How to Get Turkish Citizenship by Investment? Your Complete 2025 Guide

Istanbul, Türkiye – For discerning investors seeking a robust second citizenship and a gateway to a dynamic Eurasian market, the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program stands out as an unparalleled opportunity. Since its inception, this program has consistently evolved to attract foreign direct investment, offering a streamlined path to Turkish nationality.

Akkas & Associates Law Firm, a leading full-service law firm based in Istanbul with a legacy of providing exceptional legal services since 1992, presents this comprehensive guide to navigating the intricacies and maximizing the benefits of Turkish Citizenship by Investment in 2025.

Table of Contents

What is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program is a government initiative designed to attract foreign capital and stimulate economic growth by granting citizenship to investors who meet specific investment criteria. Launched in 2017 and updated for 2024, this program offers a streamlined, efficient route to Turkish nationality for individuals and their families through qualifying investments in Turkey.

Key Investment Options and Requirements

Applicants must fulfill one of the following investment options to qualify:

Applicants must also meet general criteria such as a clean criminal record, proof of health insurance, and payment of applicable processing fees.

Important Considerations and Updates for 2025

• The minimum real estate investment remains at $400,000, with a mandatory holding period of 3 years.
• The program continues to prioritize applicants with clean legal records and adequate health coverage.
• Processing times have improved, with many approvals granted within 4 to 6 months.
• Recent enhancements in passport security and biometric features reflect Turkey’s commitment to international standards.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship by Investment

1. Fast-Track Citizenship: Unlike traditional naturalization processes that can take years, the investment program typically grants citizenship within 3 to 6 months, providing a swift and efficient pathway for investors and their families.
2. Visa-Free Travel and Global Mobility:Turkish citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 118 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and many Latin American and Balkan countries. This significantly enhances travel flexibility for business and leisure.
3. Dual Citizenship Allowed: Turkey permits dual citizenship, enabling investors to retain their original nationality while benefiting from Turkish citizenship privileges.
4. Access to the E2 Investor Visa (USA): Turkish citizenship facilitates eligibility for the U.S. E2 Investor Visa, an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking to establish or expand businesses in the United States.
5. Economic and Business Advantages: Citizenship opens doors to Turkey’s dynamic economy, benefiting from customs union agreements with the EU and numerous double taxation treaties. Investors gain credibility and ease of business operations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
6. Family Inclusion: The program extends citizenship rights to spouses and dependent children under 18, allowing entire families to benefit from the investment.
7. Quality of Life and Strategic Location: Turkey offers a rich cultural heritage, quality healthcare, and education systems at competitive costs. Geographically, it serves as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, ideal for business expansion and lifestyle.

Investment Pathways: Your Choices for Turkish Citizenship

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program offers several distinct investment avenues, each designed to cater to different investor profiles. As of 2025, the primary options are:

• Real Estate Acquisition: This is the most popular and straightforward route. Investors must purchase one or more properties in Turkey with a minimum value of $400,000 USD. Key stipulations for this option include:
  • The property/properties must be purchased from a Turkish citizen or a Turkish company.
  • The payment must be made through a Turkish bank, and the funds must originate from outside Turkey.
  • A “no-sale” annotation must be registered on the title deed (Tapu) at the Land Registry and Cadastre Directorate, indicating that the property will not be sold for a minimum of three years.
  • An official appraisal report from a sworn expert is required to confirm the property’s market value.
  • Multiple properties can be purchased to meet the minimum investment threshold, provided their combined value reaches $400,000 USD.
• Bank Deposit: Investors can deposit a minimum of $500,000 USD (or equivalent in Turkish Lira or other foreign currency) into a Turkish bank account. This deposit must be maintained for at least three years, as attested by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK).
• Fixed Capital Investment: A fixed capital investment of at least $500,000 USD (or equivalent) in a Turkish company, as attested by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, can also qualify an applicant for citizenship. This investment must create a minimum of 50 jobs for Turkish citizens.
• Purchase of Government Bonds: Investors can purchase government bonds worth at least $500,000 USD (or equivalent), with the commitment to hold them for a minimum of three years, as attested by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.
• Investment in Real Estate Investment Fund Shares or Venture Capital Investment Fund Shares: A minimum investment of $500,000 USD (or equivalent) in real estate investment fund shares or venture capital investment fund shares, with a commitment to hold them for at least three years, as attested by the Capital Markets Board of Turkey (SPK).

