Golden Visa programmes, also known as investor visa programmes, are a popular way for countries to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth. These programs offer residence permits or citizenship to individuals who make qualifying investments in a specific country. Golden Visa programs are offered by many countries around the world and can vary significantly in terms of the investment requirements, benefits, and application process.

Below is the comparison of different golden visa programmes:

One of the most well-known Golden Visa programs is the one offered by Portugal. The Portuguese Golden Visa program requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate or a €350,000 donation to a Portuguese research or cultural institution or in a qualifying Investment Fund. In return, investors are given a residence permit that allows them to live and work in Portugal and travel visa-free throughout the European Union. After five years of residence, investors are also eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Another popular Golden Visa program is the one offered by Greece. The Greek Golden Visa program requires a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate or a €400,000 deposit in a Greek bank. In return, investors are given a residence permit that allows them to live and work in Greece and travel visa-free throughout the European Union. After seven years of residence, investors are also eligible to apply for Greek citizenship.

In Turkey, the Golden Visa program requires a minimum investment of $400,000 in real estate or $500,000 in Turkish government bonds or a deposit in a Turkish bank. In return, investors are given a residence permit that allows them to live and work in Turkey and travel visa-free to over 120 countries. Without any requirement for residence, investors are immediately eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship. The spouse and the children up to the age of 19 are also eligible for obtaining a Turkish visa. The Turkish state does not require any donations. All the investments you have bought can be sold after 3-years, but the citizenship will keep on for the rest of the investor’s life.

In the United States, the EB-5 investor visa program requires a minimum investment of $900,000 in a targeted employment area or $1.8 million in a non-targeted area. In return, investors are given a conditional residence permit that allows them to live and work in the United States. After two years of residence, investors can apply for permanent residence and eventually citizenship.

As seen above, Golden Visa programs can vary widely in terms of investment requirements and benefits. Some programs, such as the Portuguese and Greek Golden Visa programs, offer a relatively low investment threshold but require a longer period of residence before citizenship can be obtained. Other programs, such as the EB-5 investor visa program in the United States, have a higher investment threshold but offer the benefit of faster access to permanent residence and citizenship. Among the others Turkish Golden Visa programme is one of the best and offers the greatest benefits with the lowest requirements.

In conclusion, Golden Visa programs are an attractive option for individuals looking to invest in a foreign country and gain residence or citizenship. Each country has its own set of rules, requirements and benefits. It’s important to research and compare the different programs and choose the one that best fits your needs and interests. The Turkish Golden Visa Programme is one of the best globally with its easy application, few bureacracy, imminent citizenship specifications.

For getting more info about this comparison and for understanding subtle details of the Turkish Golden Visa Programme, please consult to one of our experts.

by Bünyamin ESEN, Senior Investment Consultant & Founding Partner