and why? 

Preparing for and Identifying a Safe Haven

As the investor, global citizen, and wealthy individual you are, you know preparation helps you sleep easily at night. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” What Benjamin Franklin said is true. 

In the event of a global conflict like World War 3 and a nuclear winter, your choice of location and residence could mean the difference between peace of mind and absolute chaos. 

Unfortunately, we cannot predict what will happen nor who will be involved. But history tends to repeat itself. 

Based on historical patterns, the following criteria can help us identify regions that are more likely to be safe: Geographical shielding, self-sufficiency in staples like food and fuel, low strategic value, and, finally, the ease of acquiring a residence permit or citizenship and remaining long-term in the country.

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Let’s define each of these terms:

1. Geographical Shielding

First and most obvious, distance plays an important role in shielding your family, your assets, and yourself from danger in turbulent times. Of course, you’d prefer to be far from not only major conflict zones but also countries and locations that may become high-interest military targets.

2. Self-Sufficiency

Expect disruptions along global trade routes – especially if your current nationality’s government allies with an aggressor – as everyday staples like food and fuel may become scarce. Your next city’s or country’s ability to produce enough crops, energy, and other essential resources independently is vital for survival during prolonged disruptions.

3. Strategic Value

Even if you’re not the intended target, you don’t want to find yourself in the crosshairs of a large-scale military event.

Think of it like a bullseye: Clearly, you’d prefer to be on the outer edge of that target than anywhere near the center. Therefore, locations of low strategic value are less likely to be involved in direct conflict. Prioritize a residence in those locations.

4. Residency and Citizenship

If World War 3 drags on and, god forbid, ends in catastrophe, you’d want a long-term solution in the form of a residence permit or citizenship in the country where you choose to settle. The ease with which you can obtain that legal immigration status is crucial, as it ensures you have legal standing and access to resources and protections when push comes to shove.

Top Four Potential Safe Havens Around the World

After reading the above title, some jurisdictions or regions of the world may have already come to your mind. But with the aforementioned criteria in mind, this is my list of potential safe havens in case World War 3 breaks out. 

Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and they warrant careful consideration. Do your own research.

Honorable Mentions: Canada and Central America 

We gave careful consideration to both Canada and Central America before deciding they wouldn’t make the final list. Here’s why.

Despite owning the second-most land mass in the world behind Russia, 66% of Canada’s population lives within 100 km of the American border, which makes up just 4% of its total territory (StatCan). So, Canada is geographically shielded from the rest of the world and relatively empty of people. Moreover, as evidenced by the recent wave of immigration to Canada, individuals can obtain citizenship status quickly.

However, their reliance on the United States and alliance with NATO makes them a likely participant in global conflict and, therefore, of high strategic value. Thus, Canada is not an ideal safe haven during World War 3.

On the other hand, Central America is geographically shielded and would be of little strategic value in a broader global conflict (with the notable exception of the Panama Canal, which is of immense strategic value). Furthermore, these Latin American states are rich in oil, fertile soil, and natural resources.

However, a major consequence of obtaining residency or citizenship in this region is the lack of access to first-world development and resources immigrants may need. Based on their reliance on the United States, Chinese, and European infrastructure projects and imports, Central American countries may not be self-sufficient in wartime.

4. The United States

Before you cast off my vote for the United States as a potential safe haven in a world war, let me substantiate my argument.

The USA’s vast size, dual oceanic borders, and southern deserts are a natural barrier for any adversaries interested in attacking the Land of the Free. Moreover, the United States is among the richest jurisdictions in the world in terms of natural resources and economic diversity. The US is a net exporter of both oil and calories.

Evidenced by their impressive mobilizations in the first half of the previous century, their monstrous economy is certainly capable of sustaining itself during a conflict – no matter which trade routes are interrupted. 

Indeed, recent data shows that the US has one of the least globalized economies among developed countries. Exports account for just 10% of US GDP, while imports account for about 15%. Compare that to, say, Germany, where exports and imports make up, respectively, 47% and 41% of the economy.

Therefore, most Americans, especially those living outside the major cities, have some degree of protection and needn’t be too concerned with supply disruptions in a wartime scenario.

However, as a global superpower and likely major player in a future global crisis, the United States would be of tremendous strategic value and priority to its military opponents. Besides, despite having myriad programs, the United States won’t give you citizenship status quickly. So, you may be stuck in limbo if you choose to immigrate just as they enter a world war. 

The United States’ report card:

  • Geographic Shielding: Excellent
  • Self-sufficiency: Excellent
  • Strategic Value: High
  • Residency and Citizenship: Not so easy

WW3 safety score: 2/4

IMI Pros who can help with US Immigration


3. Switzerland

Being the “next Switzerland” or the “Switzerland of X region” is typically a compliment and testament to a country’s prowess. But it may not be in the event World War 3 breaks out.

First, the positives of this European bastion. 

Switzerland’s mountainous terrain, lack of membership in the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), well-armed population, and long-standing policy of neutrality have historically protected it from conflicts, even during the first two World Wars on its doorstep.

But we expect that to change as European bureaucrats seemingly begging for a multi-front war may bring it up on themselves. 

Switzerland has a robust economy and a strong agricultural sector for its size, but while the country runs a trade surplus (World Bank), Switzerland is reliant on its global trade partners for much of its food and fuel. The country’s highly developed wealth and financial sector also make it a strategic, valuable target for an antagonist. 

And while there are many ways to gain residency in Switzerland, getting citizenship can be a challenge, and one that takes at least 10 years.

