In today’s world, a passport is more than just a travel document, it’s a gateway to freedom, opportunities, and security. While most people are tied to the passport of their birth country, the wealthy know the value of having multiple passports or residencies. From visa-free travel to investment opportunities and tax benefits, certain passports stand out as particularly desirable.
Here are the passports and residencies rich people actually want, and why.
Top Passports and Residencies
1. Singapore: The Strongest Passport Today
Singapore currently holds the crown as the world’s strongest passport, giving its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 195 destinations worldwide.
Why the rich want it:
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Global mobility: Easy travel to nearly every major country.
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Business hub: Singapore is a financial powerhouse with low taxes and high economic stability.
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Prestige: A Singaporean passport is a status symbol of global elite citizenship.
2. Portugal & Malta: The Best EU Combo
For wealthy investors eyeing Europe, Portugal and Malta are two of the most attractive options.
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Portugal offers Golden Visa residency programs, allowing investors to live, work, and travel freely within the Schengen Area.
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Malta goes a step further, offering citizenship by investment, which means full EU citizenship rights.
Why the rich want it:
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European access: Visa-free travel across Europe and beyond.
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Lifestyle: Access to world-class healthcare, education, and Mediterranean living.
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Plan B: Stability in times of political or economic uncertainty.
3. Dominica: The Cheapest Citizenship by Investment
If you’re looking for an affordable way to add another passport, Dominica is one of the best options. For as little as $100,000, wealthy individuals can secure Dominican citizenship.
Why the rich want it:
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Cost-effective: One of the cheapest citizenship-by-investment programs.
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Quick process: Usually completed in a few months.
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Travel freedom: Visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone and the UK.
4. Vanuatu: The Fastest Citizenship in 3–4 Months
If speed is a priority, Vanuatu offers the fastest citizenship by investment program in the world, with processing times as short as 3–4 months.
Why the rich want it:
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Speed: Quickest way to get a second passport.
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Tax benefits: No income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.
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Travel access: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 130 countries.
5. Paraguay Residency: The Best Backup Plan
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Not everyone wants or needs a flashy second passport. For many, a solid residency option is more than enough and Paraguay residency is one of the most underrated strategies.
For just about $15,000 deposited in a Paraguayan bank, investors can apply for permanent residency. After 3 years, they can transition to full citizenship.
Why the rich want it:
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Low cost: Affordable compared to other residency programs.
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Easy lifestyle: Paraguay is peaceful, low-tax, and welcoming.
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Backup plan: Provides a safety net without requiring immediate relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Top Passports and Residencies
1. Why do rich people collect multiple passports or residencies?
Wealthy individuals pursue second passports and residencies to enjoy greater global mobility, tax advantages, business opportunities, and a backup plan in case of political or economic instability in their home country.
2. Which passport is currently the strongest in the world?
As of 2025, Singapore’s passport ranks as the strongest, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 195 countries.
3. Why are Portugal and Malta considered the best EU combo?
Portugal and Malta are both EU member states with attractive residency and citizenship programs. Together, they provide access to the European Union market, Schengen travel freedom, and favorable tax and lifestyle benefits.
4. What is the cheapest citizenship by investment option?
Dominica offers the most affordable option, with citizenship available starting from $100,000 through investment or donation programs.
5. Which country has the fastest citizenship program?
Vanuatu is famous for being the fastest route, with citizenship granted in 3–4 months for qualifying investors.
6. What is Paraguay’s residency program, and why is it popular?
Paraguay offers a low-cost residency option starting at around $15,000, and after 3 years of residency, applicants may qualify for permanent residency or even citizenship. It’s considered an excellent backup plan for global mobility.
7. Do these passports guarantee tax benefits?
Not all passports automatically provide tax benefits, but some (like Portugal’s NHR regime or Caribbean nations like Dominica) offer tax-friendly policies. Many wealthy individuals use these programs for tax optimization.
Final Thoughts
The wealthy understand one thing: mobility equals freedom. Whether it’s the global access of Singapore, the prestige of Malta, the affordability of Dominica, the speed of Vanuatu, or the quiet security of Paraguay, these passports and residencies aren’t just about travel, they’re about building a flexible future.
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