Author: Luxury Estate Turkey
Viewed 58 times
28 August 2025
Turkish citizenship by investment has become one of the most in-demand programs among foreign investors. But is it the right move for you? In this guide, we will examine the advantages of obtaining a Turkish passport, the primary investment routes available in 2025, and the key questions that frequently arise for investors considering this step.
How strong is the Turkish passport today? Its holders enjoy visa-free access to more than 120 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. In many other destinations, Turkish citizens can obtain a visa on arrival or apply online for an electronic permit. Although there is still no direct visa-free regime with the EU, Turkish nationals are routinely granted multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for up to five years. Additionally, they can obtain a ten-year B1/B2 tourist visa for the United States.
A further advantage is the bilateral agreement between Turkey and the U.S. that makes Turkish citizens eligible for the E-2 business visa. This offers a legal pathway to relocate to America by investing in and managing a U.S. business.
Unlike standard naturalization, which requires at least five years of residence in Turkey, the citizenship by investment program is designed to be fast. Investors typically receive their passports within 6–8 months after investing, even taking administrative procedures into account. There is no requirement to live in Turkey permanently. It is sufficient to make a single trip to provide biometrics and complete the documentation. The process does not involve language exams or personal interviews.
Turkey officially permits dual citizenship. New citizens are not required to renounce their existing nationality, provided that their home country allows dual status. This enables investors to retain their original passport while fully enjoying the rights of a Turkish citizen.
Turkish citizenship grants access to the country’s social system, which is a significant benefit for families. Turkey has a system of universal health insurance, and citizens can use a wide range of healthcare services either free of charge or at reduced cost.
In education, citizens have the right to attend public schools free of charge at the primary and secondary levels. At the higher education level, top universities such as Istanbul Technical University and Boğaziçi University offer government-funded places and scholarships available exclusively to citizens. Foreign diplomas are easier to validate, and Turkey’s participation in the Bologna Process makes it simpler for students to study abroad or transfer credits internationally.
Turkish citizenship by investment is not just a personal benefit but a family asset. The program extends to immediate family: a spouse and children under 18 can be included in the same application. All become full Turkish citizens with the right to live, study, and work in the country.
Citizenship is permanent and inheritable. Children and future generations automatically receive Turkish nationality by birth. This provides long-term protection and stability — no matter how global politics or economics may shift, your family always has a second home in Turkey.
In addition, a Turkish passport provides consular protection abroad, unrestricted rights to own property and operate businesses, and participation in the political life of the country, including the right to vote.
The most popular route to Turkish citizenship is investment in real estate. This method simultaneously provides a secure capital asset and a pathway to a Turkish passport.
To qualify, a foreigner must purchase real estate in Turkey worth at least $400,000. It is permissible to acquire multiple properties in Turkey, provided the combined value reaches or exceeds this threshold.
One of the program’s key conditions is the three-year holding period. The property cannot be sold during this time; only after three years may it be disposed of without jeopardizing the citizenship. In comparison, Caribbean citizenship programs usually require a five-year hold.
Additional conditions are strictly enforced. The property must be purchased from a Turkish individual or a Turkish company. Payment must be made exclusively through the banking system — cash payments are not accepted. These conditions are mandatory to obtain the official certificate of eligibility, without which the citizenship application will not be approved.
The program allows investors to choose freely among different types of Turkish properties, as long as the minimum value is met:
Apartments: The most common option, especially in Istanbul, Antalya, and Alanya. Apartments provide year-round rental demand and good liquidity on resale.
Villas: Popular on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts (Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum, Fethiye). Villas offer high rental returns during the tourist season and remain valuable long-term assets off-season.
Commercial property: Some investors opt for office space, retail premises, or serviced units in hotel complexes — for example, a shop or restaurant in a tourist area.
Although real estate is the preferred route, Turkish law provides other qualifying investments.
