Turkish Citizenship by Investment (2026)

Turkish Citizenship by Investment is a government program that enables foreign nationals to acquire Turkish citizenship and a Turkish passport through a qualifying financial investment in Turkiye. The program was launched in January 2017 to attract foreign direct investment and has since become one of the most popular citizenship by investment programs worldwide due to its fast processing time, competitive investment threshold, and the strategic benefits of holding a Turkish passport.

Foreign investors can obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate worth at least 400,000 USD, or by choosing from alternative investment routes starting at 500,000 USD, including bank deposits, government bonds, venture capital fund shares, fixed capital contributions, private pension contributions, or job creation. The investment must be maintained for a minimum period of 3 years. There is no language test, no minimum stay requirement, and no prior residency obligation. The entire process from application to citizenship approval typically takes between 3 to 6 months.

The program extends to the investor’s family, the spouse and children under the age of 18 receive Turkish citizenship through the same application. Turkiye permits dual and multiple citizenship, which means investors are not required to renounce their existing nationality. This type of application is classified under Turkish law as ‘Türk Vatandaşlığının İstisnai Yolla Kazanılması’ (acquisition of Turkish citizenship by exceptional means) under the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.

The Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries including Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong. Turkish citizens are also eligible for the US E-2 Investor Visa, which allows investors and their families to live and work in the United States.

For other ways to acquire Turkish citizenship, you may examine our Turkish citizenship by marriage or Turkish citizenship by standard way articles.

Key Program Details 

Benefits Of Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Turkish Citizenship by Investment offers significant advantages for the investors and their families. The benefits of the program extend far beyond obtaining a second passport.

Visa-Free Travel to 110+ Countries

The Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries and territories worldwide. Turkish passport holders can travel without a visa to notable destinations including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brazil, Argentina, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Qatar, and many countries across Africa, Asia, and South America. Turkish citizens can also obtain a C-2 Schengen visa valid for up to 5 years, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

US E-2 Investor Visa Eligibility

Turkiye has a bilateral investment treaty with the United States that makes Turkish citizens eligible for the E-2 Investor Visa. The E-2 visa allows Turkish citizens and their families to live and work in the United States by establishing or investing in a US-based business. Investors who obtained Turkish citizenship through the investment program must have been domiciled in Turkiye for a continuous period of at least 3 years before applying for the E-2 visa. The E-2 visa is typically issued for a renewable period of up to 5 years.

Dual Citizenship

Turkiye fully permits dual and multiple citizenship. Investors who obtain Turkish citizenship by investment are not required to renounce their existing nationality. This means the investor can hold the Turkish passport alongside their original passport without any legal restrictions under Turkish law.

No Residency or Language Requirements

There is no minimum stay requirement to obtain or maintain Turkish citizenship by investment. The investor is not required to live in Turkiye before, during, or after the citizenship application process. There is also no language test or Turkish language proficiency requirement at any stage of the application.

Full Citizenship Rights

Turkish citizenship by investment grants permanent and irrevocable citizenship. The investor and their family members receive the same rights as native-born Turkish citizens, including the right to live, work, study, and establish a business in Turkiye without any restrictions. The citizenship is also passed down to future generations by birth.

Access to Healthcare and Education

Turkish citizens have full access to the public healthcare system and the education system in Turkiye. This includes public hospitals and universities. Turkiye has a well-developed healthcare infrastructure and a wide range of international schools and universities.

Strategic Location Between Europe and Asia

Turkiye is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, providing investors with access to both the European and Asian markets. Turkiye’s Customs Union agreement with the European Union allows businesses to trade goods with EU member states with reduced barriers. This strategic position makes Turkiye an ideal hub for international trade and business operations.

Turkish Passport Strength and Visa-Free Countries

The Turkish passport is ranked among the top 50 passports in the world, providing its holders with access to over 110 countries and territories through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorization (eTA).

