Over the past decade, Turkey citizenship has emerged as a significant investment route for international businessmen, thanks to the country’s strategic location, robust economy, large domestic market, skilled labor force, favorable corporate tax rates, extensive business opportunities, and attractive returns. Along with these benefits, Turkish Nationality law states that foreign investors, along with their spouses and children, can acquire a Turkey citizenship or residency through investment within six months without needing an interview or meeting residency requirements.
Living in a vibrant and diverse country like Turkey is considered a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and at the same time, it is less expensive compared to other Western European countries. Additionally, the business opportunities an expat can have in Turkey are enormous. The most important reason for encouraging foreigners to get a Turkish residency is that it gives them access to European and Asian markets. All these advantages make this Eurasian nation a highly sought-after place to live.
In this article, we provide a detailed overview of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program, examining the investment options, advantages, eligibility requirements, documents required, and the entire application process.
A Brief Overview of the Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program
- The Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program provides a quick path to obtaining a second passport within 6 to 8 months.
- Investors have two investment options: either purchasing a real estate property starting at $400,000 that should be held for 3 years, or depositing $500,000 in cash for at least 3 years in one of the Turkish Banks.
- To qualify for the Turkey citizenship by investment program, the main applicant must be at least 18 years old, must have never stayed illegally in Turkey, and must pay the taxes and costs for the process.
- There isn’t a fixed time for a person to stay in Turkey before or after completing the citizenship by investment.
- The Turkish government is responsible for administering the program and processing all applications. Due diligence checks will be done, and the application will be declined if the applicant makes a false statement or omits any relevant information in the application.
- The Turkey citizenship by investment program gives individuals and investors the right to live, work, and study in the country freely.
What is the Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program?
The Turkish government launched its Citizenship by Investment program officially in January 2017 to draw foreign direct investment and enhance its real estate market. The Turkish program allows investors to select from multiple economic contribution options.
The initial minimum investment requirement established by the government was \$1 million. However, the high threshold of the initial investment requirements kept potential applicants from applying until the government reduced the amount to $250,000 in mid-2019.
The program experienced substantial growth after the adjustment because foreign investors brought in an average of $250 million each month. The government increased the minimum investment requirement for Turkey citizenship after the program gained popularity, until it reached $400,000.
After selecting the qualifying investment option, applicants must submit a residence permit application for their family members. The main applicant needs to establish a bank account in Turkey after the selection of the investment option.
The government accepts all application documents, which include necessary certifications and translations, after which the investment process can begin, and the documents can be submitted. The investment amount needs to be paid in Turkish lira, which equals the USD value. The residence application requires successful applicants to physically visit the country for biometric data submission. The passport application process becomes possible after receiving citizenship documents.
Benefits of the Turkey Citizenship by Investment
The Turkey Citizenship program provides foreign investors with a strategic investment opportunity through its various benefits, which include:
- Turkey Citizenship Granted for Life
Foreigners find the Turkish investment citizenship program highly appealing because it offers a simple method to obtain Turkey citizenship, which remains valid throughout their lifetime. The citizenship benefits extend to all future descendants of the applicant and their children. The Turkish government permits dual citizenship, which means applicants need not surrender their native nationality.
- A Fast Route to Obtain a Turkey Passport
The program allows Turkish passport acquisition within 4 to 6 months without requiring any residency period. The Turkish passport is ranked 43rd among global passports while providing visa-free travel to 114 destinations. The Turkish passport stands as a highly sought-after travel document because it enables its holders to move freely between European and Asian regions and numerous additional countries.
- Rights to Live, Work, and Study in Turkey
Turkey citizenship gives investors the authority to establish residency and pursue employment and educational opportunities within the country. The cost of education and living expenses in Turkey remains substantially lower than in Western nations. The Bologna Process compliance of Turkish universities ensures their international degree recognition. Several institutions provide complete English-language programs that simplify enrollment for international students. The strategic location of Turkey between Europe and Asia produces a multicultural environment that showcases traditional heritage alongside historic buildings and active city life.
- Convenient Access to E2 US Visa
Turkey is considered one of the E2 Visa countries, which means that Turkey citizenship holders can benefit from the treaty signed between Turkey and the US. The E2 visa allows treaty country residents to work, live, and study in the US through investing in a US business.
- Easy Schengen Visa
Holders of Turkey’s citizenship can apply for a Schengen visa with relative ease, provided they submit the required documentation. In addition, Turkey maintains bilateral agreements with numerous countries that grant visa-free access. Among these are Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the majority of Latin American nations.
- Family Inclusion
The main applicants can include their spouse, dependent children below 18, and children of any age who are differently abled in their application, as well as parents and grandparents. Family members will gain access to the same benefits as the main applicant, including healthcare services.
- No Residency Requirements or Language Tests
One of the major advantages of Turkey citizenship by investment is that there are no minimum stay requirements before or after the application, and no interviews are required to acquire citizenship. Applicants are also not obliged to pass a language test, which many other investment programs require.
