The best passports to own in 2023 – where is YOURS on the list of nations?
- Here’s how 199 countries ranked – from most powerful passport to weakest passport
- This year no1. will come as a surprise, since Luxembourg has held it two years in a row
The best passports to hold in 2023 have been revealed in a new global index.
While Luxembourg was considered the country with the most powerful passport for the past two consecutive years, this year’s top-ranked visa may come as a surprise.
Of the 199 nations on the list – compiled by an offshore consultancy firm nomadic capitalist – the United Arab Emirates took first place for 2023.
All countries were ranked according to five criteria: possibilities of visa-free travel, taxation of citizens, possibilities of dual nationality, perception and personal freedom.
So, here are which countries made it into the top ten…
Blue British passports have replaced red ones in the UK in 2020. This year the UK has fallen in its passport rankings, falling to 30th place (file image)
The UAE took first place this year, with a total of 110.50 in all five categories. But the country only entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking 35th in 2022 and 38th in 2021.
The Emirati passport has jumped up the list as it offers visa-free travel privileges to most places – 181 in total – no income tax and an ever-growing presence on the world stage.
These factors, among many others, make it an attractive place for budding global citizens.
No other Middle Eastern passports appear in the top 20.
Luxembourg fell to second place, while Switzerland and Ireland were third and fourth respectively.
Ireland was ranked fourth on the list alongside Portugal, as it was praised for its low corporate tax rates.
The United Kingdom, however, fell in its ranking. Last year he was 26th with a total score of 109.50.
But this year it has fallen again – as it now sits at 30th. The country only scored 102.50 points in total, 30 points for taxation, 20 for collection, 50 for dual nationality and only 30 for freedom.
Nevertheless, the United Kingdom remains ahead of Australia and the United States, which rank 38th and 43rd respectively.
And although the British passport is still ranked among the best in the world, we are unlikely to see it regain a place in the top 10.
Last on the list was Afghanistan, with just 26.50 points. Last year it was also in last place, just like in 2021.
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, twenty years after their ousting by American troops.