Notable Visa-Free Destinations for Turkish Passport Holders:

Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Qatar, Iran, Jordan, Uzbekistan South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia Europe (Visa-Free): Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Northern Cyprus Africa: South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Botswana, Gambia Other: Bahamas, Barbados, Dominican Republic

Turkish citizens can also obtain a C-2 Schengen visa for up to 5 years, allowing multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area. For travel to the United States, Turkish citizens can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa which is typically issued for up to 10 years.

Turkish Citizenship and the USA E-2 Investor Visa

One of the most significant benefits of Turkish citizenship is the eligibility for the US E-2 Investor Visa. Turkiye is a treaty country with the United States under the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation, which allows Turkish citizens to apply for the E-2 visa.

What is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of treaty countries to live and work in the United States by establishing or investing in a US-based business. The E-2 visa is renewable and there is no maximum number of renewals as long as the business continues to operate.

E-2 Visa Requirements for Turkish Citizens

• The applicant must be a Turkish citizen.
• Investors who obtained Turkish citizenship through the investment program must have been domiciled in Turkiye as a Turkish citizen for a continuous period of at least 3 years before applying.
• The applicant must invest a substantial amount in a US-based business. While there is no legally defined minimum investment, most successful applications involve investments of 100,000 USD or more.
• The business must be a real, operating enterprise and not a marginal business.
• The applicant must intend to depart the United States when the E-2 status ends.

E-2 Visa Benefits

• The E-2 visa is typically issued for a period of up to 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
• The spouse of the E-2 visa holder can apply for a work permit (EAD) and work for any employer in the United States.
• The children of the E-2 visa holder under the age of 21 can attend school in the United States.
• There is no annual limit or quota for E-2 visas.

The E-2 visa pathway is particularly valuable for citizens of countries that do not have an E-2 treaty with the United States. By obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment, citizens of non-treaty countries can gain access to the US E-2 visa program after fulfilling the 3-year domicile requirement.

Eligibility Criteria for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Before applying for Turkish citizenship by investment, the main applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• The main applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• The applicant must not have a criminal record that poses a threat to national security or public order.
• The applicant must be able to prove the legal source of the investment funds.
• The applicant must have valid health insurance coverage in Turkiye for the duration of the residence permit.
• The applicant must not have previously resided unlawfully in Turkiye.
• The applicant must hold a valid passport or equivalent travel document.
• The applicant must obtain a Turkish tax identification number before proceeding with the investment.

The spouse and the children under the age of 18 of the main applicant can be included in the citizenship application. Children of any age who are living with disabilities may also be included. Parents and siblings of the main applicant cannot be included in the application.

7 Ways to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment

There are few ways to obtain Turkish citizenship by investment.

• Purchasing a property which is valued at least 400.000 USD or above. After the purchase, there is a 3 year ban for transfering the property to a third party. In addition to this, it is also possible to take over an easement right or condominium equivalent to this amount. The ban for not transfering the property for 3 years also applies in this condition.

• To deposit 500.000 USD or above amount to any bank operating in Turkey, with the condition of not withdrawing at least 3 years.

• Employing 50 or more workers,

• Making a fixed capital investment equivalent of 500.000 USD or above,

• Purchasing goverment bonds or other debt instruments equivalent of 500.000 USD or above, with the condition of keeping them for at least 3 years,

• Purchasing real estate investment fund participation shares or venture capital investment fund participation shares equivalent of 500.000 USD or above, with the condition of keeping them for at least 3 years.

• Contributing at least 500.000 USD or equivalent amount into a private pension system (Bireysel Emeklilik Sistemi) operating in Turkiye, with the condition of maintaining the contribution for at least 3 years. This investment route is certified by the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency (Sigortacılık ve Özel Emeklilik Düzenleme ve Denetleme Kurumu). After the 3-year holding period, the investor can withdraw the funds from the private pension system.

Comparison of Investment Options

There are seven different investment routes to obtain Turkish citizenship. Each option has its own advantages and considerations:

1. Real Estate Purchase (400,000 USD)

This is the most popular investment route, chosen by the vast majority of applicants. The investor acquires one or more properties with a combined value of at least 400,000 USD. The property must be held for a minimum of 3 years. After the holding period, the investor can sell the property and potentially recover the investment with profit due to the appreciation of the Turkish real estate market. The investor can also generate rental income during the holding period.

