Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme

If you purchase real estate in Turkey that is worth at least $400,000 USD, you can apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment and obtain a Turkish Passport. Along your application, your spouse and any children under the age of 18 will also be granted citizenship.

Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

In June 2022, the government announced changes to their Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme, sometimes called Turkey Golden Visa. These changes mean that buyers can obtain citizenship and a passport from as little as $400,000 USD. This has made the programme one of the most affordable and attractive citizenship initiatives around the world. Since then, thousands of investors have obtained citizenship through purchasing real estate, with Property Turkey helping many. Those who are successful in their application, will have Turkish citizenship forever and any children born after will be born as citizens. Turkey allows dual nationality, allowing you to keep multiple citizenships alongside your Turkish one.

Key Takeaways: CBI in Turkey Explained

- Turkish citizenship by investment starts from $400,000 USD through qualifying real estate.

- Your spouse and children under 18 can be included in the same application.

- The property must usually be held for at least 3 years under programme rules.

- Buyers are not required to live in Turkey to keep citizenship once granted.

- Turkey allows dual nationality, so many applicants can keep their original citizenship.

- Real estate purchases must follow the official banking, currency exchange, and Title Deed process.

- Turkish citizens may be eligible for the U.S. E-2 Treaty Investor visa, subject to U.S. rules.

Different Ways to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment

1 – Acquire real estate investment worth at least $400,000 USD. The cheapest option.

2 – Make a fixed capital investment of at least $500,000 USD in Turkey.

3 – Bank deposit into a Turkish Bank at least $500,000 USD or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish Lira.

4 – Acquire Government Bonds of at least $500,000 USD or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish Lira.

5 – Create jobs for at least 50 people in Turkey as attested by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

6 – Minimum $500,000 USD or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish Lira invested into a private pension system.

7 – Minimum $500,000 USD invested into Real Estate Investment Fund or Venture Capital Investment Fund

Requirements for the Real Estate Investment Programme

- Applicants need to purchase a property that is worth at least $400,000 USD. This does not need to be a single unit, it can be multiple units, with provisions of regulations.

- Applicants need to keep the purchased real estate for a minimum of 3 years. This 3-year commitment needs to be registered as an annotation within the Title Deed and/or Notarised Sales Contract.

- An official Valuation Report must support the application, and the qualifying real estate investment must be worth at least $400,000 USD or the equivalent amount.

- The purchase price must be paid to the seller via a Turkish bank transfer and needs to be supported by bank receipts. This proves that the transaction has been made. NOTE: A third party can pay on your behalf via Power of Attorney. If the investor wants to continue via a Notarised contract, the money needs to be sent to Turkey and a Currency Exchange Certificate should be received beforehand. 

- The official declared value of the investment must be worth at least $400,000 USD at the time of the Notarised Sales Contract and/or its ownership transfer made at the Land Registry Office.

- Any such property within this scope must not be registered under any foreign real person’s name, including the applicant’s spouse or children. Real estate that has been transferred by the applicant’s spouse or kids after 12.01.2017 are not within the scope of the regulation.

- After the land registry stage is completed and the certificate of eligibility is issued, the investor proceeds with the Residence Permit and Turkish Citizenship application process through the relevant Turkish authorities.

How to Obtain a Turkish Passport Through Buying Property?

Step 1 - Get a Tax Registration Number

Step 2 - Open a Turkish Bank Account

Step 3 - Find the property for sale

Step 4 - Buy the property in Turkey

Step 5 - Obtain the Certificate of Conformity

Step 6 - Apply for Turkish Residency

Step 7 - Apply for Turkish Citizenship

Steps for Turkish Citizenship Application by Real Estate Investment

Step 1 – Get a Turkish Tax Number

A tax registration number can be obtained from any tax office in Turkey. An Original Passport and Photos are required.

Step 2 – Open a Turkish Bank Account

Documentation of transactions during the buying stage will be necessary. An Original Passport and Tax Registration Number are required. An Official Document (such as Public Utility Bill) that shows your current address is required to open a bank account.

Step 3 – Find the Property

The property needs to have a total value of $400,000 USD or equivalent in Turkish Lira. This can be a single unit or multiple units. Properties must be completed, or close to completion with a Habitation Licence granted and Construction Servitude or Title Deed ready. It must also be suitable for an official Valuation Survey.

Step 4 – Buy the Property

Use a Turkish Bank Transfer and document the transaction by receipt. Get the Title Deed Registry and/or Notarised Sales Contract annotated with “Not To Be Sold For 3 Years” as part of the requirement. After three years, you can sell your property investment in Turkey as your citizenship is guaranteed forever.

