What Turkish citizens need to know about the Greek Golden Visa

For Turkish investors looking at residency-by-investment programs, Greece is one of the most attractive options.

With its proximity, cultural ties, and strong real estate market, it makes perfect sense for Turkish nationals to consider the Greek Golden Visa.

But one question comes up often: Are Turkish citizens eligible for the Greek Golden Visa in 2025?

The answer is yes—Turkish nationals can fully apply for the Greek Golden Visa without any nationality-based restrictions.

Unlike some countries that have paused applications for certain nationalities, Greece continues to accept Turkish investors under the standard rules.

That means as a Turkish citizen, you can invest in Greek real estate (or other eligible assets) and obtain a five-year residency permit, with the added benefit of visa-free access to the Schengen Zone.

But why are so many Turkish investors choosing Greece over other European programs?

The answer lies in a combination of location, investment potential, and lifestyle advantages.

Let’s break it down.

Why Turkish Investors Are Choosing Greece for Residency

For many Turkish investors, the Greek Golden Visa isn’t just about residency—it’s about securing a strategic foothold in Europe.

Compared to other residency-by-investment programs, Greece offers a unique mix of accessibility, affordability, and long-term benefits.

But what makes Greece stand out?

1. Geographic & Cultural Ties

For Turkish nationals, Greece is more than just another European country—it’s a familiar and convenient choice.

With its proximity to Turkey, direct flights, and a similar Mediterranean lifestyle, moving to Greece feels natural and seamless.

Many Turkish investors already have business ties, family connections, or personal familiarity with Greece, making it a comfortable choice for long-term residency.

2. Affordable Real Estate with High Investment Potential

While other European Golden Visa programs require €500,000 or more, Greece’s minimum investment remains at €250,000 in many regions—making it one of the most cost-effective ways to secure EU residency.

Beyond affordability, Greek real estate is booming, with:

✔ Strong rental demand—Ideal for investors looking for passive income.
✔ Growing property values—Making it a solid long-term investment.
✔ No residency requirement—You don’t need to live in Greece full-time to keep your permit.

For Turkish investors concerned about economic stability and currency fluctuations, owning property in Greece provides a secure asset in euros, outside the Turkish market.

3. Visa-Free Access to the Schengen Zone

One of the biggest draws of the Greek Golden Visa is the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area.

This means Turkish investors can enter and stay in 27 European countries without needing additional visas—something that’s increasingly valuable for business professionals, frequent travelers, and families looking for mobility options.

But while the Greek Golden Visa is open to Turkish applicants, it’s important to understand the exact investment requirements and how to choose the right path for securing residency.

Let’s dive into the investment options available to Turkish citizens.

The Greek Golden Visa Investment Options for Turkish Nationals

For Turkish citizens, the Greek Golden Visa is one of the most flexible residency-by-investment programs in Europe.

But to qualify, you need to choose the right investment path—one that meets both legal requirements and your long-term financial goals.

1. Real Estate Investment – The Most Popular Route

The easiest and most common way to secure a Greek Golden Visa is real estate investment.

Turkish investors can purchase one or multiple properties with a total value of at least €250,000 (in most regions).

What makes this attractive?

• Full property ownership—Unlike other visa programs that require leasing, in Greece, you fully own the property.
• No restrictions on rental income—You can rent out your property for passive income, making it a solid investment.
• Growing property market—Greece’s real estate values are steadily rising, making it a strong long-term asset.

It’s important to note that in some high-demand areas—like Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, and Mykonos—the minimum investment has increased to €500,000. But many regions still offer the lower €250,000 threshold, making it one of the most accessible EU residency options.

2. Other Investment Options

While real estate is the most popular choice, Turkish nationals can also qualify through:

• Commercial real estate—Investing in hotels, office buildings, or rental properties.
• Long-term lease agreements (hotel residences or tourism-related properties).
• Capital transfer investments (e.g., Greek government bonds, business investments, or deposit accounts).

However, real estate remains the most straightforward and secure investment path, especially for those who want to combine residency with strong financial returns.

But before making any investment, Turkish applicants need to consider another key factor—how to transfer funds and complete the payment legally.

Let’s break down what Turkish citizens need to know about banking and financial transactions in Greece.

Banking & Financial Considerations for Turkish Applicants

Even if you qualify for the Greek Golden Visa and have chosen the right investment, one critical step remains—transferring funds to complete the purchase legally.

For Turkish investors, understanding how Greek banks handle international transactions is essential.

While there are no nationality-based banking restrictions for Turkish citizens, certain financial procedures must be followed to ensure a smooth process.

1. Can Turkish Investors Transfer Funds Easily to Greece?

Yes—but the process needs to be structured correctly.

Greek banks accept transfers from Turkish financial institutions, provided that:

✔ The funds are fully traceable and legally sourced.
✔ The transaction complies with Greek anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
✔ The investment follows the Greek Golden Visa legal framework.

Greek authorities will verify the source of funds, so applicants must provide proof of income, business earnings, or personal savings documentation.

