Turkish Citizenship by Invesment

Türkiye offers foreign investors the opportunity to apply for Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying investment. The programme provides several investment options, including purchasing real estate, depositing funds in a Turkish bank, making a fixed capital investment, purchasing eligible investment fund shares or creating employment in Türkiye.

Among these alternatives, purchasing real estate is the most frequently preferred method. A foreign investor may qualify by purchasing eligible property with a value of at least USD 400,000 and undertaking not to sell the property for at least three years.

The Turkish citizenship by investment process involves more than simply purchasing a property or transferring funds. The investment must comply with the relevant legal conditions, the required annotations and official confirmations must be obtained, and the citizenship application must be supported by properly prepared documents.

At Tuva Law Firm, we advise foreign investors and their family members throughout the citizenship process, including investment planning, property due diligence, title deed procedures, residence permit applications, document preparation and citizenship applications.

The information on this page is general in nature. Investment and citizenship requirements may change, and every application must be assessed according to its individual circumstances.

What Is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

Turkish citizenship by investment is an exceptional citizenship procedure available to foreigners who make one of the investments specified under Turkish legislation.

Unlike citizenship based on long-term residence, applicants using the investment route are not generally required to reside in Türkiye for five years before applying. Different conditions apply to other routes, such as Turkish citizenship by marriage or citizenship based on long-term residence.They must instead complete an eligible investment and obtain confirmation from the competent public authority that the investment satisfies the applicable requirements.

Meeting an investment threshold does not, by itself, create an unconditional entitlement to citizenship. The applicant must complete the administrative process and pass the assessments carried out by the relevant Turkish authorities.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment Requirements

A foreign investor may apply for Turkish citizenship by satisfying one of the recognised investment conditions.

The principal investment options include:

• Purchasing eligible real estate worth at least USD 400,000
• Making a fixed capital investment of at least USD 500,000
• Depositing at least USD 500,000 in a bank operating in Türkiye
• Purchasing government debt instruments worth at least USD 500,000
• Purchasing eligible real estate investment fund or venture capital investment fund shares worth at least USD 500,000
• Making a qualifying contribution of at least USD 500,000 to the private pension system
• Creating employment for at least 50 people

For investment methods subject to a holding requirement, the relevant assets or funds must generally be retained for at least three years.

The authority responsible for confirming the investment varies according to the selected route. For example, real estate investments are assessed through the competent authorities responsible for land registry and property matters, while bank deposits are confirmed through the banking regulatory framework.

Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

A foreign national may apply for Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate with a value of at least USD 400,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency.

The property must meet the applicable legal and administrative requirements. A restriction stating that the property will not be sold for three years must also be entered in the land registry.

After the title deed and related procedures have been completed, the investor must obtain the relevant certificate confirming that the real estate investment qualifies for the citizenship programme. Türkiye’s official investment guidance currently identifies USD 400,000 as the minimum real estate investment and requires a three-year restriction on resale.

For a detailed explanation of property eligibility, payment requirements, title deed procedures and legal risks, read our guide to Turkish citizenship by real estate investment

Can More Than One Property Be Purchased?

It may be possible to use more than one property to reach the required investment amount, provided that the properties and transactions satisfy the applicable conditions.

However, the timing of the purchases, payment records, sellers, title deed registrations and valuation documents must be reviewed carefully. Investors should not assume that several unrelated purchases will automatically be accepted as a qualifying investment.

The transaction structure should therefore be assessed before any purchase agreement or title deed transfer is completed.

Can Commercial Property Be Used?

The citizenship programme is not necessarily limited to residential apartments. Depending on the legal status and characteristics of the property, commercial premises, offices, shops, land or other eligible real estate may potentially be considered.

Nevertheless, not every property is suitable for a citizenship application. Zoning status, title deed records, construction rights, ownership history, mortgages, attachments and legal restrictions should be checked in advance.

Can Property Under Construction Qualify?

Certain property acquisitions based on a preliminary sale agreement may potentially qualify when the statutory and administrative requirements are fulfilled.

