Updated 6 October 2025
25 December 2025 • The Central Bank no longer protects investor accounts from currency fluctuations • Source
5 March 2024 • Property valuation for Turkish citizenship to be overseen by the state • Source
12 December 2023 • Turkey has stopped granting citizenship for the purchase of undeveloped land plots • Source
Changes are monitored by Elena Garnitsarik Elena Garnitsarik

Turkey citizenship by investment

Investors obtain a Turkish passport as a backup plan, to open accounts with international banks, and to travel freely.

Turkey citizenship by investment

$400,000

Minimal investment

4 options

To choose

8+ months

Obtaining period

120+

Visa-free countries

Turkey has been granting citizenship by investment since 2017. The right to acquire a passport is established in Article 12 of Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship.

Foreigners can obtain a Turkish passport by investing at least $400,000. They may purchase real estate, government bonds or shares in investment funds, open a deposit in a Turkish bank, or establish a company.

The investment is refundable. After three years, the investor may recover the funds by selling the property or their business share.

Family members receive citizenship at the same time as the investor. The application may include a spouse and minor children.

7 benefits of Turkish citizenship

Visa‑free travel to 120+ countries

Turkish passport holders travel to more than 120 countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival. This includes desirable destinations such as Singapore and Japan. Business or leisure trips become more convenient and hassle–free.

E‑2 visa to the US

Turkey and the US have an agreement on the issuance of the non–immigrant E–2 business visa. Investors with Turkish citizenship may obtain an E–2 visa and live in the United States as long as their business remains profitable.

Dual citizenship allowed

Applicants for a Turkish passport are not required to renounce their original citizenship, provided it does not contradict the laws of their home country.

Streamlined citizenship process

Obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment takes eight months or more. Investors are not required to pass a language or cultural knowledge test.

Backup plan

Investors with a Turkish passport may live and work in Turkey without restrictions and come and go at any time. The country is known for its peaceful, comfortable environment, rich culture and history, and pleasant climate.

The cost of living is more affordable than in many Western countries.

Strategic location

Turkey sits on major trade and transport routes linking Europe and Asia, making it a strategic gateway between the continents. This location is beneficial both for travellers and entrepreneurs exporting goods.

Business opportunities

Ongoing expenses for Turkish companies are lower than those in Europe. Turkey has a customs agreement with the European Union, allowing Turkish businesses to export goods duty–free.

Visa‑free travel to 120+ countries

Asia

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Bangladesh

Bhutan

Brunei

+26 countries

Cambodia

Georgia

Indonesia

Iran

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Lebanon

Malaysia

Maldives

Mongolia

Myanmar

Nepal

Pakistan

Philippines

Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Russia

Singapore

Sri Lanka

Tajikistan

Thailand

Timor-Leste (East Timor)

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

Americas

Antigua and Barbuda

Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Bolivia

+22 countries

Brazil

Colombia

Costa Rica

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

El Salvador

Guatemala

Haiti

Honduras

Jamaica

Mexico

Nicaragua

Panama

Paraguay

Peru

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

Uruguay

Venezuela

View all

Requirements to apply for Turkey citizenship

Over 18 years old
In good health
No criminal record

Legally married to the investor
No criminal record

Aged 17 or younger

Investment options for obtaining Turkish citizenship

Option Real estate purchase — $400,000+
Details

The investor must purchase residential or commercial property. There are no requirements regarding the location or size of the property.

The property can be sold after three years to recover the investment.

Additional costs

$9,300+
Taxes and fees for property purchase

$574+
Citizenship application processing fees

Option Bank deposit — $500,000+
Details

The deposit is made in a Turkish bank: the funds are transferred in US dollars but stored and withdrawn in Turkish liras. The deposit must remain in the account for at least three years.

Additional costs

$1,000+
Opening a bank account

$574+
Citizenship application processing fees

Option Purchase of securities — $500,000+
Details

The funds may be invested in government bonds, real estate or venture fund shares, or in the capital of a Turkish company.

After three years, the investor may sell the securities or company shares.

Additional costs

$1,670+
Related taxes and fees

$574+
Citizenship application processing fees

Option Creating 50+ jobs
Details

The investor opens a company in Turkey that employs at least 50 people. This number must be maintained for at least 3 years.

Additional costs

$330+
Share capital

$574+
Citizenship application processing fees

Schedule a meeting

Help with the choice

Passportivity experts will analyse your situation and offer the most suitable solution.

Real estate for obtaining Turkey citizenship

Modern unit on the coast of the Sea of Marmara
Turkey, Istanbul

$450,000+

Modern unit on the coast of the Sea of Marmara

53 m²
1
1
Stylish apartment in Maltepe with sea views
Turkey, Istanbul

$420,000+

Stylish apartment in Maltepe with sea views

60—117 m²
1—2
1
Apartment in the newly developed Kağıthane district
Turkey, Istanbul

$490,000+

Apartment in the newly developed Kağıthane district

91 m²
2
1

Key documents to apply for Turkish citizenship

  • Translation of the passport by an accredited Turkish translator
  • Birth certificates of the investor and family members
  • Marriage certificate or a certificate of marital status
  • Photo of the Turkish visa or border crossing stamps
  • 10 biometric photos of each applicant, 5 × 6 cm
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Health insurance issued in Turkey
  • Proof of fulfilling the investment requirement

How to obtain Turkish citizenship by investment: step‑by‑step process

1.

Preliminary check

The compliance team at Passportivity assesses whether the investor meets the citizenship‑by‑investment program requirements. This check helps identify the risk of rejection in advance and find solutions if needed.

