The Portuguese passport has been ranked as fourth powerful passport in the World according to Henley Index 2025. The Portuguese citizens enjoyed visa free privileges to 188 destinations in the World. Portugal boasts of rich history, lively culture, stunning beaches with idyllic country side.
Consistent Top Spot
While EU passports dominated top spots, the Portuguese passport consistently maintained its top 4th to 6th positions over past decade (see the chart below), while UK and US passports continue to decline
| Year | Rank | Visa Free |
| 2025 | 4 | 188 |
| 2024 | 4 | 191 |
| 2023 | 6 | 187 |
| 2022 | 5 | 187 |
| 2021 | 5 | 187 |
| 2020 | 6 | 186 |
| 2019 | 5 | 185 |
| 2018 | 5 | 186 |
| 2017 | 6 | 171 |
| 2016 | 6 | 172 |
The HPI Index
The Henley Passport Index (HPI) reveals a general global shift towards increased openness, greater mobility, and rising passport strength. The HPI was Originally created by Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, the ranking is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information, and it is enhanced by extensive, ongoing research by the Henley & Partners Research Department.
The Golden Visa
Portugal remains super attractive wealthy investors, families, expats and retirees to relocate to Portugal through golden visa programs with a later path to permanent residence and citizenship with minimal conditions.
The Henley Residence Program Index ranked Portugal GV program as the 3rd world’s most important residence by investment programs.
Portugal is particularly attractive to american/canadians investors and those from South America.
- Peaceful country with high quality of living.
- Low cost of living
- Proximity US continent serves as gateway to Europe.
- Warm climate for holiday lovers
- Tax breaks (NHR)
- Low physical presence
- Path to Permanent Resident status after 5 yrs
- Path to Portuguese Nationality after 5 years
In 2023, Portugal scrapped golden visas linked to property investments. At present it Portugal is accepting investment funds, artistic and cultural projects under new golden visa rules. Currently the the law makers are debating whether to impose harsher rules on curbing and citizenship by foreigners and generous tax breaks to GV investors.
The demand for investor residence programs continue to grow among wealthy foreigners who choose where to live with family, study, invest, conduct business, and retire has become a top priority.
