TOP 10 most profitable passports that are almost impossible to obtain

Many relocators dream of living in a country with a developed economy, access to quality medicine, social privileges and freedom to travel around the world. However, for the majority of those wishing to obtain a passport of such a state is an extremely difficult task, often associated with strict naturalization rules and a closed immigration policy.

A «profitable» passport is an opportunity to move freely around the world, access to developed infrastructure and social guarantees, and minimization of tax obligations.

But why is such a document so difficult to access? Firstly, a number of countries require long-term residence on their territory. Secondly, there are strict requirements for the financial or professional component of the candidate. This also includes a limited number of quotas, which make the process very difficult.

TOP 10 countries with the most profitable passports

Japan

The leader in visa-free access and high standards of living

What is the benefit:

The Japanese passport allows the holder to visit 175 countries without a visa, making it one of the most "free" documents in the world. Citizens of the country enjoy the privileges of one of the most developed medical and educational systems, get access to the protection of rights and freedoms. Thanks to a stable economy, high-quality social services and security, the standard of living here is one of the highest.

Why is it difficult to get?

Foreigners must live in the country for at least 5 years, observing the laws and maintaining their stable income. Japan requires applicants to renounce their previous residency, as dual citizenship is not allowed. The naturalization process is accompanied by strict checks on knowledge of Japanese culture and language. Japan has a strict migration policy, which makes access to identity documents extremely difficult.

Despite the complexity, there are ways to succeed. Marriage to a Japanese reduces the period of naturalization to 3 years. It is also possible to obtain a long-term residence permit through investments under the Business Manager program.

Singapore

Ideal conditions for business, but a difficult process of obtaining citizenship

What is the benefit:

Singapore's passport allows you to visit 174 countries on a visa-free basis. This makes it one of the most convenient for international travel. Citizens can live in the country indefinitely, use preferential government programs in the field of housing loans and rentals, and receive financial support for education. The document opens access to attractive credit conditions and the possibility of opening an account with foreign banks, including European ones.

Why is it difficult to get?

The certificate requires residence in the status of a permanent resident (at least 2 years). Foreigners can obtain it only through naturalization, marriage or, in rare cases, by descent. The selection process is very rigorous and depends on many factors, including contribution to the economy, qualifications and family ties. Dual citizenship is not recognized here, which is an additional barrier for many applicants.

Citizenship by investment is not possible in Singapore, but permanent residence and marriage can simplify the process. Preferential conditions are also provided for foreigners who have received education in Singapore and are living on permanent residence.

Switzerland

High degree of freedom, but strict requirements for naturalization

What is the benefit:

A Swiss identity card provides visa-free entry to 186 destinations. Citizens have the right to freely enter other states of the European Union (Switzerland itself is not a member of the alliance). The Swiss have the right to open bank accounts and conduct business on favorable terms, which further attracts entrepreneurs.

Why is it difficult to get?

To be successful, you need to live here for at least 10 years, of which 5 years are in permanent residence status. Candidates must meet a number of strict requirements, including having legal income and no criminal record. Refusal is most often based on various factors – the presence of a fictitious marriage or inaccuracies in the documents. The process can take a long time and appealing a refusal requires time and effort.

For legalization, there are possible options: marriage or having children born in Switzerland. It is important to actively participate in the life of local society in order to demonstrate integration and willingness to become part of Swiss society.

Germany

A strong economy and social benefits, but it is difficult to get a passport

What is the benefit:

A German identity card provides access to high-quality medical care and education. Passport holders have the right to visit 125 countries without visas, including the EU, Japan, Brazil, and Mexico. It is much easier for children with dual citizenship to receive a high-quality education without obtaining a student visa. German residency provides the right to social benefits, including health insurance and pension benefits.

Why is it difficult to get?

To do this, you must legally reside in Germany for at least 8 years. Candidates must demonstrate financial viability, knowledge of German at least B1 level and complete integration courses. Applicants cannot obtain a document for investments or on the basis of a fictitious marriage. The refusal is based on various factors, including criminal records or an insufficient level of integration into German society.

There are also alternative ways: marriage with a German/German woman or the birth of children in the country. Ethnic Germans born abroad are also eligible for a certificate if they meet the requirements, including language proficiency. It will definitely require active participation in the life of the local society in order to confirm the willingness to integrate into the community.

Norway

High degree of welfare and strict conditions for immigration

What is the benefit:

The Norwegian identity card provides visa-free entry to 176 countries. Norway, being a highly developed kingdom with one of the most stable economies in Europe, offers access to high-quality social services and free education. Citizens receive high-quality medical care in the EU and Northern Europe under a special medical policy. Having a Norwegian passport makes it easier to apply for a visa to the United States and Canada.

Why is it difficult to get?

You can be legalized through the naturalization procedure, which requires residence for at least 8 years. Candidates must first obtain permanent residence, as well as meet all the requirements of the law "On Citizenship", including successfully passing exams on language skills and the basics of government. For applicants without family ties to citizens or residents of the EU and Northern European states, the procedure is much more complicated. 

One of the alternative ways is marriage, which reduces the period of minimum stay. The possibility of simplifying the processes is also open to persons with Norwegian ancestry.

Saudi Arabia

It is a fabulously rich country, but it is almost impossible to get a passport

What is the benefit:

Saudi Arabia provides visa-free entry to 112 countries (46 allows you to apply for a visa on arrival). From 2024, holders of a national identity card are eligible to obtain an electronic permit (ETA) to travel to the UK for up to six months. The requirements for entry to the United States and the Schengen states, in comparison with other countries, are significantly simplified. Saudi citizens receive the right to free medicine and free education at leading universities. They get more business opportunities, investments and can avoid restrictions on the purchase of real estate that apply to non-residents.

