Passport Index 2016

• Posted on Apr 04, 2016
• In Press releases

Arton Capital launches the 2016 edition of the Passport Index, the world’s most popular interactive tool to curate, sort and rank passports of the world.

Passport Index 2016 delivers incredible ways to visualize and understand the power each passport has on the holder’s identity, opportunity, mobility and overall quality of life. It offers visitors the chance to discover their own Global Mobility Score and compare different passports side by side to evaluate the total number of countries they can visit visa-free.

This year, Passport Index introduces a new Individual Passport Power Rank, where it positions countries individually based on the power of each passport, determined by Arton Capital’s three-tier method. The method combines a ranking for ‘visa-free’ travel, together with ‘visa on arrival’ ratio, with the country’s score as attributed by United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index to take account of the jurisdiction’s international perception.

Although the world’s top 10 passports this year are all European, it is relatively difficult to obtain visa-free mobility to its member states. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, on average 76% of the world’s population are required to obtain a visa prior to departure to Europe.

Armand Arton, President of Arton Capital said:

Many people around the world consider their passports a barrier to their opportunities in life and choose to empower their identity and global footprint by obtaining a second citizenship through investment. In an age of increasing mobility, becoming a Global Citizen has never been more desirable. Investing in a second residency or citizenship is a liberating and empowering privilege, which comes with a responsibility to the world.

Passport Index’ new Welcoming Countries Rank showcases the most and least welcoming countries in the world, ranked solely on the number of countries they accept visa-free or with visa on arrival.

Key findings:

• Germany ranks as the most powerful passport in the world, with a visa-free score of 157, followed by Sweden, Finland, Italy and Switzerland.
• The highest ranked European country with an available investor immigration program is that of Malta, ranked 7^th, followed by Cyprus (11^th) and Bulgaria (14^th).
• Portugal and Hungary, who have one of the most popular residency programs in Europe are ranked 4^th and 7^th (with Malta) respectively.
• The highest ranked non-European passports are South Korea, ranked 12^th, followed by Singapore (14^th).
• Antigua & Barbuda is ranked 1^st in the Caribbean with an active Citizenship by Investment Program.
• Dominica ranks as the 2^nd most welcoming country in the world. It also ranks as the most welcoming Caribbean island (197 countries welcomed) followed by Saint Lucia (144), Saint Kitts & Nevis (110) and Grenada (108).

Arton Capital, known for its significant creative influence and innovative culture is the driving force behind the global citizenship industry. Praised for its bespoke service and attention to detail, Arton has influenced the industry’s growth to a multi-billion dollar a year in foreign direct investments attracted by countries.

We invite you to explore the world of passports through the innovative and engaging Passport Index 2016.

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