KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant update to global passport rankings, Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025 has revealed that Ireland now holds the top position for the most powerful passport in the world. This marks the first time Ireland has achieved this rank. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to hold its position among the weakest passports globally.

The Nomad Capitalist Passport Index evaluates the strength of passports based on several factors, including visa-free travel access, tax policies, and the international reputation of a country. India’s passport, which had previously enjoyed a relatively strong position, has seen a decline in its ranking this year.

How is Passport Strength Ranked?

Unlike traditional passport rankings that only consider visa-free travel access, Nomad Capitalist evaluates passports based on several key factors that determine overall “passport strength.” Their unique methodology incorporates the following five major factors:

1. Visa-Free Travel (50%): The ease with which a passport holder can travel to other countries without requiring a visa.

2. Tax System (20%): The country’s tax policies, which impact its citizens’ ability to retain wealth.

3. Global Reputation (10%): The international image of a country.

4. Dual Citizenship Options (10%): The flexibility a country offers in terms of holding dual or multiple citizenships.

5. Personal Freedom (10%): How free the citizens of a country are, both domestically and internationally.

Using these criteria, the strength of passports is evaluated every year. This provides a comprehensive view of the passport’s value, taking into account mobility, financial flexibility, and global perception.

Ranking Methodology

The Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025 analyzed passports from 199 countries based on real-time intelligence and government data. The ranking is based on a mobility score, which measures the ease with which individuals holding a passport can travel. This includes considerations like:

• Visa-Free Travel

• Visa-on-Arrival Access

• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

• E-Visa Availability

Countries with favorable tax systems (including tax rates, international banking flexibility, and financial transparency) also receive higher scores. Each country’s ranking is thus determined through a detailed evaluation that measures the freedom and opportunities provided to its citizens in various global contexts.

Ireland’s Passport Rises to the Top

For the first time, Ireland has claimed the top spot in the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025. With a Nomad Passport Score of 109, Ireland surpassed Switzerland, which had held the top position last year. In 2020, Ireland shared the first rank with Luxembourg and Sweden, but this year it regained its place at the top.

Javier Correa, a research associate at Nomad Capitalist, attributed Ireland’s rise to three main factors:

1. Strong International Reputation: Ireland is widely seen as a stable and prosperous country, which is essential for its global standing.

2. Pro-Business Tax Policies: Ireland’s favorable tax rates for businesses make it an attractive destination for international entrepreneurs.

3. Flexible Citizenship Policies: The country’s relatively relaxed approach to dual citizenship has also contributed to its growing appeal.

Ireland’s passport provides significant advantages, including the ability for Irish citizens to live and work freely across the European Union and the United Kingdom, contributing significantly to its ranking as the world’s most powerful passport.

Top 10 Strongest Passports in 2025

According to the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025, the top 10 strongest passports are:

1. Ireland

2. Switzerland

3. Greece

4. Portugal

5. Malta

6. Italy

7. Luxembourg

8. Finland

9. Norway

10. United Arab Emirates (UAE), New Zealand, and Iceland (tied for 10th)

These countries stand out due to the strong freedom they offer their citizens, especially in terms of visa-free travel, favorable tax policies, and high levels of international freedom. Citizens of these countries enjoy an enhanced quality of life, with better access to global markets and opportunities.

Pakistan’s Passport Remains Among the Weakest

While Ireland celebrated its rise, Pakistan’s passport remains firmly placed among the weakest in the world. The Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025 ranked Pakistan’s passport in the bottom five, alongside Iraq, Eritrea, Yemen, and Afghanistan. Pakistan’s passport score remains dismal, reflecting limited mobility options for its citizens.

Countries like Pakistan are often restricted by stringent visa requirements, and their citizens face numerous barriers when attempting to travel internationally. For countries with weak passports, acquiring a second or more powerful passport often becomes a significant concern for those seeking global mobility.

India’s Passport Ranking: A Decline

India’s passport has also witnessed a decline in its global standing. The Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025 ranked India at 148th position, sharing the spot with the Comoros Islands. India received a total of 47.5 points, which reflects a notable drop from its position last year.

India’s passport score breakdown is as follows:

• Tax System: 20 points

• Global Reputation: 20 points

• Dual Citizenship: 20 points

• Personal Freedom: 20 points

This year, India’s ranking dropped slightly from 147th place, where it shared a position with Mozambique in 2024. Furthermore, India’s position also fell in the Henley Passport Index, moving from 80th to 85th place. The Henley Passport Index primarily focuses on visa-free access, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Implications of Passport Ranking Decline for India

India’s declining passport ranking is a matter of concern for both its citizens and the country’s international image. A weaker passport means greater travel restrictions for Indian citizens, affecting tourism, business travel, and global mobility. Additionally, it may lead to fewer opportunities for dual citizenship, limiting Indians who want to explore alternative citizenships or secure global business options.

The drop in India’s position also raises questions about the effectiveness of the country’s visa and immigration policies, which need to be reassessed to improve citizens’ ability to travel freely and secure more favorable international standing.

Impact on International Relations and Travel Policies

India’s passport ranking also indicates how global relations and perceptions shape the freedom of movement for a country’s citizens. Countries with stronger passports benefit not only from easier travel but also from better trade and diplomatic relationships. The ability to travel freely to a broader range of countries enables citizens of high-ranking nations to pursue more business and personal opportunities globally.

For India, improving its passport ranking would require addressing factors such as tax systems, the perception of its international standing, and creating more flexible policies for citizens who wish to hold dual or multiple citizenships.

The Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025 has revealed some surprising changes in the global passport rankings. Ireland has emerged as the world’s most powerful passport for the first time, surpassing long-standing leaders like Switzerland. Meanwhile, India’s passport, once considered relatively strong, has seen a decline, raising concerns over the country’s global mobility prospects.

For Pakistan, the situation remains largely unchanged, with its passport continuing to rank as one of the weakest globally. As passport rankings directly affect the freedom of movement, it is clear that countries like India must take proactive steps to improve their diplomatic, economic, and immigration policies if they wish to regain a higher standing.

The year 2025’s passport rankings remind us of the dynamic nature of global geopolitics and the factors that influence a country’s ability to secure its place on the global stage. The rankings are not only a reflection of a country’s visa policies but also its overall reputation, tax strategies, and approach to citizens’ personal freedom.