Timeline to obtaining Turkish Citizenship by Investment
By: Cameron Deggin
Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme is one of the world’s most successful and offers a fast-track route to Citizenship. Turkish Citizenship can be obtained in a variety of different ways, including:
- Job creation of at least 50 people as attested by the Ministry.
Purchasing property is by far the cheapest and most popular route. Combining the benefits of a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, a robust and dynamic economy, and rich cultural heritage, Turkish CBI is an exciting opportunity for those looking to add a second passport to their portfolio or relocate to a new country.
Understanding the process and timeline is essential. In this blog, we’ll break down the stages of obtaining Turkish Citizenship via property investment.
A Timeline to Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Stage 1: Engaged Services (1-2 weeks)
At Property Turkey, we ensure that all of our CBI clients are prepared and informed. Once you express interest, you will receive a welcome email along with a checklist of required documents. This checklist outlines everything needed to streamline the application process.
Additionally, our experienced team provides assistance with the legalisation and notarisation of your documents, ensuring total compliance with Turkish law. Depending on how quickly you gather the required documents, this stage will typically take between 1-2 weeks.
Stage 2: Title Deed and Conformity Stage (2-4 weeks)
After gathering all the necessary documents, it’s now time to focus on buying a qualifying investment property – at least $400,000 USD. During this stage, several critical tasks are carried out:
- With our assistance, you will identify and purchase a qualifying property, often using Power of Attorney (PoA) for added convenience.
- A Foreign Exchange Purchase Document is obtained, confirming that the payment was made in foreign currency and converted to Turkish Lira as per CBI requirements.
- Complete the payment and conduct a Valuation Report of the property to ensure it meets the programme's minimum investment threshold.
- The Developer or Seller applies for the Title Deed transfer at the local Land Registry Office. This includes a request for annotation, ensuring that the property is registered under the CBI scheme.
Once legal checks are done, you will receive the Certificate of Conformity, which is a document confirming that the investment qualifies for Turkish Citizenship. This stage typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the property type and administrative processes.
With the Certificate of Conformity now obtained, the next step is to apply for a short-term Residence Permit. Here’s what this phase involves:
- You and your family (if applicable) must travel to Turkey.
- Biometric data, including fingerprints, will be collected.
- You must also submit birth certificates and criminal record.
Once submitted, the Residence Permit is granted. This stage is quick, completed within 2-3 weeks. The permit allows you to legally live in Turkey while the citizenship application is being processed.
Now comes the most important stage, submitting the application for Turkish Citizenship. With a short-term Residence Permit and Certificate of Conformity in hand, you can formally apply for Turkish Citizenship. This involves:
- Preparing and submitting all documents, including translated and notarised passport, birth certificate, marital status certificate, family registration certificate, and criminal record.
Once submitted, the application is then evaluated. Processing times vary, but you can expect to receive a decision within 6-8 months. During this period, we will provide regular updates on your application status.
Stage 5: Receive Letter of Approval (1-2 weeks)
After your application has been evaluated, you will receive a Letter of Approval. Once this letter is issued, you are officially recognised as a Turkish citizen. You must then:
- Schedule an appointment at nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate to apply for a Turkish Passport and ID card.
- Provide biometric data and complete any remaining formalities.
Within 1-2 weeks, your passport and ID card will be ready for collection and you will now be a Turkish citizen with all the benefits of holding a Turkish Passport.
Advantages of Turkish Citizenship
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 110+ countries: Including destinations in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
- Dual citizenship allowed: Enabling the benefits of being a Turkish citizen whilst keeping your original nationality.
- Access to Turkish healthcare and education: Healthcare and educational services at a smaller cost compared to other countries.
- Eligibility for E-2 Investor Visa in the US: Turkey has a treaty with the United States, providing a pathway for business and residency.
- No minimum residency requirement: This allows you and your family to keep your Turkish citizenship without needing to physically live in Turkey.
Start your application today with Property Turkey
Obtaining Turkish Citizenship may seem complex, but with the right guidance, it can be straightforward. At Property Turkey, we have more than 20 years of experience and specialise in assisting clients every step of the way – from selecting the right property to navigating the difficulties of all legal procedures.
Contact us to explore all of your options and to embark on a rewarding journey ending with a new Turkish Passport. Our experienced team is ready to assist you, turning your investment into a lifetime of endless opportunities.
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