Holding one of the most powerful passports in the world is synonymous with the freedom to travel freedom to travel to countless destinations without the need for visas, which makes it easier and more likely to have new experiences.
There are many geopolitical variables that influence the power of a country’s passport, but we are not here to go into those details today. Let’s focus on the most up-to-date ranking of the countries with the most powerful passports in the world and see if it’s possible to obtain any of them for length of residence, even if you’re not a native of the country.
1. Singapore
With access to no less than 192 destinations without the slightest need for a prior visa, the Singapore passport is the leader of our ranking. To obtain Singaporean citizenship, you must have resided in the country for a minimum of two years.
2. Germany, Italy, and Spain
These three European passports allow visa-free entry to an impressive 190 destinations. But obtaining such a passport is not so simple. Germany requires eight years of residence to obtain citizenship and a long course of adaptation to the country and culture; Italy and Spain require ten years, but the latter can shorten the period in specific cases.
3. Luxembourg, Japan, Austria, Finland, France, South Korea and Sweden
This is what we can call a weighty group. The passports of these seven countries open the doors to 189 destinations without the need for a visa. Luxembourg stands out for being at the top of the ranking of countries with the highest salaries in the world. In Japan, Sweden and Finland, five years’ residence is required to apply for citizenship. In France, the general rule is also five years, but the period can be reduced to two years in special circumstances.
4. Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark and the United Kingdom
With a passport from these countries, you can enter an incredible 188 destinations without applying for a visa first. In the United Kingdom and Denmark, the required residence time is five years, while in Ireland, one of the countries that most hire Brazilians, it is necessary to live nine years.
5. Portugal, Belgium, Czech Republic, Malta, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland
These seven countries offer visa-free entry to 187 destinations. But we cannot deny the prominence that Portugal has with Brazilian immigrants, after all, the language, the large Brazilian population living there, and the bilateral agreements between Portugal and Brazil encourage many Brazilians to immigrate. But not only Brazilian immigrants live in Portugal, the low cost of living and the mild climate attract immigrants from other countries to live in the Lusitanian country, mainly for retirement. In this country, for example, it is necessary to reside legally for 5 years to obtain Portuguese citizenship and be able to apply for a Portuguese visa.
6. Australia, Hungary, and Poland
Passport holders from these countries can visit 186 destinations without the need for a visa. Australia, which is one of the most sought-after immigration destinations in the world, and one of the best countries for student exchange, requires a four-year residency period to provide citizenship to the applicant.
7. Canada and Greece
Canadá, one of the biggest darlings when it comes to immigration, and Greece, which is not so valued, have access to 185 destinations. Canada requires three years of residence, while Greece asks for seven years.
8. United States and Lithuania
What may surprise many is the fact that the United States, one of the best countries to work and have greater purchasing power, is not at the top of this list, matching even Lithuania, a little known and visited country. Both have access to 184 countries without the need for a prior visa. In the United States, after five years of permanent residence, you can apply for citizenship. In Lithuania, the process is a little more complex, taking into account factors such as your ethnic origin and the time you have lived in the country, but in general five years of residence is requested.
9. Latvia, Slovakia and Slovenia
This underrated trio has access to 183 destinations without a visa. However, Latvia, Slovakia and Slovenia require different lengths of residence to obtain your passport. In Latvia and Slovenia, you’ll need to reside for at least five years to apply for citizenship. Slovakia, on the other hand, requires eight years of residence before you can apply.
10. Estonia and Iceland
Closing our list, Estonia and Iceland offer access to 182 destinations without the need for a visa. Both are highly sought after by immigrants. Estonia, being one of the least bureaucratic countries in the world undo and very easy to open a business, has been much sought after by digital nomads. Iceland, a little more isolated from the world, is not left behind, being the country with the greatest gender equality in the world and also the safest country in the world in 2023. In Iceland, the residency requirements for citizenship are seven years. While in Estonia, the time required is five years of permanent residence.
We remind you that the rules for obtaining citizenship by residence may vary according to various circumstances, such as marriage, descent, refuge, among others. Therefore, it is always important to consult local authorities or immigration experts to clarify all doubts.
Getting a powerful passport can be a long-term process, but the freedom to travel to various destinations is a priceless reward. See also: the most visited cities in the world.
