What are the best passports for a plan B in 2025?

Why this story matters: With the U.S. election results fresh on our minds, alongside global conflicts and economic shifts, the value of a flexible lifestyle and a Plan B has never been more apparent. Our Global Passport Index empowers individuals to make informed decisions about where they live, invest, and thrive. Here's why a Plan B strategy should be on your radar, how our Index can help, and what the data reveals about the most resilient countries worldwide.??

Having a "Plan B" has never been more important in today's unpredictable world. For many people, this isn't just about finding a new job or moving abroad – it's about securing a second citizenship as a safety net in case unexpected changes crop up in their home country. This idea of a backup plan is taking flight, especially among those looking for more permanent solutions for themselves and their families. We've crafted a unique tool that helps you understand where to go next.??

Why the need for a Plan B is only getting bigger ??

We're seeing it all – COVID-19, wars on multiple continents- widespread social, political, and economic strains are stopping people in their tracks. Where is it safe? What's increasingly evident is that citizens are not just looking for backup plans to move freely across borders; they are ensuring a stable future for their children, even if it means relocating.???

?Getting a residence permit or citizenship by investment may open the door to a new country, but the real journey begins once you're inside. It's about laying down roots, contributing through your investments and spending, and becoming part of a community. Recognising this, we've developed our own Global Passport Index (GPI) – a tool allowing you to see the best countries for mobility, investment, and lifestyle.????

Our Global Passport Index comes into the picture??

Our GPI responds to a new era of strategic global mobility. It's more than a ranking of passports; it's a tool for those who think ahead and invest in securing flexible, long-term options. ??

But what makes our Index tick differently? Global Citizen Solutions' Managing Director, Patricia Casaburi , describes it best:??

"We know that programs like second residence, golden visas, and citizenship have become more and more relevant every day with all the global turmoil in different countries, whether related to politics, environmental changes, or other factors. People are actually looking for a plan B for their lives. In that context, I think it's very important to have a tool like this when making important decisions and looking for new opportunities—whether for relocation, business, family, or healthcare. Depending on your goals, having a tool like this is incredibly valuable in that context."??

Most passport rankings traditionally focus on visa-free travel. While that's a core mobility component, our Global Passport Index incorporates three extra dimensions.???

• Enhanced Mobility- Beyond counting visa-free destinations, we assess the quality of those destinations. We answer all the big questions, such as what passports unlock access to global economic hubs like the EU or the U.S.??
• Quality of Life: When relocating, quality of life is a key consideration. This Index looks at factors like healthcare, education, cost of living, and even community acceptance of migrants. The result? You'll be able to see which countries are the most livable.???
• Investment Opportunities: This dimension looks at what countries offer the best environment for business and wealth management, such as tax efficiency, innovation-friendly policies, and favourable regulatory frameworks.???

?The lead researcher who spearheaded the project, Laura Madrid Sartoretto, PhD , explains how the data came about.??

"We identified 15 key indicators and analysed over 5,000 data points to create the Global Passport Index. We incorporated two additional dimensions to the mobility dimension. The first was quality of living, and last but not least, we added the investment dimension. So, people who want to learn more about relocating to other countries can use GPI. And, of course, people who want to check the strength of their passports or if their passport is accepted in a country they wish to travel to can also use this tool."??

In this context, GPI is a helpful guide for those wanting to make an important decision concerning their mobility and are looking for a new opportunity for their lives, relocation, making business, their families, and healthcare. Depending on the goals, users can filter through different indexes and compare passport scores of different countries.??

Europe dominates while emerging economies show promise ?

As the third edition of our GPI, we can see how nations’ rankings have evolved over the years.?

?In 2024, Europe clearly holds its ground as the strongest region in passport strength, which isn't surprising given its appealing quality of life benefits, open borders within the Schengen area, and stable economies. ?

In Northern Europe, Sweden, Denmark, and Ireland ranked highly for mobility, quality of life, and investment potential. Their well-regulated economies and sturdy welfare systems make them top choices for those searching for stability.???

Interestingly, Asia is also emerging as a strategic powerhouse, with Singapore leading in investment. Estonia, known for its digital nomad visa and tech-savvy policies, is climbing the ranks due to its investment in innovation, making it attractive for entrepreneurs in tech and finance. On the other hand, the U.S., affected by rising living costs and decreased stability in quality-of-life measures, dropped out of the top ten for the first time, with Canada following suit.

How to use our Index in your Plan B strategy??

The Global Passport Index is a free resource available on our website, designed to help you navigate your options for a Plan B. Here's how you can make the most of it:??

Explore by dimension: Are you focused on business expansion? Dive into our investment index to identify countries with favourable tax environments and pro-business policies. Or, if family considerations are essential, the Quality of Life Index highlights nations with top-tier healthcare and education.??

Compare passport strengths: For those who already hold multiple citizenships, our comparison tool allows a side-by-side evaluation of passports to see which offers the best mobility, life quality, and investment options.??

As global events unfold, so does our passport ranking. Our team continually updates the Index to reflect shifts in geopolitics, regulations, and economic conditions, ensuring you have only the freshest insights.? Visit our site today to explore the full ranking and discover how a Plan B strategy can open doors to new markets, safer living environments, and endless opportunities.?

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