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The International Ranking Released by Henley & Partners Shows Changes in the Global Scenario of the Best Countries to Obtain a Second Passport in 2026, with Malta Maintaining Leadership for the 11th Consecutive Year and New Competitors from the Caribbean, Pacific, and Middle East Gaining Ground in the Competition for International Investors.
The competition among the best countries to obtain a second passport is changing globally, according to a ranking released by Henley & Partners, which shows competitors from Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East challenging European hegemony in citizenship and residency programs.
The survey shows that European leadership in residency and citizenship programs remains relevant but faces increasing competition from other regions. Countries in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean have expanded their presence among the best countries to obtain a second passport.
According to the report, this shift reflects a global reorganization of capital and international mobility of people. The analysis indicates that immigration programs aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth families are becoming increasingly strategic.
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Ranking Shows New Competitions Among the Best Countries to Obtain a Second Passport
In the global citizenship by investment ranking, Malta maintained its lead for the 11th consecutive year among the best countries to obtain a second passport.
The country achieved a score of 77 on a 100-point scale in the index prepared by Henley & Partners.
The classification considers criteria such as international reputation, quality of life, investment requirements, and levels of transparency in the programs offered.
These factors are used to assess the competitiveness and credibility of citizenship policies aimed at foreign investors.
Austria ranks second with 74 points, maintaining a strong European presence at the top of the list. In third place, Grenada and Saint Kitts and Nevis, two Caribbean countries, shared the position with 67 points each.
Pacific Island Nation Joins the Spotlight Group
Among the changes recorded in the ranking, one of the most significant advances occurred with Nauru. The small island nation located northeast of Australia rose to fourth place, achieving 66 points in the index.
The rise came after the launch, just over a year ago, of the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.
The initiative aims to direct foreign investments toward projects focused on climate adaptation and economic resilience.
Antigua and Barbuda completed the group of the top five in the global citizenship by investment ranking. The Caribbean country achieved 65 points, solidifying the region’s presence among the most sought-after destinations.
Separate Index Evaluates Residency Programs for Investors
In addition to the citizenship list, Henley & Partners also released the Global Residency Programs Index. This ranking evaluates countries that offer residency authorization to foreign investors through specific programs.
In this index, Greece ranks first with 73 points, a result associated with the combination of access to the European Union, an attractive lifestyle, and competitive investment limits. The country remains prominent among programs aimed at international mobility.
The second position is held by Italy, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates, all with 72 points. The tie among the three countries demonstrates the increasing competitiveness between different models of attracting investors.
United Arab Emirates Records the Most Significant Rise in the Ranking
Among the highlights of the residency ranking, the United Arab Emirates recorded the most significant advancement of the year. The country moved from fifth place to the group of the top three for the first time in the index.
According to Henley & Partners, the shift reflects the country’s transformation into a global wealth center. The advancement was driven by factors such as tax competitiveness, regulatory agility, and policies aimed at engaging international investors.
Portugal appears in third place in the ranking with 71 points, maintaining relevance among European residency programs. Australia holds fourth place with 69 points in the index.
Canada and Uruguay Expand Presence Among Global Mobility Destinations
In fifth place in the residency programs ranking were Canada and Uruguay, both with 68 points. The result marks Uruguay’s entry into the list and highlights the country’s growing visibility in this segment.
According to the report, Uruguay’s performance is linked to its rising reputation for political stability, legal security, and ease of obtaining residency. These factors have increased the interest of foreign investors.
The study also highlights that the results for 2026 indicate a structural shift in the global scenario of international mobility. While Europe remains attractive, its predominance among the best countries to obtain a second passport has been gradually diminishing.
According to the analysis, countries that adopt investor-focused policies are increasing their relevance. Strategies centered on legal security, regulatory openness, and economic competitiveness have become decisive factors for attracting international capital and talent.
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