Turkish Citizenship By Investment in 2025: By Buying Real Estate and More

Introduction

Turkey offers an investment program that allows individuals to obtain a Turkish passport with a minimum investment of $400,000. This program includes several investment options: purchasing residential or commercial real estate, buying shares in an investment fund or government bonds, opening a deposit in a national bank, or contributing to the share capital of an existing Turkish company.

A pleasant advantage of the program is the ability to include family members—such as a spouse and minor children—in the citizenship application. The process typically takes around eight months and does not require renouncing your current citizenship. In this article, we will take a closer look at who qualifies for Turkish citizenship through investment, the steps involved, and key points to consider when choosing your investment option.

What Turkish Citizenship Offers to Investors

Obtaining a Turkish passport through investment provides investors and their families with a wide range of opportunities. The main benefits of Turkish citizenship include:

1. Simplified global travel. A Turkish passport allows visa-free access to over 120 countries. In some cases, visas can be obtained on arrival or online within 1–2 days. Additionally, Turkish citizens are eligible for a Schengen C-2 visa valid for up to 5 years, allowing stays of up to 90 days every six months.
2. Eligibility for the U.S. E-2 investor visa. Thanks to a bilateral treaty between the U.S. and Turkey, Turkish citizens can apply for the non-immigrant E-2 business visa. This visa allows individuals to live, work, and run a business in the U.S., and to bring family members. It is issued for up to 5 years and can be renewed.
3. Long-term U.S. tourist visa. A Turkish passport gives access to B-1/B-2 U.S. visas valid for up to 10 years. Applications can be submitted at U.S. consulates in Turkey without returning to the country of origin.
4. Straightforward citizenship process. The Turkish program does not require language knowledge, residency in the country, or renouncing existing citizenship. There are no exams or interviews, and the passport can be issued within eight months.
5. Citizenship for the entire family. Alongside the main applicant, a spouse and children under 18 can receive citizenship. This simplifies relocation and gives the whole family access to the rights of Turkish citizens.
6. Retention of original citizenship. Turkey allows dual or multiple citizenships, so investors can keep their original passport if permitted by their country of origin.
7. Option to recover investments. Assets acquired through the program can be sold three years after obtaining citizenship, allowing investors to recover their funds without restrictions.
8. Citizenship is inheritable. The acquired status is passed on to children under the same conditions as native-born citizens, with no extra procedures.
9. Access to healthcare and education. Turkish citizens are entitled to free healthcare in public institutions and discounts in private clinics. Public schooling is free, and university tuition starts at just $300 per year, with scholarship and grant opportunities available.

With a Turkish passport, investors gain not only citizenship status but also tools for achieving personal, family, and business goals.

Investment Options for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship

Investors seeking Turkish citizenship can choose from several government-approved options. Each one is designed to support the national economy, and the right choice depends on the investor’s goals—whether to generate income, expand business, or preserve capital. The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program includes five key types of investments in the country’s economy:

Each investment method provides applicants with a pathway to citizenship, provided they meet the requirements. This approach makes the program both attractive and accessible to a wide range of entrepreneurs, family investors, and high-net-worth individuals.

Equity Investment in a Turkish Company

For foreign entrepreneurs interested in expanding their business internationally, Turkey offers the opportunity to obtain citizenship through investments in the equity capital of a local company. This option is particularly appealing to those planning a long-term presence in the country and seeking to strengthen their position in the international market. An investor can contribute from $500,000 (in Turkish lira equivalent) into the production or service assets of an active business. The investment must be supported by an official valuation report confirming the market value of the share. These investments are regulated by Turkey’s Ministry of Industry and Technology.

The share or security rights cannot be sold or transferred earlier than three years after the investment. If the investor later decides to increase their stake in the company, the increased value of the existing share is taken into account. It’s also important to comply with all legal requirements, including the restriction on transferring assets within the designated holding period. Equity investment is not only a path to Turkish citizenship but also a real opportunity to scale your business in a rapidly growing market.

Real Estate Purchase in Turkey

Thanks to a growing market and transparent procedures, this option consistently ranks as the most popular investment route to Turkish citizenship. Foreign nationals can obtain Turkish citizenship by investing at least $400,000 in one or more real estate properties. These may include apartments, private houses, commercial spaces, or land plots with construction permits or existing buildings of qualifying value. Each property must be registered in the land registry (a TAPU is mandatory). If registration is not complete, a notarized preliminary sales agreement is required.

