The best passports to own in 2023 – where is yours on the list of countries?

The best passports for 2023 have been revealed in a new global index.

Although Luxembourg has been considered the country with the most powerful passport for the past two years in a row, this year’s highest ranking visa may come as a surprise.

Out of 199 countries in the list – compiled by offshore consultancy Nomadic capitalist – the United Arab Emirates took first place for 2023.

All countries were ranked according to five criteria: visa-free travel options, taxation of citizens, opportunities for dual nationality, perception and personal freedom.

So, here’s which countries made the top ten…

Blue UK passports replaced red ones in the UK in 2020. This year the UK has slipped in the passport rankings, dropping to 30th place (File image)

The UAE took first place this year with a total of 110.50 across 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 risen on the list because it offers visa-free travel privileges to most places – 181 in all -, no income tax, and an ever-increasing presence on the world stage.

These factors, among many others, make it an attractive place for aspiring citizens of the world.

No other Middle Eastern passports appear in the top 20.

Luxembourg dropped to second place, while Switzerland and Ireland came in third and fourth respectively.

Ireland was fourth on the list along with Portugal, as it was praised for its low corporate tax rates.

However, the United Kingdom has dropped in the ranking. Last year it was 26th with a total score of 109.50.

But this year it’s dropped even further – it’s now in 30th place. The country scored a total of only 102.50, 30 points for taxes, 20 for perception, 50 for dual citizenship and only 30 for freedom.

Nevertheless, the UK remains ahead of both Australia and the US, which rank 38th and 43rd respectively.

And while the British Passport is still among the best in the world, it is unlikely to regain a spot in the top 10.

Last on the list was Afghanistan, with only 26.50 points. Last year it was also in last place, as it was in 2021.

The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, 20 years after their ouster by US forces.