Residence or Citizenship in Turkey Through Property Purchase

When foreigners purchase real estate in Turkey, they have two main legal pathways to live in the country: obtaining a residence permit or acquiring Turkish citizenship. Each option comes with its own requirements, benefits, and implications. In this article, we will explore in detail how a residence permit differs from citizenship when investing in property, what rights each status grants, what obligations it entails, and in which case it makes more sense to choose one over the other.

What Is the Difference Between a Residence Permit and Citizenship in Turkey?

Residence Permit for Property Owners: Duration, Validity, Renewal, and Basic Rights

A residence permit (ikamet) is an official right to live in Turkey for a defined period without becoming a citizen. In the context of real estate, this refers to a short-term residence permit for property owners. The key requirement is that you continue to own the property and meet the necessary conditions (such as having a registered address and valid health insurance). A residence permit allows you to legally reside in Turkey and access various local services (opening a bank account, getting a mobile line, registering a car, etc.) but does not make you a Turkish citizen.

However, on a day-to-day level, life with a residence permit is almost indistinguishable from that of a citizen. You can move freely within the country, rent or purchase additional property, and use both public and private services.

A residence permit obtained through real estate is one of the most reliable ways to live in Turkey long-term. This type of permit is not tied to an employer, educational institution, or third party. Moreover, after 5 years of uninterrupted stay with this permit, you may apply for citizenship by naturalization (provided you meet other requirements, including Turkish language proficiency). If citizenship is not your goal, you can apply for a permanent residence permit after 8 years of continuous legal stay. This permit has no expiration and does not require renewal.

Thus, a residence permit through property purchase offers flexibility: you gain the right to live in Turkey immediately and later decide whether to move toward citizenship or remain a long-term resident.

Definition of Citizenship: Kimlik, Passport, Legal Status, and Entitlements

Turkish citizenship is full national status that grants you all the rights and responsibilities of a citizen. Foreign investors may acquire Turkish citizenship by investment, including through the purchase of real estate that meets the minimum threshold.

Once you obtain citizenship, you are issued a Turkish passport and a national ID (kimlik). You then become subject to Turkish law on the same basis as native-born citizens.

Citizenship offers the maximum set of rights and is permanent. You receive full legal protection from the Turkish state and may enter and live in Turkey without time restrictions. You also take on civic responsibilities (such as compliance with national laws; men are also subject to military service requirements unless exempt).

This is the highest possible level of integration available to a foreign property buyer.

Requirements for Property-Based Residence and Citizenship

Minimum Investment for Residence Permit and Citizenship in Turkey

The main difference between residence and citizenship lies in the investment amount.

• Residence permit: As of 2025, the minimum cadastral value of real estate required to qualify for a residence permit is USD 200,000.

• Citizenship: To qualify for the Turkish citizenship by investment program, you must invest at least USD 400,000 in one or more properties. Multiple properties are allowed, as long as the total appraised value exceeds the required amount and all transactions are completed in a short timeframe for submission as a single application.

How Long You Must Keep Property

Another important distinction lies in how long you must retain ownership of the property.

• Residence permit: After receiving the permit, you may theoretically sell the property at any time without affecting your current permit. However, to extend the permit or apply for a new one, you must again prove that you own qualifying property.

• Citizenship: Under the investment program, you must commit to holding the purchased property for at least 3 years. If you sell before that period ends, your application will be denied or the citizenship revoked if already granted.

Key Differences in Rights Between Citizenship and Residence

Work, Study, Healthcare, and Business Rights in Turkey

Employment:

• Residence permit: This status does not automatically grant the right to work. To be employed legally, a foreigner must obtain a separate work permit (Çalışma İzni), either through an employer or via their own company.
• Citizenship: No work permits are required. Citizens may work in any position without restrictions.

Education:

• Residence permit: Children of foreigners can attend Turkish schools, and adults can enroll in universities, typically on a paid basis and under quotas for foreign students.
• Citizenship: Citizens study on equal terms with locals, including in public universities, where tuition is free or symbolic. Citizens are also eligible for national scholarships and government-funded programs.

