THE LEGAL GROUNDS FOR ELIGIBILITY TO TURKISH CITIZEN
- Citizenship through Investment
- Real Estate Investment
- Purchase of real estate properties worth at least 400.000 USD
- Properties can be residential, commercial, land (with some restrictions) and or any combination of the same.
- Admitting of not to sell these properties for at least 3 years
These are the main requirements in obtaining Turkish Citizenship for the investor with his family (wife/husband and children under 18 age).
- Other types of investments
- Investing at least 500.000 USD of fixed capital.
- Depositing at least 500,000 USD cash to banks operating in Turkey with a condition hold on for 3 years.
- Creating jobs for at least 50 Turkish citizens.
- Purchasing at least 500.000 USD government bond instruments with a condition hold on for 3 years.
- Purchasing at least 500,000 USD of non-investment fund participation share or venture capital investment fund participation share with a condition hold on for 3 years.
The above are also investments that lead to obtaining Turkish citizenship for the investor and his family (wife/husband and children under 18 age).
Under any of the above investments, the eligibility of applying to citizenship is sort of immediate. It does require neither residence nor knowledge of Turkish language and culture.
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Turkish Citizenship through marriage:
- Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant Turkish citizenship.
- Foreign nationals who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and whose marriage is still valid are eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship.
- Applicants should meet three main conditions as follows:
- Living together as a family,
- Not engaging in activities incompatible with the marriage union,
- Not posing a threat to national security and public order.
- Citizenship through adoption:
Foreign children under 18, legally adopted by a Turkish citizen, are automatically eligible for Turkish citizenship once the adoption is recognized, provided that there is no national security or public order concern.
It’s one of the most direct and automatic pathways to Turkish nationality.
- Citizenship by birth:
Turkish citizenship is citizenship acquired by the establishment of lineage with a mother or father.
4.1 Citizenship by Descent
A child born to a Turkish mother or Turkish father (whether in Turkey or abroad) is a Turkish citizen at birth.
4.2 Citizenship by Place of Birth
Foreign Children born on Turkish Soil may conditionally acquire Citizenship as follows:
- Child parents are stateless and or
- Child who cannot acquire the nationality of either parent
4.3 Special Cases
- Abandoned children: Any child found in Turkey is presumed to be born in Turkey to Turkish parents, unless proven otherwise → automatically Turkish.
- Refugee parents: Children born in Turkey to refugee parents do not automatically get Turkish citizenship, unless the child would otherwise be stateless.
- Citizenship by way of residence
- Long-Term Residence Requirement
Foreign nationals can apply for Turkish citizenship if they have lived in Turkey continuously for 5 years with a valid residence permit.
“Continuously” means you should not be outside Turkey for more than 12 months in total within those 5 years.
- Conditions for Application
To qualify, you must:
Have resided in Turkey for 5 years under a residence permit (e.g., for work, family, long-term residence, not tourist).
Show intention to settle in Turkey, proven by things like:
Owning property in Turkey
Having a Turkish spouse or children
Running a business in Turkey
Continuous employment or education
Have sufficient knowledge of the Turkish language.
Have good morals and no criminal record (no threat to public order or national security).
Have sufficient income or financial resources to support yourself and your family in Turkey.
- Citizenship through Turquoise Card:
Turquoise Card was introduced in 2017, to employ foreign qualified persons in Turkey. They will be given 3 years initial residency and followed by permanent residency. Uninterrupted residency of 5 years makes holders of Turquoise Cards eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship by way of residence.
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THE BENEFITS OF TURKISH CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
- Global Mobility
Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access to 110+ Countries
A Turkish passport provides powerful travel freedom, which is a primary motivator for many investors.
This is valuable for business people who need to travel frequently without the hassle of applying for visas.
- US Access
Path to the United States: E-2 Investor Visa
This is a unique and highly valuable benefit of Turkish citizenship, especially for investors targeting North America.
- Strategic Investment
Turkey is a G20 country with a large, diverse, and strategically located economy.
Business Opportunities: Citizenship allows for full rights to establish and run businesses without foreign ownership restrictions.
Growing Market: Gain access to a domestic market of over 85 million people and a hub for trade between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Favorable Regulations: The business environment is generally welcoming to investors, with various incentives available.
- Family Inclusion
The main applicant can typically include their spouse and dependent children under 18 in the same application for no additional real estate investment.
- Cost
Compared to other European CBI programs, Turkey’s program is one of the most affordable.
The main route is a real estate investment of a minimum of $400,000. The property must be held for at least three years, after which it can be sold without affecting citizenship status.