Key investment conditions:

1. The property cannot be sold for three years.
2. The purchase must be made from a Turkish individual or legal entity.
3. Only full ownership is allowed – fractional ownership is not eligible.
4. The property cannot be purchased from a company where over 50% of capital is foreign-owned.
5. A property can only be used once for the citizenship program – repeat use is not permitted.
6. The value must be confirmed by an independent appraisal and entered into the land registry at market price.

The Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning monitors the transactions for compliance with the citizenship program. Transactions must be completed through a government-authorized bank. Purchasing real estate is not only an investment in a highly liquid asset but also an opportunity to acquire Turkish citizenship while retaining ownership of a promising residential or commercial property in a country with a vibrant tourism and business landscape.

Job Creation Investments

A foreign investor can open a company in Turkey and apply for citizenship if the business officially employs at least 50 Turkish citizens for a minimum of three years. There is no minimum financial investment required, making this route flexible in terms of budgeting. All types of businesses allowed under the Turkish Commercial Code can be registered – from limited liability companies to joint-stock companies. Foreigners are allowed to operate in most sectors of the economy, including trade, services, manufacturing, and IT. The main requirement is compliance with labor laws and transparent reporting on employee numbers.

The investment procedure is overseen by Turkey’s Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services. Citizenship applications undergo interagency review, as there is no single authority solely responsible for this path of naturalization. This investment format is suitable for those who not only want a passport but are also interested in developing a business with a sustainable employment model that contributes to regional economic growth.

Bank Deposit in Turkey

Choosing a bank deposit as an investment is a conservative yet stable approach. It suits individuals who prefer low-risk investments with income potential. An investor can acquire Turkish citizenship by depositing a minimum of $500,000 into a Turkish bank for a term of three years. The account must be opened in a licensed Turkish bank, and funds must be converted into Turkish lira at the official exchange rate on the deposit date. The deposit may be split among multiple banks, provided the total amount meets the required threshold.

The account is opened in the name of the investor. It can be set up with a residence permit or work visa, or through an authorized representative. The investments and compliance with the deposit terms are supervised by Turkey’s Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA). The investor may earn interest on the deposit, provided the balance does not drop below the required amount during the three-year period. If funds are partially or fully withdrawn, the bank must notify the regulators, and the citizenship process will be halted. By choosing a bank deposit, the investor retains full capital liquidity, earns passive income, and gains citizenship without engaging in business or the real estate market.

Investments in Government Bonds and Securities

Investing in government securities is a way to support a country’s economy. This path is suitable for investors seeking predictable instruments backed by state guarantees. A foreign national can apply for a Turkish passport by investing at least USD 500,000 in national financial instruments. Investments in government bonds and promissory notes are allowed.

Funds must be deposited in Turkish lira, converted at the exchange rate on the date of purchase. The program requires the investor to hold the securities for at least three years. The entire process is monitored by the Turkish Ministry of Finance, which confirms compliance with the conditions. After the three-year period, the investor is free to manage the assets, including selling them.

It is important that the purchased securities are issued by the government — transferring them to third parties before the holding period ends is prohibited and will suspend the naturalization process. This investment route not only fulfills the citizenship program requirements but also helps preserve capital in low-risk instruments with stable returns backed by government guarantees.

Purchase of Shares in a Venture Capital or Real Estate Investment Fund

Investing in fund shares is a way to participate in large-scale business without having to manage assets personally. This approach is especially convenient for those who want to combine passive income with the opportunity to obtain Turkish citizenship. The investment amount must be at least USD 500,000, converted into Turkish lira at the official rate at the time of purchase. The participating funds specialize mainly in real estate or in startups and innovative projects.

A mandatory condition is that the shares must be held for at least three years. During this period, the investor has the right to receive dividends or other returns as stipulated by the fund’s regulations. After three years, the assets can be sold or transferred. All transactions must be confirmed by the Turkish Ministry of Finance, which ensures compliance with the investment amount, duration, and nature of the contribution. This method of investment not only provides a path to citizenship but also allows investors to gain a share in a professionally managed asset with potential profitability and minimal involvement in day-to-day operations.

Requirements for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship Through Investment

Citizenship through Turkey’s investment program is possible if certain conditions are met by the investor and their family members. The main applicant must:

• be at least 18 years old;
• have a legal source of income;
• have no criminal record;
• not suffer from severe chronic diseases.

Applicants can come from almost any country, except for citizens of Syria, North Korea, Armenia, Cuba, Eritrea, Taiwan, and the partially recognized Republic of Cyprus. A spouse may obtain citizenship under the same conditions, provided the marriage is officially registered and the partner has no criminal history. Minor children (under 18) financially supported by the investor can also be included in the application.

