Do you want a fair comparison between real estate investment in Portugal and Turkey? Do you want a fair analysis of Portugal vs Turkey real estate investments that lead to permanent citizenship status? This blog is in-depth research on every aspect that guides investors on the pros and cons of investing in both countries. In general, both programs are meant to lure investors by offering immigration benefits, ROI and visa free travel. Let’s explore both options to consider which could be an ideal option for you.
Portugal vs Turkey Real Estate Investment – Residency vs Citizenship
The first difference when comparing Portugal real estate with Turkey real estate investment is immigration benefits for investors. Portugal real estate investment route, known as Golden Visa program offers a 5 years residency to investors. On the other hands, Turkey real estate investment offers a permanent citizenship directly without any residency requirements.
Another difference between residency permit and becoming a citizen is mainly voting rights. A residence permit typically grants all rights to its holders with the exception of voting rights and holding a public office. Citizens have the right to cast vote at federal, provincial, state or municipal level. Further, citizens can also hold responsibilities in public offices and can contest in elections.
Portugal vs Turkey Real Estate Investment – Visa Free Travel Comparison
Investors who choose real estate investment in Portugal get visa free travel to all 29 Schengen states. On the other hand, Turkey citizenship by real estate investment allows visa free travel to 116 countries and destinations. Visa free travel comparison is totally different when comparing Portugal real estate investors via Golden Visa and Turkey real estate investors who get citizenship directly.
Comparison of Key Visa Free Destinations
Turkey passport visa free countries include Japan, Hong Kong, Qatar, Brazil, KSA, South Korea and others. Portugal residency by real estate investment covers visa free travel to all 29 Schengen states and 190 countries after citizenship. So, Portugal passport has a clear upper hand over Turkey passport. Portugal passport visa free countries include UAE, UK, USA, Japan, China, Schengen states and other important destinations.
Portugal vs Turkey Real Estate Investment Comparison
Portugal Golden Visa real estate investment starts from €5,00,000 and offer high ROI to investors. Investors need to hold their investment for at least 5 years. Turkey real estate investment starts from a minimum of $400,000 capital injection in Turkish Lira with a retaining period of 3 years.
End of Lira Currency Protection Against Depreciation
Recently, the Central Bank of Turkey announced ending of protection against lira currency depreciation. Earlier, real estate investors who consider to plan to become a Turkish citizen were protected by Turkish Central Bank against currency volatility. This puts the investors on a risk where the value of their investment could be reduced by some extent. This isn’t the case for Portugal real estate market, where Golden Visa investors are earning high ROI in terms of appreciation of property and currency as well.
Portugal Vs Turkey Citizenship Via Real Estate Investment – Comparing Stay Requirements
When it comes to comparing the mandatory stay requirements between Portugal and Turkey for investors, Turkey investors have a clear advantage. There is no visit or stay requirement during a particular year to appear for an interview, oath taking, passport request or at any step of citizenship process. Portugal real estate investors, however, have a mandatory requirement of 35 days during 5 years residence period.
Portugal Vs Turkey Citizenship – Comparing Language Requirements
Portugal real estate investors can apply for citizenship after 5 years of residence in the country. However, their citizenship application approval is subject to a language test. This isn’t the case with Turkish citizenship by real estate investment, as there is no such language test for investors.
Comparing the Origin of Real Estate Investors
Anyone from any part of the world can apply for Turkish citizenship by real estate investment including EU citizens, nationals of USA, the UK or any other region. Portugal Golden Visa investors must be from non-EU/EEA or non-Swiss citizens.
Portugal vs Turkey Comparing Processing Time
As per sources, the processing time for Turkey citizenship by real estate investment in 2025 is around 6 to 8 months. On the other side, the processing time for Portugal Golden Visa investors takes around 12 months for application processing.
Portugal vs Turkey – Comparison as a Country
Portugal and Turkey are two important countries enjoying various powers at the world level. Portugal is a part of European Union and Schengen zone. As per Henley Passport Index, Portugal passport is the 5th strongest passport with visa free access to 190 countries. Portugal has become the first choice among wealthy individuals, digital nomads, people earning passive income. The reason is the vibrant lifestyle, English being widely spoken, rich culture, the unique architecture and the welcoming nature of its public.
Tax Comparisons
The government is offering tax incentives to attract young people and investors by offering a 10-year reduced tax scheme where people have to pay 0 or very low taxes on income from outside of Portugal and a flat 20% low tax rate on income source from Portugal.
Tax rates in Turkey vary with 35% tax on personal income and capital gains for tax residents. There is an investment income tax rate as well in Turkey which is 17.5%. Turkey also tax gifts and inheritance.
Portugal vs Turkey – Economy Comparison
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Portugal ranks 51st in terms of GDP (PPP) with a value of $508 billion and has a GDP per capita income of $49237. Tourism is the main contributor to Portugal’s GDP, along with other industries. Real estate in Portugal is growing rapidly and is a lucrative option for investors. Turkey is the 12th largest economy with a GDP (PPP) value of $3.45 trillion and a per capita income of $40,283. Key Turkish industries include automobiles, electronics, textiles, steel and food processing.
Conclusion
Portugal and Turkey are two important options for wealthy individuals for immigration purposes. Real estate is the main source of attraction in both cases, with Portugal leading the way due to its powerful passport. The only con of Portugal real estate investment is 5 years of residency time before applying for citizenship. Turkey is yet another attractive option that offers direct citizenship to real estate investors. However its passport isn’t as lucrative as Portugal passport.
Moreover, the recent policy shift of Central Bank of Turkey to end the currency depreciation protection will dent the program to next level. Considering the pros and cons of Portugal and Turkey real estate investment for immigration, investors can choose the right program that aligns close to their personal goals.