Dutch passport ranks among world’s most powerful in 2025
The Dutch passport continues to be one of the most powerful in the world, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. The Netherlands shares fourth place with Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden, granting visa-free access to 191 destinations.
The ranking, released last week, evaluates the global mobility of 199 passports based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The Dutch passport retains its high rank, underscoring its strength in global travel.
Dutch passport holders can travel without a visa to 191 destinations, placing them just behind Singapore, Japan, and a group of countries including Germany, France, and South Korea. Singapore tops the index with visa-free access to 195 destinations, followed by Japan with 193 and a cohort of six countries in third place with access to 192 destinations.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and inventor of the passport index concept, said, “The very notion of citizenship and its birthright lottery needs a fundamental rethink as global inequalities grow. Countries with high-ranking passports, like the Netherlands, have significant advantages in global mobility compared to those at the bottom of the index.”
As a Schengen Area member, the Netherlands grants its citizens border-free access to 27 European countries. Schengen visas also play a crucial role in facilitating travel for non-EU nationals who wish to visit the Netherlands and other European states. However, disparities in visa approval rates persist. According to exclusive research, African nationals applying for Schengen visas face rejection rates as high as 61 percent in some cases.
Furthermore, Dutch passports are equipped with advanced security features, including microtext, holograms, and polycarbonate data pages. The biometric chip stores encrypted personal data, ensuring compliance with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These features make the Dutch passport one of the most secure travel documents globally.
The Netherlands has seen growing interest in second citizenship programs, particularly among high-net-worth individuals seeking to diversify their mobility options. Henley & Partners reported a surge in applications for citizenship-by-investment programs in 2024, with Americans comprising the largest group of applicants.
Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, explained, “Investors and wealthy families are increasingly acquiring additional citizenship options to hedge against political and economic risks. The Netherlands’ high passport ranking makes it an attractive choice for those seeking global mobility.”
