exit Index
The GlobalPassport™ Exit Index (also known as the Balaji Index) is a benchmarking tool that quantifies how difficult it is to emigrate from a country.
The GlobalPassport™ Exit Index (or the Balaji Index, as it’s known at GlobalPassport™) is a benchmarking tool that quantifies how difficult it is to emigrate from a country. The Exit Index is crucial for anyone who has or who aims to obtain citizenship in another country, particularly if they are considering or must consider renouncing their own citizenship.
The Exit Index offers a clear comparison of passports around the globe and the consequences of renouncing their citizenship against five key indicators that empower our members to make the choices that are right for them.
If you want to think about things that are next,build technologies for what the next society looks like. Apps that allow people to travel and relocate better because it's a huge pain to move from city to city.Anything you can think of that reduces the barrier to exit, that reduces lock-in. If we work together we might be able to build something like this.
- Balaji Srinvasan
YC Startup School
October 25, 2013
COUNTRY
Dual citizenship allowed
Renunciation possible
Difficulty level
processing time
Cost to renounce citizenship
Exit tax
Re acquisition policy
Globalpassport
exit index score
Uruguay
10
10
5
7
10
10
8
88
%
St. Kitts & Nevis
10
10
8
8
7
10
7
85
%
USA
10
9
2
2
1
2
4
42
%
UK
10
10
5
5
7
7
6
77
%
Thailand
5
5
3
7
7
10
4
62
%
UAE
5
5
0
7
5
10
3
53
%
Greece
10
10
3
6
10
10
6
76
%
Taiwan
5
10
1
6
9
10
5
65
%
Switzerland
10
10
3
7
10
7
5
73
%
Sweden
10
10
5
6
10
10
6
79
%
South Korea
5
10
1
6
9
6
5
59
%
Spain
5
10
2
6
10
5
6
62
%
Slovenia
5
10
4
6
10
10
5
71
%
Romania
10
10
4
6
10
10
5
76
%
Slovakia
5
10
4
6
10
10
5
71
%
Singapore
0
10
3
7
9
10
3
64
%
Portugal
10
10
4
6
7
8
7
71
%
Poland
10
10
3
6
7
10
5
70
%
Panama
5
10
6
7
6
10
7
73
%
Palau
0
7
8
7
10
8
74
%
Netherlands
5
10
1
6
10
6
4
60
%
New Zealand
10
10
5
6
7
10
6
74
%
Philippines
5
10
4
7
10
10
6
75
%
Norway
10
10
4
6
10
10
5
76
%
Mexico
10
10
7
7
10
10
8
86
%
Malaysia
0
10
1
7
9
10
4
62
%
Malta
10
10
6
6
7
10
6
76
%
Latvia
5
10
2
6
10
10
5
68
%
Luxembourg
10
10
4
6
7
10
6
73
%
Hungary
10
10
3
6
10
10
5
75
%
Lithuania
10
3
6
10
10
5
70
%
Japan
0
2
10
7
10
3
4
54
%
Germany
5
10
1
7
9
7
4
62
%
Italy
10
10
2
8
7
7
8
72
%
Ireland
10
10
6
6
10
10
7
81
%
Honduras
5
10
5
7
7
10
7
73
%
Colombia
10
10
5
7
8
10
7
82
%
El Salvador
10
10
6
7
7
10
8
83
%
Ecuador
10
10
5
7
10
10
8
86
%
Estonia
5
10
3
6
10
10
5
74
%
France
10
10
3
6
9
4
6
69
%
Czech Republic
10
10
4
6
10
10
5
80
%
Croatia
10
10
2
6
8
10
5
74
%
Dominican Republic
10
10
5
7
8
10
8
83
%
Costa Rica
10
0
8
8
8
8
4
62
%
Chile
10
10
5
7
10
10
8
86
%
Cayman Islands
10
10
8
8
6
10
8
86
%
Belize
10
10
8
8
6
10
7
85
%
Canada
10
10
6
5
8
4
6
71
%
Bermuda
10
10
8
8
6
10
7
85
%
Argentina
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
63
%
Armenia
10
10
5
7
10
10
7
85
%
Australia
10
10
4
6
7
7
6
72
%
Brazil
10
10
5
5
10
10
8
83
%
Austria
5
5
2
7
5
6
3
48
%
Anguilla
10
10
8
6
10
7
85
%
Bahamas
0
10
7
8
5
6
7
%
The GlobalPassport™ Exit Index (also known as the Balaji Index) covers five key indicators that empower our members to make the choices that are right for them.
This indicator evaluates a country's stance on dual citizenship, ranging from full prohibition to unrestricted allowance. It provides insight into how flexible or restrictive a nation is regarding its citizens holding multiple nationalities. The assessment relies on comprehensive data from authoritative sources such as the Global Citizenship Observatory (GLOBALCIT) and country-specific immigration departments, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of each nation's policies.
This factor assesses whether citizenship renunciation is legally possible and under what conditions. It examines the legal framework surrounding the process of giving up one's citizenship, considering any restrictions or prerequisites that may exist. The analysis draws from reliable sources including the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports and national citizenship laws, offering a thorough understanding of the legal landscape for citizenship renunciation in different countries.
This indicator measures the complexity of the renunciation process, including paperwork, interviews, and other requirements. It provides a clear picture of how challenging it may be for an individual to navigate the bureaucratic procedures involved in giving up their citizenship. The assessment leverages insights from law firms specializing in immigration, such as Henley & Partners, as well as real-world experiences shared on expat forums and resources like InterNations, offering a blend of expert knowledge and practical perspectives.
