You've made the decision. You're ready to take the leap and move abroad together. But when one partner can travel visa-free and the other cannot, the mobility gap can feel significant. What happens when one of you holds a “weak” passport and the other a “strong” one?
How long will you be abroad?
First, a quick reminder: a strong passport is one that allows its holder to travel to many countries without a visa. According to the Henley Passport Index, the global reference in this area, Singaporean, Japanese, South Korean and German passports are among the most powerful in the world.
In 2026, the Singapore passport still tops the ranking, offering visa-free access or visas on arrival to around 190 to 193 countries, depending on the destinations included. Japanese, South Korean and several European passports follow closely behind.
By contrast, a weak passport is one that grants visa-free access to only a limited number of countries.
The length of stay is a key factor in determining whether a passport's strength truly matters. Visa exemptions granted through bilateral agreements between countries are always time-limited. In most cases, they allow stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Some exemptions are shorter (30 days), while others may extend up to 180 days.
If your stay exceeds the period covered by the exemption, a visa will be required, even if one partner holds a so-called strong passport.
What is the purpose of your trip?
Visa exemptions allow entry into a country without a visa, but only for specific purposes. What do you plan to do once you arrive? Are you travelling for leisure? Looking for work? Studying or taking a training course? Have you received a job offer abroad? Has your partner secured employment overseas?
The purpose of your trip directly affects whether a visa is required. Visa exemptions do not apply to all travel purposes. For example, if you plan to study abroad, you will need a student visa, even if your nationality allows visa-free entry into the country. The exemption only applies if your stay is shorter than the authorised exemption period.
For example, you may attend a two-month language course abroad without a visa if you are a citizen of a country that has a bilateral agreement with the host country. However, your partner cannot benefit from your visa exemption.
If both of you are travelling with a job offer, you will need to apply for a work visa and obtain a work permit. If only one of you has secured employment, the other may be able to join as a dependent, provided the eligibility criteria are met. Once again, everything depends on your legal status as a couple. Are you married? In a civil partnership? Living together without formal recognition?
You will need to prove that your relationship is legally recognized. In most cases, the term spouse refers to married partners.
Weak passport / strong passport: What are your options?
The issue of weak versus strong passports arises most often for short stays. One partner may be able to enter visa-free, while the other cannot. Visa applications can be time-consuming and costly, and even applicants who meet all the requirements are not immune to refusal.
That said, certain situations make travelling together possible. For example, if both partners are European citizens, you can move freely within the European Union using only your national identity cards.
If neither of you is an EU citizen but you hold the nationality of a country exempt from the Schengen visa requirement, you can still enter the Schengen Area for a short stay.
As a reminder, a Schengen visa may be issued for tourism, business travel, family visits, short training courses or internships, or even paid assignments, provided you have the necessary work authorization.
Mexico, Canada, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Mauritius, Serbia and Georgia are among the many countries whose nationals are exempt from a Schengen visa for short stays of up to three months.
Moving abroad as a couple is still possible, even when one partner holds a strong passport and the other a weak one. Everything depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. To maximize your chances, contact the immigration authorities of your host country well in advance. You may also consider working with an expatriation coach to prepare thoroughly for your new life abroad.
