Anyone who’s fought a long, hard paper trail in a bid to carve out a life in Turkey will welcome this week’s news that the government is aiming to ease the way for foreign investors. It’s the latest in a line of measures to encourage foreigners to live and invest in Turkey, including lowering the minimum amount required to obtain Turkish citizenship by property investment to US$250,000.

The Turkish Interior Ministry has announced it will open service offices in Ankara and Istanbul, to help foreign investors to invest in Turkey, gain citizenship or long-term residency permits. Much of the application procedures have eased up in the last few years, as the government slowly digitises the processes required for verifying information and making appointments. 

However the news will be a welcome relief to anyone who’s struggled their way through Turkey’s often arcane bureaucratic processes. 

So far, the government announcement is fairly vague: “Service offices will be opened in Istanbul and Ankara to follow an finalize citizenship or long-term residency permit processes for foreign visitors who met the conditions in a single location,” the ministry said in a written statement. The statement added that the offices will “check conditions, support investors, provide consultancy and follow applications.” 

However, it’s likely more details will be added when the offices open next week. 

Turkish citizenship by property investment minimum slashed dramatically 

When citizenship by investment in Turkey was introduced last year, it was aimed to boost a flagging real estate market. Last month, the government dropped the minimum investment amount from US$1m to $250,000, a shock move aimed at enticing foreign investors to Turkey and mitigating the fall of the Turkish lira, which has lost 45 percent of its value this year. 

Property Turkey director Cameron Deggin welcomed the move. “The threshold of $1m attracted wealthy investors, particularly those from Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. With this new law we’re going to see the field widen.” 

He said the move was perfectly timed. 

“Potential buyers from new markets like the US and China have been eyeing property for some time, and we’ve been fielding a high number of enquiries from these countries. The lira’s fall convinced many to take the plunge. And September’s news persuaded the rest.” 

While there has been much talk about the Turkish economy, Deggin is positive Turkish investment is still a safe bet. 

“Real estate gains more value than any other financial instrument in Turkey,” he said. “Istanbul property prices have risen by around 40 percent in the last decade, more than the average investor return on the stock exchange.” 

And although prices have remained high, Deggin emphasised that you still get bang for your buck in places like Istanbul. “As well as new builds being higher quality than ever, with better facilities, anyone who chooses to live in Istanbul or wider Turkey will be able to enjoy a more comfortable and varied lifestyle for their money.” 

Read more: How to get Turkish citizenship by investing in property

Investing in Turkey is still a "solid option" 

Despite 2016’s attempted coup and the latest news around the lira, Turkey’s fundamentals remain strong, Deggin said. 

He pointed out that as well as foreign direct investment, increasing consumer power within Turkey is driving the economy forward. The country has a population of more than 78 million, and the median age of its inhabitants is 30. 

“You’re looking at an increasingly educated, professional and mobile middle class helping propel a real estate market as well as the economy,” Deggin said. 

Turkey’s location as a gateway to the Middle East, Asia, North Africa and Europe means its an increasing target for trade agreements, as well as making it a focus for travel. 

While tourism, a major component of the economy, took a dive in 2016, this year it’s back to full flow, with numbers expected to reach 40 million visitors. 

However, it’s Turkish real estate that’s the jewel in the country's economic crown, Deggin said. 

This was in part thanks to what he calls a “watershed” moment in 2012, when the reciprocity law was changed. 

Within three years, the number of homes sold increased by four million, outperforming most other markets in the world. The latest measures are aimed at maintaining the country’s excellent track record, Deggin says. And he’s positive they’ll work. 

Read more: Who can buy property in Turkey?

Conditions for Turkish citizenship by property investment 

• Foreign investors can buy $250,000 worth of real estate, which they must not sell for three years. 
• Investors can also opt to make a fixed capital investment for $500,000 to gain Turkish citizenship. 
• The deposit requirement - previously $3m, is now $500,000. The funds must stay in place for three years. 
• Foreigners who generate jobs for at least 50 people are also eligible for citizenship. The requirement was previously 100 people.

Read more: 

• Now $250,000 gets you a property AND a Turkish passport
• Turkish property buyer guide