Although the coronavirus pandemic halted border-to-border entry, it is highly more important today to have the most valuable passports in the world. From the Japanese passport to the Spanish and Portuguese, we bring you a list of the mighty passports the seven most powerful passports across the world.
When it comes to powerful passports, the Global Ranking 2021 in the Henley Passport Index is our go-to reference. We list these passports not only for purposes of cultural exchange, but we also consider investment residencies for a more long-term view of what coming to another country is.
The classifications done by Henley are based on unique data by the International Air Transport Association. The top seven passports can get you into at least 185 countries. That’s a lot, but how can a current non-citizen be able to obtain one?
The list of the Seven Most Powerful Passports are as follows:
- Japan (191 countries)
- Singapore (190)
- Germany, South Korea (189)
- Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain (188)
- Austria, Denmark (187)
- France, Ireland, Holland, Portugal, Sweden (186)
- Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States (185)
We dug into some materials and now, we bring to you how to obtain the 4th and 6th most powerful passports – the Spain and Portugal passports. Hang on as I tell you how!
The European Union Golden Ticket
In the European Union, you can get a second passport just by buying a house! The EU citizenship comes with a lot of perks including the freedom to migrate, reside, and work in any of the 28 EU member nations. Mind you, they also have the most powerful passwords around the world. With a passport from any member-nation, you can freely cross borders in over two dozens of countries and visa-free travel to the best nations in the world. That general checkup you have been wanting will be at the tip of your fingers.
One of the ways to do that is to buy real estate for sale in Europe. First, we talk about how to buy a house in Spain. Real estate is hard to come by these days, but could you resist not having a property in one of the most beautiful countries in the world and a passport for 188 countries on your palms?
Spain is one of the most popular countries for people to buy a second house, and it has always been a popular place to get a second passport. The country is easy to get around, has great weather all year round, and offers some of the best value for money in Europe. A Spanish home can also be a safety net for wealthy families living in less safe territories across the globe.
The Spanish Golden Visa
The Golden Visa Spain has the following requirements:
- A minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate
- The Golden Visa Spain is a temporary residency permit that can be renewed every two years. It is not necessary to live in Spain in order to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
- Upon the fifth year of the residency visa permit, the applicant can now apply for permanent residency.
- On the tenth year the the applicant can apply for Spanish citizenship. The Spanish government no longer requires full time residence in Spain to meet the citizenship requirement. Multiple exits are possible as long as the trip does not last longer than six consecutive months. This means that applicants only need to travel just twice a year to Spain.
Your ideal route to getting the Spanish Golden Visa passport will be buying property in Spain and here are the options you might probably need to prepare on one of:
- Minimum investment €500,000 in real estate.
- €2,000,000 capital investment in Spanish Public debt.
- €1,000,000 investment in shares in an existing Spanish company with real activity.
- €1,000,000 deposit in a reputable Spanish bank or fund.
The minimum 500,000 euro investment in Spain will not only get you your passport but a chance to avail yourself of the best universities in the world, excellent healthcare, and freedom of movement in the European Schengen area.
Where to Buy a House in Spain
Since 2016, the prices of houses in Spain have continually risen but the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 paused the market prices and is something you should grab while you still have the chance. Some experts say a 5% to 10% drop for properties might be seen in the near future. Hey, that’s good news for us, passport and property seekers. In secondary locations such as The Canary Islands, Catalonia, Andalucía, Valencia and Castilla y Leon, your 500,000 euros can buy you something from a 3-bedroom apartment, to a townhouse to as much as a villa with a garden. You might need to prime up a little though to 1,000,000 euros if you want to get a property in Madrid or Marbella.
You Can Also Choose Portugal
Portugal is a great choice for expat families as they can benefit from a quality education, easy access to healthcare and an overall high quality of life. The Portuguese passport gives its holder freedom of movement, which means that they can live, work and study in Portugal and anywhere else within the European Union, European Economic Area. Europe, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Portuguese passport holders can travel without a visa to 186 countries. Portugal recognizes dual citizenship and requires only 35 days out of 5 years of residency in Portugal. Investors do not need to relocate to obtain citizenship.
There are several investment paths to Portuguese citizenship:
Golden Visa Portugal
The Portuguese Golden Visa is the most successful residency program in Europe and the most popular investment immigration program in the world.
This is due to a stable and vibrant economy fueled by continued growth in the tourism sector, which increases the profitability of short-term and long-term rentals. Portugal offers very generous tax incentives, including tax breaks or full exemptions for a period of ten years.
You Can Also Buy a House in Portugal
Portugal Golden Visa is probably the most popular way to get residency in Portugal. Indeed, Portugal is considered a top destination for property investors, with a thriving property market, high rental yields and a booming tourism industry.
Many foreigners buy property in Portugal for tourism purposes, or to serve as a second home or retirement destination. You can invest in newly built properties in the thriving cities of Lisbon or Porto from €500,000 or invest in used property for a Portugal Golden Visa from €400,000. The most cost-effective investment path for the program is to invest €280,000 in the restoration of properties in low-density areas. Portuguese Golden Visa real estate for sale must be over thirty years old and in the process of being renovated.