For conservative investors, financial instruments are available:
Bank deposit: At least $500,000 (or equivalent) must be placed in a Turkish bank account for three years. The funds must remain blocked during this period, and the investor is required to maintain the minimum balance without interruption. After three years, the full sum is returned together with accrued interest. To meet the program conditions, the account should be opened with a bank that works actively with foreign clients, such as Ziraat Bank or İş Bank. Interest rates differ by currency: deposits in USD or EUR carry relatively low rates, while deposits in Turkish lira offer higher returns but involve significant currency risk.
Government bonds: Another qualifying route is to purchase at least $500,000 worth of Turkish government bonds with a minimum three-year holding period. These bonds pay a fixed coupon, but are typically denominated in Turkish lira, which means investors must consider exchange rate volatility. At maturity, the principal is repaid in full together with coupon income.
Both options require a higher entry threshold than real estate and provide only limited returns. They suit investors more concerned with liquidity preservation than with profit or ownership.
For those willing to invest more actively in the Turkish economy, other options exist:
Investment funds: A contribution of at least $500,000 in a real estate investment fund or a venture capital fund qualifies. Funds must be held for three years. In practice, this means participation in large-scale projects — such as construction developments or startup accelerators.
Business capital: Another route is to invest at least $500,000 in the share capital of a Turkish company or to establish a new enterprise with equivalent capitalization. Such investment must be certified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Simply transferring funds is not sufficient; the business must be operational.
Job creation: Citizenship can also be obtained by creating employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens, confirmed by the Ministry of Labor.
These paths are rarely used. The threshold is higher than real estate ($500,000 vs. $400,000), the process is more complex, and the risks are greater, especially in venture capital. For these reasons, most investors still prefer property as a predictable and secure option.
Real estate not only fulfills the program requirements but also provides immediate returns. Apartments and villas in Turkey generate steady rental income due to year-round demand in major cities and resort regions. While awaiting citizenship approval — and afterward if the property is retained — the investment works for the owner.
In addition, property has lifestyle value. A villa by the sea can serve as a family retreat, while an apartment in Istanbul can be a second home. Unlike a bank deposit, property is not a frozen asset: it can be rented, lived in, or improved, combining citizenship, passive income, and personal use in one investment.
The Turkish real estate market has seen rapid appreciation, driven by high demand and urban development. For many investors, this has resulted in not just capital preservation but also substantial gains.
Property is traditionally a hedge against inflation. With a population of more than 85 million and continued urbanization, demand for housing remains strong. After the required three-year holding period, investors often resell their property at a profit.
As a result, the real cost of obtaining a Turkish passport is often lower than the nominal $400,000, since much of the capital can be recovered or even multiplied on resale. Deposits or bonds do not provide this potential.
Some investors wonder if purchasing property and obtaining a residence permit in Turkey is enough, or whether it makes sense to pursue citizenship. The differences are significant.
Residence permit (ikamet) is essentially a renewable visa, valid for one or two years. Citizenship is permanent and lifelong.
Rights: Residents cannot vote, do not hold a Turkish passport for travel, and cannot apply for public office. Citizens enjoy all of these rights.
Stability: Residence status depends on maintaining the legal basis (property, work, study). If the basis disappears, so does the permit. Citizenship is unconditional and automatically passes to children.
A residence permit can be a good first step for those still testing the waters. But in the long term, only citizenship ensures full rights and security.
So, should you pursue Turkish citizenship? For investors aiming to diversify and protect capital, the answer is yes. A Turkish passport provides multiple advantages, and the investment program makes it possible to secure citizenship quickly and with clear requirements.
The next step is to rely on professionals. At Luxury Estate Turkey, our licensed team handles the entire process: selecting eligible properties, conducting due diligence, preparing the full set of documents, and guiding you through every stage. With our expertise, you minimize risks and save valuable time.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today, and we will prepare a tailored plan for obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment.
The minimum investment is $400,000 in real estate or $500,000 in financial instruments.
On average, 6–8 months from the time of investment.
Yes, spouses and children under 18 are included in the application.
Turkish Citizenship 
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