Schengen Visa is in Danger! Scandalous Citizenship Sale Operation in Turkey Created Visa Problem!

The Crisis of Citizenship by Investment in Turkey

Turkey is currently facing a significant diplomatic challenge regarding Schengen visa applications. The European Union (EU) is tightening its borders and scrutinizing citizenship-for-investment programs. While EU member states are ending these practices, Turkey has expanded its scope. This shift has created a major hurdle for Turkish citizens seeking to travel to Europe.

The Turkish government recently updated the requirements for exceptional citizenship. The minimum real estate investment rose from $250,000 to $400,000. Additionally, joining the Private Pension System is now a valid path to citizenship. These moves have raised alarms in Brussels, where officials view the "sale" of passports as a security risk.

EU Crackdown on Golden Passports

The European Commission has long advocated for the abolition of "Golden Passport" programs. They argue that European citizenship should not be a commodity. Several countries have already complied with these suggestions:

• Cyprus: Stopped its program in November 2020.
• Bulgaria: Ended its nine-year investment citizenship period in February.
• Malta: Remains the only EU member with such a program, but under much stricter rules.

In Malta, money alone is not enough. Investors must spend at least 750,000 Euros on real estate. They must also reside in the country for 12 months and pass a rigorous criminal background check. Turkey, by contrast, has no residency requirements and lacks a strict quota system.

Security Concerns and Visa Rejections

The EU views Turkey’s lack of a quota as a major security loophole. Montenegro, an EU candidate country, limits its program to 2,000 people. It also requires a mandatory donation of 100,000 Euros to the state alongside a real estate investment of up to 450,000 Euros. Turkey’s open-ended approach makes it an outlier in the region.

This policy gap directly impacts the Schengen visa process. European consulates are increasing their scrutiny of Turkish passport holders. They fear that individuals who obtained citizenship through investment—without deep ties to Turkey—may use the passport to enter the Schengen area permanently. This suspicion has led to a surge in visa appointment delays and high rejection rates for ordinary Turkish citizens.

The Future of Visa-Free Travel

For years, Turkey has negotiated for visa-free travel to the EU. These negotiations are now at a standstill. The EU maintains that security standards must be uniform. As long as Turkey continues to distribute passports based primarily on financial investment, the dream of visa-free travel remains out of reach.

The current situation creates a paradox. While the government seeks to attract foreign capital through citizenship sales, it inadvertently lowers the global prestige of the Turkish passport. This makes it harder for students, business owners, and tourists to obtain the necessary permits for European travel. The Schengen visa is becoming a luxury rather than a standard travel document for many.

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