- High-quality healthcare
Turkey has a universal healthcare system that provides free or low-cost medical services to its citizens. The quality of healthcare in Turkey is generally good, and there are many private hospitals and clinics available. Turkey is a popular place for medical tourism, especially since a wide range of Turkish clinics are accredited and meet international standards.
- Affordable cost of living
Turkey is considered to be an affordable country to live in compared to many European countries. The average home rental price[2] for a 1-bedroom apartment in the City Centre of Istanbul is about $600 (25,500 TL) and drops slightly outside the center to $440 (18,000 TL). However, the average rent per month for 3-bedroom apartments in the City Centre is around $1,000 (43,400 TL) and drops to $700 (29,000 TL) outside the Centre. When comparing Istanbul with other Western countries, we find that household bills in Istanbul are exceptionally cheap. For instance, monthly utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an apartment, may cost around $67 (2,750 TL). A mobile phone monthly plan with calls and internet may cost $10 (423 TL) per month. Eating out is also not expensive, as a dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant is around $36, and a fast-food meal will cost around $8. The cost of living in Turkey is, on average, 74.4% lower than in the United States[3], and rent in Turkey is, on average, 196% lower than in the US.
- Robust Economy
Turkey is the 17th largest economy[4] in the world with a GDP of $1.32 trillion as of 2024. It is a member of the OECD and the G20 and an increasingly important donor of official development assistance (ODA). While services make up the largest share of the economy[5]—with tourism services particularly key—Turkey also has a sizable manufacturing sector worth over 20% of GDP. Automobiles, textiles, refined oil, and jewelry are important exports. Agriculture represents around 6% of GDP, with major products including grains, fruits, and vegetables.
The country’s rapid population growth, a growing consumer market, strategic location between Europe and Asia, large tourism potential, and a young and entrepreneurial population will support economic activity in the coming years.
- Thriving Startup Ecosystem
Turkey’s technology advantages, along with the continuous reform process and tailored incentives, have resulted in a robust startup environment throughout the years. On the funding side, the Turkish startup ecosystem encompasses business angel networks as well as venture capital (VC) and private equity firms. On the supporting side, Turkey has accelerators, technoparks, mentors, and government organizations. Grocery delivery, gaming, prop-tech, fintech, and blockchain were the biggest sectors for capital raising in 2021, while gaming, artificial intelligence, deep-tech, fintech, and health-tech dominated the number of transactions.
Eligibility for Turkey Citizenship by Investment
To qualify for the Turkey Citizenship by Investment program, the primary applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have no history of illegal stay in Turkey.
- Settle all applicable taxes and processing fees
- Due diligence must have been completed on the investment
- Hold a clean criminal record and a good conduct certificate issued by the police
- Have a suitable health insurance
- Not be from a black-listed nationality such as Armenia, Cuba, Nigeria, North Korea, and Syria
Documents required for obtaining Turkey citizenship
To acquire a Turkish citizenship, applicants must collect the below documents:
- Birth certificates of all the applicants
- Translated and notarized biometric passports for all applicants
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Death or divorce certificate of spouse (if applicable)
- Turkish Tax ID number, and Standard form VAT-6
- Clear criminal record for all the applicants
- Healthcare coverage that is valid in Turkey for all applicants
- Proof of investment of at least $500,000 as a deposit in a Turkish bank
Property investment requires additional documents[6]
- Valuation report, which needs to be accepted by the Capital Market Board
- Land Registry Certificate showing the complete ownership of the property
- A valid private purchase contract from the developer
Investment Options For Turkey Citizenship
To apply for citizenship by investment in Turkey, there are specific investment routes available. The minimum investment requirement for obtaining Turkey citizenship was set at $250,000 until May 2022. On May 13, however, the threshold was raised to $400,000. Previously, investors were allowed to acquire multiple properties as long as their combined value met or exceeded the minimum amount. Below are various investment options.
First Option: Acquire Real Estate Property
There are numerous opportunities to invest in real estate in Turkey. To qualify for Turkey citizenship, an individual must invest at least $400,000 in property—whether it’s a villa, an apartment, or land.
Unlike in some markets, there is no requirement for pre-approval when purchasing property, as Turkish real estate is generally not considered overvalued.
It is worth noting that applicants may purchase multiple properties as long as their combined value reaches the $400,000 threshold, provided that all properties are located within the same neighborhood. Properties must be registered on the same day of purchase. Investors are required to retain the property for a minimum of three years. In prime locations, property prices average around $2,00 per square meter in the city center, and $1,200 outside the center[7].
| Investment Amount | $400,000 |
| Land Registry Fee | 2% of the purchase price |
| Property Value Report | $500 approximately |
| Official Transfer fee | $200 |
| Visa Fee per person | $100 |
| Residence Permit fee per person | $20 |
| Insurance per person (adults only) | $100 |
| Application fee | $100 |
Second Option: Bank Deposit
Investors also have the option to acquire a Turkey citizenship by depositing $500,000 in cash (or the equivalent value in Turkish Lira) for at least three years in one of the Turkish Banks.
