Citizenship in Turkey 2025: Turkish Passport By Investment and More

Intoduction

Obtaining Turkish citizenship is not only an opportunity to become part of one of the most dynamic and developing countries at the crossroads of Europe and Asia but also a chance for foreign investors to take advantage of a beneficial program that does not require renouncing their current citizenship. Turkey allows dual citizenship, making it an attractive option for many.

The fastest way to become a Turkish citizen is through the investment citizenship program. This process usually takes around six months, which is much faster than the standard naturalization procedure, which requires five years of residence in the country. The minimum investment threshold is $400,000, and unlike other countries, Turkey allows investors to recoup their investment after three years. In this article, we will explain how to go through all the steps of obtaining Turkish citizenship and minimize the risks of refusal.

Reasons for the Popularity and Advantages of the Turkish Passport

The Turkish passport has become one of the most sought-after among citizenship-by-investment programs due to the wide opportunities it offers. Each year, the number of people wanting to obtain Turkish citizenship increases. This is due to the numerous benefits and advantages that come with the Turkish passport.

The main reasons for the popularity of obtaining Turkish citizenship include:

1. The ability to retain the first citizenship. Turkey allows its citizens to hold multiple passports. This is ideal for those who do not want to renounce their original citizenship. It is important to note that the investor’s home country must allow dual citizenship for this condition to apply.
2. Access to visa-free travel to over 113 countries. A Turkish passport allows citizens to travel visa-free to many countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. They can also receive a visa on arrival or obtain an electronic entry permit to several countries.
3. Schengen visa. The Turkish passport enables the holder to apply for a Schengen visa for up to five years, making travel across Europe convenient and accessible.
4. U.S. E-2 Business Visa. Thanks to a treaty between Turkey and the United States, Turkish citizens can apply for an E-2 business visa, allowing them to live, work, and do business in the U.S.
5. Long-term U.S. Tourist Visa. Turkish citizens can obtain a B-1/B-2 tourist visa to the U.S. for up to 10 years.
6. Ability to Pass Citizenship to Heirs. Unlike many other countries, Turkey allows citizenship to be passed down to children, making the program attractive for families.

Key benefits of Turkish citizenship:

1. Quality Healthcare. Turkey offers its citizens access to free healthcare services in state hospitals and discounts on private medical services. The country is known for its high-quality healthcare system and development of medical tourism.
2. Affordable Education. For Turkish citizens, preschool and school education is free, and higher education is available at relatively low prices, starting from $300 per year. Scholarships are also available for talented students.
3. Fast Return on Investment. Unlike other countries where the minimum investment return period is five years, in Turkey, it is possible to recoup investments in as little as three years after obtaining citizenship.
4. Business Opportunities. Turkey provides favorable conditions for foreign entrepreneurs, such as simplified business registration and tax benefits.
5. Strategic Location for Business. Turkey is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it an attractive destination for investors and businesspeople, expanding their opportunities on the international stage.

Turkish citizenship opens up broad horizons for investors in terms of personal and professional growth, offering access to quality healthcare, education, and business services. This program is one of the best options for those seeking additional opportunities for their future and wishing to ensure stability and prosperity for their families.

Possible Ways to Obtain Turkish Citizenship

There are several ways to become a Turkish citizen.

Turkish Citizenship Through Naturalization

To become a Turkish citizen through naturalization, you must have lived in the country on a residence permit for at least 5 years. A residence permit can be obtained for various reasons, such as for study, family reunification, purchasing real estate, and others.
However, there are a few conditions:

• you cannot leave the country for more than 6 months in one year;
• during the 5 years before applying for citizenship, you must have lived in Turkey for at least 4 years in total.

Additionally, you will need to pass a Turkish language exam, provide a medical certificate, proof of no criminal record, and evidence of income.

Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage

For a foreigner married to a Turkish citizen, the process of obtaining citizenship begins with obtaining a residence permit. It will be issued for one year and then for two years. After three years of living together, you can apply for citizenship, after which an interview will be conducted to confirm the authenticity of the marriage.

Turkish Citizenship Through Employment

Turkish citizenship can be obtained through employment in a Turkish company. The employer is required to obtain a work permit for the foreign employee. After five years of working under a contract, the foreigner can apply for citizenship.

