Passport Index: Most desirable passports revealed in Nomad Capitalist ranking
The latest Passport Index from Nomad Capitalist has been released revealing the world’s most desirable passports.
Despite the UK returning to a blue passport - the desirability of our travel document has plummeted, according to new rankings. A new 'Passport Index' reveals the most desirable passports for entrepreneurs and investors.
Produced by Nomad Capitalist, the annual table ranks 199 citizenships on five factors: visa-free travel, taxation of citizens, global perception, dual citizenship, and personal freedom. The UK, according to the index, has dropped to 35th place - down from 21st in 2024.
Malta tops the table, while Greece, Romania, and Ireland share second, with the trio sharing some common positives - including top ratings for dual citizenship availability - while Greece scored highly for visa-free travel, Ireland for perception and freedom, and Romania for freedom. Cyprus completes the top five, with strong scores on dual citizenship and freedom.
The UK, however, was joint 35th alongside Canada and South Korea, with the research highlighting increased tax burdens which have "sharply reduced its appeal as a base for globally mobile wealth". In the freedom category, the UK scored 40 out of 50. The UK did, however, rank higher than the Donald Trump-led US, which sits in 43rd place, thanks largely to a citizenship-based taxation system.
Last year, Ireland topped the rankings, which have been produced since 2017, when Sweden was the top dog.
Top 10 overseas passports
The list of the top 10 overseas passports for entrepreneurs and investors according to Nomad Capitalist is:
- 1. Malta
- =2. Ireland
- =2. Greece
- =2. Romania
- 5. Cyprus
- =6. Bulgaria
- =6. Czech Republic
- =6. Italy
- =6. New Zealand
- =10. Hungary
- =10. United Arab Emirates
Khatia Gelbakhiani, chief growth officer at Nomad Capitalist, said: "What this year's Nomad Capitalist Passport Index makes clear is that global mobility is evolving far faster than most governments and most individuals realise.
"Malta's rise to the top in 2026 is no accident. It reflects years of consistent policy choices that prioritise tax clarity, respect for dual citizenship and strong personal freedoms, which are exactly the conditions globally mobile entrepreneurs and investors are looking for.
"By contrast, traditional powers such as the United Kingdom are slipping down the rankings. Policy decisions that reduce flexibility, increase uncertainty or penalise mobile capital inevitably show up in the data.
"Our research shows that people want predictability, control over their financial future and the freedom to move if circumstances change, and they will gravitate towards jurisdictions that provide it.
"The message in 2026 is simple. Multiple citizenship is no longer a luxury for the ultra-wealthy but a strategic necessity in an uncertain world. The most successful global citizens will go where they are treated best."