Turkish Citizenship by Investment (2025)

In recent years, Turkey has become an attractive destination for individuals seeking citizenship by investment. Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program offers a pathway to Turkish citizenship by making a significant

January 10, 2025 |

Articles

| 12 minutes

Turkish Citizenship by Investment is one of the most attractive global residency-to-citizenship programs, offering investors and their families the opportunity to obtain a Turkish passport through qualifying investments such as real estate or bank deposits. Turkey continues to stand out with a relatively low entry threshold of $400,000, a fast application timeline of 3–6 months, and strong benefits including visa-free travel, business opportunities, and access to healthcare and education. This guide explains the full process, investment options, eligibility criteria, costs, and key advantages of acquiring Turkish citizenship by investment with professional legal support.

Quick Facts – Turkish Citizenship by Investment (2025)

If you need a fast overview of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, here are the most important facts every applicant should know:

Minimum Investment Amount:
- $400,000 in real estate → 📌 See Investment Options
- $500,000 in bank deposit or government bonds
- $500,000 in investment funds or capital contribution
Investment Options:
- Real estate purchase (most popular path)
- Bank deposit with a 3-year blocking period
- Government-approved investment funds
- Job creation (minimum 50 employees)
Processing Time:
- Average 3 to 6 months from investment to passport issuance
- Full timeline explained in Application Process
Family Inclusion:
- Covers spouse and children under 18
- Disabled adult children may also qualify
- More details: Who Can Apply
Passport Benefits:
- Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries
- Eligible for U.S. E-2 Investor Visa

Advantages of Turkish Citizenship by Investment

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program offers more than just a second passport. It combines global mobility, family security, and attractive business opportunities, making it one of the most competitive CBI programs. Here are the key advantages:

Visa-Free Travel and Global Mobility

A Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries, including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
Stronger credibility compared to Caribbean CBI passports when applying for Schengen or UK visas.

Family Inclusion and Citizenship for Generations

Citizenship includes the spouse and children under 18.
Adult children with disabilities may also qualify.
Citizenship is hereditary, passing automatically to future generations. Who Can Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Access to Healthcare, Education, and Social Security

Citizens gain full access to Turkey’s public healthcare system and social security benefits.
Free or low-cost public education and affordable universities.
Scholarship opportunities for foreign students under bilateral agreements.

Business and Investment Opportunities

Turkey is a gateway to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, strategically located and part of the EU Customs Union.
Investors can purchase commercial properties, establish companies, and benefit from local tax incentives.
Turkish citizens are eligible for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, opening doors to the American market.

Dual Citizenship and Flexibility

Turkey allows dual citizenship, enabling investors to keep their original nationality (subject to home country laws).
Provides flexibility for tax residency planning and relocation strategies.

Lifestyle and Cultural Benefits

Rich culture, cuisine, and history combined with modern infrastructure. Advantages of Turkish Citizenship

Turkey offers a modern lifestyle with affordable living costs.

Attractive real estate markets in Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir.

Eligibility Criteria for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Not everyone is eligible to apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI). The government has set clear conditions to ensure applicants meet the required standards. Here are the main eligibility rules:

Who Can Apply?

Foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment (real estate, bank deposit, investment funds, or job creation).
Investors must be at least 18 years old.
Dependents included: spouse and children under 18, plus adult children with permanent disabilities.
Applicants must have a clean criminal record and no international sanctions. Who Can Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Who Cannot Apply?

Individuals who pose a national security risk or are associated with terrorism.
Applicants with a history of serious criminal convictions.
Investments funded through illegal means (money laundering, fraudulent transfers).

Family Eligibility and Inclusion

The main applicant’s spouse and children under 18 automatically qualify.
Children over 18 are not included unless they are financially dependent due to permanent disabilities.
Parents of the applicant are not eligible under the current law.

Residency Requirement (Good News)

Unlike many other countries, Turkey does not require prior residency before applying for citizenship. Applicants are not obliged to live in Turkey before or after approval but many choose to enjoy the lifestyle and investment returns.

Documents Required in the Citizenship by Investment Application Process

Preparing the correct documentation is one of the most important steps in the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) application process. Missing, incomplete, or incorrectly prepared documents can cause serious delays or even rejection. Below is the official and comprehensive checklist:

Personal Documents

Valid Passport: Notarized copy of the valid passport, translated into Turkish.
Birth Certificate: For the main applicant and all dependents, clearly showing parents’ names.
Marriage Certificate / Certificate of Celibacy: Married applicants must provide a marriage certificate; single applicants must submit a certificate of celibacy issued by their local registry.
Biometric Photographs: At least 10 recent passport-size photos for each applicant, ICAO standard.
Health Insurance: Private or state-approved policy valid in Turkey, required at the residence permit stage.

