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 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.
The 10 Best Passports for 2020
1(T). SWEDEN
Nomad Passport Score: 114
Sweden previously ranked #2 on this Index, but has climbed its way to the very top thanks to visa-free travel to 186 countries, high level of personal freedom, and an excellent global reputation.
1(T). LUXEMBOURG
Nomad Passport Score: 114
Luxembourg is tied for first and maintains its place at the top of this list for the third year in a row, having climbed its way up from #10 just three 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 ex-pats living there, it recently became easier to naturalize as a citizen.
1(T). IRELAND
Nomad Passport Score: 114
Ireland offers one of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates, yet its passport’s visa scores are among the highest. Due to its opt-out from Europe’s Schengen Area, Irish passports have slightly lower visa-free scores than mainland EU countries, however the country’s excellent reputation makes traveling as an Irish citizen generally hassle-free.
4(T). SWITZERLAND
Nomad Passport Score: 113.5
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 two or three fewer countries than some of its neighbors, they are perhaps the most respected travelers around the world.
4(t). BELGIUM
Nomad Passport Score: 113.5
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.
THE BEST AND WORST PASSPORTS
RANKED, FROM #1 to #199
6(T). FINLAND
Nomad Passport Score: 113
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 188 countries, but more stringent tax policies for ex-pats reduced the country’s score.
6(T). PORTUGAL
Nomad Passport Score: 113
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.
8(T). Singapore
Nomad Passport Score: 112
Singapore has quickly become one of the worlds most important trade centers and has become a highly sought after place to live. With access to 190 countries, Singapore’s highly regarded passport is second only to Japan in this category.
8(T). czech republic
Nomad Passport Score: 112
Leaping four spots from last years index, the Czech Republic finds itself in the top ten for the first time ever. Since joining the EU in 2004, the Czech passport has only become stronger. It is now tied for 8th in travel freedom with access to 184 countries.
8(T). Malta
Nomad Passport Score: 112
Appearing on the Nomad Passport Index’s top ten for the first time ever, Malta offers its citizens an excellent reputation worldwide and has some favorable tax policies. Maltese passports also unlock visa-free travel to 184 countries.
DISCOVER THE BEST AND WORST PASSPORTS
BY THE NUMBERS
SWEDEN
The world’s best passport overall, with access to 186 countries
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
40TH
Rank of US Passport, due to global taxation of citizens
Japan
The best passport for traveling with access to 191 countries
NOMAD PASSPORT INDEX RESEARCH TEAM