Additional costs aside from the investment include:

• government fees – from $574 per family member;
• taxes related to the investment (e.g., real estate purchase) – from $14,000;
• translation, notarization, and document processing services.

Investors who meet all the requirements can undergo a fast-track citizenship process and receive a Turkish passport within a few months.

Required Documents

Applying for Turkish citizenship through investment requires submitting a full set of documents. While the exact list may vary slightly depending on the chosen investment route, the core documents for all applicants include:

• citizenship application form (2 copies);
• notarized translation of a passport or other ID proving citizenship;
• birth and marital status certificates (including marriage certificate or equivalent);
• copies of all family members’ passports (domestic and international);
• four biometric photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm) for each applicant;
• police clearance certificate;
• proof of residence (lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement);
• payment receipt for the application fee.

Additional documents may be required based on the investment type.

For real estate investment:

• notarized purchase agreement or promissory note;
• property appraisal report from an accredited company;
• bank receipt confirming transfer of funds to the seller;
• land registry certificate confirming a three-year sale restriction.

For fund investments:

• registration number in the MKK (Central Securities Depository of Turkey);
• information on shareholding in the investment or venture fund;
• proof of fund transfer via a Turkish bank.

For job creation:

• confirmation form showing the creation of at least 50 jobs for Turkish citizens;
• company information, including the applicant’s share;
• tax certificate and confirmation of no outstanding debts;
• data on fines from the past six months (if applicable).

All documents must be submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Civil Registration and later forwarded to the Ministry of Interior. The review takes an average of 3–4 months. If additional information is required, the applicant has 30 days to provide it. Complete and accurate documentation is a key factor in obtaining citizenship, so it’s strongly recommended to work with an experienced lawyer (our specialists can assist you with this).

Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining Citizenship

Obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment is a transparent but multi-stage process requiring strict legal compliance and professional support. Below is an example of the steps for acquiring property:

Preliminary Check (1 day)

A confidential background check is conducted to identify any potential risks early on. This is done by specialists certified in AML procedures.

Document Preparation (2–4 weeks)

The legal team compiles the necessary documents, arranges translations and notarizations, and prepares official forms and applications.

Property Selection and Purchase (in parallel with document preparation)

The investor chooses a qualifying property. Legal checks are conducted before signing and paying for the purchase agreement. A deposit (typically $1,000–$5,000) may be required before the main deal is finalized.

Property Title Registration (up to 6 weeks)

Lawyers help obtain the property title deed (TAPU), apply for tax benefits, and order an official appraisal confirming eligibility.

Residence Permit and Citizenship Application (up to 4 weeks)

After registering the property, the investor obtains a residence permit, which is a prerequisite for applying for citizenship. Documents are submitted in person, and the spouse must be present. Children do not need to attend.

Due Diligence Review (3–4 months)

Turkish authorities conduct a thorough background check on the applicant and family members using international databases. This stage is crucial for the final decision.

Passport Issuance (from 2 days)

After approval, a Turkish ID card (kimlik kartı) is issued. It can be obtained in Turkey or at a consulate. Biometric data is required to issue the card, which takes 2–3 weeks. Citizenship is permanent, but passports must be renewed every 10 years. Renewal takes 5–7 business days.

Risks of Investing in the Turkish Economy

While Turkish investment programs offer attractive paths to citizenship, it’s important to consider potential risks that may affect profitability and stability:

1. Unstable macroeconomic conditions: Slowing economic growth may reduce investment returns.
2. High inflation: The Turkish lira has been volatile, losing significant value against the USD over the past decade.
3. Geopolitical risks: Turkey borders unstable regions such as Syria and has tense relations with some neighboring countries.
4. Overheating real estate market: Housing prices are rising rapidly, but domestic demand is falling. This could make it harder to resell property profitably.

Being aware of these risks allows investors to make informed decisions and choose safer investment strategies.

Summary of Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Turkey’s citizenship by investment program offers a simple and fast route to a second passport with extensive benefits. The minimum investment threshold is $400,000, and the process takes around eight months. Investors can choose from various investment types, from real estate to bank deposits. The passport extends to the applicant’s immediate family.

Despite some economic and political risks, the program remains popular due to flexible conditions, no residency requirement, and the ability to retain existing citizenship. Before proceeding, it is essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons and work with a reliable partner to guide the process.