In this article, we will take a look at 25 Most Powerful Passports in the World. You can skip our detailed analysis and go directly to the 10 Most Powerful Passports in the World.
With the increase in international mobility, the value of citizenship, and consequently, the value of a passport, has gained unprecedented significance. While the idea of acquiring a second citizenship is enticing, it would not be of much value if it did not lead to additional benefits. Therefore, it is not surprising that the most popular and desirable citizenships in the world are those that are politically and economically strong, offering exceptional advantages such as a high quality of life, freedom of movement across countries, tax benefits, and the option for dual citizenship, among others. Explore our various articles, such as ‘20 Best Countries to Relocate to,’ ‘20 Best Permanent Residency Countries in the World,’ and ‘17 European Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship,’ where we discuss such countries.
Power of a Passport: Visa-Free Travel
Henley & Partner’s Global Mobility report for 2022 revealed that, on average, an individual could visit 57 countries without a short-term visa in 2006, and this number had increased to 107 by 2021. However, there is a notable disparity among countries in this regard. For instance, while Europe and North and South America score 160 and 131, respectively, on the visa-free/visa-on-arrival scale, other regions such as Asia have achieved a score of only 95. The Middle East and North Africa, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa, have even lower scores, at 70 and 62, respectively.
Over the years, several countries have improved their passport status. The United Arab Emirates, for example, has shown a remarkable change. While in 2006, UAE citizens could only visit 35 countries visa-free, this number had surged to 175 by 2021. The variation in passport strength among countries is often justified by differences in GDP per capita, where nations with higher GDP per capita tend to have greater visa-free access and, consequently, stronger passports. Additionally, countries with higher political instability or terrorism are less likely to enjoy such privileges. According to the Henley & Partner Global Passport Ranking for 2024, six countries have earned the title of the most powerful passports in the world– France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain– allowing access to 194 destinations.
Powerful Passports: A Holistic View
While visa-free travel promises excellent global mobility, other factors should also be considered. According to the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index for 2024, these factors include taxation laws, global perception, dual citizenship, and personal freedom, in addition to visa-free travel. The top five countries in this index are Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal, Luxembourg, and Finland. In contrast, the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index for 2024 incorporates the concepts of quality of life and investment situation in the country, along with mobility. Their research places Germany at the top, followed by the US, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, as the next most powerful passports in the world.
Powerful Passports: A Commodity for High-Net-Worth-Individuals (HNWI)
Powerful passports are increasingly sought after by investors and high-net-worth individuals. According to Bloomberg, Michael Sonnenfeldt, founder and chair of Tiger 21, has reported a significant surge in the desire for a second passport among their over 1,200 members. Wealthy individuals are particularly interested in countries with strong economies and favorable tax incentives. Financial firms, such as Forge Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: FRGE) and The Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CG), play a crucial role in guiding investors and facilitating smooth transactions.
Forge Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: FRGE) offers data, analytics & insights, enabling investors to invest in the private market. By using world-class trading technology and operating expertise, the company aims to help private company shareholders to trade private company shares with established investors. The company is working tirelessly to ensure continuous upgradation and better solutions for their clients. Here are some comments from Forge Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: FRGE) earning’s call for the third quarter of 2023:
“We have expanded our data strategy to include index and index-related product development and are currently testing new innovations that combine the power of our proprietary market data with enhanced trading capabilities. We intend to debut new products related to those efforts to the general market in 2024.”
The Carlyle Group Inc. (CG) is a multinational private equity, alternative asset management and financial services corporation, aiming to invest wisely and creating value for their investors. Here’s what Vulcan Value Partners had to say about The Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CG) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:
“The Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CG) is a leading alternative asset manager with $380B in AUM deploying private capital across three reportable segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Global Investment Solutions. Carlyle’s sticky, long duration capital provides significant stability to the underlying business value. The rise in interest rates over the past year has put pressure on both private market transaction activity and fundraising. Better than expected inflation news during the quarter has created the expectation that the Fed could begin lower rates in 2024 which could result in normalization in its business activity. We believe the stock has responded positively to this potential outcome, yet its stock price remains at an attractive discount to our estimate of intrinsic value.”
Methodology
To compile our list of the 25 Most Powerful Passports in the World, we utilize three different Passport Indexes– Henley & Partner Global Passport Ranking (2024), Nomad Capitalist Passport Index (2024), and Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index (2024) — and average their rankings. The list is presented in descending order of average rank.
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Let’s take a look at our list of 25 Most Powerful Passports in the World.
25. Estonia
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 8
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 22
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 27
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 19
Estonia’s passport has emerged as one of the most powerful in the world. Holders of this passport can travel to 187 destinations without the need for a visa, providing a distinctive mobility advantage highly sought after in this time. The country’s favorable global perception and the freedom of its citizens further enhance the passport’s appeal. In addition, Estonia ranked 29th on the quality-of-life index and 39th on the investment index by Global Citizen Solutions. Overall, Estonia presents a strong outlook across various indicators, qualifying its passport as a powerful tool.
24. Malta
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 5
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 14
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 34
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 17.67
For individuals seeking enhanced international travel without the hassle of visas, Malta’s passport is one of the most effective means to achieve that goal. The country permits dual citizenship, granting full freedom to its citizens. Malta’s positive global perception and favorable taxation regime further encourage citizens to consider relocation for tax avoidance purposes. Additionally, the quality-of-life index rank for the country indicates a comfortable lifestyle for individuals holding its passport.
