Portuguese passport ranked as one of the best in the world

The Portuguese passport reaffirms its strength in 2025, maintaining its position at the top of the Global Passport Ranking, as published in the Henley Global Mobility Report 2025 Q1. It now occupies the 4th position, allowing visa-free entry to 188 countries, underscoring the importance of this document for international mobility. Although Portugal has slightly fallen compared to the previous ranking, the passport remains one of the most valuable for global travel.

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Why is the Portuguese Passport one of the best in the world?

The global ranking, updated in January 2025, is organized according to the number of countries citizens can visit without the need for a visa. A visa is a conditional authorization granted by a country to a foreigner, allowing them to enter, stay, or leave that country. The greater the freedom of movement, the more valuable the passport is.

Portugal, once again, ranks among the best on the list, occupying the fourth position, with one of the most powerful passports for travel in 2025, granting access to 188 countries. This list includes countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, which only require electronic authorizations (ESTA and eTA).

The power of the Portuguese passport and its freedom of visa-free travel are due to several factors that place Portugal among the best: the country is a member of the Schengen Area, part of the European Union, and maintains stable and long-standing diplomatic relations with many countries worldwide.

Find out about all the visas available for those who want to live in Portugal

How is the passport ranking developed?

The Henley Global Mobility Report evaluates the world’s most influential passports every quarter, based on data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Each passport is given a score of 1 if the holder does not need a visa or can obtain a visa on arrival or an electronic travel authorization. If a visa or government approval is required before departure, the score is 0. The ranking is determined by the total number of destinations a passport allows access to without a visa.

The ranking covers 199 passports and 227 international destinations. It considers geopolitical factors and global issues such as climate change, diversified citizenship, and international crises. The analysis, conducted by academics and experts, also takes into account reciprocity in access to other countries.

Which are the best passports in the world?

In January 2025, Singapore led the global ranking, with visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea, tied in 2nd place, with access to 190 countries.

The 3rd position is held by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, all with access to 189 destinations.

Portugal, occupying the 4th position, shares the ranking with countries such as Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Greece, New Zealand, and Switzerland, allowing access to 187 countries. Despite slight variations in the annual data, the Portuguese passport remains at the top, reflecting its power of global mobility.

Meanwhile, the U.S. passport dropped another spot to 9th place—behind Canada, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Malta (all in 7th place)—granting U.S. citizens visa-free travel to 183 countries.

Brazil’s passport ranks 17th

Among Latin American countries, Chile leads in 14th place, with freedom of movement to 175 countries for its citizens.

Right behind are Argentina and Brazil, tied in 17th place (169 countries).

What are the worst passports in the world?

The last positions on the list include territories in Asia, Africa, and, especially, the Middle East. Afghanistan is at the bottom of the list, ranking 99th, with a passport allowing free entry to only 25 countries. Among the ten worst passports are also those from North Korea (40 visa-free countries), Nepal (38), Pakistan (32), and Syria (27).

The decline of the American passport

In 2014, the American passport was the most powerful in the world. Since then, it has been declining every year, now ranking 9th, the lowest since then. This occurred over a decade, spanning different administrations and events such as the pandemic and the slow recovery of international travel. The decline in the power of the American passport is mainly due to the very slow growth in visa-free access to other countries. While other nations, like Singapore, have significantly expanded their travel options, the United States has added only 13 countries in a decade. This is partly due to a lack of visa reciprocity, as evidenced by the loss of visa-free access to Brazil.

Additionally, long wait times for U.S. visas have affected tourism and the economy. While Canada actively expands its access to migrants and international visitors, the U.S. risks continuing to fall in the ranking, which could have significant economic implications.

Read also: Who can travel to the United States without a visa?

Mobility between countries has increased

In the first edition of the survey in 2006, the global average of countries citizens could visit without visas was 57. In 2025, that number is nearly double. Progress in mobility occurs mainly in Europe, North America, and more powerful Asian countries.

However, the disparity between leading countries and the less favored ones is greater than ever. For example, Singapore, in first place, surpasses Afghanistan by 168 destinations. The report reveals that only 6% of passports worldwide grant their holders visa-free access to over 70% of the global economy.

The Henley Global Mobility Report emphasizes the crucial importance of passport power and visa-free access for driving economic development. Facilitating the free movement of people and capital across international borders encourages investment and the flow of talent to where it is most needed, yielding the highest return.

What is the advantage of having a strong passport?

Strong passports not only benefit citizens with greater financial freedom and travel opportunities but also make countries more attractive to foreign investors seeking residence or citizenship. By implementing effective investment migration programs, nations can strengthen their position on the global stage, attract investments, reduce public debt, and fund social and infrastructure projects for the benefit of their citizens.

For global citizens and international entrepreneurs, having a powerful passport means greater economic mobility and more business opportunities.

How can I have a Portuguese passport?

One of the most accessible ways to obtain a Portuguese passport is through the Golden Visa Portugal, an investment program that grants residency to foreigners and allows them to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years. With a minimum investment starting at €250,000, you can obtain residency without needing to live in Portugal, requiring only a minimum stay of seven days per year in the country.

Additionally, by becoming a tax resident in Portugal, you can benefit from tax exemptions on dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains abroad through the new NHR 2.0 tax regime. This is a unique opportunity for those seeking both global mobility and financial advantages.

Obtain your Portuguese citizenship and get the Portuguese passport, one of the most powerful passports in the world. Schedule an appointment with one of our consultants.