Author: Luxury Estate Turkey
Viewed 396 times
07 June 2025
Turkish citizenship by investment is a government-approved program that allows foreign nationals to obtain a Turkish passport, provided they meet specific investment requirements. The process is transparent, and the criteria are clearly defined, which is why the program remains relevant and in demand.
In this article, we answer the most important questions about obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment.
The Turkish citizenship by investment program (often referred to as Turkey’s “Golden Visa”) allows foreign nationals to acquire Turkish citizenship by making qualifying investments in the country’s economy. The most common route is purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000. Other options include depositing money in Turkish banks, purchasing government bonds, investing in equity or venture capital funds, or establishing a business with a capital of at least $500,000. Each of these investment options, when properly documented, provides a legal basis for applying for Turkish citizenship.
The main requirement is to invest no less than the legally specified minimum amount in Turkey’s economy. For real estate, the threshold is $400,000. The investor must declare in writing that the purchase is made for the purpose of acquiring citizenship and commit to holding the asset for at least three years. For other types of investment—such as bank deposits, bonds, shares, or business capital—the minimum threshold is $500,000. All amounts must be officially documented at the time of registration through certified valuation reports and transaction records.
The process is relatively fast. After completing the investment and submitting a full application package, applicants typically receive citizenship within a few months. In some cases, it can take as little as 2–4 months after purchasing real estate. The final timeline depends on how quickly documents are prepared and the outcome of the background check on the investor.
No. There is no language requirement for citizenship through investment. Investors are not required to take language or integration exams, and no residency obligations or Turkish language proficiency are imposed.
Yes. The law does not require the investor’s physical presence in Turkey during the application process. It can be completed remotely via a notarized power of attorney (with apostille and certified Turkish translation). After purchasing the property, a legal representative can obtain the necessary certificates and submit the application. The investor only needs to travel to Turkey at the final stage—typically to receive the passport.
To qualify for citizenship through real estate investment, you must purchase residential or commercial property worth at least $400,000. This amount must be confirmed by both the official sale agreement and a certified valuation report. Underreporting the price of the property is not allowed.
Yes. You may purchase several properties, provided the total value is $400,000 or more. All purchases must be made around the same time and registered under the same applicant’s name. These are treated as a single investment portfolio. Each applicant must meet the threshold individually—joint ownership of a single property among multiple investors does not qualify unless each person meets the minimum individually.
Various property types are eligible, including apartments, houses, villas, office spaces, retail units, and land plots. The key condition is that the properties must be located in areas designated for private ownership—zoned as residential or commercial. Commercial properties and land plots are treated the same as residential real estate if their market value is confirmed by a licensed valuation report.
Yes. The law allows for investments in new developments, including off-plan properties or projects under construction. If you purchase a vacant land plot, you must begin construction or development within two years. Only first-sale properties (from a developer or under construction) are eligible under this program. Previously owned properties that were registered under a foreigner’s name are not accepted.
Yes, foreign investors are allowed to take out mortgages. There are no legal limits on the loan amount. What matters is that the official purchase price, as stated in the contract and valuation, is at least $400,000. Even if part of the purchase is financed by a bank, the full price must meet the threshold on paper. Mortgaged purchases are permitted as long as the declared value satisfies the requirement.
No. The program is designed for individual applicants. Each investor must purchase property worth the full minimum amount. Combining smaller shares from several investors to collectively meet the $400,000 threshold is not allowed. The property must be registered to a single individual. If one person owns a share in a jointly purchased property, only that share is considered—and it must be at least $400,000.
Applicants must submit the following standard documents: original and photocopies of passports, biometric photos, notarized birth and marriage certificates (or divorce/death certificates of spouse, if applicable), a police clearance certificate from each country of citizenship, a valid health insurance policy, proof of investment (e.g., property title deed, bank statements), and a Turkish tax identification number. All foreign documents must be translated into Turkish and notarized.
After the property purchase, the investor must apply for a Certificate of Conformity from the authorized department by submitting the sale documents and passport. This document, issued by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization (through the Land Registry Directorate), confirms that the investment meets the program’s criteria. The certificate includes the verified property value and links the transaction to the citizenship application. Citizenship applications cannot proceed without this certificate.
