All passports are not the same. Some give you significantly more power to travel where you please than others. This is useful information for several reasons. You should want to know how much freedom your own country provides in this regard. If you’re considering the possibility of becoming an expatriate, you’ll also want to know the advantages of obtaining different passports.
The following are the 10 most powerful passports in the world.
Finland
With a passport from Finland, you can visit 143 countries without a visa. Finland is part of the EU, so this passport gives you access to all other countries in the European Union. This status also gives you many rights pertaining to working and residing within the EU. People under the age of 30 are normally required to complete military service in order to obtain a passport in Finland.
Japan
Japan is another nation whose passport allows you to visit 143 countries. There are several requirements for becoming a Japanese citizen and eligible for this passport. You must be able to speak Japanese. You must also live in the country for at least five continuous years as well as establish that you can support yourself.
Singapore
With a passport from Singapore, you can also visit 143 countries. Singapore has a strong economy, so it’s attractive for people who are looking for employment or who want to start a business. Citizens of this country are able to take advantage of housing grants and loan programs that the government provides.
Sweden
A Swedish passport allows you to visit 144 countries. According to a study by GoEuro, citizens of Sweden have to work fewer hours than citizens of any other country to afford a passport. This is an indication of Sweden’s high quality of life.
Italy
Italy’s passport also gives you access to 144 countries. If you become a citizen or dual citizen of Italy, you will also have all of the benefits of being an EU citizen. If you are a citizen of another country but have Italian ancestry, it’s easier and cheaper to become a dual citizen of Italy than it is for others.
France
With a French passport, you can enter 145 countries. To become a citizen of France, you have to live in the country for at least five years. If you are of French descent, you may be eligible for dual citizenship. As a French citizen, you also have the advantage of being part of an EU country.
Germany
Germany, another EU member, also gives you access to 145 countries. You generally must live in Germany for five years to become eligible for citizenship. You may also have to prove that you can speak German and have the ability to support yourself financially.
South Korea
When you have a passport from the Republic of Korea, also known as South Korea, you can enter 147 countries. For the most part, people who apply for South Korean citizenship or dual citizenship have Korean ancestry or are married to a Korean citizen.
United States
A passport from the United States gives you access to 147 countries. Some of the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen include the right to vote, the ability to apply for state and federal jobs, financial aid for higher education and citizenship for your children.
Australia
A passport from Australia lets you enter 169 countries and territories without a visa. With this passport you can travel freely to many European and Asia-Pacific countries as well as to the United States. This freedom conferred by their passport is one of the reasons that Australians do so much traveling.
Some of the advantages of becoming a citizen of Australia include living in a country with a great deal of natural beauty and a mild climate. It also gives you the right to vote and apply for government jobs.
When comparing passports and citizenship options, you have to consider many factors. In order to obtain a passport from another country, you will have to usually have to become a citizen of that country or obtain dual citizenship.
This is a big decision that requires a great deal of thought and research. In addition to freedom of travel, you should also look at the overall quality of life offered by the country and the requirements for citizenship.
Image credit: thebeautyoftravel via Creative Commons