Projects that have not yet been completed require additional caution. The investor should examine:

• The contractor’s ownership or development rights
• Construction permits
• The project’s legal and financial status
• The preliminary sale agreement
• Land registry annotations
• Payment schedules
• Delivery obligations
• Penalty and termination provisions

Marketing a project as “citizenship eligible” does not independently establish that the transaction satisfies all legal requirements.

Due Diligence Before Purchasing Property

Legal due diligence is one of the most important stages of a property-based citizenship application.

The purchase price is not the only matter that should be examined. Before acquiring a property, an investor should determine whether there are any legal, technical or financial problems that may affect ownership or the citizenship application.

A property review may include:

Title Deed Examination

The land registry should be examined to identify the registered owner, type of property, ownership shares and legal status of the asset.

Mortgages and Encumbrances

Mortgages, attachments, rights of residence, usufruct rights, easements, court orders or other restrictions may affect the use or transfer of the property.

Zoning and Construction Status

The property’s zoning position, construction permit, occupancy permit and conformity with approved plans may be relevant, particularly for newly constructed buildings or projects under development.

Seller and Ownership History

The seller’s authority to transfer the property and the previous transfers recorded in the land registry should be reviewed. Particular attention may be necessary when the seller is a company, developer or authorised representative.

Payment Records

Payments should be made through traceable banking channels and should correspond with the purchase documentation. Inconsistent payment records may delay or jeopardise the application.

Valuation and Eligibility

The official valuation process and the amount recognised for citizenship purposes should be considered before finalising the transaction.

Investors should avoid relying exclusively on the statements of a developer, estate agent or seller. Independent legal review helps identify risks before the investor becomes legally and financially committed.

The Three-Year Holding Requirement

Property purchased for a Turkish citizenship application must be registered with a restriction preventing its sale for at least three years.

This restriction is entered in the land registry as part of the qualifying transaction. The investor continues to own the property during this period and may generally use or lease it, subject to the property’s legal status and the terms of any relevant agreements.

Selling or transferring the property contrary to the restriction may create serious risks for the citizenship process. Investors should obtain legal advice before carrying out any transaction that may affect the qualifying investment.

The official investment guidance confirms that the property must be subject to a title deed restriction preventing resale for at least three years.

Other Investment Options

Although real estate is the best-known route, Turkish legislation provides several alternative investment methods.

Fixed Capital Investment

An applicant may qualify by making a fixed capital investment of at least USD 500,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency. The investment must be confirmed by the competent authority.

This option may be appropriate for investors planning to establish, acquire or expand a business in Türkiye.

Bank Deposit

An applicant may deposit at least USD 500,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency in a bank operating in Türkiye.

The deposit must generally remain in the account for at least three years, and the investment must be confirmed by the competent banking authority.

Government Debt Instruments

The purchase of government debt instruments worth at least USD 500,000 may qualify, provided that the instruments are retained for at least three years and the investment is officially confirmed.

Investment Fund Shares

An investor may purchase qualifying real estate investment fund shares or venture capital investment fund shares worth at least USD 500,000.

The shares must generally be retained for at least three years, and the investment must satisfy the requirements applied by the relevant capital markets authority.

Private Pension Contribution

A contribution of at least USD 500,000 may be made to eligible funds within the Turkish private pension system, subject to remaining in the system for at least three years and meeting the applicable regulatory requirements.

Employment Creation

Foreign investors may also qualify by creating employment for at least 50 people, subject to official confirmation by the competent employment authority.

The current official investment guidance lists these alternatives and identifies the relevant USD 500,000 thresholds, three-year retention periods and 50-person employment requirement.

Can the Investor’s Family Apply?

In many citizenship by investment applications, the principal investor’s spouse and dependent minor children may be included in the family application.

Family eligibility should be assessed before the process begins, particularly in cases involving:

• Children from a previous marriage
• Divorced parents
• Joint or disputed custody
• Adopted children
• Children approaching the age of 18
• Differences between names in passports and civil records
• Missing birth or marriage documents

The authorities may request birth certificates, marriage certificates, custody decisions, consent documents and other civil status records.

Adult children are not automatically treated in the same manner as minor dependent children. Their eligibility should be examined separately.

Documents Required for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

The precise document list depends on the investor’s nationality, family structure, investment method and the country in which the documents were issued.

