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Citizenship Guide
Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Achieve Turkish citizenship in 3–6 months through property purchase. The complete 2026 guide — routes, process, costs, and passport benefits.
Why Turkish citizenship is sought by investors worldwide
The $400,000 Property Route
The most popular route to Turkish citizenship is purchasing residential or commercial real estate worth a minimum of $400,000 (USD). This can be a single property or multiple properties combined, as long as the total appraised and declared value meets the threshold.
Single property
One property declared at $400,000+. Straightforward process. Most common in Istanbul (Beşiktaş, Şişli, Sarıyer) and Antalya (Lara, Belek).
Combined properties
Multiple properties can be combined if each TAPU is individually assessed and the total meets the threshold. More complex documentation but widens location options.
3-year hold requirement
The property (or properties) must not be sold for a minimum of 3 years from the date citizenship is granted. This annotation is added to your TAPU at time of transfer.
Payment via Turkish bank
The purchase funds must demonstrably pass through a Turkish bank account via SWIFT or EFT. Cash purchases do not qualify. Keep all bank transfer documentation.
All Investment Routes Compared
Property is by far the most popular and practical route, but five pathways exist.
| Route | Minimum Amount | Requirements | Processing Time | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property purchase | $400,000 | Single or combined properties; 3-year hold; licensed appraisal | 3–6 months | Most popular |
| Bank deposit | $500,000 | Held in Turkish bank for 3 years; USD, EUR, or GBP | 4–6 months | Common |
| Government bonds | $500,000 | Turkish government bonds held for 3 years | 4–6 months | Less common |
| Business investment | $500,000 | Fixed capital investment in Turkey; ministry approval required | 6–9 months | Rare |
| Employment creation | N/A | Create minimum 50 full-time jobs for Turkish nationals | 6–12 months | Rare |
Step-by-Step: The Property Citizenship Process
Realistic timeline: 3–6 months from property purchase to passport receipt.
Purchase the qualifying property
Buy property worth $400,000+ (or combined properties). The purchase must be via Turkish bank wire transfer. Get a licensed BDDK-certified appraisal report confirming the valuation.
Obtain the TAPU (title deed)
The TAPU must be registered in your name at the Land Registry Office (Tapu Müdürlüğü). For citizenship purposes, the TAPU must show the value and annotation confirming the 3-year non-sale restriction.
Appoint a Turkish lawyer
Essential for the citizenship application process. Your lawyer prepares the power of attorney (vekâletname) to act on your behalf and collects all required documents.
Apply for a short-term residence permit
A residence permit is technically required as part of the citizenship application pathway. This can be obtained quickly with property ownership as the supporting basis.
Submit citizenship application to the Presidency
Application submitted to the Directorate General of Land Registry and Cadastre (TKGM), then forwarded to the Presidency. Includes all personal documents, investment proof, and police clearance.
Biometrics and background checks
You (and all family members to be included) provide biometrics. Background checks are conducted by Turkish security agencies. Most applicants with clean records experience no issues.
Approval and citizenship decision
Approved applications are forwarded to the Presidency for final decision. Most straightforward cases receive approval within 3–6 months total from property purchase.
Receive your Turkish passport
After citizenship is granted, apply for a Turkish passport and national ID (kimlik). The passport can be processed in Turkey or at a Turkish consulate abroad.
Required Documents
Your lawyer will help compile these, but knowing what is needed helps you prepare in advance.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport (all applicants) | With certified Turkish translation |
| TAPU title deed | Original; must show citizenship-eligible annotation |
| Licensed property appraisal report | From BDDK-certified appraiser; max 3 months old |
| Bank transfer documentation | Showing funds transferred via Turkish bank |
| Birth certificates | Applicant + spouse + all children under 18; with apostille and translation |
| Marriage certificate (if applicable) | With apostille and certified translation |
| Biometric photos | Recent; meeting Turkish passport specification |
| Police clearance certificate | From country of birth and any country of residence (last 5 years) |
| Power of attorney (vekâletname) | If lawyer acts on your behalf; notarised in Turkey or apostilled abroad |
Turkey's Passport Strength
The Turkish passport ranks in the mid-tier of global passports (Henley Index rank: approximately 50th). Key visa-free or visa-on-arrival access includes destinations often restricted for holders of Middle Eastern, South Asian, or African passports.
Asia
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Qatar
Americas
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela
Europe (select)
Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan
EU / Schengen note: Turkey does not currently have EU/Schengen visa-free access for Turkish passport holders. However, Turkey's EU accession negotiations (and the E-gate access being discussed) may change this in the medium term. The Turkish passport is valued primarily for its extensive non-European visa-free access.
Full Costs Breakdown
Beyond the investment itself, budget for the following costs.
| Cost Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property purchase price | From $400,000 | Minimum threshold; can be combined properties |
| Lawyer fees | $3,000–8,000 | For citizenship application process; more for complex cases |
| Citizenship application fee | ~$500 | Government application fee (subject to change) |
| Translation and notarisation | $500–1,500 | All documents requiring certified Turkish translation |
| Property appraisal | $300–600 | BDDK-certified valuator report |
| Passport fee | $100–200 | Turkish biometric passport |
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Buying Property in Turkey — Full Guide
Complete guide to the property buying process in Turkey for foreigners.
Real Estate Lawyer for Buying Property
Why you need an independent lawyer — costs, POA, conflict of interest risks.
Property Valuation Report Turkey
Mandatory ekspertiz for foreign buyers — SPK licensing, costs, citizenship use.
Title Deed Transfer Process
Step-by-step tapu transfer guide with costs and timeline.
Buying Commercial Property
Commercial routes to citizenship — VAT, yields, and due diligence.
Best Places to Buy Property in Turkey
Top locations for buying property in Turkey ranked for expats.
Property Taxes in Turkey
All property taxes you pay when buying and owning property in Turkey.