23. The United States of America
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 6
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 44
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 2
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 17.33
As one of the most popular destinations for immigration and boasting the world’s strongest economy, the USA’s passport comes with numerous benefits, making it one of the most powerful passports globally. A U.S. citizen can travel to 189 countries without a visa, enjoying high international mobility. While the country permits dual citizenship, its tax regime is strict. Nevertheless, the USA is considered one of the best places for investment and provides a high quality of life.
22. Monaco
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 15
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 24
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 11
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 16.67
Granting access to 179 destinations for its citizens through the power of its passport, Monaco becomes even more enticing due to its zero-tax regime. The country enjoys a favorable global perception, and its citizens can also experience full freedom. However, it’s important to note that obtaining this passport requires the renunciation of previous citizenship. This powerful passport can open the door to lucrative investment opportunities in the country, and its holders can also enjoy a high quality of life.
21. Canada
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 6
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 36
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 8
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 16.67
Ranked 6th on the Henley & Partner ranking, Canada’s passport empowers its holders to travel visa-free to 189 countries worldwide. The country permits dual citizenship, boasts a high global perception, and features a favorable tax regime, allowing for relocation to avoid taxes. Additionally, Canada’s investment scenario is very appealing to investors. Acquiring this passport also comes with the added advantage of a high quality of life.
20. Austria
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 3
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 24
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 19
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 15.33
As one of the most powerful passports in the world– according to the Henley & Partner Ranking– Austria’s passport grants access to 192 visa-free destinations. The country enjoys an excellent global perception and provides freedom for its citizens. However, it’s important to note that in the pursuit of this passport, Austria does not allow dual citizenship. Nevertheless, the quality of life in this developed country is extremely high, ensuring its citizens a comfortable and prosperous life.
19. Iceland
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 10
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 6
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 28
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 14.67
Iceland’s passport opens doors to 185 destinations worldwide and offers numerous benefits to its holders. Not only is the global perception about this country great, but citizens can also enjoy complete personal freedom, a high quality of life, and the option for dual citizenship.
18. Belgium
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 4
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 18
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 22
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 14.67
Ranked as the 4th most powerful passport in the world according to the Henley & Partner ranking, Belgium’s citizenship allows for high travel mobility with visa-free access to 191 countries. The country and its citizens enjoy a very high favorable perception, and Belgium recognizes dual citizenship, providing numerous benefits for its passport holders. Additionally, it holds the 24th rank on the quality-of-life index used by Global Citizens Solutions.
17. Czechia
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 6
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 14
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 23
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 14.33
Obtaining one of the most powerful passports in the world allows for enhanced international mobility, with the ability to visit 189 countries without the hassle of obtaining a visa. The country boasts of a good global perception, personal freedom, and the acceptance of dual citizenship. Additionally, it offers a high quality of life, and individuals can also benefit from investing in the country.
16. United Arab Emirates
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 11
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 6
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 24
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 13.67
As one of the most powerful passports in the Gulf region, the UAE passport enables easy travel to 184 countries. The country maintains a relaxed tax regime, not taxing any foreign income of its residents. While the global perception is positive, it’s important to note that the UAE is not very flexible regarding dual citizenship. Nevertheless, the country serves as a veritable hub for investment, making the acquisition of this passport even more alluring and powerful.
15. Portugal
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 4
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 3
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 31
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 12.67
The strength of Portugal’s passport is evident from its 4th ranking on the Henley & Partner Index, allowing visa-free travel to 191 places worldwide. Additionally, the country has an excellent global perception and permits dual citizenship. Possessing this passport can lead to a high quality of life in Portugal, securing promising future prospects for its holders.
14. Singapore
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 1
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 24
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 13
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 12.67
Singapore’s passport stands among the strongest in the world for travel mobility, allowing easy visa-free movement across 194 destinations. Both the country and its residents enjoy a positive global perception, and citizens are not taxed on their foreign income. According to the Global Citizen Solutions Investment Index, Singapore is also recognized as the best place for investment. However, it’s important to note that the country does not allow dual citizenship.
13. France
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 1
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 18
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 15
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 11.33
Holders of France’s powerful passport enjoy the privilege of smooth access to 194 destinations. Acquiring this passport is appealing for various reasons, with the ability to enjoy dual citizenship standing out. The personal freedom of citizens is ensured at a respectable level, and the quality of life is high.
12. Italy
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 1
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 6
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 26
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 11
Italy’s passport holders can freely move across 194 countries and enjoy the added benefit of holding this second passport along with their original one. The country’s great global perception enhances the value of the passport, and citizens can experience a high quality of life.
11. New Zealand
Henley & Partner Passport Ranking: 5
Nomad Capitalist Passport Ranking: 6
Global Citizen Solution Passport Ranking: 17
Insider Monkey Average Passport Ranking: 9.33
Holding New Zealand’s passport enables visa-free travel to 190 countries while allowing individuals to retain their original citizenship. Travelers with this passport are unlikely to encounter many obstacles, given the country’s favorable global perception. Moreover, citizens can not only enjoy freedom on many levels but also experience an overall high quality of life.
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Disclosure: None. 25 Most Powerful Passports in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
