The best passports for quality of life are not just about travel freedom. While powerful passports are often ranked by how many countries they allow visa-free access to, quality of life is a crucial factor in determining a passport’s true value. A strong passport provides not only global mobility but also access to a country with good healthcare, safety, economic stability, and overall well-being.
This article explores the best passports for quality of life based on the Global Citizen Solutions Quality of Life Index. This index ranks passports by key factors like cost of living, human development, environmental performance, and freedom. We will also look at some of the top-ranking countries and the visa options they offer for those looking to relocation options.
We will cover:
What is the Quality of Life Index?
The Quality of Life Index is a key part of the Global Citizen Solution Global Passport Index, designed to evaluate how good a country’s living conditions are. It focuses on factors that make a country attractive to people looking for a great place to live, like retirees, expats, and digital nomads. This index considers six important areas: SDG (Sustainable Development Goals), Cost of Living, Freedom, Happiness, Environmental Performance, and Migrant Acceptance.
A high quality of life passport means access to countries with safer, more stable, and pleasant living conditions, which is essential for people who value comfort, opportunities, and long-term well-being. It reflects how well a country supports its citizens and residents through sustainability, freedom, and overall happiness, making it a top choice for those considering relocation.
How is a country's Quality of Life measured?
A country’s Quality of Life Index is measured using six key indicators, each with a specific weight that reflects its importance. These factors help determine how attractive a country is for living, working, or retiring. Here’s how each metric contributes:
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) – 30%
This is the most important factor in assessing a country’s progress in areas like health, education, economic stability, and infrastructure. Countries with strong SDG scores offer better public services, reduced poverty, and a higher overall standard of living.
Cost of Living – 20%
This measures how affordable daily life is, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. A lower cost of living makes a country more appealing, especially for expats and retirees looking to stretch their income.
Freedom in the World – 20%
This evaluates political rights, civil liberties, and personal freedoms, including free speech, fair elections, and the rule of law. Countries with high freedom scores provide a safer and more democratic environment for residents.
Happiness Score – 10%
This factor indicates how content people are in a country, based on surveys measuring life satisfaction, social support, and mental well-being. Higher happiness scores reflect a positive and supportive society.
Environmental Performance – 10%
This assesses air and water quality, sustainability efforts, and climate policies. A cleaner and greener country provides healthier living conditions and long-term environmental security.
Migrant Acceptance – 10%
Considering social inclusion and integration policies, this measures how welcoming a country is to immigrants and expats. A high score means a country offers better opportunities for newcomers to settle and thrive.
To find out more about how get a second passport
20 Best Passports for Quality of life
GPI Rank | Country | Quality of life Index Score | Sustainable development | Cost of Living | Happiness | Migrant acceptance |
1 | Sweden | 88.5 | Very High | High | Very High | Very High |
2 | Finland | 87.1 | Very High | Very High | Very High | Very High |
3 | Germany | 83.3 | Very High | High | Very High | Very High |
4 | Denmark | 83.1 | Very High | High | Very High | Very High |
5 | Spain | 81.9 | Very High | High | Very High | Very High |
6 | Portugal | 81.4 | Very High | Medium | Very High | Very High |
7 | The Netherlands | 81.4 | Very High | Very High | Very High | Very High |
8 | Norway | 81.3 | Very High | Very High | Very High | Very High |
9 | The United Kingdom | 81.3 | Very High | High | Very High | Very High |
10 | Luxembourg | 80.8 | Very High | Very High | Very High | Very High |
11 | Ireland | 80.8 | Very High | Very High | Very High | Very High |
12 | Canada | 80.3 | Very High | Very High | Very High | Very High |
13 | Austria | 79.8 | Very High | Very High | Very High | Very High |
14 | Andorra | 79.8 | Very High | High | Very High | Very High |
15 | San Marino | 79.7 | Very High | High | Very High | Very High |
16 | New Zealand | 79.4 | Very High | Very High | Very High | Very High |
17 | Japan | 79.1 | Very High | High | High | Very High |
18 | Slovenia | 79 | Very High | High | High | Very High |
19 | France | 78.5 | Very High | Very High | Very High | Very High |
20 | Estonia | 77.5 | Very High | High | Very High | Very High |
How can the Quality of Life Index Help you with Residency or Citizenship?