Investment Documents

Real Estate Investment: Title deed (Tapu) and valuation report from a licensed appraiser.
Bank Deposit: Official certificate confirming a $500,000 blocked deposit for 3 years.
Investment Fund: Custody letter from the Central Registry Agency (CRA).
Job Creation: Proof of employing at least 50 Turkish workers, certified by the Ministry of Labor.

Family & Supporting Documents

Family Status Document: Civil registry extract showing family relationships (spouse, children). Must be Apostilled and translated into Turkish.
Power of Attorney (PoA): Granted before a Turkish Notary or Turkish Consulate abroad, authorizing a licensed lawyer to act on behalf of the applicant (property purchase, bank account, residence permit, citizenship filing).
Proof of Address: Utility bill or official residency certificate for the main applicant.

Additional Documents

Visa & Last Entry Stamp: Copies of visa page and last entry stamp if the applicant has already entered Turkey.
Criminal Record Certificate: From the home country (and any country of residence in the last 5 years). Must be Apostilled and translated into Turkish.

Translation and Legalization Requirements

All foreign documents must be:
1. Apostilled under the Hague Convention; if the issuing country is not a party → legalized by the Turkish Consulate.
2. Translated into Turkish by a sworn translator.
3. Notarized in Turkey to be accepted by the Directorate of Immigration and the Ministry of Interior.

Application Process & Timeline

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) process is designed to be straightforward and efficient. Most applicants complete the entire procedure, from investment to receiving passports, within 3 to 6 months. Below is a step-by-step outline of how the program works:

Step 1 – Choose Your Investment

Applicants must first decide on the type of qualifying investment:

Real Estate: Purchase property worth at least $400,000 (residential, commercial, or land).
Bank Deposit: Deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank for 3 years.
Investment Funds: Buy $500,000 worth of government-approved shares or bonds.
Job Creation: Employ at least 50 Turkish citizens.

Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship

Step 2 – Obtain a Residence Permit

Before applying for citizenship, investors must obtain a short-term residence permit. This is usually issued within 2–4 weeks and allows applicants to reside in Turkey while their citizenship application is processed.

Step 3 – Submit the Citizenship Application

The application is filed with the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship. Required documents include passport, proof of investment, criminal record, health insurance, and family certificates.

Step 4 – Security Check & Evaluation

All applications undergo background checks by the National Intelligence Organization and the Ministry of Interior. This process ensures the applicant poses no security threat and has no criminal ties.

Step 5 – Approval & Passport Issuance

Once approved by presidential decree, the investor and family receive Turkish ID cards and passports. The entire timeline usually takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the completeness of documents and the chosen investment type.

Process Timeline Overview (2025)

Stage	Duration	Notes
Investment Completion	2–4 weeks	Property purchase or bank deposit
Residence Permit	2–4 weeks	Short-term residence issued
Citizenship Application	1 week	File submitted with supporting documents
Security Check	1–2 months	Conducted by authorities
Approval & Passport	1–2 months	Presidential decree and issuance
Total	3–6 months	From investment to passport

Investment Options (Comparison Table)

Foreign investors can qualify for Turkish Citizenship by Investment through several approved methods. The most popular option is real estate, but bank deposits and other financial routes are also available. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the main investment categories:

Comparison of Eligible Investment Routes

Investment Option	Minimum Amount	Holding Period	Key Conditions	Popularity
Real Estate	$400,000	3 years	Property must not be previously used for CBI; must be registered with no encumbrances	⭐ Most popular (80%+ of applicants)
Bank Deposit	$500,000	3 years	Deposit must remain blocked in a Turkish bank	Moderate
Government Bonds / Investment Funds	$500,000	3 years	Only government-approved funds qualify; custodial confirmation required	Niche
Job Creation	50 Turkish employees	Continuous	Verified by Ministry of Labor	Rare

Why Real Estate is the Preferred Option

Lower entry threshold ($400,000 vs. $500,000).
Potential for rental income and capital appreciation.
Wide property choices in Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir. Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship

Alternative Options for Investors

Bank Deposit: Attractive for risk-averse investors seeking stability.

Investment Funds: Suitable for those with a portfolio management strategy.

Job Creation: Complex but beneficial for entrepreneurs with business operations in Turkey.

Eligibility & Family Inclusion

One of the strongest features of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program is the ability to include family members under a single application. This ensures that the benefits of Turkish citizenship extend beyond the investor to their spouse and children.