Alternative options include a capital deposit of $500,000 or creating jobs, though real estate is the most popular.
- Speed & Convenience
The process is designed for efficiency and convenience.
Speed: The entire process, from application to passport issuance, can be completed in approximately 4-6 months, which is very fast compared to many residency-by-investment programs.
No Physical Stay Needed: There is no mandatory residency) requirement to qualify for or maintain citizenship. You are not obligated to live in Turkey, making it ideal for global citizens.
- Lifestyle
Turkey, especially cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir, offers a high standard of living.
World-Class Infrastructure: Modern healthcare, international schools, shopping malls, and transportation.
Rich Culture and History: A unique blend of European and Asian cultures with a rich historical heritage.
Beautiful Geography: Stunning coastlines, mountains, and four distinct seasons.
- ROI Potential
The real estate investment is not just a cost; it’s an asset.
Turkey’s property market, particularly in major cities, has shown strong growth and potential for appreciation.
The property can be rented out to generate a rental income during the mandatory 3-year holding period, providing a return on investment.
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Important Consideration:
While the benefits are substantial, it is crucial to work with official and licensed legal advisors and real estate agents in Turkey. Regulations and minimum amounts can change, and proper due diligence is required to ensure the investment property is eligible and the process is completed correctly and legally.
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APPLICATION PROCESS FOR TURKISH CITIZENSHIP
The application process for Turkish citizenship depends on the legal ground under which the eligibility lies. The steps are as follows:
- Determine the eligibility route
Investment, marriage, adoption, Birth, residence, or Turquoise Card
- Prepare the Required Documents
Documents differ by category, but generally include:
2.1 Completed application form.
2.2 Valid passport (notarized Turkish translation).
2.3 Birth certificate.
2.4 Proof of eligibility
2.5 biometric photographs.
2.6 Proof of income or financial means.
2.7 Criminal record clearance from both home country and Turkey.
- Submit Application
Applications are filed in person at the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship in Turkey.
If abroad, they are submitted at Turkish consulates.
You must attend in person; lawyers/representatives can assist but not fully replace you.
- Security & Administrative Checks
Background checks are carried out by the Ministry of Interior and security agencies.
This includes review of criminal record, national security considerations, and verification of residence continuity.
- Evaluation by the Citizenship Commission
Your file is reviewed by the Citizenship Application Review and Decision Commission.
They make a recommendation to the Ministry of Interior, Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
- Decision by the Presidency
Final approval is given by the President of Turkey (for exceptional/investment cases).
For standard residence-based naturalization, the Ministry issues the decision.
- Notification & Registration
If approved, you are registered in the Turkish civil registry.
You receive a Turkish ID card and passport after registration
- Processing time:
Investment route: ~3–6 months.
Marriage or residence route: 1–2 years (sometimes longer depending on background checks).
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DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP THROUGH REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
- Certificates of Birth for all the family members, should be original and attested by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish embassy in the original country of the applicant.
- The marriage certificate, should be original and attested by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish embassy in the original country of the applicant.
- The family registration certificate, should be original and attested by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish embassy in the original country of the applicant.
- Valid Passport photocopies for all the family members.
- 8 biometric photographs of each family member 5*6 cm.
- Address document (water bill, electricity bill, or driving license if the address is written).
- Real property valuation report.
- Bank receipt, showing that at least 400.000 USD has been paid as real estate value.
- Title deed.
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THE COSTS OF THE TURKISH CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION
The expected costs of the Turkish Citizenship Application by Investment
Real estate in Turkey worth at least 400.000 USD
4% title deed fee (In some projects, it is taken from 2% buyer and 2% seller)
1% VAT (18% VAT on commercial real estate)
250 USD appraisal report
300 USD general title deed expenses
2,500 USD lawyer fee
200 – 300 USD citizenship documents (translation, insurance etc. expenses)
Approximately 300 USD power of attorneies for both husband and wife.
Approximately 180 USD passport fee and ID fee per person.
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DELIVERING THE TITLE DEED
Delivering the title deed, the final step of buying a house in Turkey is carried out after fulfilling their legal responsibilities on both sides. All documents required (receive a tax number, opening a bank account for payments, translation of a valid passport and notarization, and preparation of photos).
Insure that the Title of deed application is filled by experienced real estate expert.
After the title deed application and documents are delivered, the land registry office makes the necessary checks in about a week and invites the parties for the deed signature. The buyer and seller (or their notarized representatives) meet at the land registry office and sign with a sworn translator.
Congratulations, now you are a homeowner in Turkey!
