Who Can Apply: Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Introduction

Understanding who can apply is a foundational step in your journey towards Turkish citizenship by investment. This section clarifies the eligibility criteria set by Turkish law, including applicant status, age, legal obligations, and possible inclusion of dependents. It ensures you’re prepared with the correct expectations. Keep in mind: eligibility is case dependent, and meeting all requirements does not guarantee success.

For related topics, you might also see:

• Turkish Citizenship by Investment — full programme overview.
• Investment Options — what investment paths are acceptable.
• Required Documents — documents needed for eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies

According to Turkish national legislation (Law No. 5901, as amended), and the regulations published in the Official Gazette on 18 September 2018, the following persons are eligible to apply under the investment-route for Turkish citizenship. 

Understanding who can apply is a foundational step in your journey towards Turkish citizenship by investment. This section clarifies the eligibility criteria set by Turkish law, including applicant status, age, legal obligations, and possible inclusion of dependents. It ensures you’re prepared with the correct expectations. Keep in mind: eligibility is case dependent, and meeting all requirements does not guarantee success.

For related topics, you might also see:

• Turkish Citizenship by Investment — full programme overview.
• Investment Options — what investment paths are acceptable.
• Required Documents — documents needed for eligibility.

Family & Dependent Inclusion

Applicants under the investment route can usually include certain family members in the same application, provided their documentation is in order. The following are commonly eligible:

• Spouse of the main applicant. 
• Children under a certain age (often under 18). 
• In many cases, adult children with disabilities may also be included. 

These dependents must satisfy individual documentation and eligibility requirements (e.g. valid passport, birth certificate, etc.).

Legal & Regulatory Limitations

Even if you meet the above eligibility criteria, there are legal or practical limitations to bear in mind:

• Real estate in certain zones: Some areas are military or security zones where acquisition is restricted or requires special permissions. 
• Title-deed restrictions: For the real estate option, the title deed must contain a clause that prevents resale for three years. The application must state that the property is being purchased for the purpose of obtaining citizenship. 
• Verification of funds: Authorities will require proof that the investment funds are legally obtained; complex investment histories may require more scrutiny. 
• No serious criminal history or violation of immigration laws: Past illegal stay or criminal offences can pose barriers. 

Commonly Asked Questions About Eligibility

Do I need to live in Türkiye before applying?

No. There is no statutory requirement that you must reside in Turkey before applying under the investment scheme. However, you may need a valid residence permit depending on where and how you apply. 

Are there nationality restrictions?

Generally foreign nationals of any country may apply. There is no published list in the main law excluding specific nationalities for the investment citizenship route. However, specific restrictions may apply for certain zones or real estate types. 

Can minors apply?

Minors (under 18) cannot apply independently, but they can be included in the main applicant’s application if the investment qualifies and their documentation is valid. 

What about applicants with financial or legal issues?

Applicants must demonstrate clean legal status and that their funds are obtained legally. Serious legal problems or inability to verify the source of funds may lead to rejection. 

How MFY Legal Can Assist with Eligibility Assessment

At MFY Legal, we provide comprehensive support to ensure your application meets all eligibility criteria:

1. Preliminary eligibility review: We assess your age, legal history, investment capacity, and depending on your case, potential limitations.
2. Investment path matching: We help you select which investment option best suits your goals and verify that you can meet its conditions (holding period, attestations, etc.).
3. Family inclusion planning: We ensure spouse/children/dependents are properly documented and eligible.
4. Due diligence on source of funds: We assist in gathering and preparing financial documents, translations, notarisation, and fulfilment of compliance requirements.

Conclusion

Eligibility for Turkish citizenship by investment is clearly defined under law, but how the rules apply in your case is case dependent. If you meet the basic criteria, there remain legal, administrative, and documentation hurdles.

If you would like MFY Legal to conduct an eligibility evaluation for your specific case, please contact us. We can help you confirm your eligibility, navigate obstacles, and plan a successful application.