The EU once again expresses concern about countries offering citizenship through investment programs. This time, discussions focus on changes to the visa regime law.
At the end of March 2025, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament voted to amend the EU 2018/1806 law. The main idea of these changes is to suspend the visa-free regime for all countries offering citizenship by investment.
European lawmakers aim to limit the ability of citizens from countries with "citizenship by investment" programs to enter Schengen Area countries without a visa. In particular, this affects Caribbean countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. At the moment, these countries still maintain visa-free access to the EU, despite tightening the requirements for obtaining citizenship. For example, these countries no longer accept applications from citizens of Russia and Belarus.
The process of amending the EU law has not been completed yet. The amendments must pass a vote in the European Parliament, after which they must be approved by the European Council. No decision has been made yet, and at any stage, the initiative can be rejected or altered. However, many investors today consider Turkish citizenship to be one of the most attractive alternatives, despite possible changes to visa regimes with other countries.
Demand for Turkish Citizenship
Turkey's citizenship program attracts investors due to its relatively low costs and straightforward requirements. By investing from 400,000 dollars in real estate, one can obtain Turkish citizenship, which grants visa-free access to over 110 countries. For trips to Schengen Area countries, a visa is required with a Turkish passport. Turkish citizens receive a Schengen visa C-2 for 5 years, allowing them to stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days within six months.
Additionally, the Turkish passport allows one to apply for an E-2 American visa for residence and business activities in the United States.
Turkish citizenship opens access to the country's powerful economic market, offering a range of tax benefits and privileges for holders. Turkey is one of the leaders in the field of investment citizenship. Knowledge of the Turkish language is not required to obtain a passport. Spouses and children up to 25 years old can also receive passports. Previously, children up to 18 years old were eligible, but now the program has become even more advantageous.
For a consultation on selecting real estate for Turkish citizenship, contact us through the online chat on our website or by phone through Stay Property's offices in your countries.