Health insurance:

• Residence permit: Private health insurance is mandatory when applying for a residence permit. After one year of residency, you may join the public SGK system by paying contributions.
• Citizenship: Citizens receive full access to the SGK public healthcare system, including clinics, hospitals, vaccinations, and subsidized medications. They may also qualify for social aid in cases of disability, poverty, or loss of ability to work.

Business registration:

• Residence permit: Foreigners with a residence permit may register a business in Turkey, but to actively manage it and earn income, a work permit is still required.
• Citizenship: Turkish citizens can open and operate businesses without limitations, enjoy streamlined procedures, and typically benefit from greater trust among banks, partners, and government institutions.

Civil and Political Rights with Turkish Citizenship vs Residence

Voting and elections:

• Residence permit: Permit holders are not Turkish citizens and thus cannot vote or participate in referendums.
• Citizenship: Citizens may vote in all elections and even run for public office, provided they meet the legal requirements for candidacy.

Passport and international travel:

• Residence permit: Does not come with any new travel rights; you continue to use your original passport and remain subject to its visa requirements.
• Citizenship: As of 2025, Turkish passport holders may travel to over 110 countries visa-free or with simplified procedures, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many countries in Latin America and Asia. Turkish citizens are also eligible to apply for an E-2 investor visa in the United States.

In practice, if a foreigner intends to stay in Turkey long-term, the difference between these statuses becomes more noticeable—particularly when it comes to building a stable life, raising children, running a business, applying for credit, or receiving state support.

What to Choose: Turkish Residence Permit or Citizenship?

For Seasonal Living or Frequent Visits – Residence Permit Is Sufficient

If you intend to use your Turkish property as a holiday home, a winter residence, or for seasonal stays, a short-term residence permit is the most convenient option. It allows you to legally stay in the country as long as you wish, without the need to exit and re-enter every 2–3 months.

The investment threshold is relatively low: you can buy a comfortable apartment near the sea and enjoy your visits to Turkey throughout the year. In this scenario, citizenship is often unnecessary—especially if you do not plan to integrate fully, start a business, or live in the country permanently.

A residence permit also allows you to retain your original nationality, which is convenient for those who wish to avoid the complexities of dual citizenship. Many foreigners who purchase summer homes in Turkey opt for this route: they obtain a residence permit, live here when they wish, and decide later whether they want to take the next step.

For Full Relocation, Work, or Business – Choose Citizenship

If you are planning a full relocation to Turkey—with your family, long-term residence goals, and plans to integrate—it is worth considering citizenship.

If you want to build a career, run a business, or participate in professional life, a residence permit will require you to apply for various permissions and navigate bureaucracy. Citizenship removes these barriers: you can work freely, change jobs, or open any type of business. In reality, this increases your independence and credibility in the eyes of partners and institutions.

Citizenship is also important for children: they will have equal access to universities, the job market, and financial aid.

For Global Mobility and a Second Passport – Citizenship by Investment

Some investors do not seek citizenship for life in Turkey but rather view a second passport as a strategic asset for international mobility. This is especially relevant for wealthy individuals from countries facing political or economic instability, where a second passport serves as protection for family and business interests.

In 2025, Turkish citizenship by investment remains one of the fastest and most accessible programs: there is no requirement to live in the country, and the processing time is around six months. For many investors, Turkey becomes a “passport reserve”—they do not relocate but acquire citizenship to unlock global opportunities. Turkish law allows this, as there is no obligation to reside in the country after naturalization. The passport is valid for 10 years and its renewal is not linked to your country of residence.

If your goal is to explore life in Turkey slowly and with minimal investment, a residence permit is sufficient. But if you are confident that Turkey is your second home or you need a second passport for greater freedom, citizenship is the right choice.

Luxury Estate Turkey supports clients at every stage—from selecting property that meets the requirements for residence or citizenship to handling all documentation. We provide expert legal support and help you find the optimal solution based on your personal goals.