Citizenship by Investment Program in Turkey: Requirements, Process and Legal Support
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 financial contribution to the country. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the details of Turkey’s citizenship by investment program, the benefits it offers, the requirements and the process.
Advantages of Turkish Citizenship by Investment
- Visa-free or visa on arrival to more than 110 countries: including major destinations such as Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.
- Citizenship for all family members: With a single real estate investment, the applicant, as well as the spouse and all children under the age of 18, are entitled to citizenship.
- US E-2 Investor Visa: After obtaining Turkish citizenship, three-year residents in Turkey are eligible for a five-year renewable E-2 Investor Visa for economic opportunities in the US.
- Strategic geographical location and strong economy: Turkey is a bridge between Europe, West Asia and the Middle East, characterized by a strong financial sector and a stable economy.
Eligibility Criteria for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
In order to fulfill the investment requirements in Turkey, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Purchase real estate worth at least 400,000 USD.
- Making a fixed capital investment of at least USD 500,000.
- Deposit at least 500.000 USD in a Turkish bank.
- Buying government bonds of at least USD 500,000.
- Investing at least USD 500,000 in a real estate investment fund or venture capital investment fund.
- Invest at least USD 500,000 in the private pension system and maintain the investment for at least three years.
- To create employment for at least 50 people as approved by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services.
Documents Required in the Citizenship by Investment Application Process
Required documents for each individual:
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate / Certificate of Celibacy
- Notarized Passport Photocopy
- Biometric Photos (10+ digital)
- Health Insurance
- Documents for All Family Members (Apostille + document showing family details with Notarized Translation into Turkish)
- Power of Attorney from Turkish Notary or Turkish Consulate
- All documents must be Apostilled.
- Copy of Visa + Copy of Last Entry Stamp
- Criminal Record (with Apostille + Notarized Translation into Turkish)
Processes and Timeline of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program
After all necessary documents, approvals and translations are prepared, the investment is completed and the documents are submitted to the competent authorities. Investments must be made in Turkish lira against the specified USD amount. Successful applicants are required to visit the country to submit their biometric data for the residence permit application. Applications are usually approved within 3 to 5 months and citizenship documents are delivered. A passport can then be applied for.
Important Note
Before starting a citizenship by investment program in Turkey, it is highly recommended to consult with a qualified legal advisor. This step is especially important before starting the purchase of real estate or depositing funds in a Turkish bank. Your legal advisor is required to assess whether the selected real estate is eligible for citizenship and ensure that the correct procedures are followed during the purchase. Failure to follow these rules may lead to setbacks in the naturalization process.
With this guide, you can get detailed information about Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program and plan the right steps for a smooth process.