Eligible Family Members

Spouse: Legally married husband or wife of the main applicant.
Children under 18: Automatically included in the application.
Children over 18 with permanent disabilities: May also qualify, provided medical reports confirm lifelong dependency.

Who Can Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Family Members Not Included

Adult children (18+) who are not disabled.
Parents of the main applicant or spouse.
Siblings or extended family members.

Inheritance of Citizenship

Turkish nationality is hereditary. Once parents acquire citizenship, it automatically passes to their children and future generations.
No need for a separate application for children born after citizenship is granted.

Residency Requirement for Family

Neither the investor nor their family is required to live in Turkey before or after approval.
Many families, however, choose to benefit from education, healthcare, and lifestyle opportunities by spending time in Turkey.

Costs & Fees of Turkish Citizenship by Investment

The total cost of acquiring Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) goes beyond the minimum investment itself. In addition to purchasing property or depositing funds, applicants must cover government fees, taxes, and service costs. Below is a full breakdown of expected costs:

Government Application Fees

Citizenship application fee: approx. $500 per applicant
Residence permit application fee: around $100 per applicant
These fees are payable to the Turkish Government during filing.

Real Estate Purchase Costs (for $400,000 investment)

Title deed transfer tax: 4% of the declared property value (usually shared between buyer and seller, but can be fully paid by buyer).
Valuation report: ~$300–$500, required from a licensed appraiser.
Land registry fees: ~$200.

Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship

Notary, Translation & Legalization Costs

Notary certification of documents: ~$200–$500 depending on the number of documents.
Sworn translations into Turkish: ~$20–$40 per page.
Apostille or consular legalization: varies by country, usually $50–$200 per document.

Legal Fees

Professional fees vary depending on the scope of legal services.
Average range: $5,000 – $10,000 for a full-service package (investment, residence permit, citizenship filing).
Working with a licensed Turkish law firm ensures compliance and minimizes risk of rejection.

Bank-Related Costs (for $500,000 deposit)

No tax on deposits, but bank service fees may apply.
Some banks may require account maintenance or transaction fees (~$200 annually).

Optional Costs

Property maintenance fees (if investing in residential units).
Property insurance (mandatory in some cases, e.g., DASK earthquake insurance, ~ $100 annually).
Health insurance for residence permit (~ $200–$500 annually per applicant).

Total Estimated Additional Costs

For real estate route: approx. $15,000–$20,000 (excluding the $400,000 investment).
For bank deposit/fund route: approx. $7,000–$10,000.

FAQ

Q1: What is the minimum investment amount for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

A: The minimum is $400,000 for real estate or $500,000 for a bank deposit/investment funds route. The qualifying asset must be held for at least 3 years.

See: Investment Options

Q2: How long does the process take from investment to passport?

A: Most applicants complete the process within 3–6 months, including residence permit issuance, citizenship filing, due diligence, and passport delivery.

Details: Application Process & Timeline

Q3: Which family members can be included in one application?

A: The spouse and children under 18 qualify. Adult dependents with permanent disabilities may also be included with proper medical documentation.

More: Who Can Apply

Q4: Do I need to live in Turkey before or after approval?

A: No. There is no residency requirement before or after approval. However, you must obtain a short-term residence permit during the process.

Q5: Can I sell the property after getting citizenship?

A: You must keep the qualifying property for 3 years (annotated on the title deed). After that period, you may sell without affecting your citizenship.

Q6: What documents are required for the application?

A: Core items include passports (notarized + Turkish translation), birth & marriage certificates, criminal record (apostilled + translated), biometric photos, health insurance, proof of investment, and Power of Attorney (if a lawyer files).

Checklist: Required Documents section above.

Q7: Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?

A: Yes, Turkey allows dual citizenship. Your ability to keep your original nationality depends on your home country’s law.

Q8: What travel benefits does a Turkish passport offer?

A: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries and generally smoother Schengen/UK visa applications compared with many non-CBI passports.

Legal Consultation – Start Your Citizenship Journey Today

Applying for Turkish Citizenship by Investment requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and a legally secure process. At MFY Legal, our licensed attorneys guide you through every step — from property purchase or bank deposit to residence permits and citizenship approval.

✅ Why choose MFY Legal?

15+ years of experience in immigration & investment law
50+ successful CBI cases for international clients
Full representation with Power of Attorney
Transparent legal fees, no hidden costs

📌 Next Step: Get a free preliminary eligibility assessment with one of our lawyers.

👉 Contact MFY Legal today to begin your application.

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