Switzerland’s report card:

  • Geographic Shielding: Good
  • Self-sufficiency: So-so
  • Strategic Value: High
  • Residency and Citizenship: Feasible but takes a decade or more

WW3 safety score: 1.5/4

2. Australia and New Zealand

High on most nuclear winter destination lists, “down under” is geographically isolated, far from the world’s major conflict zones. Even with global powerhouse China in their backyard, these countries’ relative distance from potential major war theaters makes them less likely to enter a global war.

Moreover, Australia and New Zealand are more or less self-sufficient when it comes to food and fuel. Both nations are major agricultural producers and have substantial natural resources, including energy. While Australian mineral resources could make it a high-value strategic target for potential adversaries, this is certainly not the case for New Zealand.

But those attributes alone are not enough to make Australia and New Zealand the ultimate WW3 safe havens. These countries’ strong alliance with Western militaries could make them targets in a broader conflict. Additionally, you cannot just waltz into Australia and New Zealand to obtain citizenship. At the very least, it’ll typically take four years to gain nationality.

Australia and New Zealand’s report card:

  • Geographic Shielding: Excellent
  • Self-sufficiency: Excellent
  • Strategic Value: Low-to-medium
  • Residency and Citizenship: Feasible but takes a decade or more

WW3 safety score: 2.5/4

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So what options are left? Only the best:

The Southern Cone: The Ultimate WW3 Safe Haven

While the United States, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand all have their advantages, the Southern Cone of South America — consisting of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chile — emerges as the best potential safe haven in the event of World War 3. 

Here’s why:

Geographical Shield

The Southern Cone is located far from the world’s major powers and conflict zones, offering natural protection from the chaos of a global war. But the region has history on its side as well: South America is among the world’s most peaceful regions, having suffered just one of the largest 20 wars in the last 300 years.

Few, if any, global regions can claim they’re more shielded than the Southern Cone. The region is bordered by the Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Gran Chaco to the North, and the sparsely populated Patagonian plains and Antarctic tundra to the south. 

The Southern Cone - indeed, all of the Western Hemisphere - is also protected by the Munroe Doctrine. Read more about this concept in Why a Bulletproof Mobility Portfolio Should Contain a Western Hemisphere Allocation.

Good luck invading the Southern Cone: You'll have to cross some of the world's highest mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, a high-altitude swampy area the size of France, or the Amazon rainforest. Take your pick!

Self-Sufficiency

The Southern Cone is one of the most self-sufficient regions in the world, particularly in terms of food production. Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay are known for their vast agricultural output, producing large quantities of grains, meat, and dairy products; far more than they could ever hope to consume themselves.

And, on the other side of the Andes, Chile is a major producer of grapes and wine, seafood, and fruits and also has significant renewable energy resources.

The region as a whole is rich in hydroelectric, solar, wind, and fossil fuel energy and is home to some of the world’s largest lithium and copper mines, which are required in the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.

Low Strategic Value

Historically, Southern Cone countries have maintained a low profile in global political and military affairs. Neither Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, nor Uruguay is involved in a major international conflict. Furthermore, the region doesn’t host significant foreign military bases. Maybe because the Southern Cone is literally not on the way to anywhere.

The Southern Cone is unlikely to play a strategic role or become a battleground in a global conflict.

Ease of Residency and Citizenship

For those considering relocation, the Southern Cone offers relatively straightforward paths to residency and citizenship. Let’s compare them one by one:

Argentina’s Rentista Visa allows foreign nationals to enter the country on an independent means visa if they can prove a recurring monthly income of about US$2,000 from rental profits, a pension, social security, or investment dividends. Curiously, they can qualify for naturalization in just two years, while permanent residence is a three-year path.

The most difficult country on this list to obtain citizenship is Chile. Temporary residency is achievable through retirement or investor visas, but applicants must spend 22 out of 24 months of valid temporary residency to convert their immigration status to permanent. Worth noting: Temporary and permanent residents do not pay tax on foreign-sourced income for the first three years of residence in the country.

Paraguay is home to one of the most accessible residence permits in the world, their independent means visa. Individuals simply have to prove their economic solvency to be approved. Then, in two years, they can make residency status permanent with little physical presence and no additional requirements. Citizenship is notoriously difficult in this small, landlocked country, but can be achieved by proving economic ties to the country.

In addition to their attainable residency status, Paraguay taxes residents only on income sourced inside its borders, and even then at no more than 10%.

Last, we have Uruguay, the “Switzerland of South America.”

Known for its political and economic stability in a region known for the opposite, Uruguay offers temporary residency, which can be converted to permanent after just two years of living in the country, to those who can demonstrate about US$3,000 of monthly income. And, if the applicants file as a married couple, the naturalization period drops to just three years.

To add more benefits to their attractive program, Uruguay offers new tax residents of the country a tax alternative: They can choose to pay a 7% tax on worldwide income for life. Or they don’t pay any tax on any income for the first ten years if they’re a resident of the Southern Cone country.

The Southern Cone's report card

  • Geographic Shielding: Excellent
  • Self-sufficiency: Excellent
  • Strategic Value: Low
  • Residency and Citizenship: Among the fastest and easiest in the world

WW3 safety score: 4/4

IMI Pros who can help with Southern Cone immigration


Prepare your Plan B before you need it

So, when comparing all these factors — geographical positioning, self-sufficiency in food and fuel, low strategic value, and ease of long-term immigration status — the Southern Cone’s four promising jurisdictions serve as the world’s safest refuge in the event of global war. The key is to act on residence or citizenship before you have to.

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