Turkish Citizenship by Investment program has emerged as one of the most attractive pathways to European citizenship, offering investors and their families a strategic gateway to both European and Asian markets. The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to invest in Turkey in exchange for Turkish citizenship.
It is one of the most popular investment programs because of the short application process, with most receiving citizenship within 3-6 months. At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, we have guided hundreds of international clients through this transformative process since the program’s inception.
This comprehensive FAQ guide addresses the most critical questions investors ask about Turkish citizenship by investment, providing you with the essential knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your investment and citizenship journey.
Table of Contents
In Turkey, citizenship law is primarily regulated by the Turkish Constitution and Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship, which set out the principles and procedures for acquiring Turkish nationality.
Our Turkish citizenship lawyers provide Turkish citizenship services with investment options. We have extensive experience in immigration law in Turkey and we have obtained more than 560 passports.
Our English-speaking Turkish lawyers will assist you to get fingerprints and apply for a Turkish ID card and passport. Turkish passport and ID card will be mailed to our office address.
Understanding the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program
1. What is the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program?
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program is a government initiative launched in 2017 that allows foreign nationals to obtain Turkish citizenship through qualifying investments. Five options are available: purchase of real estate or units of an investment fund or bonds, participation in the share capital of a Turkish company, and opening of a deposit in a Turkish bank. This program was designed to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen Turkey’s economy while providing investors with valuable citizenship benefits.
The program offers multiple investment routes, making it accessible to investors with different financial capabilities and investment preferences. Unlike many other citizenship by investment programs globally, Turkey’s program is particularly attractive due to its relatively low investment threshold and fast processing times.
2. What are the Current Investment Requirements for 2025?
The investment requirements have been updated several times since the program’s launch. Currently, investors must meet one of the following minimum investment criteria:
- Real Estate Investment: The minimum required property investment remains at $400,000
- Bank Deposit: Minimum deposit of $500,000 in a Turkish bank
- Investment Funds: Commit at least USD 500,000 into real estate investment fund share or venture capital investment fund share
- Company Shares: Investment of $500,000 in Turkish company shares
- Private Pension System: Commit at least USD 500,000 into a private pension system for a minimum period
The real estate option remains the most popular choice among investors due to its tangible nature and potential for appreciation in Turkey’s growing property market.
3. How Long Must I Hold My Investment?
All investments under the Turkish citizenship program must be maintained for a minimum period of three years from the date of citizenship acquisition. On the purchase of real estate, with the stipulation that the property cannot be sold for three years. This holding period is strictly enforced, and early disposal of the investment may result in revocation of citizenship.
During this three-year period, investors cannot:
- Sell their real estate investment
- Withdraw bank deposits
- Transfer investment fund shares
- Reduce their company shareholding below the minimum threshold
4. What are the Basic Eligibility Requirements?
To qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment, applicants must meet several fundamental criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a clean criminal record
- Pass security background checks
- Without a criminal record
Importantly, Turkey does not require individuals to demonstrate proficiency in the Turkish language to obtain citizenship. There are also no residency requirements, meaning investors don’t need to live in Turkey before or after obtaining citizenship.
Application Process and Timeline
5. How Long Does the Application Process Take?
The complete process may take 6 to 8 months. However, processing times can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of documentation, the complexity of the case, and current application volumes. The timeline for processing varies but typically ranges from three to six months.
The process involves several stages:
- Initial document preparation (2-4 weeks)
- Investment completion (4-8 weeks)
- Residency permit application (4-6 weeks)
- Citizenship application submission (2-3 weeks)
- Security clearance and review (8-12 weeks)
- Final approval and passport issuance (2-4 weeks)
6. What Recent Changes Affect the Application Process in 2024-2025?
The latest changes in Turkish citizenship and residence permit applications through investment, effective since 2024, include mandatory fingerprinting in Turkey and the requirement for the investor to be physically present for both residence permit and citizenship applications.
A new regulation to impact Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment timeline is that all applicants (main and their spouse) are required to physically be in Turkey at the time of the residency permit application. This represents a significant change from previous procedures where lawyers could handle applications remotely.
7. What Documents are Required for the Application?
The documentation requirements are comprehensive and must be properly prepared and apostilled. Essential documents include:
Personal Documents:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Criminal background check from country of residence
- Passport-sized photographs
Financial Documents:
- Bank statements proving source of funds
- Investment-related documentation
- Property valuation reports (for real estate investments)
- Tax clearance certificates
- Proof of income statements
All foreign documents must be apostilled and officially translated into Turkish by certified translators.
Investment Options and Strategies
8. Which Investment Option Offers the Best Return?
The purchase of real estate is the most demanded option. Real estate investment offers several advantages:
- Tangible asset ownership
- Potential for capital appreciation
- Rental income opportunities
- Portfolio diversification
- Inflation hedge
Real estate prices grow by 15 to 25% per year in many Turkish markets, making it an attractive investment beyond citizenship benefits. However, the best option depends on individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy.
