_German passport remains the most powerful across the world
German passport remains the most powerful across the world
Intelligence
If global mobility is your priority, it pays to be German. That is according to a new passport index published by Arton Capital. The index rates the German passport as the most powerful in the world. Germany’s Visa-Free Score (VFS) of 160 which measures how many territories a German can travel to without a visa, places it just above Sweden (159).
Denmark, Finland, France, Spain, Singapore, Norway and the UK jointly occupy third place with a VFS of 158. Of the top 20 locations, 17 are within the European Economic Area.
As Liam Bailey, Knight Frank’s Global Head of Research, comments in the Wealth Report 2017 (World in motion):
"The movement of private wealth across the world is critical in driving the performance of asset markets and, in particular, property. Some movements in wealth take the form of temporary investments while others, like migration, are more permanent."
Sven Henkes, Chief Strategy Officer at Ziegert (Knight Frank’s residential partner’s in Berlin) comments:
"The ranking of the German passport shows the increasing relevance of stability, reliability and high quality standards. It is a reflection of German identity which cannot paid with money - and that is why it enjoys a high reputation."
What is the Index and how is it calculated?
The passport index is a real time global passport ranking tool which looks to calculate the value of the freedom of movement offered by passports issued by 199 nations and territories. Each ranking is calculated based on three broad factors:
1. The Visa-Free score: the number of locations a passport holder is able to access without the need for a visa, or requires a visa on arrival.
2. The Visa-Free portion score as a portion of the visa on arrival score
3. The United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index (which tracks key dimensions of human development and informs a country’s perception abroad).
The rankings highlight the importance a passport has in relation to a range of factors including the holder’s identity, global opportunities, ease of mobility and quality of life.
Knight Frank will be releasing its new Germany Inside View publication, to request a copy please contact Siobhan Leahy.
For enquires regarding the Berlin prime market contact Claire Locke.
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