Turkey’s ongoing political and economic turbulence has led to an unprecedented rise in the number of citizens seeking alternative residency and investment opportunities abroad. In 2025, demand for Golden Visa programmes has reached historic highs, particularly among Turkish investors targeting Europe.
Recent data shows that applications from Turkish nationals for Greece’s Golden Visa scheme increased by an impressive 162% in 2024 alone, marking a significant shift in investment behavior as financial security and global mobility become urgent priorities.
Economic and Political Instability Pushes Investors Abroad
The combination of high inflation, currency volatility, and political uncertainty in Turkey is prompting investors to look for more stable environments to protect their assets and secure their families’ futures.
Golden Visa programs offer an attractive legal pathway to achieve this goal, providing not only residence rights but also access to education, healthcare, and unrestricted travel within the Schengen Zone.
Analysts note that the growing sense of uncertainty is no longer limited to high-net-worth individuals. A broader segment of the Turkish middle and upper-middle classes is now also considering international residency as a serious backup plan.
Top Destination Countries for Turkish Applicants
Among European destinations, Greece, Portugal, and Malta have emerged as the preferred choices for Turkish investors seeking Golden Visa opportunities.
In Greece, a minimum real estate investment of €250,000 still qualifies applicants for residency rights, along with free movement within Schengen countries and no minimum stay requirements.
Portugal, despite recent tightening of regulations, remains highly attractive due to investment fund pathways and the potential for EU citizenship within five years.
Malta offers a unique structure through its Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP), granting full European residence rights without mandatory relocation.
Why Golden Visa Programmes Appeal to Turkish Investors
Golden Visa programs offer Turkish citizens more than just a residency permit. They represent:
•Freedom of movement across Europe
•Access to world-class healthcare and education systems
•Protection of wealth in stable, euro-denominated economies
•Diversification of residency options amid domestic risks
•Pathways to future EU citizenship
In an environment where the Turkish lira continues to depreciate and geopolitical risks loom large, securing assets in more stable markets is becoming not just a luxury but a necessity.
Changing Rules and Growing Competition
Several European countries are reassessing their Golden Visa policies, with stricter rules and higher investment thresholds expected soon.
Portugal has already restricted real estate investments under its Golden Visa programme starting from late 2024, shifting focus towards funds and cultural investments.
Similarly, Greece is considering increasing the minimum property investment requirements in key urban centers like Athens and Thessaloniki.
Experts suggest that 2025 represents a critical window for Turkish investors to take advantage of existing favorable conditions before potential program changes make access more costly and complicated.
A New Reality for Turkish Investors
The surge in Golden Visa applications reflects a broader trend: for many Turkish citizens, securing a second residency or citizenship has become a strategic necessity rather than an optional luxury.
As uncertainties in Turkey show little sign of abating, Golden Visa programs offer a bridge to economic security, global mobility, and a better quality of life abroad.
If current conditions persist, 2025 may go down as a record-breaking year for Turkish participation in European investment migration schemes.
