The Passport Index is a world ranking that analyzes the most powerful passports in the world, that means, the passports that give more freedom of movement to its citizens.
Like every year, in early 2020, the ranking led by Japan was presented. In any case, due to the current circumstances that are being experienced with the coronavirus crisis and when half the world is confined to their country without being able to leave, the ranking has varied substantially.
We can affirm that Japan has maintained its position at the top of the table, followed by Singapore, which has entered the second quarter of 2020. Third, we find Germany and South Korea tied, and it is in fourth position where we find Spain, along with Italy, Finland and Luxembourg.
As explained by the experts, the circumstances of the pandemic have changed, in some cases, the power of certain passports.
The importance of health security
Traditionally, the strength of each passport was measured, among other things, by the country’s economic situation or geopolitical issues. Well, the coronavirus crisis has highlighted the importance of the quality of the health system and emergencies of each country.
According to experts, it will be interesting to see if health security will be one of the aspects to consider when evaluating the option of acquiring a second passport in a specific country.
If we focus on Spain, the health system is characterized by being public and universal. Also, during the Covid-19 crisis, the Spanish executive has taken different measures and decisions that have been applauded by the World Health Organization.
The good positioning of Spain
The fourth position that ranking gives to Spain shows the value of having Spanish nationality. Firstly, with this passport we can travel to 188 countries without the need for a visa, this means that we can enter many countries without asking for any prior authorization or doing bureaucratic procedures.
Likewise, Spain enjoys an excellent quality of life. Cosmopolitan cities, but also dream beaches in the Balearic Islands are just some of the options that the country offers us. Madrid and Barcelona are the two most important cities, with a better balance between work and personal life, according to numerous rankings. In addition, and as we have previously pointed out, the Spanish healthcare system is one of the most advanced in the world, which is one more attraction when it comes to investing in Spain.
Finally, it is interesting to note that, through the Golden Visa Spain program, the investor obtains the residence permit for himself, but also for his family, spouse and children.
The following is the top 10 of the index:
1. Japan (191 destinations)
2. Singapore (190)
3. South Korea and Germany (189)
4. Italy, Finland, Spain, Luxembourg (188)
5. Denmark and Austria (187)
6. Sweden, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and Portugal (186)
7. USA, UK, Belgium, Norway and Switzerland (185)
8. Czech Republic, Greece, Malta and New Zealand (184)
9. Canada and Australia (183)
10. Hungary (182)
Source: CNN