2. Bank Deposit (500,000 USD)

The investor deposits at least 500,000 USD or equivalent foreign currency into a Turkish bank account. The deposit must be maintained for 3 years. This is a straightforward option for investors who prefer liquidity and do not wish to manage a property. The deposited amount earns interest during the holding period. After 3 years, the investor can withdraw the full amount.

3. Government Bonds (500,000 USD)

The investor purchases government debt instruments worth at least 500,000 USD. The bonds must be held for a minimum of 3 years. This option provides the security of a government-backed investment with fixed returns.

4. Real Estate or Venture Capital Fund (500,000 USD)

The investor purchases participation shares in a real estate investment fund or a venture capital investment fund worth at least 500,000 USD. The shares must be held for 3 years. This option allows investors to participate in diversified investment portfolios managed by professionals.

5. Fixed Capital Investment (500,000 USD)

The investor makes a fixed capital contribution of at least 500,000 USD, as verified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. This option is suitable for investors who wish to establish or expand a business in Turkiye.

6. Job Creation (50 Employees)

The investor creates employment for at least 50 people, as verified by the Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Services. The employees must be maintained for at least 3 years. This option does not have a specific monetary threshold but requires significant operational commitment.

7. Private Pension System (500,000 USD)

The investor contributes at least 500,000 USD into the Turkish private pension system. The contribution must be held for a minimum of 3 years. This is a relatively newer investment route and offers the investor the benefit of participating in Turkiye’s regulated pension system.

Among all investment options, real estate purchase remains the most preferred route due to the lower investment threshold (400,000 USD compared to 500,000 USD for other options), the tangible nature of the investment, the potential for rental income and capital appreciation, and the straightforward process.

8 Steps for Turkish Citizenship by Purchasing a Real Estate

The stages of Turkish citizenship by investment are below;

• Step 1 – Obtaining a Tax Registration Number

The tax registration number can be obtained from any tax office and an original passport and one biometric photograph.

• Step 2 – Finding a Suitable Real Estate

It is possible to apply for Turkish citizenship by investment with one property which has the value of 400.000 USD or above, or with multiple properties which are valued 400.000 USD or above combined.

• Step 3 – Obtaining a Valuation Report 

The valuation report is an official report which shows the market price of the property. The valuation reports are obtained from government licensed property valuation companies. The valuation report is a requirement Turkish citizenship application process.

Therefore, before acquiring the property, a valuation report must be obtained and presented to the Land Registry Directorate. In case the property’s value and legal status meets the criterias set by the Law, it is possible to continue to acquire the property for Turkish citizenship application. The property can be purchased within 3 months after the valuation. In case the 3 months passed after the valuation, the valuation must be renewed.

If the property’s value or legal status does not meet the criterias set by the Law, it is still possible to purchase the property. But in this case the property cannot be used for the citizenship application.

• Step 4 – Obtaining the Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate

The investors are required to open a bank account in Turkey and sell at least 400.000 USD or above amount to the bank and receive a ‘Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate’. Basically, the Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate is a document that shows at least 400.000 USD or above amount is sold in to a bank operating in Turkey to be sold to the central bank before the sale of the property.

This process is completed by the bank with the investor’s personal presence or investor’s attorney’s presence which must have the necessary authorizations in his Power of Attorney.

In accordance with Article (13) of the Capital Movements Circular of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, foreign currency must be exchanged for the full amount of the sale price of the property.

After the obtaining the Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate, this document will be presented to the Land Registry Directorate to continue with the Turkish citizenship application. The Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate is required for the properties which are obtained after the date of January 24, 2022.

• Step 5 – Purchase of the Real Estate

The payment for the property must be made via bank transfer and the payment receipt description should include the specifications of the property and a note stating that the property was purchased for Turkish citizenship.

