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Turkey Citizenship by Investment

Invest in StabilityAchieve Tax FlexibilityFreedom of TravelPlan B for FamilyNew Business Domicile

Acquire Turkish citizenship and passport in 6–12 months through real estate, capital investment, or bank deposits — with full family inclusion.

Turkey's CBI program offers a fast path to citizenship through real estate ($400K+), bank deposits, or capital investment, with processing in 6–12 months and E-2 visa eligibility.

$400K
Min. Investment
6–12 months
Processing Time
0 days
Min. Stay / Year *
Permanent
Residency Period
* No minimum stay required for citizenship; property held 3 years. Spouse must also obtain residence permit since 2024.
Istanbul skyline with mosques and Bosphorus

Program Overview

Turkey's Citizenship by Investment program, established in 2017 and revised in June 2022, offers a direct route to Turkish citizenship through qualifying economic contributions. The most popular pathway — real estate purchase at $400,000 minimum — provides both citizenship and a tangible asset in one of the world's fastest-growing property markets. All investment options require a 3-year holding period, with citizenship typically granted within 6–12 months of application. Starting May 2026, all real estate payments must be processed through the Güvenli Ödeme Sistemi (Secure Payment System).

Turkey's strategic position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, combined with its G20 membership and EU Customs Union participation, makes Turkish citizenship a valuable asset for international investors. The Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 114+ destinations. A key advantage is eligibility for the US E-2 Investor Visa, making Turkey a popular stepping stone for accessing the American market. Since 2024, spouses must also obtain a residence permit as part of the application process.

Key Benefits

  • Fast processing: Citizenship granted in 6–12 months — most applicants receive passports within 8 months.
  • Dual citizenship: Turkey fully permits dual citizenship with no requirement to renounce existing nationality.
  • No residency requirement: No physical presence or minimum stay required to obtain or maintain citizenship.
  • Family inclusion: Spouse and children under 18 included in the same application. Disabled children of any age also eligible.
  • E-2 Treaty eligibility: Turkish citizens can apply for the US E-2 Investor Visa — a key advantage for accessing the American market.
  • Real estate ROI: Property can generate rental income and capital appreciation in Turkey's dynamic real estate market.

Risks and Considerations

  • Currency volatility: The Turkish lira has experienced significant depreciation, which can affect the real value of local investments.
  • Enhanced due diligence: Turkey has tightened AML screening in 2026 — only documented bank-to-bank transfers accepted, funds via unverified intermediaries may be frozen.
  • Property restrictions: Undeveloped land excluded since December 2023. Property valuations subject to government-approved appraisals to prevent overvaluation.
  • Potential threshold increase: Industry experts widely anticipate a future increase to the $400K real estate minimum due to growing demand and inflation.

Investment Options

Real Estate Purchase
Non-Refundable

Real Estate Purchase

Turkey$400,000

Purchase one or more residential/commercial properties worth $400K+ total. Property held for minimum 3 years. Undeveloped land excluded since Dec 2023.

Fixed Capital Investment
Non-Refundable

Fixed Capital Investment

Turkey$500,000

Invest $500K+ in fixed capital such as machinery, equipment, or business assets. Must be maintained for minimum 3 years.

Bank Deposit
Refundable Investment

Bank Deposit

Turkey$500,000

Deposit $500K+ in a Turkish bank for a minimum of 3 years. Funds held in designated accounts with government-approved banks.

Government Bond Purchase
Refundable Investment

Government Bond Purchase

Turkey$500,000

Purchase $500K+ in Turkish government bonds with a minimum 3-year holding period. Bonds must remain until maturity.

Venture Capital Fund
Non-Refundable

Venture Capital Fund

Turkey$500,000

Invest $500K+ in a government-approved venture capital or private equity fund. Investment held for minimum 3 years.

Program Benefits

Tax Optimization

Turkey does not tax worldwide income for non-residents. Citizens residing outside Turkey are only taxed on Turkey-sourced income. No wealth tax, no inheritance tax for foreign assets held abroad, and competitive corporate tax rates at 25%. Double taxation treaties with 80+ countries.

Education

Access to Turkey's public education system and internationally ranked universities. Tuition-free public schooling for citizens. Several universities rank in global top 500. Growing number of English-language programs and international schools in major cities.

Healthcare

Universal healthcare coverage through Turkey's Social Security Institution (SGK). Modern hospital infrastructure in major cities with JCI-accredited facilities. Affordable private healthcare options. Turkey is a leading medical tourism destination.

Business Access

Strategic location bridging Europe and Asia with access to $900B+ GDP economy. Member of G20 and Customs Union with the EU. Growing tech sector, robust manufacturing base, and expanding tourism industry. Free trade zones offer significant tax incentives for businesses.

Dual Citizenship

Allowed

Passport Rank

#51 Current Ranking

Global Mobility

Visa-free access to 114 destinations.

Application Process

1

Select Investment & Engage Counsel

Est. 1–2 weeks

Choose investment route (real estate, bank deposit, capital, bonds, or venture capital) and engage authorized legal counsel in Turkey.

2

Complete Investment

Est. 2–4 weeks

Execute the investment: purchase property (with title deed annotation), make bank deposit, acquire bonds, or fund venture capital account.

3

Obtain Conformity Certificate

Est. 2–4 weeks

Apply for a Certificate of Conformity from the relevant Turkish ministry confirming the investment meets program requirements.

4

Apply for Residence Permit

Est. 2–4 weeks

Submit short-term residence permit application for the main applicant and eligible family members at the Provincial Directorate of Migration.

5

Citizenship Application

Est. 2–3 months

File citizenship application with the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Nationality. Enhanced due diligence and security review conducted.

6

Receive Citizenship & Passport

Est. 2–4 weeks

Upon Presidential approval, receive Turkish citizenship certificate and apply for Turkish passport at the nearest Nüfus office.

Key Requirements

Minimum Age

18 years

Clean Criminal Record

Required

Source of Funds

Proof Required

Family Inclusion

Family Members

Allowed

Spouse

Included

Children

Up to 18 years

Documents & Resources

Identity

Valid Passport

Identity

Birth Certificate

Identity

Marriage Certificate

Legal

Criminal Background Check

Financial

Proof of Investment

Legal

Certificate of Conformity

Identity

Biometric Photos

Medical

Health Insurance

Identity

Proof of Address

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Frequently Asked Questions