Commonly requested documents may include:

• Valid passport
• Passport translation
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Documents showing marital status
• Birth certificates of children
• Custody or consent documents where applicable
• Biometric photographs
• Power of attorney
• Investment confirmation documents
• Property and title deed records
• Payment and bank transfer records
• Residence permit documents
• Application forms
• Address and contact information

Foreign official documents may need to be apostilled or legalised and translated into Turkish by a sworn translator. Notarisation may also be required. Applicants who need official records for use abroad may also review our guide on obtaining a Turkish criminal record with an apostille.

Documents should be checked for differences in names, dates, places of birth and marital status. Even minor inconsistencies can lead to requests for additional documentation.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment Application Process

The precise procedure depends on the chosen investment method. A property-based application commonly includes the following stages.

1. Initial Legal Assessment

The applicant’s nationality, family members, intended investment, documentation and potential legal risks are reviewed.

This stage helps determine whether the proposed investment method is appropriate and whether additional documents or arrangements will be required.

2. Tax Number and Banking Arrangements

A Turkish tax number and appropriate banking arrangements may be required to complete the investment and related payments.

Banking procedures may involve compliance checks regarding the applicant, source of funds and proposed transaction.

3. Selection and Legal Review of the Investment

For property purchases, the title deed, zoning position, ownership records, encumbrances and contractual documents should be examined before payment.

For alternative investments, the relevant bank, fund, company structure or financial instrument should be reviewed.

4. Completion of the Investment

The investment must be completed in accordance with the applicable legal and financial requirements.

In property transactions, this includes properly documented payments and title deed procedures. For financial investments, the required funds must be deposited or invested under the prescribed conditions.

5. Registration of the Holding Restriction

Where the selected route requires a three-year retention period, the relevant restriction or undertaking must be officially recorded.

For real estate, the three-year restriction is entered in the title deed records.

6. Certificate of Eligibility

The competent authority examines the completed investment and, when the conditions are satisfied, issues or approves the documentation confirming eligibility.

7. Residence Permit Application

The principal investor generally proceeds with the residence permit stage applicable to qualifying investors.

Official guidance states that foreigners investing within the prescribed scope and amount may qualify for a special short-term residence permit and may subsequently apply for Turkish citizenship.

8. Citizenship Application

The citizenship file is prepared and submitted together with the investment confirmation, residence permit documentation and personal records of the investor and eligible family members.

9. Administrative and Security Review

The application is reviewed by the relevant authorities. Background, security, documentation and eligibility assessments may be conducted. Applicants who have previously encountered immigration restrictions may also need to examine whether a foreigner restriction code in Türkiye could affect their immigration procedures.

10. Citizenship Decision

If the application is approved, the applicant acquires Turkish citizenship following the completion of the official decision and registration procedures.

The new citizen may then proceed with Turkish identity card and passport applications.

Can the Application Be Made from Abroad?

Many stages of the process may be conducted through a properly authorised Turkish lawyer.

A power of attorney can allow the lawyer to carry out specified procedures, including certain property, banking, residence and citizenship-related transactions.

However, the required authority must be clearly written in the power of attorney. A general or incomplete document may not be sufficient.

A power of attorney issued abroad may need to be:

• Issued before a Turkish consulate, or
• Apostilled when issued in a country party to the Hague Apostille Convention, or
• Legalised through the applicable consular procedure

A notarised Turkish translation may also be necessary. Official Turkish investment guidance recognises the use of foreign-issued powers of attorney where the required authorisations, apostille or consular certifications and translations are properly completed.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances and administrative requirements, personal attendance may still be necessary at certain stages.

How Long Does the Application Take?

There is no single processing period that applies to every application.

The overall timeline may depend on:

• The investment method
• The property or financial transaction
• The applicant’s nationality
• The number of family members
• The availability and accuracy of civil documents
• Banking and compliance reviews
• Requests for additional information
• Administrative workload
• Security and background assessments

Applicants should be cautious of promises guaranteeing citizenship within a fixed number of days or weeks. No lawyer, consultant, developer or estate agent can lawfully guarantee the outcome of a citizenship application.

Common Mistakes in Turkish Citizenship Applications

Citizenship applications may be delayed or negatively affected by avoidable errors.

