Global Passport Index: Europe’s Passport Dominance Explained

The Global Intelligence Unit at Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) has published the 2025 Global Passport Index, and European passports dominate the list. Many of the top positions are held by larger European countries, but this year, all eyes are on smaller nations like Estonia and Croatia, as they made significant jumps on the index.  

Estonia rose 16 places and Croatia climbed 7. These rises are not random, but they reflect strategic policies that prove that there is a deeper shift in what makes a passport valuable. As Laura Madrid, the research lead at the GCS Global Intelligence Unit points out:  

“Estonia’s rise reflects sustained investment in technology and agile residency pathways that attract global talent, while Croatia’s jump stems from integration milestones like joining the euro area and Schengen,” said, Laura Madrid, the research lead at the GCS Global Intelligence Unit. “Both countries show how digital innovation and strategic openness can rapidly strengthen a nation’s global standing in the Global Passport Index,” she added.  

The Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index goes beyond how far a passport gets you. The research behind it is designed to show that a passport is more than just a travel document, it looks at the investment opportunities, quality of life, and enhanced mobility that a passport unlocks. 

In Europe, there are several countries worth mentioning, like the four Nordic nations, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway which rank among the global top ten.  

Their ongoing investment in education, research, and clean energy has helped them build strong, innovative economies with a great quality of life. As members of the European Union, most also benefit from visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and many other countries, which adds to the strength of their passports. 

Sweden leads the world for the second year in a row with an impressive score of 96.8, showing exceptional performance not just in mobility, but also in quality of life and innovation. 

Switzerland and Ireland also rank among the strongest passports in the world, and for good reason. Switzerland’s stability, strong economy, and focus on innovation make it highly competitive, and it has attracted investors through programs like the Swiss Residence Permit by Lump-Sum Taxation. 

Ireland, now ranked 7th, shows how smaller countries can achieve major global influence by staying open to international business and maintaining clear, reliable policies. 

As Laura points out there’s a reason behind consistency of these countries,  

“European countries continue to lead because they combine openness with stability. Strong institutions, social trust, and coordinated regional frameworks like the EU and Schengen make mobility, investment, and quality of life mutually reinforcing.”  

While Europe’s traditional leaders remain at the top, smaller countries are also rising on the Global Passport Index, such as Estonia and Croatia. Their rise demonstrates how effective policies, sound governance, and innovation can directly enhance a passport’s value.  

Estonia (+16): Becoming a digital powerhouse  

Estonia’s big jump in the rankings comes from years of focusing on digital progress. The country has built one of the world’s most advanced e-governance systems, along with a strong digital identity program and an innovative tech scene. Its e-residency program and major investment in cybersecurity have helped build global trust and mobility.  

Estonia proves that investing in education, research, and technology can turn digital progress into real global influence.  

Croatia (+7): Rising in Europe 

As Laura highlighted, Croatia has been steadily emerging from and shadows, which is partly because of its closer ties with the EU, the adoption of the Euro in 2023, and stronger institutions.  

The country’s growing startup scene and full access to the Schengen Area have also made it more attractive for business and travel. Croatia’s progress paints a clear picture of how innovation, openness, and better governance can quickly strengthen a country’s global reputation and passport power. 

The GPI emphasizes that a passport today is more than a travel document, but a strategic asset. Europe’s dominance shows how strong institutions, innovation, and quality of life directly translate into the real value of citizenship. 

“A passport today is more than a travel document; it’s a gateway to opportunity and, for many, a strategic Plan B,” says Laura. “By evaluating mobility, investment potential, and quality of life, our GPI shows how citizenship enables individuals not just to move freely, but to live well and invest in stable, forward-looking environments.”