Interest in Golden Visa programs among Turkish nationals has jumped by nearly 40%, according to a recent analysis by Astons, as the country experiences increasing political and social unrest.
Wealthy Turks are reportedly seeking to relocate themselves and their investments to more stable nations.
The increased demand follows widespread protests in Istanbul against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with demonstrators supporting the city's imprisoned mayor.
In response, many affluent Turks are considering investment migration, particularly through real estate acquisitions abroad.
Greece has emerged as a preferred destination, attracting roughly €514 million in Turkish investments in 2024 — a tenfold increase over the previous year. Much of this influx is linked to the Greek Golden Visa program, which grants residency through property investments.
Last year, Turkish citizens accounted for 15% of all Golden Visa applications in Greece, a trend that appears to be continuing in 2025.
Astons utilized Google Trends data to measure interest in the term “Golden Visa” in Turkey. The findings show a 46% increase in search interest between March 2024 and March 2025, with a notable 39% rise in the past three months alone, correlating with escalating tensions within Turkey.
Denis Kravchenko, Business Development Director and Head of Astons Cyprus, commented that political instability is a key driver behind the rising interest in Golden Visas, noting similar patterns observed elsewhere following periods of political uncertainty.
He added that January 2025 data from the Central Bank of Turkey indicated that Turks spent €135 million on foreign real estate, largely connected to migration programs like Golden Visas.
“Greece’s proximity and cultural familiarity make it a natural choice,” Kravchenko noted, emphasizing that the trend is unlikely to slow down as uncertainty in Turkey persists.