The Quality of Life Index is a useful tool for anyone considering relocation or traveling. It helps identify countries that offer the best living conditions, safety, and overall well-being. For those looking into Residency by Investment (RBI) or a second passport through Citizenship by Investment (CBI), choosing a country with a high quality of life ensures long-term stability, better healthcare, and improved opportunities for families and businesses.
Below are some countries with excellent quality-of-life rankings and visa options for different types of individuals:
Portugal – Ranked 6th in Quality of Life
Portugal is a top destination with one of the lowest living costs in Western Europe, averaging €1,500–€2,000 per month for a single person. According to Laura Madrid, the Global Intelligence Lead at Global Citizen Solutions, Portugal has become a well sought after destination because of its “pleasant weather, a lot of sunshine, safety, social connections, and a good work-life balance.”
To live there, you can apply for a Portugal Golden Visa, which is ideal for investors who want residency through investment. The minimum investment starts at €250,000, and Portuguese citizenship may be possible after five years of legal residency.
There is also the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, designed for remote workers earning at least €3,480 per month, and the Portugal D7 Visa, which is perfect for retirees with passive income.
Spain – Ranked 5th
Just like Portugal, Spain is loved for its, Mediterranean climate, and strong expat community which reflects in its ranking. The cost of living is moderate, with average monthly expenses of €1,500–€2,500, depending on the city.
You can move to Spain by applying for Spain Golden Visa. However, the program ends on 3 April 2025 and requires a €500,000 real estate investment. There is also the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, which is suitable for retirees and financially independent individuals.
The country also offers the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, which is perfect for remote workers earning at least €2,650 monthly.
Canada Start-Up Visa – Ranked 12th
Canada is one of the top destinations for entrepreneurs and business founders, thanks to its stable economy, excellent healthcare, and high standard of living. In fact it has been mentioned as a top destination for American expats due to its close proximity and shared cultural similarities.
In terms of residency there is the Canada Start-Up Visa which designed to attract innovative business minds who want to launch and scale their ventures in Canada. To qualify, applicants must have an innovative business idea backed by an approved Canadian investment organization.
Estonia Digital Nomad Visa – Ranked 20th
Estonia is a top destination for remote workers, offering one of the best digital infrastructures in the world. The country has a strong tech ecosystem, fast internet, and a work-life balance that attracts freelancers and entrepreneurs.
The Estonia Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in Estonia while working for a foreign employer. Applicants must prove a monthly income of at least €3,500 to qualify.
To learn more about Digital Nomad Visas
Italy – Ranked 27th
Italy is another country that is loved for cuisine, and array of landscapes it offers. The cost of living varies by region, with an average of €1,500–€2,500 per month.
In Italy, expats can apply for the Italy Golden Visa, which requires a €500,000 investment in an Italian company or a €250,000 startup investment. There is also the Italy Digital Nomad Visa, and it requires a stable remote income of about €2,066 per month.
Frequently asked Questions about the Best Passports for Quality of Life
What makes a passport good for quality of life?
A passport with high quality of life offers access to a country with strong healthcare, safety, economic stability, and personal freedoms. It ensures a high standard of living, not just travel freedom.
How is quality of life measured in passport rankings?
The Global Citizen Solutions Quality of Life Index evaluates passports based on factors like cost of living, human development, environmental performance, and personal freedoms.
Do the most powerful passports always offer the best quality of life?
Not always. Some passports provide extensive visa-free travel but rank lower in quality of life due to factors like high living costs, low safety, or limited healthcare access.
Can I move to a country with a better quality of life using a visa?
Yes. Many high-ranking countries offer residency visas, including Golden Visas, work visas, retirement visas, and digital nomad visas, allowing foreigners to live and work there. Digital nomad visas are ideal for remote workers looking to experience a high quality of life while working abroad.
What are the top 10 best passports for quality of life?
The top 10 best passports for quality of life based on the Global Citizen Solutions Quality of Life Index include:
- Sweden
- Finland
- Germany
- Denmark
- Spain
- Portugal
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- The United Kingdom
- Luxembourg
