Golden Visa Options for Turkish People

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Susanna Uzakova

Susanna Uzakova

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor

  • Last edited: March 8, 2026
Golden Visa Options for Turkish People

Turkish citizens have access to a wide range of Golden Visa programmes that offer residency through investment. The most popular destinations include Greece, Portugal, the UAE, Italy, Hungary, Cyprus, Malta, and Monaco. These programmes are ideal for individuals and families seeking greater global mobility, EU access, better lifestyle options, or a Plan B outside of Türkiye.

Country Investment Type & Minimum Amount Residency Stay Path to Citizenship Visa-Free Access
Greece Real estate ≥ €250,000 None required Eligibility after 7 years Schengen Zone
Portugal Funds or R&D ≥ €500,000 7 days/year Citizenship eligible after 5 years Schengen + full EU rights
Italy Startups (€250,000), Corporates (€500,000), Donation (€1,000,000) or Bonds (€2,000,000) Flexible Citizenship after 10 years Schengen Zone
Hungary Property fund (€250) or academic donation (€1,000,000) Minimal Citizenship after 8 years Schengen Zone
Cyprus New-property ≥ €300,000 One visit every 2 years Citizenship after 8 years Pending Schengen
Malta € 182,000 in property None On hold Schengen Zone
Monaco €1,000,000 on average None Citizenship after 10 years, with strong ties to Monaco Schengen Zone
UAE Real estate ≥ AED 2,000,000 (~USD 545,000) None No citizenship GCC + regional benefits

What is a Golden Visa?

 

A Golden Visa is a residency permit granted in return for an investment — often in real estate, funds, or business — in participating countries.

These programmes offer:

  • Legal residence rights for investors and family
  • Paths to citizenship

Why Apply for a Golden Visa?

Golden Visas are attractive for Turkish citizens because they offer:

  • Freedom to travel – visa-free access to Schengen or GCC regions
  • Education & healthcare access in developed nations
  • Safety net – alternative residency in case of economic or political changes
  • Family inclusion – spouse, children (under 18 or dependents), and sometimes parents and even grandparents
  • Tax optimisation – many Golden visa countries offer low or zero tax on foreign income, attractive tax regimes for new residents, or no wealth/inheritance taxes

Which Golden Visa Options Are Best for Turkish Nationals?

Greece Golden Visa

  • Investment: ≥ €250,000 in real estate
  • Stay requirement: None required
  • Family coverage: Spouse, children under 21, parents
  • Advantages: Low cost, no residency requirement, Schengen access

Italy Investor Visa

  • Investment: €250,000 in startups; €500,000 in corporate; €1,000,000 irrevocable donation; €2,000,000 in bonds
  • Stay requirement: none for residency maintenance
  • Benefits: Variety of investment routes; full EU access
  • Family coverage: Spouse / partner, children and parents

Hungary Residency by Investment

  • Investment: €250,000 in funds or €1,000,000 academic donation
  • Stay requirement: Minimal
  • Highlights: Fast-track residency; relaunch programme for investors
  • Family coverage: Spouse, children under 18 and dependent children above 18

Cyprus Permanent Residency (PR)

  • Investment: ≥ €300,000 in new build
  • Stay requirement: One visit every two years
  • Benefits: Direct PR; fast-tracked vehicle to permanent residency
  • Family coverage: Spouse and children up to 25 years old

Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP)

  • Investment: €182,000 in real estate
  • Stay requirement: None
  • Advantages: Lifetime residency; good tax regime
  • Family coverage: Spouse, minor children, dependent children over 18, parents and grandparents

Monaco Residency by Investment

  • Investment: Avg. €1,000,000
  • Stay requirement: None
  • Highlights: Ultra-exclusive, stable environment
  • Family coverage: spouse, children and parents

UAE Golden Visa

  • Investment: AED 2,000,000 (~USD 545,000) in property
  • Stay requirement: None
  • Benefits: 10-year residency, zero income tax, business hub
  • Family coverage: spouse, children and parents

How to Apply for a Golden Visa?

 

  1. Select the country and investment route
  2. Assemble documentation: passport, proof of investment funds, health insurance, etc.
  3. Make the qualifying investment
  4. File the residency application and attend biometric appointment
  5. Receive residency card — timeline varies from 3–12 months
  6. Pursue citizenship where applicable (after required residency and integration)

What Investment Types Qualify?

  • Real Estate – Greece, Cyprus, Malta, parts of Portugal
  • Funds & Equity – Portugal, Hungary, Italy
  • Corporate/Bond Investment – Italy, Cyprus
  • Bank Deposits – Hungary, UAE
  • Business / Job Creation – Italy start-ups, Turkey job route
  • High Net-Worth Programme – Monaco via direct investment

Final Considerations for Turkish Citizens

  • For low-cost EU access & Schengen travel — Greece is ideal
  • For EU citizenship in 5 years — Portugal is best
  • For investment flexibility with longer citizenship timeline — Italy or Hungary
  • For lifetime residency with minimal stay — Cyprus or Malta
  • For GCC lifestyle and tax benefits — UAE
  • For maximum prestige and exclusivity — Monaco

Tips before applying:

  • Consult a qualified advisor for tax and legal implications
  • Research local real estate markets and fund performance
  • Plan around family needs — education, healthcare, work options

Whether you’re looking to invest in Europe or the UAE, Astons provides full assistance with securing a Golden visa— with legal support and residency application. With over 30 years of experience and a global presence — including offices in Athens, Istanbul, Dubai, London, and beyond — we ensure a smooth and fully compliant process.

 

Astons has been recognised as a leading real estate and immigration advisory firm, helping thousands of investors and families achieve global mobility, asset protection, and second residency or citizenship.

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FAQ

What is the Golden Visa programme for Turkish citizens?

A group of residency-by-investment programs offered by EU and Middle Eastern countries. Popular programs include Greece, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, Cyprus, Malta, Monaco, and the UAE.

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of Türkiye Office

How do I qualify for a Golden Visa in Portugal or Greece?

Greece: ≥ €250,000 in real estate; Portugal: ≥ €500,000 in approved funds or R&D.

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of Türkiye Office

What are the costs for a Greek Golden Visa?

€250,000 investment + ~7–10% additional transaction/legal fees.

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of Türkiye Office

What are the investment options for a Portuguese Golden Visa?

Approved funds, R&D, or certain real estate in less-populated areas.

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of Türkiye Office

How long does the Golden Visa process take (Greece/Portugal)?

Greece: approx. 2–4 months. Portugal: approx. 6–12 months.

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of Türkiye Office

Can Turkish citizens apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE?

Yes, with property investment of AED 2,000,000 (USD 545,000) or more.

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of Türkiye Office

What are the EU Golden Visa benefits?

Schengen travel, quality living standards, health and education, and eventual citizenship.

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Kubilay Yağız Yiğit

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of Türkiye Office

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Susanna Uzakova

Susanna Uzakova

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor

Astons’ Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor

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