Turkish Citizenship by Bank Deposit: The Definitive Legal Guide for 2026
Publication Date: September 16, 2025 |
Updated: December 4, 2025 |
- Articles
| 5 minutes
🇹🇷 Introduction: The Fastest Path to Turkish Passport via Bank Deposit
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program offers one of the most streamlined routes to obtaining a European-facing passport. Among the available investment methods, a bank deposit is often favored for its relative liquidity and direct control over the asset. This expert guide provides a precise, evidence-based breakdown of the legal requirements, the application process, and the critical due diligence necessary for success.
Our approach focuses on mitigating risk and ensuring full compliance with the latest Turkish Government Regulations, as per the Official Gazette.
💰 I. The Core Legal Requirement: $500,000 Bank Deposit
The minimum financial threshold and terms for securing Turkish Citizenship through a capital deposit are strictly regulated.
Mandatory Action Points:
- Minimum Investment: The applicant must deposit a minimum of $500,000 USD (or the equivalent in Turkish Lira or other foreign currency).
- Mandatory Commitment: The deposited amount must be committed for a mandatory period of three (3) years.
- Legal Compliance: The deposit must be certified by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) of Turkey, which confirms the three-year commitment.
Crucial Note: The funds must be demonstrably transferred from outside of Turkey, and the bank must issue a Notarized Letter of Commitment confirming the legal block on the funds for the three-year term.
⚙️ II. Step-by-Step Operational Roadmap to Citizenship
The process is highly bureaucratic and requires precise legal coordination between the investor, the bank, and government agencies.
| 1 | Tax Number & Bank Account Opening | Investor/Legal Counsel | Obtain a Turkish Tax ID Number and open a bank account specifically dedicated to the CBI application. |
| 2 | Fund Transfer & Deposit | Investor | Transfer a minimum of $500,000 USD to the designated Turkish bank account. Funds must originate from abroad. |
| 3 | BRSA Certification Application | Legal Counsel | Apply to the BRSA for the “Conformity Certificate” (Uygunluk Belgesi), submitting the bank’s commitment letter. |
| 4 | Citizenship Application Submission | Legal Counsel | Submit the completed application file, including the BRSA Conformity Certificate, to the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM). |
| 5 | Biometrics & Final Approval | Investor | Attend the final stage of the application (usually within 3-6 months) to provide biometrics and receive the passport. |
🛡️ III. Risk Analysis and Mitigation
As legal experts, we prioritize identifying and neutralizing potential obstacles in this high-value, high-stakes process.
Common Risks & MFY Legal Mitigation Strategy
| Source of Funds (SoF) | The Turkish Government rigorously checks the legality and origin of the $500,000 deposit. | Pre-application, comprehensive Global Due Diligence (KYC/AML) on the source of funds is performed to preemptively satisfy BRSA/DGMM requirements. |
| Blockage Failure | The bank fails to correctly issue the 3-year commitment letter, invalidating the application. | Our legal team directly coordinates with the dedicated CBI desks of major Turkish banks to ensure the legal wording and procedure for the Blockage Covenant is flawless. |
| Exchange Rate Fluctuation | Changes in USD/TL parity could affect the TL equivalent of the deposit. | The legal requirement is based on the USD equivalent. We advise clients to maintain the deposit in USD (or a stable foreign currency) to eliminate local currency risk for the required amount. |
❓ IV. Expert Q&A: Your Most Critical Questions Answered
What is the minimum bank deposit amount for Turkish Citizenship, and how long must the funds be locked?
The legally required minimum is $500,000 USD, and the funds must be held under a restrictive covenant (blockage) for a minimum of three (3) years.
Does merely depositing over $500,000 USD into a Turkish bank account guarantee citizenship?
No, this is a common misconception. Simply transferring the funds is only the first step. The crucial requirement is obtaining the official BRSA Conformity Certificate. This certificate confirms that the bank has legally committed to blocking the funds for three years and that the funds meet all regulatory and anti-money laundering (AML) standards. Without this certificate, the deposit is ineffective for the CBI program.
Can I earn interest or profit shares on the deposited amount?
Yes. The bank deposit can be maintained as a term deposit account, allowing the investor to earn interest or profit sharing (in the case of participation banking) during the three-year commitment period. Earning a return on the capital does not void the citizenship application.
Which is a better investment: Bank Deposit or Real Estate Acquisition?
This depends entirely on the investor’s objective:
Bank Deposit: Offers higher liquidity (after 3 years) and is administratively simpler than property due diligence. Ideal for investors prioritizing capital preservation and speed.
Real Estate: Offers potential capital appreciation and rental income. Requires complex legal background checks (real estate background check in Turkey) and Title Deed procedures.
🔥 Next Step: Request a CBI Consultation
Ready to proceed with a secure and compliant bank deposit application? Our CBI specialists guarantee the seamless execution of the fund transfer, BRSA certification, and all subsequent legal processes.
Start Your Citizenship Application Now
Disclaimer: This information is based on current Turkish legislation and regulations as of [Current Month, Year]. Investment migration law is subject to change. For a definitive assessment of your eligibility and the most current legal requirements, a formal consultation with a qualified lawyer is mandatory.
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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