Common problems include:

• Purchasing a property before verifying its eligibility
• Relying only on the seller or estate agent
• Making payments through untraceable methods
• Using inconsistent purchase and payment records
• Failing to register the required three-year restriction
• Submitting expired or incomplete civil documents
• Incorrect apostille or legalisation procedures
• Name and date inconsistencies
• Inadequate powers of attorney
• Assuming that every family member is automatically eligible
• Missing administrative deadlines
• Providing misleading or incomplete information

Legal assistance from the beginning can reduce the risk of discovering serious problems after the investment has already been made.

Does an Investment Guarantee Turkish Citizenship?

No investment method creates an absolute guarantee of citizenship.

The applicant must satisfy the investment conditions and complete all required administrative procedures. The competent authorities also conduct legal, administrative and security assessments.

An application may be delayed or refused where the statutory requirements are not satisfied, the documentation is incomplete or inaccurate, or the authorities identify concerns during their review.

For this reason, professional advisers should not advertise the programme as an automatic purchase of citizenship.

Can Dual Citizenship Be Retained?

Turkish law generally permits multiple citizenship. However, whether the applicant may retain their existing nationality depends on the law of their country of citizenship.

Some countries permit dual citizenship without prior approval, while others impose notification requirements, restrictions or loss of nationality.

Applicants should obtain advice on the laws of their home country before completing the Turkish citizenship process.

Advantages of Turkish Citizenship

Depending on the applicant’s personal and commercial plans, Turkish citizenship may provide benefits such as:

• The right to reside in Türkiye without a residence permit
• The right to work without obtaining a separate work permit in Türkiye
• Access to Turkish identity and passport documents
• The ability to establish and conduct business as a Turkish citizen
• Property ownership and inheritance rights
• Access to public services subject to applicable rules
• The ability to include eligible family members in the application
• The possibility of maintaining another citizenship where permitted by the other country

The practical value of Turkish citizenship differs from one person to another. Immigration, tax, commercial, succession and family-law consequences should therefore be assessed together.

Why Work with a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer?

A citizenship application based on investment requires coordination between several areas of law and administration.

Depending on the investment method, the process may involve:

• Citizenship law
• Immigration law
• Real estate law
• Contract law
• Banking and financial regulations
• Corporate law
• Tax considerations
• Family and civil registry documents
• Administrative procedures

A Turkish citizenship lawyer can assist with:

• Evaluating the appropriate investment route
• Reviewing the applicant’s eligibility
• Examining family documentation
• Conducting legal due diligence
• Reviewing property and investment agreements
• Preparing powers of attorney
• Coordinating title deed procedures
• Monitoring payment records
• Obtaining investment confirmation
• Preparing the residence permit file
• Preparing and submitting the citizenship application
• Responding to requests for additional documents
• Following the administrative process
• Advising on delays or rejection decisions

Legal advice should ideally be obtained before the investor signs a contract, pays a deposit or transfers the investment amount.

Turkish Citizenship Services at Tuva Law Firm

Tuva Law Firm provides legal assistance to foreign investors seeking Turkish citizenship through eligible investment routes. As an English-speaking law firm in Ankara, Tuva Law Firm provides legal assistance to foreign investors seeking Turkish citizenship through eligible investment routes.

Our services may include:

• Preliminary eligibility assessment
• Investment route planning
• Property due diligence
• Review and negotiation of purchase agreements
• Examination of title deed records
• Representation through a power of attorney
• Assistance with investment documentation
• Residence permit procedures
• Preparation of family documents
• Citizenship application preparation
• Application monitoring
• Assistance with additional document requests
• Legal assessment of delayed or rejected applications
• Turkish identity card and passport procedures after approval

Each citizenship application has different legal and practical requirements. We evaluate the investor’s intended transaction and family circumstances before determining the appropriate legal strategy.

Contact a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer

Investors should obtain legal advice before purchasing property, signing an investment agreement or transferring funds for a Turkish citizenship application.

Early legal review can help determine whether the investment is suitable, identify property or documentation risks and ensure that the transaction is structured in accordance with the citizenship requirements.

Contact Tuva Law Firm to discuss Turkish citizenship by investment, property due diligence, residence permit procedures and citizenship applications for investors and their family members.

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