Cost of Turkey Citizenship
Application entry cost:
| Notary and Translation Fee | $1,000 for single applicants, and an additional $250 per extra applicant |
| Applicant fee | $400 |
| Healthcare coverage | $100 |
| Turkish passport fee | $500 |
Procedures and Time Frame
The government authority oversees program management while conducting thorough evaluations of all submitted applications. The evaluation process includes a thorough assessment of applications and possible interview requirements for selected candidates. The application review includes a due diligence check, which results in the denial of applications when applicants provide false information or leave out important details. The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program has reasonable documentary requirements, which lead to an uncomplicated application process. After approval, Turkish citizens can obtain their passports in the country. The application process for passport issuance takes approximately six months after applying, unless there are any problems with the application. The duration of the real estate option depends on the project timeline. Selecting a real estate project that delivers the necessary documentation for citizenship applications remains essential.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose the Investment Route
The first step toward obtaining Turkey citizenship is choosing the investment route, which may be purchasing a real estate property or depositing cash in a Turkish Bank.
Step 2: Prequalification of the Main Applicant
This stage ensures that the applicant meets all the basic requirements set by Turkish law before proceeding with the investment and application process.
Step 3: Signing a Service Agreement with an Authorized Agent
After confirming the prequalification is met, the applicant is required to sign a service agreement with an authorized agent or legal representative. This agreement is a safeguard for both the applicant and the service provider, ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper handling of the citizenship process.
Step 4: Collect the Documents
At this stage, applicants are required to collect all the necessary paperwork with the assistance of an authorized agent.
Step 5: Complete the Investment and Obtain a Residency Permit
After meeting the minimum investment requirement and providing proof of investment to the agent, the applicant is granted a residence permit. However, the applicant is not required to stay or even live in Turkey beforehand to become a resident, nor to continue staying in Turkey after receiving it.
Step 6: Submit the Application
After obtaining the residency card, an investor can apply to the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship. Applicants are not required to attend an interview or be in Turkey when the application is processed.
Step 7: Receive the Passport
At this stage, Investors will receive the Turkey citizenship and passport, which is valid for ten years, within 3 to 4 months from the date of application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Citizenship by Investment
- What amount of investment is necessary for Turkey citizenship acquisition?
Turkish citizenship eligibility requires real estate investment starting at $400,000. The investment threshold for Turkish citizenship through real estate was $250,000 until 2022. Other investment options require depositing a minimum of $500,000 in a Turkish Bank. Following investment completion, the Turkish citizenship application process takes 4 to 6months to finish.
- Can Turkey citizenship be obtained through property purchase?
Yes. Purchasing a real estate property is one of the main pathways to Turkish citizenship acquisition. The property needs to be worth $400,000, and the investor must receive a certificate of eligibility from the appropriate authorities.
- Does Turkey sell citizenship?
The Turkish government provides citizenship opportunities to investors who meet certain qualifications, just like other Golden Visa programs do. Qualified investors have multiple investment options, and the application process usually lasts less than six months.
- Is it easy to get Turkey citizenship?
Yes, if the process is handled properly. The right documents, combined with an eligible investment, allow applicants to obtain Turkey citizenship in only three to four months. Professional guidance ensures the process becomes more streamlined.
- Can foreigners become Turkish citizens?
Foreigners may apply for Turkish citizenship. The Turkish government allows dual citizenship, but applicants must verify that their home country permits this practice. The investment program or naturalization process leads to Turkey citizenship approval.
- How strong is the Turkish passport?
The Turkish passport provides visa-free access and visa-on-arrival access to 114 countries. It allows travel to Thailand and South Korea, as well as Japan and the Philippines, and multiple countries in Latin America, including Argentina and Venezuela. In 2025, the Turkish passport held the 43rd position among all passports worldwide.
- What documents are required for the Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program application?
The application requires a valid passport, proof of investment or contribution, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
- Do I need to speak Turkish to qualify?
No. The Turkish investment-based citizenship program does not require applicants to demonstrate Turkish language proficiency.
- Are there any stay requirements?
No. The program does not enforce any residency requirements or minimum stay duration, which enables applicants to move freely between Turkey and other countries.
- Can I include my family in the application?
Yes. The citizenship application process allows investors to add their spouse and children younger than 18 years as dependents.
- Can I sell the property later?
Yes, but the purchased property must be held for at least three years. After three years have passed, applicants will be able to freely sell the property.
- What are the benefits of obtaining Turkey citizenship through investment?
The benefits include visa-free travel to many countries, the right to live, work, and study in Turkey, and access to a strategic location bridging Europe and Asia.
For more information about the Turkey Citizenship program, the requirements, and investment routes, please contact us via WhatsApp.
[1] https://en.goc.gov.tr/residence-permits
[2] https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Turkey
[3] https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Turkey
[4] https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/turkey/overview
[5] https://www.focus-economics.com/countries/turkey/
[6] https://www.invest.gov.tr/en/investmentguide/pages/acquiring-property-and-citizenship.aspx
[7] https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Turkey