For the first time, Ireland holds the No. 1 position in the Nomad Passport Index 2025, surpassing other global passport powerhouses like Japan, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The ranking, conducted annually by Nomad Capitalist, assesses 199 countries and territories based on multiple factors beyond just visa-free travel. Unlike traditional passport rankings, which prioritize visa access, this index evaluates passports based on five key criteria that determine the overall quality of citizenship:
How the Rankings Are Calculated
- Visa-Free Travel (50%) – The number of countries a passport holder can visit without needing a visa.
- Taxation (20%) – The country’s tax policies for residents, especially expatriates.
- Global Perception (10%) – How the country is viewed internationally in terms of diplomacy, governance, and stability.
- Dual Citizenship (10%) – The ability of citizens to hold multiple nationalities.
- Personal Freedom (10%) – Includes factors such as press freedom, mandatory military service, and overall civil liberties.
According to Javier Correa, a research associate at Nomad Capitalist, Ireland’s business-friendly tax system, strong international reputation, and citizenship flexibility contributed to its rise to the top.
“Ireland shook up the rankings thanks to its strong international reputation, investor-friendly tax policies, and overall citizenship flexibility,” Correa told CNBC Travel.
This is the first time Ireland has taken the solo No. 1 spot, though it previously tied for first place in 2020 alongside Luxembourg and Sweden.
The 2025 Passport Ranking: Who Made the Top 10?
Top 10 Most Powerful Passports of 2025
According to the Nomad Passport Index, the following countries hold the strongest passports in the world:
- Ireland 🏆
- Switzerland (Tied)
- Greece (Tied)
- Luxembourg
- Sweden
- Finland
- Portugal
- Netherlands
- Malta
- United Arab Emirates & New Zealand (Tied)
Key Takeaways from the Rankings:
- European passports continue to dominate, holding nine out of the top 10 spots.
- Greece made a significant jump, rising from 6th place in 2024 to 2nd place in 2025, thanks to favorable tax reforms.
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) dropped from 1st place in 2023 to 10th place in 2025, mainly due to newly introduced tax policies that reduced its appeal for expatriates and global entrepreneurs.
For those looking to relocate, invest, or seek a second passport, these rankings offer insights into which countries provide the best overall citizenship benefits.
Countries That Saw Major Changes in 2025
Big Winners:
Greece Surges to No. 2
Greece jumped four spots from 6th in 2024 to 2nd in 2025 due to improved tax laws that favor expatriates, high-net-worth individuals, and retirees. The country is now attracting more foreign investors and digital nomads.
Spain & Slovenia Improve Rankings
Spain and Slovenia also climbed higher in the rankings, reflecting recent policy changes that enhance their tax environments and dual citizenship options.
New Zealand Maintains a Strong Position
New Zealand remains in the top 10, tied with the UAE, thanks to its stable government, strong passport reputation, and favorable taxation policies.
Big Losers:
UAE Drops from No. 1 (2023) to No. 10 (2025)
The UAE saw a sharp decline in its ranking after introducing corporate taxes in 2023 and tightening regulations on foreign business ownership. These changes diminished its appeal for expatriates and global entrepreneurs.
Germany, Netherlands, and Lithuania Slip Down
These countries moved down in rankings due to policy shifts in taxation and citizenship regulations, making them less favorable compared to their previous standings.
Why Japan and Singapore Rank Lower Than Expected
Japan and Singapore are often ranked as having the world’s most powerful passports in traditional indexes because of their visa-free access to over 190 countries. However, in the Nomad Passport Index, they rank significantly lower for the following reasons:
- Japan penalized for high taxes and restricted dual citizenship policies.
- Singapore ranks low in personal freedoms, with mandatory military service and strict press regulations.
For example:
- Singapore ranks 126 out of 180 in Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index (2024).
- Japan bans dual citizenship, limiting global mobility options for its citizens.
While these countries excel in visa-free travel, their rigid citizenship rules and domestic policies lower their overall rankings.
The Weakest Passports of 2025
At the bottom of the list, the world’s least powerful passports belong to countries facing travel restrictions, geopolitical instability, and limited personal freedoms.
Bottom 5 Passports in 2025:
- Pakistan
- Iraq
- Eritrea
- Yemen
- Afghanistan
Citizens of these countries face severe travel restrictions, weak global perception, and limited civil liberties, making their passports the least desirable in the world.
Final Thoughts: What This Means for Travelers and Investors
The 2025 Nomad Passport Index highlights how passports offer more than just visa-free travel. As taxation, global reputation, and personal freedoms become more critical, Ireland’s rise to No. 1 reflects a shift in what makes a passport truly valuable.
For travelers, expatriates, and investors, these rankings provide a broader perspective on which countries offer the best overall quality of citizenship.
As global policies continue to evolve, will Ireland maintain its top spot in 2026? Or will another country rise to claim the title of the world’s most powerful passport?
