Turkey Citizenship By Investment & Passport Guide

Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment program was first introduced in 2017 with the aim of attracting wealthy foreign investors to help stimulate the Turkish economy.

Since then, thousands of applicants have successfully claimed Turkish citizenship, gaining a highly sought-after passport that allows visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival access to more than 110 nations around the globe.

Turkey is a thriving transcontinental nation linking Europe and Asia, providing business opportunities in both the West and the East. So, it's easy to see why the country is such a desirable destination for second citizenship.

Considering Turkish citizenship by investment? Getting help from professionals, such as the advisory team at the Global Residence Index is recommended. They can guide you through the investment options and the exact process. Click here to learn how they can help you .

Who is Eligible for Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program?

Before considering an application for Turkey’s citizenship by investment scheme, you must ensure that you:

Are over the age of 18.
Have full health insurance coverage from an authorized provider.
Have legal residence in Turkey (usually granted upon a qualifying investment)
Are not a passport holder of a blacklisted nation. Current blacklisted nations include Syria, Nigeria, Cuba, and Armenia.

Investment Options

Those who are eligible for Turkey's citizenship by investment scheme must make a qualifying investment. There are several options available to applicants. They are as follows:

Investing at least $400,000 USD in real estate. This is one of the most popular routes to citizenship. The property must be held for a minimum of 3 years after purchase.
Investing at least $500,000 USD fixed capital investment in a Turkish company.
Creating job opportunities for a minimum of 50 Turkish citizens (as overseen by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services.)
Depositing at least $500,000 USD (or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish lira) into a Turkish bank account. The money must be held in the account for a minimum of 3 years.
Investing a minimum of $500,000 USD (or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish lira) in Turkish government bonds or treasury bills. The investment must be held for a minimum of 3 years.
Investing a minimum of $500,000 USD (or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish lira) into a private Turkish pension system. The investment must be held for a minimum of 3 years.
Investing a minimum of $500,000 USD (or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish lira) into a real estate investment fund share or venture capital investment fund share.

The most popular route to Turkish citizenship by investment is through real estate purchase. Not only is this the most affordable option, but it is also one of the quickest pathways to a Turkish passport. Most investors receive their Turkish passport within a matter of months after purchase.

There are no legal obligations to live in the property, and the only restriction is that the investor maintains the purchase for a minimum of three years before selling.

However, there are some clauses that you need to be aware of, and the rules for investors can change at any time.

That's why it's essential to consult with investment migration experts, such as those at Global Residence Index , before considering an investment or starting an application.

Global Residence Index understands the changing complexities of Turkey’s citizenship by investment scheme, and they are dedicated to helping people like you achieve your international mobility goals.

If you’re interested in learning more about claiming citizenship by investment in Turkey, get in touch with them today for a consultation. Their experienced advisors can confirm if you're eligible for the program and assist you through the entire process, from your initial inquiry to the day you receive your Turkish passport.

Click here to request a consultation with their advisory team.

Can My Family Also Apply For a Turkish Passport?

Yes. Investors in Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment program can also include the following members of their families on their application.

Husband or wife.
Children under the age of 18.
Dependent children over the age of 18 who are differently abled.

All family members must be able to provide proof of a clean criminal record, have full and valid health insurance, and not hold a passport from a blacklisted country.

If your application is accepted, your family members will receive the same Turkish citizen's rights as you do.

Considering Turkish citizenship by investment? Getting help from professionals, such as the advisory team at the Global Residence Index is recommended. They can guide you through the investment options and the exact process. Click here to book a consultation with their team of advisors .

What are the Benefits of Citizenship by Investment in Turkey?

Turkey has a rapidly growing economy and a booming property market, making it a highly attractive proposition for investors seeking a second citizenship.

Below are some other reasons why Turkey’s citizenship by investment program is so highly sought after.

Freedom to live, work, and study in Turkey

Turkey offers excellent employment and business opportunities to its citizens, as well as access to high-quality globally ranking universities.

Global mobility

A Turkish passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 110 countries around the world.

