Get Your Turkish Citizenship by Investment – Learn How to Apply
Eligibility Overview
Turkey offers one of the most popular Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, allowing foreign investors to obtain citizenship through a qualifying investment.
The program is known for its fast processing, flexible investment options, and no residency requirement.
To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid passport
- Have a clean criminal record
- Provide proof of legal source of funds
- Make a qualifying investment
- Pass government security checks
Investment Options
Applicants must complete one of the following investments:
1. Real Estate Investment (Most Popular)
- Minimum: $400,000 USD
- Can combine multiple properties, but undeveloped land is ineligible
- Property must be held for at least 3 years
- The seller must be a Turkish citizen. Buying from a foreign seller automatically disqualifies the property.
2. Bank Deposit
- Minimum: $500,000 USD
- Must be held in a Turkish bank for 3 years
3. Fixed Capital Contribution
- Minimum: $500,000 USD
4. Government Bonds
- Minimum: $500,000 USD
- Must be held for 3 years
5. Investment Fund or Private Pension Contribution
- Minimum: $500,000 USD
- Must be held for 3 years
6. Job Creation
- Create at least 50 jobs in Türkiye
Family Inclusion
You can include:
- Your spouse – they will have to file their own residency application
- Children under 18
- Children of any age with disabilities
Important Notes
- No residency or minimum stay requirement
- Citizenship granted in around 6 to 12 months
- Investments must be maintained for at least 3 years
- Real estate investments require:
- Government-approved valuation
- A 3-year no-sale restriction on the title deed
- Applications are subject to government security review
- While most nationalities are eligible, some applications may face additional screening
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Choose Your Investment Route
Select the qualifying investment option that best fits your goals, such as real estate, bank deposit, or capital investment.
Step 2: Prepare the Investment Structure
Open the necessary bank account, gather required documents, and prepare the transaction in line with Turkish compliance rules.
Step 3: Complete the Investment
Make the qualifying investment and obtain the required official confirmation from the relevant authority.
- For real estate, this includes the valuation report and the 3-year no-sale annotation
- For financial routes, this includes confirmation that the funds meet the required threshold and holding period
Step 4: Apply for the Short-Term Investor Residence Permit
After the investment is completed, apply for the short-term investor residence permit required for the citizenship process. This is a formal step in the application process. It does not mean you need to live in Turkey.
Step 5: Submit the Citizenship Application
Once the residence permit is in place, submit the citizenship application with your investment documents, civil records, and supporting files.
Step 6: Complete Biometrics and Receive Your Passport
After approval, complete biometrics for your ID and passport issuance and receive your Turkish citizenship documents.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship by Investment
- Fast citizenship process
- No physical stay requirement
- Multiple investment options
- Full citizenship for eligible family members
- Strategic location between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ destinations
- Potential eligibility to apply for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, subject to U.S. requirements – this applies particularly to nationals of countries that don’t have their own E-2 treaty with the US
- Strong real estate market
- Business and lifestyle advantages in a transcontinental country
Frequently asked questions.
How long does it take to get Turkish citizenship?
Typically 6 to 12 months, depending on the investment route and application file.
Do I need to live in Turkey?
No, there is no residency requirement before or after citizenship.
Can I include my family?
Yes, including your spouse and eligible dependent children.
Is the investment refundable?
Some options, such as bank deposits, may be recovered after the 3-year holding period. Real estate can be sold after 3 years.
Can I have dual citizenship?
Yes, Turkey allows dual citizenship.
Do I need to speak Turkish?
No, there are no language requirements.