9. Can I Include My Family Members in the Application?
Yes, the Turkish citizenship by investment program allows investors to include eligible family members in their application at no additional investment cost. Eligible dependents include:
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under 18 years
- Children with disabilities (regardless of age)
All family members will receive Turkish citizenship simultaneously with the main applicant, providing comprehensive family coverage under a single investment.
10. Are There Any Restrictions on Property Location or Type?
There are no specific restrictions on property location within Turkey, allowing investors flexibility in choosing properties that align with their preferences and investment strategies. However, certain considerations apply:
Permitted Property Types:
- Residential properties (apartments, villas, houses)
- Commercial properties (offices, retail spaces)
- Land for development
- Mixed-use properties
Strategic Location Considerations:
- Istanbul: Highest demand and appreciation potential
- Ankara: Capital city stability
- Antalya: Tourism and rental income opportunities
- Coastal areas: International appeal and rental potential
Properties must be purchased from Turkish developers or individuals, and the transaction must be properly registered with the Turkish Land Registry.
Benefits and Practical Considerations
11. What are the Key Benefits of Turkish Citizenship?
Turkish citizenship offers numerous advantages for international investors:
Travel Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries
- European travel facilitation
- Global mobility enhancement
Business Advantages:
- Access to European and Asian markets
- Favorable tax treaties
- Investment opportunities in growing economy
Personal Benefits:
- Right to live, work, and study in Turkey
- Access to Turkish healthcare and education systems
- Social security benefits
- Property ownership rights
Strategic Location: Turkey’s unique position bridging Europe and Asia provides unparalleled access to both markets, making it highly valuable for international business activities.
12. Can I Maintain My Current Citizenship?
Yes, you can. Turkey permits dual citizenship, allowing investors to maintain their original nationality while acquiring Turkish citizenship. This flexibility is particularly valuable for investors who want to expand their global mobility options without sacrificing their existing citizenship benefits.
However, investors should verify their home country’s dual citizenship policies, as some nations may have restrictions or requirements regarding dual nationality.
13. Do I Need to Learn Turkish or Live in Turkey?
No, you don’t. Unlike many other programs, no prior knowledge of Turkish is required to get citizenship through investment. There is no stay requirement which means that you can travel out of the country and come back without any restrictions.
This flexibility makes Turkish citizenship particularly attractive for investors who want citizenship benefits without lifestyle disruption. However, basic Turkish language skills can be beneficial for business activities and daily life if you choose to spend time in Turkey.
14. What are the Tax Implications of Turkish Citizenship?
Turkish tax residency is based on physical presence and business activities rather than citizenship status. Key tax considerations include:
For Non-Residents:
- No tax obligation on worldwide income
- Tax only on Turkish-sourced income
- Favorable treatment for investment income
For Residents (183+ days annually):
- Worldwide income taxation
- Various deductions and exemptions available
- Double taxation treaties with many countries
Our legal team at Akkas & Associates provides comprehensive tax planning guidance to optimize your fiscal obligations while maintaining compliance with both Turkish and international tax requirements.
15. How Can Akkas & Associates Law Firm Assist with My Application?
As Istanbul’s premier full-service law firm with over three decades of experience, Akkas & Associates offers comprehensive legal services for Turkish citizenship by investment applications:
Pre-Investment Services:
- Eligibility assessment and strategy consultation
- Investment option analysis and recommendations
- Due diligence on investment opportunities
- Legal structure optimization
Application Management:
- Complete document preparation and review
- Investment transaction coordination
- Application submission and follow-up
- Government liaison and communication
Post-Citizenship Services:
- Tax planning and compliance
- Business establishment assistance
- Ongoing legal support and advisory services
- Family immigration matters
Our multilingual legal team ensures seamless communication throughout the process, while our deep expertise in Turkish immigration law guarantees efficient and successful citizenship acquisitions.
For comprehensive guidance on your Turkish citizenship by investment journey, contact our experienced legal professionals who have successfully facilitated hundreds of citizenship applications since the program’s inception.
Reach us for Turkish Citizenship by Investment FAQ
At Akkas & Associates, our long-standing presence in Istanbul since 1992, coupled with our in-depth knowledge of Turkish law and international investment regulations, makes us the ideal partner for your Turkish Citizenship by Investment journey.
We offer personalized, discreet, and highly professional legal services, ensuring that your application proceeds smoothly and successfully. Our team of expert lawyers is committed to providing clear, concise guidance at every stage, from initial consultation to the issuance of your Turkish passport.
For more information or to discuss your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact Akkas & Associates Law Firm. We are here to help you unlock the numerous opportunities that Turkish citizenship offers.
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