Newsletters
Turkish demand for Greece’s Golden Visa program surged sharply in 2025, with residence permits granted to Turkish citizens jumping by 160% and reaching 3,291, making them the second-largest group after Chinese investors.
Greece’s Golden Visa program, launched in July 2013, offers residence permits to foreign nationals who invest in the country, most commonly through real estate purchases.
For international readers unfamiliar with the system, the permit allows holders to live in Greece and travel freely within the Schengen Area, a European zone where internal border controls have largely been removed.
According to reporting by the Greek daily Kathimerini, demand for the scheme accelerated significantly in 2025, with approvals rising sharply across multiple nationalities.
Turkish citizens ranked second among applicants, reflecting a trend that had been building since 2023 and continued to climb last year.
Market sources indicated that the background of applicants helps explain why investment-migration programs tend to attract individuals looking for stability and financial security.
Many higher-income investors sought ways to limit the loss of value in their savings by moving capital abroad. Greek real estate, which offers both rental income and potential future gains, emerged as a particularly attractive option.
Financial motivations were not the only factors pushing demand upward. The program also provides visa-free travel across the Schengen zone, which increases its appeal among applicants seeking greater mobility.
Overall approvals under the scheme nearly doubled year-on-year in 2025, reflecting strong global demand.
Investors from five countries, Türkiye, Israel, China, Iran and the United States, accounted for the majority of new residence permits granted through the program.
Chinese nationals continued to hold the largest share of Golden Visa permits, representing nearly half of all approvals despite a gradual decline from earlier peaks. Interest from other countries also expanded.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
4 min read
