Top 10 Passports in the World for 2025 – According to Nomad Capitalist

The consulting firm Nomad Capitalist has published its Nomad Passport Index for 2025, ranking the world’s top passports across 199 countries. According to the experts, in the face of geopolitical shifts and changing immigration policies, a passport is no longer seen merely as a travel document—it is now a strategic tool for protection, financial freedom, and personal liberty.

While traditional rankings focus on visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa access, Nomad Capitalist also evaluates additional factors:
- Taxation (20%) – assessing tax burden and optimization options
- Global perception (10%) – including happiness, development, and how citizens are treated abroad
- Dual citizenship acceptance (10%)
- Personal freedom (10%)

The data is based on over 20 sources, including official statistics, international rankings, and the firm’s proprietary research. The ranking reflects both tightened conditions in some countries and new opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads.

1. Ireland – 109 points

Ireland has taken the top spot, narrowly surpassing Switzerland in the ongoing rivalry between two neutral European nations. Ireland scored slightly higher due to mobility and accelerated citizenship programs. Irish citizens have the right to live and work not only in the EU but also in the UK—a unique advantage. The passport benefits from strong international perception, a business-friendly tax system, and overall flexibility, making it the world’s most powerful passport in 2025.

Visa-free access: 176 points – including Schengen, UK, US, and major regions in Asia, South America, and Africa

Taxation: 30 points – residents living abroad can legally minimize or avoid taxation

Global perception: 50 points – Ireland ranks high on the World Happiness Report and HDI

Dual citizenship: 50 points – permitted

Personal freedom: 50 points – high level of civil rights, press freedom, and no mandatory military service

2. Switzerland – 108.5 points

Switzerland dropped to second place after leading in 2024, due to a slight decrease in mobility. Still, it remains one of the most prestigious passports in the world. Though outside the EU, it allows dual citizenship and offers a high degree of civil liberty, appealing to the globally mobile elite.

Visa-free access: 175 countries

Taxation: 30 points – no global tax for non-residents

Global perception: 50 points – one of the world’s most respected

Dual citizenship: 50 points – fully allowed

Personal freedom: 50 points – high civil rights; military service exists but doesn't lower the score significantly

3. Greece – 108.5 points

Thanks to reforms and its growing appeal, Greece surged in the rankings, tying for second place. A better mobility score and favorable tax rules boosted its position. Greece has become increasingly attractive to high-net-worth individuals, retirees, and investors.

Visa-free access: 175 countries

Taxation: 40 points – foreign income not taxed for certain residents

Global perception: 40 points – generally positive, though slightly below Switzerland and Ireland

Dual citizenship: 50 points – fully allowed

Personal freedom: 40 points – good, but compulsory military service still applies

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4. Portugal – 108 points

Portugal improved its score but dropped one spot due to tough competition. Still a favorite among expats, it offers one of the most expat-friendly tax regimes in Europe and wide visa-free access.

Visa-free access: 176 countries

Taxation: 30 points – includes NHR regime and exemption for non-resident income

Global perception: 50 points – strong global standing

Dual citizenship: 50 points – allowed

Personal freedom: 40 points – democratic but with some admin/military restrictions

5. Malta – 107.5 points

Malta jumped from 14th to 5th thanks to improved taxation scores and a still-popular non-dom regime. Despite minor dips in mobility, it remains a go-to base for wealthy individuals seeking EU access.

Visa-free access: 171 countries

Taxation: 40 points – no taxes on foreign income not remitted

Global perception: 40 points – good but affected by citizenship-by-investment scrutiny

Dual citizenship: 50 points – allowed

Personal freedom: 50 points – high, with no conscription and robust rights

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6. Italy – 107.5 points

Italy matched Malta due to improved flat tax regimes and continued global mobility. While its freedom score is slightly lower, Italy offers a great balance of infrastructure, cost of living, and lifestyle.

Visa-free access: 175 countries

Taxation: 40 points – expat-friendly flat-tax options

Global perception: 40 points – positive, but bureaucracy is a drawback

Dual citizenship: 50 points – fully allowed

Personal freedom: 30 points – affected by admin surveillance and military registration

7. Luxembourg – 107 points

Luxembourg dropped in ranking due to others improving, not because of its own decline. It remains one of the most stable, reputable, and freedom-respecting EU nations.

Visa-free access: 176 countries

Taxation: 20 points – less flexible than Malta or Greece

Global perception: 50 points – extremely high

Dual citizenship: 50 points – allowed

Personal freedom: 50 points – high civil liberties and no conscription

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8. Finland – 107 points

Finland slipped from 4th to 7th despite a stable score. Its strengths include personal freedom, reputation, and a well-functioning democratic system.

Visa-free access: 176 countries

Taxation: 20 points – no global taxation, but less flexible

Global perception: 50 points – top scores for happiness and trust

Dual citizenship: 50 points – allowed

Personal freedom: 50 points – strong legal and civil liberties

9. Norway – 107 points

Norway retains a top-ten position with high marks for freedom and global image, though heavy taxation limits its tax flexibility score.

Visa-free access: 176 countries

Taxation: 20 points – less competitive due to high tax rates

Global perception: 50 points – excellent worldwide

Dual citizenship: 50 points – allowed

Personal freedom: 50 points – democratic rights, no conscription

10. United Arab Emirates – 106.5 points

The UAE dropped four places as tax policy changes reduced its competitiveness, despite excellent travel mobility.

Visa-free access: 179 countries

Taxation: 40 points – no personal taxes, but corporate taxes introduced

Global perception: 40 points – mixed, with some bias abroad

Dual citizenship: 20 points – still restricted

Personal freedom: 30 points – limited due to press controls and internet monitoring