The Nomad Passport Index 2025 is here, and for the first time, Ireland has clinched the top spot, overtaking long-time frontrunners like Switzerland and Greece. The ranking isn’t just about how many countries you can visit visa-free—it considers several other factors, including tax policies, personal freedoms, and the ability to hold dual citizenship. Here’s a breakdown of how the global passport race is shaping up this year.
Ireland’s Surge To The Top
In an impressive leap, Ireland has ascended to No. 1, a place it’s never held alone before. While it shared the top spot in 2020, this year marks its undisputed victory. The country’s strong international reputation, pro-business tax policies, and flexible citizenship rules played a key role in propelling it to the top, according to Nomad Capitalist researcher Javier Correa.
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“Ireland is setting the standard,” Correa explained. “It’s a powerful combination of economic stability and global mobility.” The country’s attractiveness lies in more than just travel—it’s about opportunities for second citizenship and the freedom to operate in the global economy.
What Makes A Passport “Strong”?
While most passport rankings focus on visa-free access, Nomad Capitalist takes a more comprehensive approach, evaluating passports across five categories:
- Visa-free Travel (50%): How many countries can you visit without a visa?
- Taxation (20%): How favorable are the tax policies for citizens living abroad or earning foreign income?
- Perception (10%): How are citizens viewed globally, based on factors like happiness and human development?
- Dual Citizenship (10%): How easily can citizens hold more than one passport?
- Personal Freedom (10%): How free are citizens from government overreach, military service, and press restrictions?
This multi-faceted approach offers a more nuanced view of what makes a passport truly valuable, factoring in the overall ease of living and moving across the world.
The Top Contenders
The 2025 index lists the countries with the “strongest” passports based on these factors, with European nations dominating the leaderboard. Ireland is followed closely by Switzerland and Greece, both of which also made significant gains in the ranking. The full top 10 looks like this:
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- Greece
- Portugal
- Malta
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Finland
- Norway
- United Arab Emirates
The Fall Of The UAE
After claiming the top spot in 2023, the UAE has dropped to 10th place in the 2025 rankings. The country’s recent introduction of new taxes has diminished its appeal among entrepreneurs and investors, with many now viewing it as less of a tax haven.
“The UAE’s policy shift hurt its reputation among global business leaders, especially after its tax-free status was eroded,” Nomad Capitalist noted.
The US: A Middle-of-the-Pack Player
Surprisingly, the United States ranks only 45th globally, tied with Brazil and just ahead of San Marino. Despite being a powerhouse in global economics and innovation, the US passport doesn’t score particularly well in areas like dual citizenship and taxation. The US’s strict tax laws, which require its citizens to file taxes regardless of where they live, contribute to this lower ranking.
The Weaker Passports
While the leaders stand out, the countries with the weakest passports are also notable. Afghanistan, Yemen, and Iraq round out the bottom of the list, where visa-free travel is limited, and citizens face significant international barriers.
- Afghanistan
- Yemen
- Eritrea
- Iraq
- Pakistan
- Syria
- Somalia
- North Korea
- Libya
- Palestinian Territories
Cyprus: Strong, But Not Top-Tier
Cyprus, ranked 26th, continues to perform well in key areas like dual citizenship, freedom, and favorable tax policies. With a passport score of 104.5, Cyprus stands out for its ease of travel—passport holders can visit 171 countries with minimal visa requirements. Cyprus also scores highly for dual citizenship, offering significant flexibility to its citizens. However, the country’s moderate performance in perception and taxation holds it back from reaching the top of the list.
Global Shifts: Greece And Beyond
Countries like Greece and Slovenia have seen notable rises in the rankings due to favorable tax reforms and increasing global trust. Greece’s rise to No. 2 reflects its growing attractiveness to high-net-worth individuals and retirees, while Slovenia’s climb signals broader shifts in EU-based rankings. On the flip side, countries like Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Germany saw declines, partly due to shifting policies and changing perceptions.
The Future Of Global Passports
As geopolitics, economic policies, and global mobility continue to evolve, passport rankings are likely to fluctuate. Countries that offer a combination of travel freedom, economic opportunity, and personal freedoms will continue to rise in the ranks, while those that restrict dual citizenship or impose heavy taxes could see their positions weaken.