• Step 6 – Obtaining the Certificate of Conformity

An official valuation report must be presented to the Land Registry Directorate to obtain the certificate of conformity. Certificate of conformity (eligibility) is a document that shows the property is suitable for the citizenship application. In addition to the valuation report, the commitment for not selling the property for at least 3 years must be given to the Land Registry Directorate.

Obtaining the certificate of conformity allows the investor to apply for J type (exclusive for investors) residence permit, which is required to completed the citizenship application.

The investor is notified via e-mail by the Land Registry Directorate at the time the “Certificate of Conformity” is issued. This document is also sent to the General Directorate of Immigration.

• Step 7- Residence Permit Application (J Type Short Term)

In order to apply for Turkish citizenship by investment a residence permit is required. In order to apply for residence permit the foreign currency purchase certificate and the certificate of conformity must be obtained.

Upon receving the required documents the residence permit application will be made to the Investment offices. The investors are subjected to special residence permit procedure than the general residence permit application process.

Investor’s presence is required for the residence permit applications.

• Step 8 – Citizenship Application

After obtaining the residence permit, it is possible to complete the citizenship application with presenting the required documents. While a copy of the documents is sufficient for the residence permit application, all documents required for citizenship applications must be originals along with one copy.

Key Points for Obtaining the Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate

The Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate cannot be revised or issued again. Therefore, it is very important to issue this document in accordance with the law. Even though the document is issued by the banks, most of the bank officers are not familiar with the elements which the certificate must contain. Hence, it is vital to supervise the bank officer at the time of issuing the foreign currency purchase certificate.

The Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate must include;

• The full name and surname,
• Passport number or foreign identity number of the investor,
• The US Dollar equivalent of the foreign currency purchased (TRY equivalent is included in all cases),
• A statement indicating that this transaction is carried out within the scope of “Article 13 of the Capital Movements Circular”.

The foreign currency will be sold to the Central Bank of Turkey through the investor’s bank. The key point is that the foreign currency purchase certificate and the receipt for the payment for the property must be submitted to the Land Registry Directorate before the sale. The sale of foreign currency can be made by the investor directly or investor’s representatives with a power of attorney.

Processing Timeline for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

The entire process of obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment typically takes between 3 to 6 months from the initial application to the issuance of the citizenship approval. The timeline for each stage is as follows:

• Tax Registration and Bank Account Opening: 1 to 3 days
• Property Search and Valuation Report: 1 to 3 weeks (the valuation report is typically issued within 5 to 7 business days)
• Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate and Property Purchase: 1 to 2 weeks
• Certificate of Conformity: 1 to 3 weeks after the property transfer
• Residence Permit Application and Approval: 2 to 4 weeks
• Citizenship Application Review and Approval: 2 to 4 months
• Turkish ID and Passport Issuance: 1 to 2 weeks after citizenship approval

The processing time may vary depending on the completeness of the application documents, the volume of applications at the time, and the outcome of the background checks. Applications with complete and properly prepared documents are processed faster. Working with an experienced attorney significantly reduces the risk of delays or rejections caused by incomplete or incorrect documentation.

Cost Breakdown for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

The total cost of Turkish citizenship by investment includes the investment amount and the following additional fees and expenses:

Property Transaction Costs

• Title Deed Transfer Tax (Tapu Harcı): 4% of the declared property value. By law, this fee is split equally (2% each) between the buyer and the seller. In practice, the buyer often pays the full 4% depending on the agreement between the parties.
• Valuation Report Fee: Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 TRY. The valuation must be conducted by a real estate valuation company licensed by the Capital Markets Board of Turkiye (Sermaye Piyasası Kurulu — SPK).
• Mandatory Earthquake Insurance (DASK): Approximately 1,000 to 3,000 TRY depending on the property.

Application and Legal Costs

• Notary and Translation Fees: Approximately 20,000 to 40,000 TRY depending on the number of applicants and the number of documents that require sworn translation.
• Power of Attorney (Vekâletname): Approximately 5,000 to 10,000 TRY.
• Government Service Fee (Hizmet Bedeli): Approximately 5,000 to 10,000 TRY per applicant for the citizenship application.
• Residence Permit Card Fee: Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 TRY per applicant.
• Health Insurance: Approximately 3,000 to 10,000 TRY per person depending on the coverage and duration.
• Passport and ID Card Fees: Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 TRY per person.

