29 June 2026 • Türkiye changes rules for registering real estate transactions • 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

136

Visa-free countries

3 years

Investment return after this term

US visas

E-2 for 5 years and B-1 for 10 years

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 136 countries

Turkish passport holders travel to more than 136 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 12 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 136 countries

Afghanistan
eTA
Albania
Visa-free
Algeria
Visa is required
Andorra
Visa is required
Angola
Visa-free, 30 days
Antigua & Barbuda
Visa-free
Argentina
Visa-free
Armenia
Visa-free
Australia
eTA
Austria
Visa is required
Azerbaijan
Visa-free
Bahamas
Visa-free
Bahrain
eTA
Bangladesh
Visa upon arrival
Barbados
Visa-free
Belarus
Visa-free
Belgium
Visa is required
Belize
Visa-free
Benin
eTA
Bhutan
eTA
Bolivia
Visa-free
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Visa-free
Botswana
Visa-free
Brazil
Visa-free
Brunei
Visa-free
Bulgaria
Visa is required
Burkina Faso
eTA
Burundi
Visa-free
Cambodia
Visa upon arrival
Cameroon
eTA
Canada
Visa is required
Cape Verde
Visa upon arrival
Central African Republic
Visa is required
Chad
eTA
Chile
Visa-free
China
Visa is required
Colombia
Visa-free
Comoros
Visa-free
Congo - Brazzaville
Visa is required
Congo - Kinshasa
eTA
Costa Rica
Visa-free
Côte d’Ivoire
eTA
Croatia
Visa is required
Cuba
eTA
Cyprus
Visa is required
Czechia
Visa is required
Denmark
Visa is required
Djibouti
Visa-free
Dominica
Visa-free, 21 days
Dominican Republic
Visa-free, 60 days
Ecuador
Visa-free
Egypt
Visa upon arrival
El Salvador
Visa-free
Equatorial Guinea
Visa-free, 90 days
Eritrea
Visa is required
Estonia
Visa is required
Eswatini
Visa-free
Ethiopia
Visa upon arrival
Fiji
Visa-free
Finland
Visa is required
France
Visa is required
Gabon
eTA
Gambia
Visa-free
Georgia
Visa-free
Germany
Visa is required
Ghana
Visa is required
Greece
Visa is required
Grenada
Visa is required
Guatemala
Visa-free
Guinea
eTA
Guinea-Bissau
Visa-free
Guyana
eTA
Haiti
Visa-free
Honduras
Visa-free
Hungary
Visa is required
Iceland
Visa is required
India
Visa is required
Indonesia
Visa-free
Iran
Visa-free
Iraq
Visa upon arrival
Ireland
Visa is required
Israel
eTA
Italy
Visa is required
Jamaica
Visa-free
Japan
Visa-free
Jordan
Visa-free
Kazakhstan
Visa-free
Kenya
eTA
Kiribati
Visa is required
Kuwait
Visa upon arrival
Kyrgyzstan
Visa-free
Laos
Visa-free
Latvia
Visa is required
Lebanon
Visa upon arrival
Lesotho
Visa is required
Liberia
eTA
Libya
Visa-free, 90 days
Liechtenstein
Visa is required
Lithuania
Visa is required
Luxembourg
Visa is required
Madagascar
Visa upon arrival
Malawi
eTA
Malaysia
Visa-free
Maldives
Visa upon arrival
Mali
Visa is required
Malta
Visa is required
Marshall Islands
Visa upon arrival
Mauritania
eTA
Mauritius
Visa-free, 90 days
Mexico
eTA
Micronesia
Visa-free, 30 days
Moldova
Visa-free
Monaco
Visa is required
Mongolia
Visa-free
Montenegro
Visa-free, 30 days
Morocco
Visa-free
Mozambique
Visa upon arrival
Myanmar (Burma)
eTA
Namibia
Visa upon arrival
Nauru
Visa is required
Nepal
Visa upon arrival
Netherlands
Visa is required
New Zealand
Visa is required
Nicaragua
Visa-free
Niger
Visa is required
Nigeria
eTA
North Korea
Visa is required
North Macedonia
Visa-free
Norway
Visa is required
Oman
Visa-free
Pakistan
eTA
Palau
Visa-free
Panama
Visa-free
Papua New Guinea
eTA
Paraguay
Visa-free
Peru
Visa-free, 90 days
Philippines
Visa-free
Poland
Visa is required
Portugal
Visa is required
Qatar
Visa upon arrival
Romania
Visa is required
Russia
eTA
Rwanda
Visa-free
Samoa
Visa-free
San Marino
Visa is required
São Tomé & Príncipe
Visa-free, 15 days
Saudi Arabia
Visa-free
Senegal
Visa-free
Serbia
Visa-free
Seychelles
Visa-free, 90 days
Sierra Leone
Visa-free
Singapore
Visa-free
Slovakia
Visa is required
Slovenia
Visa is required
Solomon Islands
Visa is required
Somalia
eTA
South Africa
Visa-free
South Korea
eTA
South Sudan
eTA
Spain
Visa is required
Sri Lanka
Visa upon arrival
St. Kitts & Nevis
Visa-free
St. Lucia
Visa-free
St. Vincent & Grenadines
Visa-free
Sudan
Visa-free
Suriname
Visa-free, 90 days
Sweden
Visa is required
Switzerland
Visa is required
Syria
Visa-free
Tajikistan
Visa is required
Tanzania
Visa-free
Thailand
Visa-free, 30 days
Timor-Leste
Visa-free
Togo
eTA
Tonga
Visa upon arrival
Trinidad & Tobago
Visa-free
Tunisia
Visa-free
Turkmenistan
Visa is required
Tuvalu
Visa upon arrival
Uganda
eTA
Ukraine
Visa-free
United Arab Emirates
eTA
United Kingdom
Visa is required
United States
Visa is required
Uruguay
Visa-free
Uzbekistan
Visa-free
Vanuatu
Visa-free, 30 days
Venezuela
Visa-free
Vietnam
eTA
Yemen
Visa is required
Zambia
Visa-free, 30 days
Zimbabwe
Visa-free
Guide to obtaining Turkey citizenship

