Recently, important and influential reports have been released, once again placing Spain among the top 10 passports in the world for 2024. In this blog, we will refer to these rankings and what factors are considered in making this rating.
How is a passport rated?
The most prestigious rankings in this field are from Henley & Partners and The Passport Index. Both are based on similar methodologies, working with data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the world’s trade association for airlines, representing about 330 airlines and more than 80% of global air traffic. It covers 199 passports and 227 international destinations.
One of the most important factors considered is whether the holder of the document is allowed entry to a particular country without a visa, if they can obtain a visa upon arrival in that country, or if they can enter with an electronic travel authorization. In all these cases, the passport receives 1 point.
Conversely, if a visa or government approval is required before departure from the country of origin, the passport receives 0 points. The total score then considers the number of destinations the document holder can enter without a visa.
Where is the Spanish passport ranked in 2024?
According to this data, the holder of a Spanish passport has access to 192 international destinations without a visa or with a visa on arrival, including the United States and China.
This places it in the number 2 spot in the ranking, both in The Passport Index and the Henley Passport Index. In the latter, it shares the second place with France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, being surpassed only by Singapore with a score of 195 destinations with free mobility.
As a Chilean, can I obtain a Spanish passport?
Of course! Both countries allow dual citizenship, and as we mentioned in a previous blog, you do not lose your Chilean nationality by becoming naturalized in another country. It is only lost by voluntary renunciation before a competent authority.
Additionally, worldwide, 144 countries allow dual nationality, and 29 accept it with exceptions or limitations.
What paths can you take?
Grandchildren’s Law: Many people may qualify to obtain Spanish nationality under the conditions of this law, but few are aware of it. Essentially, the law allows children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of Spaniards born in Spain to apply for Spanish nationality, provided they can prove the nationality of their ancestor through a birth certificate, and also the relationship they have with said ancestor.
Spain recently extended the validity of this law until October 2025. But it is important that if you are interested in exploring this possibility, you do so as soon as possible, as there is high demand for Spanish consular services for this matter, and there may be delays in processing.
You can review some of the frequently asked questions on this topic in this blog.
Golden Visa: Although the Spanish government has talked about ending this option, to date, the possibility remains fully valid. It can be accessed through a real estate investment of at least 500,000 euros, which opens the path to residency for you, your spouse, and children under 18 years old.
Interestingly, for Chileans and Latin Americans in general, only two years of legal residence are required to apply for a passport.
At AIM Global, we have the experience and the team to advise you on the path you choose to obtain Spanish nationality. And once you’ve made your choice, we will accompany you throughout the process until you receive your documentation.
We know that each case is unique, and we treat them as such. Schedule a meeting with us and let us help you achieve your goals, for you and your family.