Estimated Total Additional Costs

Excluding the property purchase price, the total additional costs for a single applicant typically range between 50,000 to 100,000 TRY. For a family of four, the additional costs may range between 80,000 to 150,000 TRY. These figures are approximate and may vary depending on the specifics of each case.

Tax Implications of Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Investors who obtain Turkish citizenship by investment should be aware of the following tax considerations:

Property Transfer Tax

A title deed transfer tax of 4% of the declared property value is payable at the time of the property transfer. This is a one-time cost and is shared between the buyer and the seller by law, although it is common for the buyer to bear the full amount.

VAT Exemption for Foreign Buyers

Foreign nationals who are not tax residents of Turkiye (those who have not resided in Turkiye for more than 6 months) and who make the payment in foreign currency transferred from abroad may qualify for a VAT exemption on the purchase of newly constructed properties. This exemption is provided under Article 13/i of the VAT Law No. 3065 and can result in significant savings of up to 18% of the property price. The property must be held for at least 1 year after the purchase to maintain the exemption.

Annual Property Tax (Emlak Vergisi)

Property owners in Turkiye are required to pay an annual property tax. The rate ranges from 0.1% to 0.3% of the assessed value for residential properties and 0.2% to 0.4% for commercial properties, depending on the location of the property. Properties located in metropolitan municipalities are subject to higher rates.

Rental Income Tax

If the investor rents out the property, the rental income is subject to income tax in Turkiye. The progressive income tax rates range from 15% to 40%. There is an annual tax-free threshold for residential rental income, which is updated each year.

Capital Gains Tax

If the property is sold within 5 years of purchase, the capital gain (the difference between the sale price and the purchase price) is subject to income tax at progressive rates. Properties held for more than 5 years are exempt from capital gains tax.

Worldwide Income and Double Taxation

Turkish citizens who are tax residents of Turkiye (living in the country for more than 6 months per year) are subject to income tax on their worldwide income. However, Turkiye has double taxation treaties with over 80 countries to prevent the same income from being taxed twice. Non-resident Turkish citizens are taxed only on their Turkiye-sourced income.

Gift and Inheritance Tax

Turkish gift and inheritance taxes may apply to worldwide assets held by Turkish citizens who are resident in Turkiye. The inheritance tax rates range from 1% to 30% depending on the value of the inherited assets and the relationship between the parties. It is strongly recommended to seek professional tax advice before and after obtaining Turkish citizenship.

The Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship by Investment Application 

1-Required Documents for Property Transfer

• The deed of the property,
• Original passport and copy of the passport of the investor (with approved Turkish translation),
• Real Estate Fair Value Certificate (Must be obtained from the municipality where the property is located),
• Mandatory earthquake insurance policy (In case the property is an apartment)
• 1 biometric photo of the seller,
• 2 biometric photos of the investor (white background, biometric) Sworn translator if the foreign purchaser does not speak Turkish)
• In case the the ownership transfer will be done by a represantative, the original or notary approved version of the power attorney is required.

2-Required Documents for Residence Permit Application (J Type Short Term)

• Residence permit application form (must be signed by the foreigner and/or his/her legal representative),
• Original passport and one copy,
• 4 pieces of biometric photographs (taken within the last 6 months)
• Documents that shows having sufficient financial means for the period of stay (The immigration may request supporting documents),
• Valid health insurance (the duration of the insurance must cover the duration of the requested residence permit) Receipt of payment of the government fee and card fee
• The deed of the propety that shows owners information,

3-Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship by Investment Application 