The Application Journey: A Step-by-Step Overview

Navigating the Turkish CBI application process requires meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of Turkish legal procedures. Akkas & Associates Law Firm guides clients through each stage, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.

1. Initial Consultation and Investment Selection: Our team will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your profile and investment goals. We will then advise you on the most suitable investment option that aligns with your financial objectives and ensures compliance with the CBI program’s requirements.
2. Investment Execution: Depending on your chosen investment path:
   • For Real Estate: We assist in identifying suitable properties, conducting due diligence, preparing the sale agreement, managing the funds transfer through a Turkish bank, and overseeing the title deed registration with the necessary annotation.
   • For Bank Deposits/Bonds/Funds: We facilitate the opening of bank accounts, execution of deposit agreements, or purchase of financial instruments, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met.
3. Obtaining the Certificate of Conformity: This crucial step involves securing official confirmation from the relevant government authority (e.g., Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change for real estate, BDDK for bank deposits) that your investment meets the CBI program criteria.
4. Residence Permit Application: Once the investment is confirmed, the main applicant and their family members will apply for a short-term residence permit in Turkey. This permit allows you to reside in Turkey while your citizenship application is being processed. It’s important to note that as of recent changes, both the main applicant and their spouse are now required to obtain a residence permit and be physically present for fingerprinting.
5. Turkish Citizenship Application Submission: Our expert lawyers will prepare and compile all necessary documentation for your citizenship application. This includes:
   • Valid passports and birth certificates for all applicants.
   • Proof of investment (e.g., title deed, bank statements, certificate of conformity).
   • Clean criminal record certificates from the applicant’s home country and any country of residence in the last year.
   • Marital status certificates and family registration documents.
   • Biometric photographs.
   • Power of Attorney granted to Akkas & Associates Law Firm to act on your behalf throughout the process.
6. Interview and Biometrics: All adult applicants are required to be physically present in Turkey for an interview and to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos) at the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
7. Citizenship Approval and Passport Issuance: Upon successful review and approval of your application, you will be granted Turkish citizenship. Subsequently, you and your family members can apply for your Turkish passports and national identity cards.

Alternatively, investors can choose to invest a minimum of 500,000 USD in a Turkish bank deposit. This investment must be maintained for a period of at least three years to be eligible for Turkish citizenship. Similar to the property purchase option, the main applicant, spouse, and dependent children under 18 can all obtain citizenship through this investment.

Advantages of Turkish Citizenship

Turkish citizenship offers an array of advantages to those who acquire it through investment:

1. Global Mobility: Turkish citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, making it easier for them to travel internationally for business or leisure purposes.
2. Thriving Economy: Turkey’s rapidly growing economy presents various business and investment opportunities for both local and foreign entrepreneurs.
3. Strategic Location: Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey offers a strategic location for businesses looking to expand their operations globally.
4. Cultural Richness: Turkish citizenship provides access to a vibrant cultural heritage, including a blend of historical and contemporary experiences.

Application Procedures and Requirements:

To apply for Turkish citizenship through investment, applicants must adhere to the following procedures:

1. Investment Selection: Choose between the property purchase or bank deposit options and fulfill the required minimum investment amount.
2. Eligibility Check: Ensure that all personal and financial requirements are met, including a clean criminal record and the ability to prove the legitimate source of funds for the investment.
3. Application Submission: Submit the application along with all required documents, including the investment confirmation and passport copies of family members.
4. Review and Approval: The application will be reviewed by relevant Turkish authorities, and upon approval, the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship will issue the citizenship certificate.

