Greece is not only geographically close to Turkey, but also shares strong cultural and lifestyle similarities, making it one of the most compatible destinations in Europe for Turkish investors planning to establish a life abroad.
- Culinary traditions, shopping habits, and social life are highly similar to Turkey, making daily life feel familiar from day one.
- From food products to public transportation, adaptation is seamless.
- English is widely spoken, especially in major cities such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and tourist areas. There is no significant language barrier.
- Flight time from Turkey is just 1 to 1.5 hours, offering excellent accessibility.
- The Mediterranean climate makes daily life comfortable and enjoyable. Summers are long, winters especially in Athens are mild, and there are countless islands and tourist destinations to explore.
Due to these factors, Turkish investors transitioning to life in Greece often experience minimal cultural friction. Furthermore, Greece continues to be one of the most accessible countries in Europe offering residence permits through investment. The Golden Visa program, which grants a five-year residence permit with a minimum €250,000 real estate investment, creates an opportunity not only for the investor but also for their entire family to benefit from an enhanced quality of life.
Cost of Living in Greece: Updated for 2025
Compared to Western European countries, the cost of living in Greece remains relatively moderate. Outside of major metropolitan areas, expenses can be significantly lower.
Rental Costs
- Athens (2-bedroom apartments): €700–€1,200
- Thessaloniki and smaller cities: €500–€800
Monthly Living Expenses
- Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet): €100–€150/month
- Groceries (per person): €250–€400/month
These figures present a highly affordable living standard, especially for individuals coming from metropolitan areas like Istanbul.
Education Opportunities and International Schools
For families seeking residence through investment, Greece offers a range of strong educational alternatives for children.
- Athens is home to a wide selection of international schools affiliated with British, American, German, and French curricula.
- Annual tuition fees typically range between €5,000–€12,000.
Children can continue their education in English, French, German, or other international languages and benefit from a European-standard academic environment.
Residence Rights and Investment Benefits with the Golden Visa
The Greek Golden Visa program grants a five-year residence permit in exchange for real estate investment. The minimum investment threshold is set at €250,000 in designated areas and €400,000 or €800,000 in high-demand regions, depending on property type and location.
Key Advantages of the Program
- The residence permit covers the applicant, their spouse, and children under 21.
- No obligation for permanent residence.
- Visa-free travel across the Schengen area.
- Rental income is earned in euros.
- Properties offer both income and long-term capital appreciation potential.
Explore here for all details about Greek Golden Visa Program
This program is particularly attractive for investors seeking stable, euro-based income. Additionally, Greece’s post-crisis economic recovery has strengthened its real estate market, offering promising opportunities for growth and portfolio diversification.
Click here to explore the Greek property market analysis for 2025.
Tax Benefits and Residency Status
Golden Visa holders are not subject to taxation on global income unless they become Greek tax residents. This means only income generated within Greece is subject to local tax obligations.
- A double taxation treaty between Turkey and Greece is in effect, ensuring that the same income is not taxed in both countries.
- Investors are not required to pay taxes on the same income in both jurisdictions.
- Non-dom tax status may apply in certain cases, offering favorable annual flat-tax benefits for qualified individuals.
These advantages can significantly increase the net return on rental income or capital gains from property sales in Greece.
Secure Investments and End-to-End Guidance with Solena
Applying for the Golden Visa is more than just completing legal paperwork. For a successful outcome, several factors must align: strategic property selection, regional market insight, appreciation potential, and post-sale property management.
Solena, with its years of on-ground experience in Greece, provides investors with comprehensive, end-to-end consultancy services:
- Area and project selection
- Real estate acquisition and title transfer
- Golden Visa application process management
- Legal and financial structuring
- Rental management and post-acquisition support
By developing projects in high-potential regions, Solena ensures that investors not only obtain residence permits but also benefit from long-term, sustainable returns.
Contact us today to learn more about our current projects and services.
Conclusion
For Turkish investors looking to invest in Europe and build a new life abroad, the Greek Golden Visa represents a powerful opportunity. With its cultural familiarity, balanced cost of living, strong educational infrastructure, and high-return real estate market, Greece turns this opportunity into a highly accessible and appealing solution.
For a strategic investment, timing and trusted guidance are key. Navigating the process with a transparent, experienced advisory partner ensures that the journey is not only smooth—but also profitable.
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