• Turkish citizenship application form,
• Passport or similar document, and if stateless, the relevant document if it is possible to obtain it,
• Certificate of marital status, (marriage certificate if married, divorce certificate if divorced, death certificate of spouse if widowed)
• Birth certificate, (must be apostilled)
• If the applicant is married, a civil registry copy or similar document proving the family ties of the spouse and children,
• If the applicant’s children are under the age of 18 and the parents are separated the applicant must present a document which shows the children are under his/her custody and also a document showing the consent of the other parent. The other parent’s consent is given at the notary within Turkiye, and given at the Turkish consulates outside of Turkiye.
• If the applicant has first or second-degree relatives who are Turkish citizens, a copy of their relative’s birth certificate,
• If the exact month and day of the applicant’s date of birth are missing, a document must be obtained from the competent authorities of the applicant’s country to complete the date of birth, or if the document cannot be obtained, a signed statement that the applicant agrees to be processed in accordance with Article 39 of the Population Services Law No 5490.
• Receipt showing that the service fee has been deposited to the government,
• 2 pieces of biometric photographs,
• If the application will be done by a represantative a Power of Attorney is required.

Properties That Are Not Eligible for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

It is not possible to apply for Turkish citizenship by purchasing any property in Turkiye. In the law there are certain criterias for a property to be used for citizenship application. For this reason, the investor who wants to purchase a property with the intend to apply for Turkish citizenship by investment, must examine deed records and make sure the real estate is suitable for citizenship application.

• The property which will be used for citizenship application must not be registered in the name of foreign real persons, (including the spouse and children of the foreign person)

• The property that is subject to sale must not have been transferred to a Turkish citizen/company after 12.01.2017 by the foreign individual who will acquire the property for the purpose of citizenship, whether by themselves, their spouse, and children, or by a foreign individual of the same nationality. However, after the transfer of the property registered in the name of a foreign individual to a Turkish citizen/company after 12.01.2017, it is possible for a foreign indiviual a different nationality to acquire the property for the purpose of obtaining Turkish citizenship,

• The property that is subject to sale must not be registered in the name of a legal entity, either in the name of a company of which the acquiring foreign individual, their spouse, and children are partners or directors, or in the name of a company subject to Article 36 of the Land Registry Law (foreign/international capital) of which foreign individuals of the same nationality are partners.

• After acquiring Turkish citizenship through sale or promise of sale, the same immovable or immovable share cannot be subject to citizenship acquisition,
• The certificate of conformity is valid by the approval of the Governorate for the following; secure zones declared by governorates, the areas where the sale of property to foreigners is prohibited, tourism zones, agricultural lands, and properties located in military areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1-What is a Real Estate Valuation Report?

The valuation report is an official document that determines the current market value of the property for the purpose of the citizenship application. The valuation must be conducted by a real estate valuation company licensed by the Capital Markets Board of Turkiye (Sermaye Piyasası Kurulu (SPK)). The valuation report is presented to the Land Registry Directorate as a mandatory requirement for the citizenship application process. If the valuation comes back lower than 400,000 USD, even if the investor paid more for the property, additional property must be purchased to meet the minimum threshold. The property can be purchased within 3 months after the valuation report is issued. If the 3-month period expires, the valuation must be renewed.

2-How to Open a Bank Account for a Foreigner for Citizenship?

Foreign individuals who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship by investment are required to open a bank account at any bank operating in Turkiye. A bank account is necessary for selling the foreign currency to the Central Bank through the bank and for making the property payment via bank transfer. The account can be opened with the investor’s personal presence or through an attorney with a properly authorized power of attorney. The account opening process typically takes one working day. You can read our article from here: Opening a Bank Account for Foreigners.

3-Is it Necessary for the Investor to be Personally Present During the Applications?

The investor’s physical presence is required for the residence permit and citizenship application processes, where biometric data (fingerprint and retinal scan) must be collected at the designated Investment Office. All other steps, including the property purchase, obtaining the foreign currency purchase certificate, the title deed transfer can be completed by the investor’s representative through a properly authorized power of attorney.

4-Can the Spouse and the Children of the Investor Benefit from Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

Yes. The spouse and the children under the age of 18 of the main applicant are granted Turkish citizenship through the same application. Children of any age who are living with disabilities may also be included. Each family member receives full Turkish citizenship rights and can apply for a Turkish passport immediately after the citizenship is approved. No additional investment amount is required for family members, only additional government fees apply per person. Parents and siblings of the main applicant cannot be included in the citizenship application.

