kathimerini.gr
Surge in Turkish Investors Drives Greek Golden Visa Program Growth
Turkish investors led a 152% year-over-year increase in Greek Golden Visa applications by July 2025, reaching 2,449 approvals, driven by economic instability in Turkey and program changes.
- What are the overall implications of this trend for Greece's economy and future policy?
- The Golden Visa program, with approximately 34,000-35,000 anticipated approvals, will inject an estimated €8.5 billion into the Greek real estate market. This influx of investment may necessitate adjustments to program regulations to manage future demand and maintain its sustainability.
- What is the main factor behind the significant rise in Turkish Golden Visa applications in Greece?
- The primary driver is Turkey's high inflation (33.5% in July 2025), prompting investors to seek asset protection. Changes to the Greek Golden Visa program, reducing the minimum investment required in certain areas, also accelerated applications.
- How do other nationalities' Golden Visa applications compare to the Turkish surge, and what are their motivations?
- Israeli applications increased by 96% (to 510) due to the Gaza conflict, while US applications rose 52% (to 518) and UK applications increased by 50.8% (to 706), partly due to political changes. Chinese applications saw a smaller 14.7% increase, reflecting higher investment thresholds.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a largely neutral account of the increase in Golden Visa applications from various countries. While it highlights the significant rise in Turkish investors, it also mentions increases from Israel, the US, and the UK, and a decrease from China. The framing focuses on the factual data of application numbers and their percentage changes, without overtly promoting or criticizing any specific nationality's investment.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. Terms like "substantial increase" and "significant rise" are used to describe the changes in application numbers, which are factual. There's no overtly loaded or emotional language.
Bias by Omission
The article omits discussion of potential negative consequences of the Golden Visa program, such as impacts on local housing markets or the potential for money laundering. It also doesn't explore the perspectives of those who might oppose the program or its impact on local communities. While space constraints might explain some omissions, a more comprehensive analysis would address potential downsides.
Sustainable Development Goals
The influx of foreign investment into the Greek real estate market through the Golden Visa program stimulates economic growth, creates jobs in the construction and related sectors, and increases tax revenue for the government. The article highlights significant increases in investment from Turkey, Israel, the US, and the UK, all contributing to this positive economic impact. The increase in property values and associated revenue streams also benefits existing property owners.