Step 5 – Obtain the Certificate of Eligibility

Provide the Official Valuation Survey and submit the Bank Transfer Receipt. Apply for the certificate of eligibility through the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change.

Step 6 – Apply for Turkish Residency

Gather the required documents before applying for your Residence Permit. Apply to the Directorate General of Migration Management. The Residence Permit is an important step to receiving your citizenship and eventual Turkish passport.

Step 7 – Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Gather the required documents before applying for citizenship. Apply through the citizenship authorities, typically via the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs after the investor Residence Permit stage is completed. NOTE: Property Turkey’s in-house lawyers are there to guide you through every step.

Facts About Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme

- You will need to keep all of your investments for 3 years.

- You are free to sell your property once the required time has expired.

- The applicant, spouse of the applicant, and any children under 18 will be granted Turkish citizenship.

- You are not required to live in Turkey in order to make use of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme.

- Your Citizenship will remain forever and any children born after will be citizens of Turkey.

- You can keep multiple citizenships as Turkey allows dual citizenship.

Required Documents Needed for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

– Birth Certificate – Each copy of the birth certificate needs to be stamped and authenticated OR Apostilled in accordance with the Apostille Convention.

– Certificate of Residence – Proof of address needs to be provided. Bank statements or utility bills will NOT be accepted. Each certificate needs to be stamped and authenticated OR Apostilled in accordance with the Apostille Convention.

– Marital Status – Vital record that shows all family members as the husband, wife and children, Marriage Certificate, Divorce Certificate. Each certificate needs to be stamped and authenticated OR Apostilled.

– If the Applicant is Widowed – Spouse’s Death Certificate

– Health Insurance

– 12 Biometrics Photos Taken on White Background – 4 Biometric photos taken against a white background and sized 5x6 are required for all persons applying. 8 more Biometric photos of regular size taken against a white background are required from the main applicant. NOTE: The investor and any dependent applicants need to be in Turkey for Biometrics to be taken. 

– Passport – A copy of your original Passport.

– Original and Notarised Turkish Translation of all Documents

– Power of Attorney Granted

– Certified Criminal Records

– Application Forms – All completed and filled in correctly.

Professional Assistance for Turkish Citizenship

With over 20 years of experience in the Turkish real estate market, Property Turkey offers a wide selection of Investment and Lifestyle properties for sale. We have carefully and diligently picked a selection of properties that are pre-approved for our A-Z “Citizenship by Investment Programme” – making the process quick and easy for our clients.

Our dynamic team of professional investment consultants are on hand to answer any questions that you might have about the programme, as well as provide the most suitable options meeting all of your requirements. Not only that, but our in-house lawyers are fully qualified to assist you in all legal matters throughout your application. We have helped more than 1,000 clients from over 18 countries invest in thousands of Turkish properties over the years. As an industry leader, we guarantee our bargaining power can help secure the best prices and favourable payment plans for our clients.

Why invest in Turkey?

Amazing Climate – A lot of Turkish cities offer 300+ days of sunny weather. For example, investing in a property in Bodrum guarantees a lovely lifestyle of glitz, glamour, and weather. Investors in Antalya can enjoy beaches and skiing within the same day. British investors in Fethiye real estate can enjoy the world famous Blue Lagoon beach.

Strategic Location – Turkey is strategically located between the East and West, affectively becoming the bridge between the two. Because of this, Turkey offers unique opportunities in business as well as visa-free travel. Investors in Istanbul real estate can enjoy a gateway of accessibility.

Ideal for Families – Those who move to Turkey with families often comment on how hospitable and friendly Turks are. Turkey is a welcoming country towards foreigners and expats with some of the best international schools around.

Healthcare in Turkey – Rising as one of the world’s leading healthcare destinations and medical tourism, Turkey offers healthcare that is second to none – and extremely affordable when compared to other countries around the world.

Food in Turkey – Need we say more. Turkish food is renowned globally for its unique tastes and rich ingredients. From fresh vegetables daily to classic kebabs and desserts, food in Turkey is delight in its own right.

Excellent Value – With the depreciation of the Turkish Lira, the time to buy real estate in Turkey is right now, before prices rise. Invest in Turkey and you can pick up a villa to meet the $400,000 USD requirement in certain cities or a city centre apartment in Istanbul.

Regional Powerhouse – at the front of countries in the surrounding region, Turkey is an EU Candidate Country, as well as G20 and NATO Member. The future of Turkey looks positive.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment FAQ’s

Q: How long does it take to obtain Turkish Citizenship?

A: In Property Turkey’s experience, it normally takes between 6 – 8 months to complete the process for our clients to obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment. This process is a lot quicker than other countries around the globe which can take years.