Guide to obtaining Turkey citizenship

  • Step-by-step procedure
  • Requirements for applicants
  • Answers to frequently asked questions
Download practical guide

Requirements to apply for Turkey citizenship

Over 18 years old
In good health
With a legal source of income
No criminal record

Legally married to the investor
Of the opposite sex
No criminal record

Aged 17 or younger

Investment options for obtaining Turkish citizenship

Option Real estate purchase — $400,000+
Details

The investor purchases residential or commercial property. Both completed properties and properties under construction are eligible. There are no requirements for the location or size of the property.

3 years after obtaining the passport, the property can be sold and the investment recovered.

Additional costs

$22,300+
Taxes, fees, and expenses related to property purchase

$1,300+
Government fees for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship

$2,200+
Related expenses

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 3 years.

Additional costs

$1,000+
Opening a bank account

$1,300+
Government fees for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship

$2,200+
Related expenses

Option Investment fund shares purchase — $500,000+
Details

The investor purchases shares in a real estate investment fund or venture capital investment fund.

After 3 years, the investor can sell the securities.

Additional costs

$1,000
Account opening

$1,300+
Government fees for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship

$2,200+
Related expenses

Option Government bond purchase — $500,000+
Details

The funds are invested in government bonds. The bonds must be held for at least 3 years after obtaining Turkish citizenship.

Additional costs

$1,000
Account opening

$1,300+
Government fees for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship

$2,200+
Related expenses

Option Business investment — $500,000+
Details

The investor invests in the capital of a Turkish company. The business share can be sold after 3 years.

Additional costs

$1,300+
Government fees for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship

$2,200+
Related expenses

Option Company establishment
Details

The investor establishes a company in Türkiye that creates at least 50 jobs for Turkish citizens. This number of jobs must be maintained for 3 years.

Additional costs

$330+
Share capital

$1,300+
Government fees for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship

$2,200+
Related expenses

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
Calculate the cost for Turkey citizenship for your family

Calculate the cost for Turkey citizenship for your family

You will receive a personal estimate with all related expenses and government fees
Calculate the cost

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 completes a questionnaire and provides a copy of their passport and tax identification number.

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 8 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 clients choose us

Reliable partner

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

Deep expertise

With over 11 years of experience in investment immigration and financial planning, we are equipped to handle even the most complex client needs.

Personalised approach

We create detailed, step‑by‑step strategies tailored to each client’s goals, ensuring the most effective path to success.

Support at every stage

From your first consultation through to the issuance of your residence permit or passport, our legal team supports you every step of the way.

Additional services

We obtain a tax number, conclude a lease agreement, or apostille documents — we handle additional requests upon demand.

Flexible communication and 24/7 availability

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

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

From idea to citizenship — 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.

Yes. An investor can sell Turkish property after the mandatory 3-year holding period without losing Turkish citizenship, provided the property was purchased and held in full compliance with the program rules.

Under the Turkish citizenship by investment route, real estate must be worth at least $400,000 and must be held for at least 3 years. At the purchase stage, an annotation is placed in the land registry stating that the property cannot be sold for 3 years. After this restriction period expires, the investor may sell the property.

Passportivity Head of the Investment Department 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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