Path to British passport opens for those investing 308 million TL

In the UK, the Labour Party government has brought the “Tier 1 Investor Visa,” known publicly as the “golden visa,” which was abolished during the Conservative Party era, back onto its agenda. The model, currently in the draft stage, envisions opening an accelerated path to residency and citizenship for foreigners who make high-value direct investments.

RESIDENCY AND PASSPORT IN EXCHANGE FOR INVESTMENT

According to the plan, it is being discussed that foreign investors who make a direct investment of 5 million pounds—approximately 308 million TL at current exchange rates—in British businesses would be granted settled status in the UK after 3 years and a British passport after 5 years.

DRAFT MODEL ON THE TABLE

It is stated that the subject in question was discussed in a meeting held under confidentiality conditions, attended by government officials, non-governmental organizations, law firms, economists, and tax experts. Whether the program will be finalized and whether the conditions will change is not yet clear.

DISAGREEMENT IN THE CABINET

The plan has led to different assessments within the British cabinet. It was reported that Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle supported the regulation, arguing that the country is in a “ruthless struggle” to attract global capital.

It was stated that Kyle argued that stronger audit and filtering mechanisms could be established to reduce the criticisms directed at the past practice. In contrast, it is noted that the Home Office has reservations about security risks, and there are question marks on the Treasury side regarding whether such programs will provide real economic growth.

WHY WAS THE OLD SYSTEM ABOLISHED?

The Tier 1 Investor Visa was abolished during the Conservative Party era due to concerns regarding Russian capital and security debates following the war in Ukraine. It is on the agenda for the new model to be designed with stricter control mechanisms, taking these past debates into account.

GOLDEN VISA TABLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES

The debate in the UK has also brought the question of how investment-for-residency or citizenship programs are implemented on a global scale back to the forefront. In many countries, especially in Europe and the US, thresholds vary depending on the type of investment and the region.

INVESTMENT CONDITIONS CHANGING IN EUROPE

In Greece, the minimum investment amount varies between 250 thousand and 800 thousand euros. It is stated that the lower limit rises to 500 thousand euros in high-demand areas such as Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. The program mainly provides residency permits through real estate investment.

In Portugal, while the minimum investment requirement stands out as 250 thousand euros, real estate purchases were removed from the system after 2023. In the new model, residency rights can be obtained through options such as fund investment, scientific research, or cultural investment.

Spain is among the countries that have completely ended its golden visa program. The practice, which previously granted residency rights in exchange for a 500 thousand euro real estate purchase, was officially terminated in the country as of 2025.

PRACTICES IN THE UAE, THE US, AND MALTA

In the United Arab Emirates, a real estate investment of approximately 2 million dirhams, or about 500 thousand euros, is shown as one of the basic thresholds for long-term residency. In this way, investors are granted a 10-year and renewable residency right.

In the US, the investment threshold in the EB-5 program varies according to the region and project type. It is stated that the minimum amount is between 800 thousand dollars and 1 million 50 thousand dollars, and that the designated fund investments can initiate a process leading to American citizenship for investors.

In Malta, the model, which operates with costs of 600 thousand euros and above, stands out as one of the most debated examples within the European Union. A path leading directly to EU citizenship is opened for individuals who fulfill conditions such as donations, fund investments, and real estate leasing.

News Source: 12punto