After years of being an underrated Eastern European destination, the country has suddenly taken notice, scoring high on all five key criteria:
– Visa-Free Travel (Visa-Free Mobility) – 172. In 2026, the Romanian passport opens doors to 170+ countries without first obtaining a visa, putting it among the world’s strongest credentials.
– Taxation of Citizens (taxation) – 40 out of 50. The country has one of the lowest income tax rates in the EU at 10%.
– Perception (global perception) – 40 out of 50. Investment in infrastructure and its status as one of Europe’s fastest growing IT hubs has changed perceptions of the country and made it as attractive as possible for businesses and expats.
– Dual Citizenship – 50 out of 50. Romania has an extremely liberal position on this issue, which is also felt by Moldovan citizens. It fully allows dual citizenship without requiring the renunciation of the first passport.
– Personal Freedom (personal freedom of citizens) – 50 out of 50. Nomad Capitalist experts gave Romania the maximum score on this indicator, stating that it is a state with a high level of democratic freedoms.
Why did this happen?
Analysts attribute such success to the country’s final entry into the Schengen zone, the preservation of a low tax rate of 10% for citizens and a loyal attitude to dual citizenship. This allowed Romania to narrow the gap with the leading Western European countries and even to take a leadership position.
“Romania’s rise to second place reflects a country that offers mobility, stability and flexibility at the same time. For internationally active people looking for a European base with global opportunities, Romania stands out as one of the most compelling choices this year,” Nomad Capitalist analysts wrote.
For people with a “global mindset” who value both economic efficiency and access to business and personal wealth opportunities, Romania now offers a very compelling combination: a solid European base with improving infrastructure and an attractive image, in addition to a clear tax system.
Its rise emphasizes how quickly a country can move up the rankings when a loyal foreign and domestic policy is combined with a clear and competitive offer for foreign residents.
Romania was ranked only 21st in the 2025 rankings, demonstrating the rapid rise of the Romanian passport’s position, even despite the US denial of the long-awaited visa-free regime. By climbing 19 positions at once, the country showed that Eastern European states can easily compete with the more sluggish and conservative West.
According to analysts, Romania’s high ranking in the Nomad Capitalist index emphasizes its status as one of the most competitive and balanced European regions. Today, in terms of international mobility and attractiveness for entrepreneurs – the Romanian passport provides access to Europe, the Americas and key destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, which is largely due to a loyal foreign policy. This provides significant advantages for entrepreneurs, investors, freelancers and professionals conducting personal and professional activities in different countries and regions.
Plus “soft power”
Factors of the perception of the country and its citizens in the global community have also played an important role. In recent years, Romania has demonstrated high human development indicators, which significantly improves the country’s international reputation. The country has long been positioned as the most attractive choice for those seeking an optimal balance between a comfortable lifestyle, financial outlay and access to the expanded European market.
Celebrities with Romanian passports
In this regard, the Romanian passport attracts quite a few prominent personalities. Among its holders are athletes, politicians, entrepreneurs, cultural figures and journalists.
Charlie Ottley is a British journalist and movie producer. In 2025 he received Romanian citizenship for his significant contribution to the development of culture and natural heritage of Romania.
Irina Tarasiuc – Moldovan and Russian singer with romance repertoire, soloist of the band Lume.
Dennis Deletant is a British historian. He obtained Romanian citizenship in 2022.
Daron Russell is a basketball player. Obtained Romanian citizenship, after which he was able to play for the Romanian national team.
Joan Chelimo Melli – Kenyan-Romanian track and field athlete, ranked third in the European marathon rankings for 2025. She has represented Romania in official starts since July 3, 2024. Before obtaining citizenship, she represented Kenya.
Johan Van Heerden is a rugby player from South Africa who plays for the Romanian national team. Obtained citizenship in 2020.
Mario Camora – Portuguese and Romanian footballer, captain of the club CfR Cluj and player of the Romanian national team.
And even Alexandru Stoianoglo is a member of the Moldovan parliament, of Gagauz origin. Former Prosecutor General, illegally removed from office, candidate for President of the Republic of Moldova in the 2024 elections from the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova.
Thus, in 2026, the Romanian passport is no longer perceived as “secondary” in the EU. The second place in the Nomad Capitalist ranking is the actual recognition of the country as one of the best springboards to enter the international market. It is a document that gives maximum rights in Europe with minimum pressure from the state.
Therefore, it is not surprising that according to different estimates, from 850 thousand to 1.2 million Moldovan citizens have Romanian citizenship. More than 150 thousand cases are under consideration. And the flow of applicants remains high.
For comparison, the passport of a Moldovan citizen in this year’s rating is on 87th position. It gives access only to 124 countries of the world. Well, by other indicators of the rating our country’s scores are much lower than the one with which we are separated by the Prut River.