Any discrepancies can cause delays—or even rejection of the transaction.

2. Do Turkish Investors Need a Greek Bank Account?

Yes, to complete a real estate purchase, you must open a Greek bank account.

This account will be used to:

• Receive the transferred investment funds from Turkey.
• Make payments for the property purchase.
• Handle ongoing residency-related financial requirements.

Greek banks conduct standard due diligence checks before opening accounts for non-EU citizens.

The key is ensuring all documents (passport, proof of address, tax identification, and income verification) are properly prepared.

3. The Notarized Property Contract Requirement

One of the most important steps Turkish investors need to follow is obtaining a notarized property contract before transferring funds.

Why is this crucial?

• Greek banks will not process real estate transactions unless a signed and notarized contract is submitted first.
• Attempting to transfer funds before securing the contract can lead to complications, including delayed or frozen transactions.

This step ensures that the investment meets legal requirements and protects buyers from potential banking issues.

Once the financial side is taken care of, the next step is securing residency approval through a well-structured application.

Let’s go over how Turkish citizens can successfully apply for the Greek Golden Visa.

The Smart Strategy: How Turkish Citizens Can Secure a Greek Golden Visa Smoothly

Applying for the Greek Golden Visa as a Turkish national is straightforward if every step is properly structured.

The process itself isn’t overly complicated, but missing key details or handling transactions incorrectly can lead to delays or rejections.

For a smooth and efficient application, following a step-by-step approach is essential.

1. Confirm Eligibility & Gather Required Documents

Before anything else, Turkish investors need to ensure they meet the Golden Visa requirements. This includes:

• Holding a valid Turkish passport.
• Making an eligible investment—most commonly €250,000+ in real estate.
• Having a clean financial and legal record (necessary for due diligence checks).

At this stage, all required documents must be gathered and verified, including:

• Proof of investment funds and their legal origin.
• Real estate purchase agreements or lease contracts.
• Identity verification documents.

Attention to detail matters here—incomplete or incorrect paperwork can slow down the process unnecessarily.

2. Choose the Right Property & Secure a Notarized Contract

Not all properties qualify for the Golden Visa, and some regions require a higher investment threshold.

Turkish investors should choose a property that meets both legal requirements and investment goals.

Once a property is selected, the purchase contract must be notarized before making any payments.

This ensures that the transaction is recognized by Greek authorities and that banks will process the transfer without issues.

3. Complete the Investment & Handle the Financial Transaction Correctly

As covered earlier, Greek banks require a clear, structured transfer process.

The funds should be sent only after securing the notarized property contract, ensuring full compliance with Greek financial regulations.

At this stage, a Greek bank account must be set up, and the necessary tax identification processes completed.

Following the correct sequence of financial steps is crucial to avoiding banking restrictions.

4. Submit the Golden Visa Application & Await Approval

Once the investment is completed, the official residency application is submitted.

Greek authorities conduct thorough due diligence checks, verifying all financial and legal aspects of the application.

For Turkish citizens applying with family members, dependents must be included in the application correctly to avoid processing delays.

With a properly structured submission, approvals are typically granted within a few months, providing a five-year renewable residency permit.

Once residency is secured, investors can travel freely within the Schengen Zone, live in Greece at their convenience, or rent out their property as an income-generating asset.

Now, let’s wrap up with a final look at why Turkish investors should act now—and how to get expert guidance to ensure a smooth, successful application.

Why Turkish Investors Should Act Now

For Turkish nationals looking for a reliable path to European residency, the Greek Golden Visa remains one of the most accessible and valuable options.

With a low investment threshold, no residency requirement, and full access to the Schengen Zone, it offers a stable and strategic long-term opportunity.

But here’s what many investors don’t realize—now is the best time to apply.

With rising demand, Greek property prices are steadily increasing, and regulatory changes could make the program more restrictive in the future.

Acting early ensures that Turkish investors lock in the current terms before any policy adjustments occur.

However, while the process is straightforward, proper planning and execution are essential.

A well-structured application ensures:

✔ A smooth transaction without banking issues.
✔ Fast processing with all legal documents in place.
✔ A stress-free residency approval without complications.

How Totsi Helps Turkish Investors Secure Their Greek Golden Visa

At Totsi, we handle the entire process from start to finish, ensuring that Turkish investors can secure their Greek residency without delays, financial roadblocks, or legal issues.

✔ Eligibility Review & Document Preparation – We ensure that all paperwork is properly structured before submission.
✔ Property Selection & Due Diligence – We help clients find Golden Visa-approved real estate and handle the legal verification process.
✔ Financial & Banking Assistance – We coordinate the fund transfer process to meet Greek banking regulations, preventing unnecessary delays.
✔ Application Submission & Residency Processing – We take care of the full submission process, handling all interactions with Greek authorities.

With the right approach, securing a Greek Golden Visa is simple, predictable, and highly beneficial.

📞 Contact Totsi today to explore your options and take the next step toward securing your European residency.