Travelling across borders has long captivated the human imagination, promising cultural immersion, adventurous pursuits, and a chance to see the world through a different lens. For many, however, visa regulations and entry requirements can complicate even the most carefully planned itineraries. That is precisely where a powerful passport comes into play, minimising bureaucratic hurdles and offering seamless global mobility.
Top 3 Ranking of the Most Powerful Passports in the World
In the first week of 2025, the Passport Index by Arton Capital, celebrating its 10th year of operation, updated its real-time passport ranking. The United Arab Emirates has triumphed for the fourth consecutive year, boasting a mobility score of 180 that grants its citizens easy access to over 90% of the world. Close on its heels, Spain climbed into second place due to its bilateral relations, while a multi-nation European cluster, including Finland, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Norway, Greece, and Ireland, share an impressive joint third place.
The 2025 edition of the Passport Index highlights Europe’s continued dominance in global passport power, with 19 of the top 20 passports coming from within its borders. Spain’s ascent, Finland’s surge ahead of other EU states, and France’s continued reign as one of the strongest G20 passport further illustrate Europe’s hold on the top ranks. The United Kingdom continues its steady decline, dropping from 22nd to 32nd since 2017.
The Passport Index’s methodology considers the passports issued by 193 United Nations member countries and 6 territories: ROC Taiwan, Macao (SAR China), Hong Kong (SAR China), Kosovo, the Palestinian Territory, and the Vatican; for a total of 199 different travel documents. The data provided is based on official information provided by governments.
A 3-tier method is applied to determine the passport ranking. This method includes the possibilities that a traveller may face when arriving in a foreign country, such as "visa-free" (no visa required), "visa on arrival", "eTA" (Electronic Travel Authorization), "pre-enrolment visa" and "eVisa" (if issued within 3 days), or if a visa is necessary; “visa required". The ranking is defined considering the visa-free portion of the country’s score vs the visa-on-arrival option. The United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index is used as a tiebreaker.
Complete Rank of the Top Global Passport Power in 2025
The Passport Index remains the sole real-time global ranking system that meticulously documents where and how one can travel visa-free or with minimal documentation. Its methodology factors grant the countries a comprehensive mobility scores, and the United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index (HDI) is used as a tiebreaker.
Below are the Top 3 Passports for 2025, according to the Passport Index:
United Arab Emirates
- Mobility Score: 180
- Notable for retaining its top spot four years running.
Spain
- Mobility Score: 179 (approx.)
- Surpassed Germany this year, reinforcing Europe's strong performance.
Finland, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Norway, Greece, Ireland
- Mobility Score: 178
- A remarkable 14-way tie for third place, underscoring the cohesive strength of European nations.
Rank: 1
United Arab Emirates180Rank: 2
Spain179Rank: 3
Finland178
France178
Germany178
Belgium178
Italy178
Denmark178
Netherlands178
Luxembourg178
Austria178
Portugal178
Switzerland178
Norway178
Greece178
Ireland178
Why Passport Strength Matters
A top-tier passport substantially enhances one’s travel freedom, influencing professional opportunities, lifestyle choices, and spontaneity. Frequent fliers can confirm that visa obligations either hamper or facilitate last-minute trips, multi-country itineraries, and cross-border networking. As remote work trends continue, the ability to hop between continents with minimal hassle has never been more appealing—or more critical to certain industries.
Portugal has the 3rd Most Powerful Passport in the World
Contrary to last year’s ranking, which placed Portugal 4th, the country now stands among the joint third-most powerful passports globally. This jump aligns with new developments in European visa agreements, allowing Portuguese citizens an expanded range of visa waivers and streamlined entry requirements.
According to the Passport Index, as of 3 January 2025, Portugal’s passport grants access to around 178 destinations. Specifically:
- Visa-Free: 131 countries welcome Portuguese nationals without a visa.
- eTA or Visa on Arrival: 47 require only minimal electronic authorisation or an on-arrival permit.
- Visa Required: only 20 destinations demand a standard visa application.
Meanwhile, EU membership confers unrestricted movement across 29 Schengen Area nations, enabling Portuguese citizens to live, work, and study throughout much of continental Europe. The synergy of these privileges' places Portugal firmly within the world’s most esteemed passport brackets.
Portugal’s success exemplifies how diplomatic ties and participation in multilateral treaties can elevate a passport’s stature. With Portugal’s famously welcoming stance—both to tourists and new residents—the strong passport ranking seems apt. Citizens enjoy the practical benefit of streamlined travel, from short weekend getaways to extended professional stays abroad.
The Residency by Investment Portuguese Visa Programmes
Although, the Portugal Golden Visa discontinued its real estate investment as an eligible pathway in October 2023, the programme remains active through selected investment channels, including a €500,000 Investment Funds option. The Golden Visa gives investors the possibility to invest into Portuguese companies, industry and hospitality in change for the countries residency visa.
Golden Visa Investment Funds Benefits
- Diversified Investment Portfolio: By investing in Portuguese-regulated funds, applicants can support multiple industries—such as technology, hospitality, and private equity—rather than committing to a single property.
- Streamlined Process: While due diligence and fund selection require professional guidance, the administrative steps are generally more straightforward than purchasing physical real estate, especially post-2024 reforms.
- Residency and Future Citizenship: Similar to other Golden Visa routes, successful applicants achieve Portuguese residency with minimal stay requirements and may apply for citizenship and a Portuguese Passport after the customary five-year period.
- Professional Management: The funds are managed by licensed experts, offering potential returns on top of the residency advantage. This structure also removes the day-to-day responsibilities of property upkeep.
Although real estate may no longer be part of the Golden Visa’s eligible list, the €500,000 Investment Funds route continues to facilitate foreign participation in Portugal’s dynamic sectors, paving the way for eventual EU citizenship.
Another visa programme available in Portugal is the D2 Visa. This particular path has gained traction as the new favourite among Residency by Investment solutions and appeals especially to entrepreneurs and small business owners aiming to establish themselves within Portugal’s stable, innovation-friendly environment.
D2 Visa Benefits
- Residency in 3 Months: Applicants typically receive Portuguese residency within 90 days, after fulfilling business-related requirements, faster than the traditional Golden Visa.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Portuguese law allows for citizenship applications after five years of valid residency. Thus, by mid-2030, successful D2 Visa holders could be travelling the world on a Portuguese passport.
- Flexible Investment Thresholds: While the Golden Visa demanded a significant real estate expenditure, the D2 Visa emphasises authentic business creation or investment, aligning better with active entrepreneurs.
Considering the EU’s fastest track to citizenship is around five years, Portugal’s Golden Visa and D2 Visa stands out as a dynamic route for those who seek not only an EU foothold but also the privileges of the 3rd strongest passport in 2025.
Moving Forward: 2025 and Beyond
As the Passport Index releases its 2025 findings, the world witnesses the UAE continue its reign in first place, Spain forging ahead to second, and a formidable European block—including Portugal—sharing the podium for the third spot. This reflects Europe’s enduring prominence in diplomatic relations and open-border policies.
For the travellers among us, a powerful passport is more than a statistic—it is an invitation to wander beyond familiar horizons. For those contemplating a move to Portugal, the time is ripe: the Golden Visa Funds option and the D2 Visa provides a pragmatic channel towards residency, culminating in EU citizenship after five years. With a Portuguese passport in hand, you stand to explore nearly 90% of the globe—effortlessly and without worry.