Yes. A certified valuation report must be prepared by a licensed appraiser (under Capital Markets Board regulations) to confirm that the market value of the property is at least $400,000 at the time of purchase.
After receiving citizenship, the investor is required to retain the property for at least three years. This obligation is registered as a note on the title deed, stating the property “cannot be sold or transferred for three years.” During this period, the property cannot be sold or transferred, but renting it out is allowed.
Selling the property before the three-year mark may result in the loss of citizenship or rejection of the application. Removing the sale restriction before the end of the required term can trigger a review, and the migration authority may cancel citizenship if conditions were violated.
There is no explicit provision in Turkish law that treats natural disasters as an exception to the 3-year rule. However, earthquake insurance (DASK) is mandatory in Turkey. If the property is destroyed—for example, by an earthquake—the insurance will cover the loss. The investor must report the incident and provide insurance documents. Authorities may allow the investor to reinvest in a new property, depending on the situation.
The investor’s legal spouse and children under 18 are eligible to receive citizenship along with the main applicant. Turkey recognizes only one official marriage (monogamy), so only one spouse is included. Minor children of either the investor or the spouse are included automatically.
Children are eligible if they are under 18 at the time of application. Children over 18 can only be included under exceptional circumstances—such as when they are officially recognized as dependents due to a disability or serious illness.
No. Parents and adult children of the investor are not eligible for citizenship under the investment program. They may apply later through family reunification procedures after the investor has obtained citizenship. However, this process is separate and not automatic.
No. The program does not allow adding family members after the application is submitted. However, if the investor later gets married or has children, these new family members may apply for citizenship under standard family-based naturalization procedures.
Yes. Turkey allows dual and multiple citizenships. There is no requirement to renounce previous citizenship(s) when acquiring a Turkish passport—provided your country of origin also permits dual citizenship.
All Turkish male citizens between 20 and 41 years of age are subject to mandatory military service (6 or 12 months depending on rank). However, those who acquire citizenship after the age of 22 are exempt from military service. If the new citizen has already completed military service in their home country, Turkey considers the obligation fulfilled. Therefore, an investor or his son who becomes a citizen after turning 22 will not be required to serve in the Turkish military.
Upon acquiring Turkish citizenship, individuals are subject to Turkish tax law. Tax residents—those who spend more than 183 days a year in Turkey or whose primary economic and personal interests are in Turkey—must pay tax on their worldwide income. Non-resident Turkish citizens pay tax only on income earned within Turkey, such as rental income or profits from property sales.
Yes. Turkish citizenship obtained through investment is permanent. It is granted for life and is not subject to expiration. The passport can be passed on to children and grandchildren by inheritance. Citizenship may be revoked only in exceptional cases, such as fraud or criminal offenses.
No. Turkish passport holders currently need a Schengen visa to enter EU countries. However, the Turkish passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 114 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Hong Kong, South Korea, and several Southeast Asian nations.
Yes. Children included in the investor’s application become Turkish citizens at the same time. Any children born after the parent has obtained citizenship also become Turkish citizens by birth, as long as the birth is properly registered in Turkey’s civil registry.
Yes, in most cases. The obligation to hold the asset for three years transfers to the investor’s legal heirs. As long as the heirs retain the investment for the required duration, the basis for citizenship remains valid. However, there is no explicit clause in the law, so the family should consult a Turkish immigration lawyer to properly manage the inheritance and inform the authorities.
Citizenship may be canceled if obtained fraudulently—e.g., through false information or forged documents. In such cases, the decision applies to the investor and to family members who acquired citizenship through the same application. Citizenship may also be revoked in cases of actions deemed contrary to Turkey’s national interests, such as voluntary military service in a foreign army or employment by a hostile foreign government. These cases are evaluated individually and typically do not affect family members.
Turkish citizenship by investment is a practical opportunity to acquire a second passport, secure long-term benefits for your family, and make a profitable investment. If you are considering buying real estate for this purpose, the Luxury Estate Turkey team is ready to help you find the right property in Turkey and easily complete the process. Contact us for a consultation and a personalized property selection.
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