The screening is fully confidential. The investor only needs to provide a copy of their passport.

2.

Document preparation

Passportivity’s legal team compiles a personalised list of documents required for obtaining Turkish citizenship. The investor collects the originals and submits them to the lawyers, who handle translations, certified copies, and the completion of government forms.

3.

Fulfilling the investment condition

The investor transfers the funds according to the selected option. If they choose real estate, Passportivity assists in selecting a suitable property. The lawyers check the legal integrity of the transaction and review the terms of the sale agreement.

The investor makes a down payment of $1,000–5,000, then signs the purchase agreement and transfers the remaining amount.

4.

Real estate documentation

Passportivity’s legal team assists in registering the title deed, obtaining a property valuation report, and securing confirmation that the property meets the Turkish citizenship program requirements.

5.

Obtaining a residence permit and submitting the citizenship application

The investor obtains a residence permit under the program. This requires a visit to Turkey and submission of biometrics. Then, the investor personally submits the citizenship application to the Turkish immigration office.

If applying with family, the spouse must also be present. Children do not need to attend.

6.

Due Diligence check

The citizenship program department conducts a Due Diligence review. It typically takes three to four months.

7.

Receiving the Turkish passport 🔥

Once the application is approved, the investor receives the passport, either in Turkey or at a Turkish embassy abroad.

Why choose us

1

Reliable partner

Passportivity operates strictly within the framework outlined in Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship and Law No. 6458 on Foreigners.

2

Deep Expertise

11+ years in investment immigration and financial matters to solve the most complex client challenges.

3

Individual Approach

We develop step-by-step plans, taking into account client requirements, to achieve optimal results.

4

Support at every stage

From the first consultation and even after receiving the desired document, we provide legal support.

5

Additional services

Get a tax number, sign a rental agreement or apostille additional documents — we will fulfill any request.

6

Flexible communication and 24/7 availability

Meet us in person or online, whatever suits you best.

We respond to inquiries within two hours. Your case is handled by a dedicated lawyer who is always in touch.

From idea to сitizenship — with expert support

For over 10 years, we've been helping clients navigate the path to citizenship and residency. Our approach combines in-depth knowledge of international law with a practical understanding of local bureaucratic systems. Every case is handled with a bespoke strategy, refined to the last detail.

Personal meeting

Additional services

Investors turn to Passportivity for additional services after obtaining Turkish citizenship — for example, to open a bank account or obtain a local driving licence.

    • Opening a bank account
    • Obtaining a title deed
    • Registering a company
    • Initiating eviction proceedings
    • Changing one’s name
    • Obtaining a driver’s licence
    • Connecting utility services
    • VAT exemption

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if the property is worth at least $400,000. The investment property must be held for a minimum of 3 years from the date of purchase.

Investing in Turkish real estate provides a pathway to citizenship. To qualify, one must purchase a property valued at $400,000 or more. In addition to citizenship, foreign real estate also helps preserve capital and offers the opportunity to earn rental income.

Buying property alone does not grant the right to reside in Turkey. To stay without restrictions, one must obtain a residence permit or citizenship. Investors who purchase property worth at least $400,000 may become Turkish citizens.

It depends on the investment option. Obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment is relatively straightforward if the applicant has the required funds, although the process includes complex legal steps

Other paths, such as citizenship by descent or naturalisation, have their own criteria and specifics.

While Turkey does not officially have a program called a Golden Visa, the term is often used to refer to residency or citizenship by investment programs. Turkish citizenship can be obtained by investment starting at $400,000.

To qualify for Turkish citizenship by real estate investment, one must purchase property worth at least $400,000 and maintain ownership for at least 3 years. 

The transaction must be completed, and the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation must confirm the property's value. After approval, the investor and their family become Turkish citizens.

Investors are not required to live in Turkey. To obtain citizenship, it is enough to visit the country to submit biometrics.

Other routes, such as naturalisation or marriage, require five years of continuous residence in Turkey.

Yes, the Turkish government does not restrict foreigners from purchasing property. However, they are prohibited from buying homes near military zones.

Turkey prohibits citizens of seven countries from purchasing real estate: Armenia, Syria, Cyprus, Cuba, Taiwan, North Korea, and Eritrea.

The investor can ask the seller for identification and the title deed, TAPU. It is also possible to check the land registry for any encumbrances on the property.

To avoid dealing with unreliable sellers, investors seek legal assistance. Lawyers verify the property, help choose options from trusted developers, and ensure the deal and purchase agreement are legally sound.

Yes, Turkey permits dual or multiple citizenships, provided it does not conflict with the laws of the applicant’s home country.

Yes, the investment is refundable. It can be recovered after three years of holding the asset.

The main risks involve real estate. Investors may encounter dishonest sellers who overprice properties, hide encumbrances, or offer properties that do not meet the program’s criteria.

Additional risks arise when choosing an immigration agent. An unreliable firm may incorrectly prepare documents or contracts, leading to a rejected citizenship application.

Property owners pay an annual real estate tax ranging from 0.1 to 0.3% of the property’s value. Rental income is taxed progressively from 15 to 40%.

The corporate tax rate is 20%, applicable to investors who set up a company in Turkey.

Most often, citizenship is denied due to errors in the documents or missing items in the application. The application will also be rejected if the property does not meet the program requirements, for example, if it costs less than $400,000 or was purchased from a relative.

Citizenship will be denied to applicants with a criminal record or serious medical conditions.

Passportivity lawyer Yulia Malloy

Contact us today

We will help you obtain Turkey citizenship without unnecessary hassle. We minimize risks so you don't waste time and money.

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