THE NOMAD PASSPORT INDEX RANKS 199 CITIZENSHIPS ON FIVE FACTORS, FOR A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CITIZEN.
It is designed to highlight the best citizenships in the world on the basis of not just visa-free travel, but also international taxation laws, global perception, dual citizenship, and personal freedom.
The Nomad Passport Index was developed by Nomad Capitalist, the world’s most visible boutique consulting firm serving high-net-worth entrepreneurs and emerging affluent global citizens.
The Index was designed to speak to the specific needs of aspiring global citizens in a world where global mobility is increasing, yet wealth preservation and personal freedom are increasingly elusive.
Many passports have seen diminished visa-free travel due to COVID-19, as passports’ scores fluctuate the importance of multiple citizenships is all the more important. However, we have more importantly ranked the effects of COVID-19 on taxation and freedom for citizens.
The 10 Best Passports for 2022
1. LUXEMBOURG
Nomad Passport Score: 115.5
Luxembourg has secured its first-place position. It has maintained its place at the top of this list for the fifth year in a row, having climbed its way up from #10 just five years ago. Luxembourg’s small size not only grants its citizens high levels of freedom but excellent passport perception as a country that bothers no one. And fortunately for expats living there, it recently became easier to naturalize as a citizen.
2. SWEDEN
Nomad Passport Score: 115
Sweden has long been a country at the top of this list. This year it is tied as the 2nd best passport thanks to a high level of personal freedom and an excellent global reputation.
3. IRELAND
Nomad Passport Score: 114.5
Ireland offers one of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates, yet its passport’s visa scores are among the highest. The country’s excellent reputation makes traveling as an Irish citizen generally hassle-free.
4(t). BELGIUM
Nomad Passport Score: 114
Located at the crossroads of Europe, Belgium has one of the world’s most respected passports. In addition to being the home of the European Union, Belgium is home to high levels of personal freedom and transparency. Taxes in Belgium are high and loopholes have been tightened, but the tax system is still simple enough for expats.
4(T). SWITZERLAND
Nomad Passport Score: 114
Swiss citizens enjoy high levels of liberties and privacy. In fact, Switzerland is one of only two non-EU countries to make the top ten. While a Swiss passport enjoys travel to three or four fewer countries than some of its neighbors, they are perhaps the most respected travelers around the world.
THE BEST AND WORST PASSPORTS
RANKED, FROM #1 to #199
6(T). FINLAND
Nomad Passport Score: 113.5
Northern Europe is home to some of the world’s best passports, and Finland is no exception. Despite previously being rated #1 just a few years ago, a Finnish passport still offers visa-free travel to a large number of countries, but more stringent tax policies for expats reduced the country’s score.
6(T). PORTUGAL
Nomad Passport Score: 113.5
Portugal is an open country that enjoys one of Europe’s best passports. Portuguese citizens are also highly welcome around the world, enjoying visa-free travel to countries like South Africa that other European Union citizens don’t. Portugal is welcoming of expats, with a popular Golden Visa program and tax exemption program.
6(T). Czech Republic
Nomad Passport Score: 113.5
Also maintaining a top 10 spot for three years in a row, the Czech Republic finds itself again tied at #6. Since joining the EU in 2004, the Czech passport has only become stronger. Its passport offers great travel freedom.
9(T). Netherlands
Nomad Passport Score: 113
The Netherlands maintains a top 10 spot for the second year in a row. The Netherlands has a great location in the EU and an excellent passport perception.
9(T). Singapore
Nomad Passport Score: 113
Singapore makes the top 10 for the third year in a row. It has quickly become one of the world’s most important trade centers and has become a highly sought-after place to live.
DISCOVER THE BEST AND WORST PASSPORTS
BY THE NUMBERS
LUXEMBOURG
The world’s best passport overall
Afghanistan
The world’s worst passport, with access to 26 countries
eight
of the Top Ten passports are European Union countries
Nine
of the Top Ten passports are located in Europe
41ST
The United States passport rises from 42nd place to the 41st.
Japan
The best passport for traveling, fourth year in a row, with access to 192 countries
MEET THE NOMAD PASSPORT INDEX RESEARCH TEAM
Nomad Capitalist has more than 30 team members worldwide who conduct research, create the strategy, implement client plans in our efforts to remain the most sought-after firm for high-level global citizens.
Andrew Henderson
Managing Partner
Jovana Vojinović
Director of Operations
Maha Jammoul
Marketing Project Manager