Greece Golden Visa for Turkish citizens: what you need to know

Turkish citizens are among the groups most interested in the Greek Golden Visa. According to press reports, in 2025 Turkish citizens were the second-largest group of new Golden Visa holders, after Chinese citizens. This page answers the questions buyers from Turkey ask most often, under the rules in force as of November 2026. For the general programme rules see the Golden Visa guide.

Can Turkish citizens buy property anywhere in Greece?

No, not everywhere. Under Law 1892/1990, non-EU citizens need a permit from the defence ministry to buy property in Greek border zones and on some islands.

Athens and the whole of Attica are not covered by this restriction. Turkish citizens do not need a special permit to buy on the Athens Riviera (Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Lagonisi). The status of some islands, such as Santorini, appears differently in different sources, so for any island property have your lawyer confirm it.

Moving money from Turkey to Greece

There is reported to be no legal barrier to sending money from Turkey to buy a home in Greece. On the Greek side the rule that matters is this: the price must be paid by traceable bank transfer from abroad and arrive in a Greek bank account in your own name, together with documents showing the source of the funds.

• No cash payments.
• No third-party accounts.
• Keep every receipt and source document.

For the documents Turkish banks and regulations may ask for on large transfers, speak to your bank and a financial adviser in Turkey.

Greek tax number (AFM) and bank account

To buy a home in Greece you first need a Greek tax number, the AFM. In person, the AFM can be issued the same day. If your lawyer applies for you with a power of attorney, it usually takes one to two weeks.

Then you open an account with a Greek bank. Several Greek banks open non-resident accounts for people living in Turkey. Expect paperwork: the bank will ask where the money comes from.

Can I buy without travelling to Greece?

Largely, yes. With a power of attorney to an independent Greek lawyer, the AFM, the banking steps, the signing at the notary and the application can be handled for you. Your lawyer sets up how and where to sign the power of attorney from Turkey. Biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) must be given in person by you and each family member. We can show you homes by video.

Visa or citizenship?

The Golden Visa is a residence permit. It is not citizenship and it does not give you a Greek passport. Greek citizenship has its own, much stricter rules, including long actual residence and a language requirement. Ask a lawyer for the current citizenship conditions.

The Golden Visa is also not a work permit. If you plan to work in Greece, discuss it separately with your lawyer.

Schengen travel

A holder of a Greek residence permit can travel within the Schengen area. For Turkish passport holders this is one of the reasons mentioned most often. There is no minimum stay: you do not have to live in Greece to keep the permit.

The short-term rental ban

A home bought for the Golden Visa cannot be let short-term, Airbnb-style. As of November 2026 the fine is €50,000 and the permit can be revoked. A 2026 circular also closed the loophole of letting through a management company. Long-term letting is allowed. No promise can be made about rental income or price growth.

Double taxation between Greece and Turkey

A double tax treaty between Greece and Turkey has been in force since 2004. How a Greek property affects your tax position in Turkey depends on your situation; discuss it with a tax adviser in both countries.

Greece's Golden Visa or Turkey's citizenship by investment?

The two programmes serve different goals. Turkey's citizenship-by-investment programme gives foreigners Turkish citizenship. The Greek Golden Visa gives Turkish citizens the right to reside in Greece and to travel in the Schengen area. These are the points Turkish buyers usually compare:

Holding an asset in euros is a motivation for many buyers. No promise can be made about exchange rates, price growth or returns.

Older buildings and construction quality

Turkish buyers often ask about the construction quality of older buildings in Athens. Your lawyer checks the title, the building permit and the use of the property. For the technical condition of the building you can also ask for an engineer's inspection before you buy.

In short

• Athens and Attica are not a restricted border zone for Turkish citizens.
• Funds must arrive in your own Greek account by traceable transfer, with documented source.
• Most of the process runs through a power of attorney; biometrics are in person.
• The Golden Visa is not citizenship and not a work permit.
• A Golden Visa home cannot be let short-term.

This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Written by Aquarium Real Estate. Rules are stated as of 6 November 2026 and can change.