Turkish citizens are also eligible to apply for a USA E-2 Investor Visa, which is valid for 5 years and can be extended indefinitely. This grants the individual the right to enter and engage in employment or business in the United States through an investment made in a U.S. business.

Quality of life

Turkey enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with beautiful coastlines, stunning scenery, world-class cuisine, and some of the most culturally and historically significant sites found anywhere on the globe.

Citizens enjoy a healthy work-life balance and a significantly more affordable cost of living compared to many Western nations.

Healthcare and education

In recent years, Turkey has invested a significant amount of money in modernizing its public healthcare infrastructure, and its facilities now rival those found in leading developed nations.

The education system is also gaining global recognition, with the country placing a strong emphasis on foundational education, as well as making major investments in higher education institutions. Many universities offer programs taught in English, attracting international students and bringing increasing opportunities to engage in culturally diverse learning.

Passports for the whole family

When you are granted Turkish citizenship, your spouse and dependent children are also eligible for a passport. This allows your family access to all the benefits that Turkish citizenship provides, including access to public services such as schools, universities, and healthcare.

A Fast Track to Citizenship

Many citizenship-by-investment programs can take years to process. However, Turkey offers one of the fastest and most streamlined routes to second citizenship. In most cases, the application takes around four months.

Possible entry into the EU

Turkey is currently in negotiations to join the European Union. If this happens, Turkish passport holders will enjoy the many benefits of EU citizenship, including the right to live, work, study, and do business in all 27 member states.

No residency requirements

Turkey has virtually no minimum residency requirements to apply for citizenship. There's no need to reside in the country before, during, or after your citizenship by investment application. There is also no formal language test to pass and no interview process to go through.

How to Get Turkish Citizenship by Investment

The pathway to Turkey’s citizenship by investment program is relatively quick, simple, and straightforward.

Here’s how the process works.

Step 1. Decide on your investment.

Choose your investment route from the options listed above. E.g. real estate purchase, bank account deposit, or fixed capital investment. If you choose to purchase property, you will first need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Turkish Land Registry and Cadaster of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.

Step 2. Apply for residency

Obtaining residency in Turkey is relatively easy. Once you have proof of your investment (e.g. real estate purchase), you and any qualifying family members will be granted residency permits.

You do not need to be living in Turkey before or after your application to maintain official residency.

Step 3. Apply for citizenship

Once you have your residency permit, you are eligible to apply for citizenship. You will need full proof of your qualifying investment and a variety of other documentation (see the list below.) Applications are made to the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship.

Step 4. Enjoy the benefits of Turkish citizenship

The normal processing time for citizenship applications is just 3 to 4 months, after which you and any eligible family members can expect to receive your Turkish citizenship certificate and passport.

It is important to consult with an experienced advisory firm to confirm your eligibility, learn the investment options, and be informed throughout the process. Click here to request an online consultation from the advisory team at Global Residence Index .

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

Document requirements change regularly, however, at the time of writing, you are required to submit the following documentation alongside your application.
Passports for you and any eligible family members.
Birth certificates for you and any eligible family members.
2 x biometric passport photos of you and any eligible family members.
Proof of residence, e.g. a recent utility bill.
Turkish Tax ID number (issued alongside your residency permit.)
Documents detailing your investment, including proof of completion.
Marriage and divorce certificates (if applicable).

Conclusion

Turkey’s citizenship by investment scheme has been attracting international investors since the program first began in 2017.

As the Turkish economy grows and diversifies, obtaining a second citizenship in the country is becoming an even more popular choice.

Very few citizenship-by-investment opportunities allow for such a quick and streamlined pathway to nationalization. And with the minimum investment still relatively low, it’s no wonder that so many high-net-worth individuals are seizing the chance to secure Turkish citizenship.

If you’re interested in pursuing Turkey’s citizenship by investment program, consult the professionals at Global Residence Index . They can help guide you through the entire process step by step, from finding the best investment options for you to completing any necessary paperwork and liaising with the relevant authorities. Their experience and expertise will ensure a seamless journey to your global goals.