How Long Does the Process Typically Take from Investment to Citizenship?

The typical timeline for obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment ranges from 3 to 6 months after the completion of the qualifying investment. This timeframe applies to all main investment routes, including real estate purchases (minimum $400,000), bank deposits ($500,000), government bonds, capital investments, and job creation.

Detailed Timeline Breakdown:

• Investment Completion: The initial phase involves making the eligible investment, which usually takes 1 to 2 months, depending on the investment type and transaction speed (e.g., property purchase, bank deposit).
• Certificate of Conformity: After the investment, applicants must obtain a Certificate of Conformity from the relevant Turkish authorities confirming the investment meets program criteria. This process typically takes 1 to 4 weeks.
• Residence Permit Application: Applicants are required to apply for a short-term residence permit before submitting their citizenship application. This step generally takes 2 to 4 weeks to finalize.
• Citizenship Application Processing: Once the application is submitted, Turkish authorities conduct background checks and review documents. The official processing time is approximately 3 to 6 months, with some cases processed faster depending on the applicant’s nationality and document verification.

Additional Notes:

• There is no mandatory physical residency requirement during the process or after citizenship is granted, making the program highly flexible for international investors.
• After approval, Turkish ID cards and passports are usually issued within a week, and biometric data can be submitted at Turkish consulates worldwide.

Summary Table of Timeline

For a seamless process, professional legal assistance from experienced firms like Akkas & Associates Law Firm can help expedite document preparation and liaise with authorities efficiently.

A Future in Turkey Awaits

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program continues to be an attractive option for global investors seeking increased mobility, economic opportunity, and a welcoming new home. With its strategic location, vibrant economy, and a straightforward citizenship process, Turkey offers a compelling proposition.

If you are considering Turkish citizenship through investment, we invite you to contact Akkas & Associates Law Firm. Our team is ready to provide the expert legal counsel and seamless support you need to embark on this significant journey. Secure your future and unlock a world of possibilities with Turkish citizenship. For detailed insights into other aspects of Turkish immigration law, you may also find our article on Turkish Residence Permit helpful.

Why Choose Akkas & Associates for Your Turkish Citizenship Journey?

At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, our extensive experience and deep understanding of Turkish immigration and investment law set us apart. Since 1992, we have built a reputation for providing top-notch, personalized legal services to international clients.

• Unparalleled Expertise: Our team of seasoned lawyers specializes in Turkish Citizenship by Investment, staying abreast of the latest legal amendments and procedural nuances. We have successfully assisted countless individuals and families in achieving their citizenship goals.
• Comprehensive Service: We offer end-to-end legal support, from initial consultation and investment guidance to meticulous document preparation, application submission, and follow-up with government authorities. Our aim is to make the process as stress-free and efficient as possible for you.
• Istanbul-Based Advantage: Our presence in Istanbul, the heart of Turkey’s economic and cultural landscape, provides us with direct access to key government offices and a profound understanding of the local market, particularly for real estate investments.
• Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize clear communication, transparency, and tailored solutions. You will receive regular updates and direct access to your dedicated legal team throughout the entire process.
• Due Diligence and Risk Mitigation: We conduct rigorous due diligence to identify and mitigate any potential risks, ensuring the legality and compliance of your investment and application.

For more information on the specific documentation required or to discuss your individual circumstances, please visit our dedicated page on Turkish Citizenship by Investment FAQ.

Contact us for Turkish Citizenship by Investment in Istanbul

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program stands as a compelling option for investors seeking a strategic nationality that offers global mobility, economic opportunities, and a high quality of life. With efficient processing, multiple investment routes, and comprehensive benefits, Turkey continues to attract discerning investors worldwide.

At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, we are committed to guiding you through every step of this journey with professionalism and dedication. Contact us today to explore how Turkish citizenship can unlock new horizons for you and your family.

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