Immigration & Citizenship Law
Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Current Conditions and Process
Acquiring Turkish citizenship by investment is one of the most frequently used routes, particularly among foreign investors who wish to acquire real estate in Türkiye.
Which Types of Investment Qualify for Citizenship?
Provided the statutory minimum amounts are met, an application for citizenship may be based on real estate acquisition, fixed capital investment, a bank deposit, purchase of government bonds, acquisition of real estate investment fund shares, or the creation of a specified number of jobs. Real estate acquisition is the most commonly chosen route.
Conditions for an Application Based on Real Estate
The value of the property acquired must meet the statutory minimum amount, and an annotation must be placed on the title deed stating that the property will not be sold for three years. As these amounts can change from time to time, it is important to confirm the current figures before applying.
How Does the Application Process Work?
First, the value of the property is determined by an appraisal expert registered with the Capital Markets Board. The title deed transaction is then completed, a certificate of conformity is obtained, and the citizenship application is submitted to the Directorate General of Migration Management under the Ministry of Interior.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Where the file is complete, the process is usually completed within a few months; however, this may vary depending on the workload at the appraisal, title deed and application stages.
Can Family Members Also Acquire Citizenship?
Yes; the applicant's spouse and children under the age of 18 may also acquire Turkish citizenship under the same application.
Practical Tips
Before purchasing the property, we recommend independently confirming that the title deed record meets the citizenship requirements (for example, that it has not already been used in a previous citizenship application); this check prevents a rejection at the end of the process.
This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact our team about your specific situation.