Turkish Citizenship for Special Achievements

Turkish citizenship can be granted to individuals who have made special achievements in various fields. These include highly qualified specialists, scientists, researchers, athletes, and cultural figures. The applicant receives a “turquoise card” (similar to a residence permit) for three years, after which, if there have been no legal violations during that time, the card can become permanent. In some cases, it is possible to apply for citizenship immediately after 5 years of residence.

Turkish Citizenship by Birthright

Children born to Turkish citizens automatically receive Turkish citizenship, regardless of the place of birth. If the parents are from different countries, the child may be eligible for dual citizenship. If one parent obtained Turkish citizenship through investment, the child also inherits citizenship.

Turkish Citizenship Through Investment

To obtain Turkish citizenship through investment, you need to invest at least $400,000. Depending on the chosen option, the investment may be returned within three years, and the process of obtaining citizenship can take as little as 6 months. There are several investment program options, each requiring a different amount of investment and having its own characteristics. The method of obtaining Turkish citizenship depends on the individual needs and opportunities of each client, and we are ready to offer an optimal solution that suits you.

Obtaining Turkish Citizenship Through Investment

Contributing to Turkey’s economy is an efficient and fast way to obtain citizenship. Along with the main applicant, their spouse and minor children can also become citizens.

Investment options to obtain Turkish citizenship

• investment in an investment fund shares worth at least $500,000;
• government bonds worth at least $500,000;
• deposit in a Turkish bank of at least $500,000;
• opening a company with the creation of 50 jobs or investing in the capital of a Turkish company worth at least $500,000;
• purchase of real estate (residential or commercial) or land from $400,000.

When investing in investment fund shares or government bonds, you can receive stable passive income. After three years, the shares or government bonds can be sold.

Capital investment: The applicant deposits $500,000 in a Turkish bank for 3 years. It is important that the money comes from abroad.

Opening a business in Turkey with a capital of at least $500,000 is one of the options for obtaining citizenship. It is necessary to create at least 50 jobs in the company. To meet the program’s conditions, you have three years. To retain citizenship, the business must operate for at least 5 years.

Investing in Turkish real estate from $400,000 is the most popular way to obtain citizenship. Many investors choose to buy vacation homes or properties that can be rented out. When purchasing real estate, you should carefully check all documents confirming ownership: the sale contract, bills, and payment receipts.

It is possible to purchase several properties totaling at least $400,000. The real estate must be residential or commercial and owned for at least 3 years before it can be sold. Residential properties of 300,000 m² and land parcels larger than 30 hectares are not eligible for the program.

Turkish citizenship through investment is a reliable way to open up new opportunities in an economically dynamic country and secure a future for your family.

Requirements for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship

Obtaining Turkish citizenship is a process available to citizens of most countries around the world. However, there are exceptions, as participation in the investment program is unavailable for citizens of: Syria, North Korea, the Republic of Cyprus, Armenia, Cuba, Eritrea, and Taiwan.
Investors wishing to become Turkish citizens must meet certain requirements. The main conditions for participating in the program include:

• age over 18 years;
• having a legal source of income;
• no criminal record;
• good health, with no serious diseases.

If the investor plans to apply together with their spouse, they must provide proof of legal marriage and the spouse’s clean criminal record. Children of the applicant who are under 18 years old can also obtain Turkish citizenship if they are financially dependent on the main applicant. Additionally, it is important to note that although the minimum investment amount does not change for the family, each family member incurs additional costs, such as state fees, which are $574 per person.

In conclusion, to obtain Turkish citizenship, it is important not only to meet the basic requirements but also to be prepared for a lengthy process and financial obligations. If all conditions are met, citizenship can be obtained within 6 months.

List of Required Documents

To obtain Turkish citizenship through the investment program, the investor must submit a package of documents to the relevant authorities. Initially, all documents are submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship, after which they are forwarded to the Directorate General of Civil Registration and the Ministry of Interior of Turkey.

The main list of documents to be provided includes:

1. Completed investor application form.
2. Birth certificates of the applicant and family members.
3. Marriage certificate or proof of marital status.
4. Copies of internal and international passports for all family members.
5. Biometric photographs (50×60 mm).
6. Confirmation of investment obligations from the General Directorate of TAPU and the Land Registry.
7. Medical insurance.
8. Criminal record certificate.
9. Copy of residence permit.
10. Receipt for payment of the passport issuance fee.

