portugal program |
Middle East Nationals |
EU Golden Visas |
EU Real Estate |
Portugal Golden Visa Program |
Golden Residence Permit Program |
Greece Program |
Greece Residency by Investment |
April 20, 2017
It’s no surprise that a growing number of Turkish citizens are reacting to the country’s escalating political instability by investing in a safer, more stable future through business immigration. Over the last year, Turkey has experienced a wave of setbacks including a failed coup, rising authoritarianism, and civilian attacks that have led many of the country’s professionals to pack their bags for Europe.
Gokhan Gokceoglu, a Turkish national and business manager of a British financial consultation firm stated, “There is an increase in demand from white-collar and well-educated people in recent times to live in Britain and get citizenship.” Indeed, Turkish professionals are following in Gokceoglu’s footsteps by seeking employment and business immigration solutions through citizenship and residency programs offered by European countries, including the United Kingdom, Greece, Portugal, and Cyprus.
Although many professionals such as engineers, lawyers, and bankers, are attempting to secure employment at European universities and firms, an increasing amount of wealthy Turkish nationals are opening their pocketbooks to purchase European property overseas.
One of the more popular avenues for high net worth individuals seeking entry to Europe is Residency by Investment Programs that offer real estate purchasing options. These programs are typically known as “Golden Visa Residency Programs,” or simply “Golden Visas,” which allow foreign nationals to make a substantial capital investment into a country’s economy, such as real estate.
With uncertain futures at stake, it’s no wonder Golden Visa schemes are popping up throughout Turkey’s professional and business sectors. Tolga Gurses, a local education consultant, is one of many professionals exploring Residency by Investment Programs in Europe. Following a presentation in Istanbul that promoted Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme, Gurges noted “There were approximately 200 participants…there is great interest in the option to live abroad.”
While there is certainly growing interest in immigration to Europe through business investment, requirements vary from program to program, with investment amounts ranging from EUR 250,000 to EUR 600,000, depending on the desired location.
Despite Turkey’s political history with Greece, there has been a noticeable boost in interest from Turkish nationals, with dozens of investors traveling to the country to view properties over the last several months alone. One of the more appealing features of Greece’s Golden Visa program is its affordability by comparison to other Golden Visa options in Europe. Through Greece’s Golden Visa program, foreign investors can purchase a real estate property for as little as EUR 250,000 to obtain a Greek 5-year residency permit (renewable indefinitely) for themselves and their immediate family.
Benefits for Greece’s Golden Visa Residency Program are certainly becoming more and more attractive to foreign investors and professionals. These benefits include: