These two routes now sit on opposite sides of a line. Spain closed its golden visa to new applicants in 2025, while Turkey continues to offer a direct citizenship by investment programme.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
Spain's golden visa gave European Union residence in return for investment until it was repealed for new applicants on 3 April 2025. It did not grant citizenship directly.
Turkey offers a direct citizenship by investment programme. A qualifying investment can lead to a Turkish passport, with citizenship granted by Presidential decision and administered through the relevant Turkish authorities. Turkey is not a European Union member.
Spain's golden visa previously accepted a property purchase from 500,000 euros, among other options, but that route is closed and the figure is historical.
Turkey's main routes include real estate from USD 400,000 held for three years, or a bank deposit from USD 500,000 held for three years, with fixed capital, government bond and job creation alternatives also recognised. Confirm the current minimums and holding rules with the Turkish authority before acting.
Spain has no current timeline for new golden visa applicants, since the route is closed. Turkey's programme is often described as running from roughly three to six months from application to a citizenship decision, subject to due diligence. Treat that as indicative and confirm it with the authority.
Spain is a European Union member, so its passport carries Union citizenship, but the golden visa no longer offers a way to reach it. Turkey's passport is not a European Union document. It carries its own travel access, which differs from an EU passport, so weigh it against your specific travel and relocation goals rather than assuming equivalence.
The Spanish golden visa suits no new applicant, because it is closed. Anyone focused on Spain should look at its other residence categories instead.
Turkey suits an investor who wants a direct and relatively fast citizenship route, is comfortable with a non European Union passport, and meets the investment and holding conditions. Confirm the current rules and the source of funds requirements with the authority.
| Item | Spain (legacy golden visa) | Turkey citizenship by investment |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Was EU residence; closed to new applicants | Direct citizenship |
| Current status | Closed on 3 April 2025 | Open |
| Main investment | Was property from 500,000 euros, now closed | Real estate from USD 400,000 or deposit from USD 500,000 |
| Holding period | Not applicable | Three years for the main routes |
| EU member | Yes | No |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye and its Directorate General of Migration Management; and the Spanish authorities publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. Spain closed it to new applicants on 3 April 2025. Files filed before then are processed under the prior rules and existing holders may renew, but no new golden visa applications are accepted.
No. Turkey is not a European Union member, so a Turkish passport is not an EU document. It carries its own travel access, which you should compare against your specific goals.
It is often described as taking roughly three to six months from application to a citizenship decision, subject to due diligence. Treat that as indicative and confirm the current expectation with the Turkish authority.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
The rules for this route changed recently. Confirm the current position with current guidance before you act.
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