This metric evaluates the efficiency of the renunciation process, from application to official approval. It gives potential ex-pats an idea of how long they might need to wait before their renunciation is finalized. The data is sourced from official government immigration websites and international immigration law databases like the EUDO Citizenship Observatory, ensuring up-to-date and reliable information on processing times across different countries.
This indicator analyzes the financial burden of renouncing citizenship, including all associated fees. It provides a comprehensive overview of the monetary investment required to complete the renunciation process. The assessment draws from official government fee schedules and insights from international tax advisory firms such as KPMG and Deloitte, offering a detailed and accurate picture of the costs involved in different jurisdictions.
This factor assesses any tax implications or financial obligations imposed on individuals renouncing their citizenship. It examines whether countries require departing citizens to settle tax liabilities or pay specific exit taxes before allowing renunciation. The analysis relies on authoritative sources such as PwC's Worldwide Tax Summaries and the OECD tax database, providing a thorough understanding of the potential financial consequences of citizenship renunciation.
This indicator examines the possibility and ease of regaining citizenship after renunciation. It explores whether countries offer pathways for former citizens to reclaim their nationality and, if so, what conditions apply. The assessment is based on careful analysis of national citizenship laws, offering insight into the long-term implications of renunciation and the flexibility of different countries in welcoming back former citizens.
exit index
RENUNCIATION POSSIBLE - 25%
DIFFICULTY LEVEL - 15%
COST TO RENOUNCE CITIZENSHIP - 15%
EXIT TAX - 15%
PROCESSING TIME - 10%
RE-ACQUISITION POLICY - 10%
DUAL CITIZENSHIP ALLOWED - 10%
"Exit is a ripcode, It’s the last resort, the most effective way of withdrawing consent from a failing state. Leave their jurisdiction to leave them as king of nothing.”
Balaji Srinvasan
exit Index
The right to emigrate is a more fundamental right than the right to vote.
- Balaji Srinvasan
February 21, 2022
Rank order
COUNTRY
EXIT INDEX SCORE
ANALYSIS
1
USA
46.00%
The exceptionally low score reflects its unique approach to citizenship renunciation, combining high fees, lengthy processing times, and a potentially significant exit tax, effectively creating financial and bureaucratic barriers for those seeking to leave.
2
UAE
50.00%
The restrictive policies on citizenship renunciation, including limited dual citizenship options and a complex process, reflect its focus on maintaining a stable national identity in a country with a large expatriate population.
3
Austria
59.00%
The low score stems from its stringent approach to citizenship, including limited dual citizenship recognition and a difficult renunciation process, mirroring its conservative stance on national identity and integration.
4
Japan
59.00%
The position indicates a reluctance to allow easy citizenship changes, with restrictions on dual nationality and a complex renunciation process, possibly to maintain control over its population in a region with fluid borders.
5
Thailand
59.00%
The low score reflects its traditional view of citizenship as an exclusive relationship, with no dual citizenship allowed and a challenging renunciation process, underscoring its emphasis on national homogeneity.
6
Argentina
63.00%
The position suggests a cautious approach to citizenship changes, with limited dual citizenship options and a difficult renunciation process, possibly influenced by its geopolitical situation and historical concerns about national security.
7
Costa Rica
63.00%
The score indicates a protective stance towards citizenship, with no dual citizenship allowed and a complex renunciation process, likely reflecting its multiethnic society and desire to maintain a balanced national composition.
8
South Korea
65.00%
The surprisingly low score, given its generally progressive policies, suggests a more conservative approach to citizenship, with restricted dual citizenship and a challenging renunciation process, possibly to maintain social cohesion in a diverse society.
9
Netherlands
66.00%
The position reflects its traditionally restrictive citizenship policies, including limited dual citizenship recognition and a complex renunciation process, though recent changes suggest a gradual shift towards more liberal policies.
10
Malaysia
66.00%
The score indicates its careful management of citizenship, with no dual citizenship allowed and a moderately difficult renunciation process, reflecting its approach to maintaining a delicate ethnic balance and national identity in a small, diverse city-state.
Americans renouncing citizenship
Source: The Treasury Department: The Expat List names US citizens who have renounced their citizenships as well as long-term US resident aliens who have relinquished their Green Cards and who have either a minimum net worth of US$2m or a five-year average of US tax paid greater than US$178,000.
The Balaji Index gives anyone considering giving up their citizenship the autonomy they need to make an informed decision. Many countries, especially in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, do not recognize dual citizenship and therefore require a person gaining that citizenship to renounce their previous citizenships, or require their citizens to renounce their citizenship if it is gained elsewhere.
For many, deciding to renounce citizenship can be a difficult and complex decision, and the Balaji Index helps to quantify the decision against these five key indicators. Of course, it is a highly personal decision and we only aim to assist in this decision by providing clear information and benchmarking.
In giving autonomy to individuals who are considering emigration, they can clearly weigh their options with an unbiased overview of the benefits and pitfalls of renouncing their citizenship without wading through long and complex documents.
“History is running in reverse..
Balaji Srinvasan
..the U.S. is becoming more like India of the 1950’s..
Balaji Srinvasan
..It is America that will soon give birth to an impressive international diaspora fleeing economic craziness, ethnic conflict and potentially geographical partition.”
Balaji Srinvasan
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