Europe leads 2026 World Citizenship Report with Ireland at the top

The 2026 World Citizenship Report (WCR) has once again ranked Ireland as the top performing country in terms of citizenship value, offering greatest global benefits compared to others.  With an overall score of 85.1 per cent out of 100, Ireland was able to claim back its spot after being surpassed by Switzerland in last year’s WCR release.   

Evaluating more than 188 countries across five core factors including Safety and Security, Economic Opportunity, Quality of Life, Global Mobility, and Financial Freedom, the 2026 World Citizenship Report has revealed that both Ireland, Switzerland and Denmark have dominated the top three positions, reflecting Europe’s strong global standing. 

Switzerland was ranked second with a score of 83.2 per cent, while Denmark was placed third, scoring 82.8 per cent.  

The citizenship report, published by CS Global Partners on Thursday, May 21, 2026, has also revealed that more than 71 per cent of high-net-worth individuals have stated that they are  more inclined to obtaining a second citizenship due to the ongoing events taking place in different parts of the world.  

Quality of Life Motivator 

Germany was top ranked for having the highest quality of life, securing a score of 90.6 percent and overtaking Norway which scored 90.2 per cent. Moreover, Switzerland has maintained its third position with a score of 89.7 per cent. 

Being the most important feature of citizenship, the rank reflects the daily living standards in the countries, focusing mostly on their education and healthcare systems as well as the social infrastructures and the overall well-being of the citizens.  

Safety and Security Motivator 

For the third year in a row, Iceland has once again placed first for being the safest country in the world. Switzerland and Denmark too were able to maintain their rankings.  

In the report, having a score of 90.5 per cent, Iceland was spotlighted for being the country having the lowest crime rates and strong institutions globally; Switzerland, with a score of 88.4 per cent, was commended for its political neutrality and rule of law; whilst Denmark secured an 88 per cent for its high institutional trust scores.  

Economic Opportunity Motivator 

In 2026, China and the United States have continued dominating the top two positions for having top tier economic opportunities. China has ranked first with a score 89.3 per cent and the United States with a score of 81.3 per cent placed second.  

In this year’s report, however, Ireland has had a strong performance, rising from 59th position to 3rd, scoring at 80.3.  

Global Mobility Motivator 

Singapore has led this year’s global mobility ranking, earning a score of 91 per cent followed by Japan and Korea who tied with a score of 89.6. Moreover, Denmark scored an 89.6 per cent, ranking third.  

Singapore was mentioned as the country with the highest visa free or visa on arrival access, Japan and Korea for their strong bilateral ties and Denmark for its global travel and movement opportunities.  

Financial Freedom Motivator 

Singapore was ranked first for being the leading financial hub, Denmark second for its transparency and stable institutions and Finland third for having both open financial systems and institutional stability.