5-Can Turkish Citizenship be Acquired by Purchasing Multiple Properties?

Yes. If all properties meet the legal criteria set by the Law and the combined value of the properties exceeds 400,000 USD, it is possible to apply for Turkish citizenship by investment with multiple properties. All properties must be registered on the title deed with the 3-year non-sale annotation. For properties purchased through title deed (tapu), multiple properties can be combined. However, for purchases made through notary pre-sale contracts (ön satış sözleşmesi), the entire 400,000 USD must be within a single contract.

6-What Are the Costs for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

The main costs include the title deed transfer tax (4% of the declared property value), the valuation report fee, notary and sworn translation fees, power of attorney fees, government service fees, residence permit card fees, health insurance, and passport/ID card fees. Foreign buyers who are not tax residents of Turkiye may qualify for a VAT exemption on newly constructed properties. Excluding the property purchase price, the total additional costs for a single applicant typically range between 50,000 to 100,000 TRY. For a family of four, the additional costs may range between 80,000 to 150,000 TRY. These figures are approximate and may vary depending on the specifics of each case.

7-Can I Apply for a US E-2 Visa with Turkish Citizenship?

Yes. Turkiye has a bilateral investment treaty with the United States that makes Turkish citizens eligible for the E-2 Investor Visa. The E-2 visa allows Turkish citizens and their families to live and work in the United States by investing in a US based business. However, investors who obtained Turkish citizenship through the investment program must have been domiciled in Turkiye for a continuous period of at least 3 years before applying for the E-2 visa. The E-2 visa is typically issued for a renewable period of up to 5 years.

8-What Can be Done If Turkish Citizenship by Investment Application Is Denied?

The course of action depends on the reason for the rejection. If the rejection is due to a missing or incomplete document, it is possible to submit the required document and continue with the application. If the reason for the rejection is related to the applicant’s background check or security screening, the citizenship application is considered ultimately rejected. In this case, it is necessary to file an administrative lawsuit (iptal davası) before the administrative court for the cancellation of the rejection decision within 60 days of receiving the notification.

9-What Happens After 3 Years? Can I Sell the Property?

Yes. After the 3 year holding period expires, the non sale annotation on the title deed is lifted and the investor is free to sell the property without any restrictions. Turkish citizenship obtained through the investment program is permanent and irrevocable, selling the property after the holding period does not affect the investor’s citizenship status or the citizenship of the family members. However, the same property cannot be used by another foreign investor for a new Turkish citizenship by investment application.

10-Is the Limit Still 250,000 USD for Turkish Citizenship by Investment? 

Following the legal change on June 12, 2022, the fee for Turkish citizenship application through investment has been increased from 250,000 USD to 400,000 USD. Therefore, it is no longer possible to apply for Turkish citizenship based on a property valued at 250,000 USD. (If there are multiple properties available, and the total value of these properties exceeds 400,000 USD, it is legally possible to apply for Turkish citizenship by investment.) 

In accordance with the Law the amounts of the properties that can be used for citizenship application are below;

–The value of the property/properties purchased within 12.01.2017-18.09.2018, must be at least 1.000.000 USD,
-The value of the property/properties purchased after 19.09.2018 – 12.06.2022 must be at least 250.000 USD (this rule applies if the application is made before 12.06.2022)
-The value of the property/properties purchased after 19.09.2018 (with the exception of legistlation change on 12.06.2022) must be at least 400.000 USD.

11-Is it Mandatory to Hire an Attorney for Turkish Citizenship by Investment Applications?

No, it is not legally mandatory to hire an attorney to complete the Turkish citizenship application. The investor can complete all steps in person. However, the process involves multiple government agencies, strict documentation requirements, and transactions that cannot be reversed once completed, such as the foreign currency purchase certificate. Errors in any of these stages can result in significant delays, additional costs, or even the rejection of the application. Working with an experienced attorney who specializes in Turkish citizenship by investment minimizes these risks and ensures that the process is completed correctly and efficiently.