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.
Many passports have seen diminished visa-free travel due to COVID-19, as passports score fluctuates 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 2021
1. LUXEMBOURG
Nomad Passport Score: 115
Luxembourg has secured its first-place position. It has maintained its place at the top of this list for the fourth year in a row, having climbed its way up from #10 just four 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.
2(T). SWEDEN
Nomad Passport Score: 114
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.
2(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. 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 a large number of 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). Netherlands
Nomad Passport Score: 112
The Netherlands makes the top 10 this year, climbing to 8th place, up from 16th place last year. This is thanks to the Netherlands now granting dual citizenship in some cases. It has a great location in the EU and excellent passport perception.
8(T). Singapore
Nomad Passport Score: 112
Singapore makes the top 10 for the second 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.
8(T). Czech Republic
Nomad Passport Score: 112
Also maintaining a top 10 spot for two years in a row, the Czech Republic finds itself again tied at #8. Since joining the EU in 2004, the Czech passport has only become stronger. Its passport offers great travel freedom.
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
42ND
The United States passport continues to drop from 40th to 42nd place
Japan
The best passport for traveling, third year in a row, with access to 191 countries
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