Q: Can my children and dependents obtain citizenship?

A: Yes. If you purchase a property worth $400,000 USD, you can obtain citizenship and a Turkish passport for yourself, your spouse, and children under 18 years of age. Any kids that are over 18 will need to purchase real estate in their own name worth $400,000 USD.

Q: After I have Turkish Citizenship and passport, do I need to live in Turkey?

A: No. You do not need to live in Turkey in order to keep your citizenship and passport. There are no minimum required days per year that you have to stay in Turkey. Your citizenship is yours for life.

Q: Do I have to give up my birth citizenship in order to become a Turkish citizen?

A: No. You do not have to give up the citizenship of your birth in order to become a Turkish citizen because Turkey allows its citizens to keep dual nationality and passports.

Q: Will my Turkish Citizenship expire at some point?

A: Your citizenship will never expire. Once you have completed the process and held your property for a minimum of three years, your citizenship is guaranteed forever. This is the same for your spouse and any children include within your application.

Q: Do I need to learn Turkish to get a Turkish passport?

A: While other citizenship programmes and countries require you to pass a language test in order to obtain a passport, Turkey does not. You do not need to learn Turkish in order to apply for a passport. However, if you choose to live in Turkey permanently, it is highly recommended to learn the basics of the language in order to easily integrate into life within the country.

Q: How strong is a Turkish passport? How many countries can I travel to?

A: In 2026, Turkish citizens have access to around 113 to 120 destinations when visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eTA destinations are combined. That gives Turkish passport holders travel access across parts of Asia, Latin America, the Balkans, Africa, and other markets. A Turkish passport is typically valid for up to ten years for adults and is renewable.

Q: Can Turkish citizenship help with future relocation to the USA?

A: Turkey is an E-2 treaty country, which means Turkish citizens may be eligible to apply for the U.S. E-2 Treaty Investor visa if they meet investment and immigration requirements. However, approval is not automatic, and eligibility depends on the applicant’s business, investment structure, source of funds, and overall compliance with U.S. visa rules.

Q: Do I need to declare my wealth to Turkish authorities?

A: No. Turkish tax authorities will not ask you any questions regarding your current financial status or existing assets.

Q: Are there tax implications I should know about?

A: Turkey has double taxation agreements with many countries. However, tax treatment depends on your personal residence status, income sources, and treaty position, so this should be checked with a qualified Turkish tax adviser. For more information, contact us to speak with a Turkish tax expert.

Q: Are there any nationals who cannot apply for Turkish Citizenship?

A: Under current Turkish law, there are citizens of certain countries that are prohibited from applying for Turkish Citizenship by Investment. Presently, these are nationals of the following countries: Armenia, Cuba, North Korea, and Syria. However, eligibility should always be confirmed with a qualified Turkish lawyer before proceeding, because nationality-related restrictions are tied to Turkish property-acquisition rules.

Q: Can I work in Turkey if my application is successful?

A: Yes. Those who apply for citizenship and obtain it, are then free to work in Turkey without the need of a work permit. Citizenship makes it easier to work in Turkey.

Q: Do I need to undertake military service if I live in Turkey?

A: Military service rules in Turkey generally apply to male citizens, but they do not affect every citizenship applicant in the same way. The key factor is usually the applicant’s age when Turkish citizenship is granted. In general, applicants aged 22 or older are treated as having completed military service, while younger male applicants may need an individual assessment.

Q: Do I need to undertake Turkish military service if I live overseas?

A: Turkish citizens living abroad may have access to an overseas paid military service option, commonly known as dövizle askerlik. This can be an important route for eligible applicants who do not plan to live in Turkey full-time, but the exact rules and qualification criteria should always be confirmed with a qualified Turkish lawyer.

Q: What are the inheritance laws of Turkey?

A: Turkish law fully protects its citizens and legal heirs in the unfortunate event of a death. Under Turkish law, your property and investment will smoothly pass down to your loved ones without much red tape.

Q: Can I pay using a currency that is not Turkish Lira?

A: Foreign buyers can send funds in a foreign currency such as USD, EUR, or GBP, but for the purchase to proceed correctly in Turkey, the money must be transferred through a Turkish bank and converted into Turkish Lira as part of the official process. The bank then issues the required Foreign Currency Exchange Certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi), which supports the property transaction and citizenship file.

Q: How does Turkey’s Secure Payment System affect property purchases?

A: In 2026, Turkey’s Secure Payment System is set to become mandatory for real estate sales, adding an extra layer of protection for buyers and sellers. In simple terms, the system is designed to ensure that the payment and Title Deed transfer are handled in a more secure, traceable, and coordinated way through the official banking process.