Why is it difficult to get?

A passport: first of all, those who have direct family ties with citizens of the country – spouses and children - can get a passport. In most cases, local authorities are extremely reluctant to grant citizenship. The legalization process may take several years. Although the law has become more flexible in recent years, in order to become a citizen, you need to comply with a number of strict conditions, including a mandatory 10-year period of residence.

For those who want to obtain citizenship, there are certain alternative options, for example, the availability of professional skills. You can get residency through investments or long-term work and residence programs. Given that Riyadh simplifies conditions for foreign specialists and entrepreneurs, new opportunities for obtaining permanent residence may appear in the future.

Monaco

A passport is a symbol of prestige and great opportunities, but it is very difficult to get it

What is the benefit:

Citizenship of Monaco allows you to travel freely to 150 countries without the need for a visa. Holders of the national certificate have access to high-quality medical and educational services. They can enjoy tax advantages, since there is no personal income tax in the principality. This makes it particularly attractive to entrepreneurs and investors.

Why is it difficult to get?

Citizenship requires residence in the principality for at least 10 years on legal grounds. Candidates must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to live, as well as prove that they have no criminal record. The ban on dual citizenship makes the process even more difficult. The application will be rejected if all the conditions are not met – the rejection of the previous homeland, capital and others.

The main way is naturalization after 10 years of residence. In addition, citizenship is granted through marriage, which partially simplifies legalization. However, it is important to understand that no investments or financial contributions guarantee success.

Qatar

There are many privileges, but you can get a passport only after 25 years of residence

What is the benefit:

Qatari citizenship provides access to free social security. In addition, the authorities offer attractive conditions for doing business and investing. Especially in the field of energy and construction, which makes citizenship especially valuable for entrepreneurs. With a Qatari passport, you can visit more than 95 destinations without a visa. Access to government social support programs and financial benefits brings the greatest benefit to a resident.

Why is it difficult to get?

Foreigners must have resided in the Territory for at least 25 years, observing local laws and regulations. One of the mandatory requirements is knowledge of the Arabic language, which is a serious obstacle for many applicants. Applicants must confirm their financial stability and prove the absence of wrongdoing. Qatar does not allow dual citizenship, forcing applicants to renounce their previous residency. An additional condition is the obligatory acceptance of Islam, which makes the process even more difficult.

The main way available to foreigners is naturalization. An important condition for all applicants is integration into local society and compliance with legal requirements. Even if all the conditions are met, the agreed application remains a privilege available only to a limited number of people.

Austria

A developed and comfortable country, but citizenship is not given to everyone

What is the benefit:

Residency provides many privileges, including access to government social programs. Living in one of the safest and most economically stable countries in Europe gives citizens the right to benefits, subsidies and other types of financial support. An Austrian passport opens up the possibility of obtaining education at any university in the European Union on preferential terms. Holders of the certificate can open bank accounts and receive loans from European banks, as well as purchase real estate in the EU without restrictions. The status provides visa-free entry to 177 countries and simplifies obtaining visas to the United States and Canada.

Why is it difficult to get?

The applicant must have lived in Austria legally and continuously for at least 10 years. Moreover, 5 of them have the status of permanent resident. The applicant must confirm the absence of criminal records and problems with the law, as well as prove the existence of a stable income over the past 6 years. It is necessary to demonstrate good command of the German language, knowledge of the basics of Austrian history and political structure. All this is possible only on condition that the applicant does not pose a threat to public order.

One of the alternative ways is to marry a current citizen, which in certain conditions can shorten the period of minimum residence. Another way is through investments. However, such cases are considered on an individual basis and require significant investments in the country's economy.

UAE

The most powerful economy with numerous privileges, but the passport is practically inaccessible

What is the benefit:

The United Arab Emirates provides access to a huge number of privileges, including free education and top–level medical services. Male citizens of the Emirates receive land plots and assistance for building a house upon reaching the age of 21. Permanent residence, due to the absence of corporate tax and the possibility of purchasing any real estate, provides advantages in doing business. The status allows you to enter 180 countries without a visa, as well as find a job in a state with one of the highest average salaries in the world – about $5,000 per month.

Why is it difficult to get?

To become a citizen of the UAE by naturalization, you must have lived legally for at least 30 years. Persons with Arab origin or spouses of Emirati citizens can expect to be naturalized faster, after 3-10 years. The Emirates do not allow dual citizenship. The authorities are demanding the renunciation of the previous passport. There are strict requirements for the purity of reputation, financial independence and health status.

Outstanding scientists and investors can apply for preferential terms. Due to changes in the legislation of 2021, such candidates can obtain a UAE passport by decision of the Cabinet of Ministers without having to fulfill the residency requirement or give up their previous identity card.

The final conclusion

Obtaining passports from the UAE, Monaco, Japan and other developed countries certainly opens up huge opportunities for their holders. They get access to the best healthcare systems, education, preferential business conditions and free movement around the world. However, the difficulties faced by applicants – long years of waiting, strict laws, high financial requirements and restrictions on dual citizenship make these passports practically unattainable. At least for most applicants.

Is it worth trying to go through such a difficult path, or is it better to consider more affordable alternatives? There are many countries in the world that offer lucrative naturalization programs through investment, marriage, or complementary programs.

You can study more complete ratings of countries around the world in terms of freedom, happiness and security of life in order to choose a passport that provides maximum privileges and puts forward reasonable requirements for the candidate.

And which passport, in your opinion, is the most profitable and why? Share your opinion in the comments!