Cyprus has officially entered the top five countries with the most attractive passports in the world. In the latest edition of the Nomad Passport Index published by Nomad Capitalist, the Republic of Cyprus ranked 5th among 199 countries. The overall score reached 107.5, allowing the country to make one of the most impressive jumps of the year—up 21 positions compared to 2025, when the Cypriot passport was only in 26th place. A more significant improvement was shown only by Bulgaria and Hungary, which climbed 23 and 22 positions respectively.
For Cyprus, this is not just a formal success, but confirmation that the island’s passport has become a strategic tool for international entrepreneurs, investors, and mobile professionals choosing the European Union as a base for life and business.
Why the Cypriot passport was rated so highly
The ranking is based on five key factors, with the greatest weight—50%—given to visa-free travel freedom. It is precisely in this category that Cyprus scored 171 points, reflecting extensive global mobility opportunities with a Cypriot passport. In the categories of citizen taxation and perception of the country and its citizens, Cyprus scored 40 points each, while in dual citizenship and personal freedoms it received 50 points each.
Experts at Nomad Capitalist emphasize that Cyprus’s high position is the result of a well-thought-out state policy. Free movement within the EU, the popular non-dom regime, a relatively fast path to tax residency, and flexible dual citizenship rules allow the country to outperform a group of states that share 6th place in the ranking.
Cyprus among the leaders and outsiders
The global top five with the highest overall scores includes Malta with 109 points, Greece, Ireland, and Romania with 108 points, and Cyprus with 107.7. These countries are currently considered the most advantageous for those seeking maximum mobility, stable legal systems, and comfortable tax conditions.
At the opposite end of the ranking are countries where movement, personal freedoms, and legal protection are severely restricted. At the very bottom of the list are North Korea with 32 points, Iraq with 31, Eritrea and Syria with 30.5, and Afghanistan with 10 points.
European passport — from “desirable” to “essential”
Nomad Capitalist notes that over the last ten editions of the index, passports of European countries have gradually transformed from an additional advantage into an essential element of personal and business strategy. The Cypriot passport, along with those of Portugal, Italy, Greece, Malta, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Romania, was considered a secondary option at the beginning of the decade, but today is at the center of attention for investors and entrepreneurs.
The combination of access to EU markets, special tax regimes such as non-dom, and relatively flexible residency conditions has led to a steady rise in the positions of these countries. This is precisely why Malta took first place in 2026, while Ireland, Greece, and Romania secured second place.
What this means for Cyprus today
For Cyprus, entering the TOP 5 is not only a matter of prestige, but also a powerful signal to the market. The country’s passport becomes a key argument for attracting new investments, opening international headquarters, relocating startups, and drawing affluent families. Against the backdrop of tightening migration rules in many EU countries, the Cypriot model—combining European status, flexible taxation, and a high level of freedoms—looks especially competitive and strengthens the island’s position as one of Europe’s main hubs of international mobility.