Additionally, you will need to prove financial capability to live in Turkey, which can be done through bank statements, tax returns, or income documentation. Thus, the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment requires thorough preparation and gathering all necessary documents. Compliance with all conditions and submission of a complete package of documents is a key step for successful citizenship acquisition. We will assist you in gathering and preparing all the required documents to ensure the process is as quick and smooth as possible.

Procedure for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship

The process of obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment is a sequence of steps that the investor must follow to acquire a second passport. Let’s consider the process using the most popular option—real estate purchase.

Step 1. Contacting an Official Citizenship Program Agent

The first step is to contact a licensed agent who will provide full legal support at all stages.

Step 2. Preliminary Check

To minimize the risks of rejection, the investor undergoes a check through certified agents. This procedure is confidential, and only a passport is required to complete it. If necessary, lawyers will offer alternative solutions to minimize the rejection risks.

Step 3. Preparing the Document Package

The legal team helps gather all necessary documents for the program, including translations and notarization. Afterward, all forms are filled out and prepared for submission.

Step 4. Real Estate Purchase

The investor is offered vetted real estate options in Turkey. After selecting a property, lawyers carefully verify the legal purity of the transaction, ensuring no encumbrances and compliance with the terms of the contract. After the sale agreement is concluded, the investor receives the title deed.

Step 5. Obtaining a Residence Permit (RP)

After purchasing real estate, the investor receives a residence permit. This process takes 1 to 2 weeks, after which the investor can apply for citizenship.

Step 6. Submitting the Citizenship Application

The citizenship application can be submitted by the lawyers without the investor’s personal involvement, through a power of attorney, simplifying the process significantly.

Step 7. Receiving the Passport

The investor can collect their Turkish passport from the Turkish embassy in their country without having to travel to Turkey. This is convenient and allows obtaining citizenship without physical presence in the country. Successfully completing these steps ensures the investor not only acquires real estate but also the opportunity to become a Turkish citizen. Licensed agencies, such as JPC Immigration Consulting, provide full legal support throughout every stage.

Possible Reasons for Denial

A refusal to grant Turkish citizenship can be caused by several reasons, including:

1. Incomplete or incorrectly prepared document package. For example, the absence of medical insurance or other necessary documents may lead to the rejection of the application.
2. Providing false documents. Using counterfeit documents lowers the chances of successfully obtaining citizenship.
3. Unsuitability of the applicant. This includes cases where the applicant has questionable behavior or poses a security threat to the country.
4. Poor visa history. A history of visa violations may be an obstacle to obtaining citizenship.
5. Insufficient financial stability. If the applicant cannot prove they have enough funds to live comfortably in Turkey, this may lead to a refusal.
6. Unsettled criminal record. Applicants with unresolved legal issues may be rejected.
7. Refusal of military service (for men between 20 and 41 years old). Men who avoid military service may face refusal.

If the application is rejected, there is an opportunity to reapply or appeal the decision in court within 60 days after receiving the notification (Tebliğ formu). Additionally, citizenship may be revoked if the applicant takes actions that contradict the interests of Turkey or uses fraudulent schemes to obtain citizenship.

It is important to note that illegal stay in the country may result in deportation and the loss of the opportunity to apply for citizenship in the future. To avoid such situations, residence permits must be renewed on time and immigration rules should be followed. It is crucial to carefully study the legislation and meet all requirements to minimize the risk of denial.

Dual Citizenship in Turkey

Turkish law does not prohibit holding multiple citizenships, allowing foreigners to obtain Turkish citizenship while maintaining their original citizenship. In this case, a person will be considered a citizen of both countries.

Obtaining Turkish citizenship as a second citizenship can be quite advantageous. Holders of Turkish passports have the freedom to use them as they wish and can enjoy many benefits, such as visa-free travel to other countries.

In Summary: Turkish Citizenship

Turkish citizenship through investment is a lucrative and attractive opportunity for investors, offering many advantages. The main reasons for the popularity of this program include the ability to retain one’s original citizenship, access to visa-free travel to more than 113 countries, as well as the possibility of obtaining a Schengen visa and a U.S. business visa.

Advantages include high-quality healthcare, discounted education, quick return on investment, and excellent business conditions. Additionally, Turkish citizenship opens up vast opportunities for international travel and expands prospects on the international stage. Therefore, the Turkish passport represents a strategic choice for those seeking stability and opportunities for their business and family. We are ready to assist you at every stage of obtaining Turkish citizenship, providing professional consultation and support.