Turkish Citizenship by Investment: The Complete 2026 Guide
Publication Date: January 10, 2025 |
Updated: January 3, 2026 |
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| 6 minutes
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program is a government-sponsored initiative that grants Turkish nationality to foreign investors who purchase real estate worth at least $400,000 or deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank. Launched to boost foreign direct investment, this program offers one of the fastest routes to a second passport, typically finalized within 3 to 4 months.
At MFY Legal, we provide expert guidance to international investors, ensuring a compliant and seamless application process for Turkish citizenship.
Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship (2026 Rules)
To qualify for citizenship, applicants must meet specific financial thresholds set by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye. The most popular routes include:
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Holding Period | Popularity |
| Real Estate Investment | $400,000 | 3 Years | Highest |
| Bank Deposit | $500,000 | 3 Years | Moderate |
| Government Bonds | $500,000 | 3 Years | Low |
| Capital Investment | $500,000 | – | Low |
1. Real Estate Investment ($400,000)
Investing in real estate is the preferred method for 90% of applicants. Official website: Invest Turkey
- Requirement: You must purchase one or multiple properties with a total value of at least $400,000.
- Condition: The title deed must include an annotation stating that the property will not be sold for 3 years.
- Eligibility: Residential, commercial, and land investments are eligible.
2. Bank Deposit ($500,000)
For investors who prefer liquidity over property management.
- Requirement: Deposit a minimum of $500,000 (or equivalent currency) into a Turkish bank.
- Condition: Funds must remain in the account for 3 years.
Benefits of the Turkish Passport
Holding a Turkish passport offers strategic advantages for global mobility and business:
- Visa-Free Travel: Access to over 110 countries worldwide without a visa.
- US E-2 Visa Treaty: Turkish citizens are eligible to apply for the US E-2 Investor Visa, allowing residency in the United States.
- No Residency Requirement: You are not required to live in Turkey to maintain your citizenship status4.
- Full Citizenship Rights: Includes free healthcare and education opportunities.
- Healthcare Access: Full access to Türkiye’s comprehensive healthcare system, which is a significant search factor for families.
Eligibility and Requirements
Before applying, ensure you meet the fundamental criteria established by Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901:
- Age: The main applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Clean Record: Applicants must not have a criminal record that threatens national security.
- Legality of Funds: Investors must be able to prove the source of their funds.
- Family Inclusion: The spouse and dependent children (under 18) of the main applicant are granted citizenship simultaneously.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The “How to get Turkish Citizenship” process is straightforward when managed by legal experts. Here is the official timeline:
- Investment Fulfillment: Purchase the property ($400,000+) or complete the bank deposit.
- Certificate of Conformity: Obtain the eligibility certificate from the relevant ministry (e.g., Land Registry Directorate).
- Residency Permit: Apply for a short-term residence permit (Category ‘J’ for investors).
- Citizenship Application: Submit the complete file to the Directorate General of Migration Management.
- Security Clearance & Approval: The Presidency reviews the file.
- Final Approval & Passport: Receive Presidential approval and collect your Turkish ID and Passport.
- Estimated Timeline: The entire process typically takes 3 to 4 months.
Required Documents for Application
This is the most critical stage. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of rejection or delays.
Primary Documents Checklist:
- Valid Passports: For all family members.
- Biometric Photos: Recent, white background (4 pcs).
- Birth Certificates: Apostilled and legally translated into Turkish.
- Marriage Certificate: Apostilled and legally translated (if applying with a spouse).
- Clean Criminal Record: From your country of residence.
- Health Insurance: Valid in Türkiye.
- Proof of Investment:
- Real Estate: Title Deed (Tapu) and Certificate of Conformity.
- Bank Deposit: Official letter from the bank.
Legal Tip: All foreign documents must be Apostilled in the issuing country and then translated/notarized in Türkiye. As your citizenship lawyer, we manage this bureaucratic chain for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much investment is required for Turkish citizenship in 2026?
The minimum investment thresholds for 2026 remain as follows:
Real Estate: $400,000 (USD)
Bank Deposit: $500,000 (USD) or equivalent in foreign currency, to be held for 3 years.
Capital Investment: $500,000 (USD) in fixed capital.
Can I get Turkish citizenship by buying any property?
Yes, but the property must meet specific legal criteria:
The value must be at least $400,000 based on an official valuation report.
The purchase must be completed via bank transfer, and a Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate (DAB) must be obtained.
A “no-sale” annotation (şerh) must be placed on the title deed for at least 3 years.
How long does the citizenship process take?
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment processing time typically ranges between 3 to 4 months from the date the “Certificate of Conformity” is issued. The timeline depends on the workload of the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship and the completeness of the applicant’s documents.
Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Turkey allows dual and multiple citizenship. You are not required to renounce your original nationality to become a Turkish citizen. However, you should check if your country of origin also permits dual citizenship to avoid any legal conflicts.
Can my family members apply with me?
Yes. The main investor’s spouse and all children under the age of 18 are eligible for Turkish citizenship under the same investment application. Children over 18 or parents are not included and must make separate investments or meet different criteria.
What is the “Certificate of Conformity”?
This is a mandatory document issued by the relevant authority (e.g., General Directorate of Land Registry for real estate) confirming that your investment meets the legal requirements for citizenship. Without this certificate, the citizenship application cannot be initiated.
Do I need a lawyer for the process?
While not legally mandatory, it is highly recommended. The process involves complex technicalities such as:
Obtaining the DAB (Döviz Alım Belgesi) correctly.
Ensuring the valuation report matches the transaction price.
Managing the Conformity Certificate and Residency Permit stages. A specialized law firm ensures that your investment is secure and your application is not rejected due to procedural errors.
Avoid Delays: Work with Expert Turkish Citizenship Lawyers
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment process is time-sensitive. At MFY Legal, we don’t just process papers; we secure your future.
Contact Us for a Eligibility Assessment
Why Choose MFY Legal?
Navigating foreign investment laws requires precision. At MFY Legal, we specialize in Turkish Citizenship by Investment, offering end-to-end legal support from property due diligence to passport delivery.
Contact Us for a Consultation
Legal Information
This Briefing is for Informational Purposes; it is not Legal Advice. If You Have any Questions, Please Contact Us. All Rights Reserved.
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