How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Foreign investors and individuals may acquire Turkish citizenship through investment. Applications for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship may be pursued individually; however, professional support is recommended in order to understand the procedural conveniences under the applicable legislation and to select the appropriate investment route.

1-How Long Does a Turkish Citizenship by Investment Application Take? A Turkish citizenship by investment application is generally finalized in approximately 3 months. The period required to prepare the necessary information and documents before the application is not included in this timeframe. It should also be noted that the processing period may be extended depending on various factors, including the workload of the administrative authorities after filing and whether the documents have been obtained and submitted fully and accurately.

2-How Is a Turkish Citizenship by Investment Application Filed?

The application for Turkish citizenship by investment is filed with the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs under the Ministry of Interior. Before filing the application, the qualifying investment must be determined by the relevant ministry or institution.

3-What Are the Available Routes to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

a-)Turkish Citizenship Through Fixed Capital Investment

Making a fixed capital investment of at least USD 500,000, or the equivalent amount in foreign currency.

This investment is attested by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.

b-)Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate Purchase

First, purchasing real estate with a value of at least USD 400,000, or the equivalent amount in foreign currency, and placing an annotation in the land registry stating that the property will not be sold for 3 years.

Second, acquiring a construction servitude or condominium ownership right with a value of at least USD 400,000, or the equivalent amount in foreign currency, and annotating in the land registry a commitment that no transfer or cancellation will be made for 3 years.

This investment is attested by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

c-)Turkish Citizenship Through Bank Deposit

Depositing at least USD 500,000, or the equivalent amount in foreign currency, into a deposit account at a bank operating in Turkiye, provided that the amount is not withdrawn for 3 years.

This investment is attested by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency.

d-)Turkish Citizenship Through Job Creation

Creating employment for at least 50 persons.

This investment is attested by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

e-)Turkish Citizenship Through Government Debt Instruments

Purchasing government debt instruments for at least USD 500,000, or the equivalent amount in foreign currency, provided that they are held for 3 years.

This investment is attested by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.

f-)Turkish Citizenship Through Investment Fund Participation Shares

Purchasing real estate investment fund participation shares or venture capital investment fund participation shares in the amount of at least USD 500,000, or the equivalent amount in foreign currency, provided that they are held for at least 3 years.

This investment is attested by the Capital Markets Board of Turkiye.

4-Which Authority Reviews a Turkish Citizenship by Investment Application, and Can the Application Be Denied?

A foreign national who satisfies any of the criteria specified by law may acquire Turkish citizenship by decision of the President. The citizenship application of such persons is first reviewed by the Ministry. Applications of foreign nationals who do not satisfy the criteria are denied.

The Ministry reviewing the application refers the matter to the relevant security bureaucracy for an assessment in terms of national security and public order. Applications of foreign nationals deemed to pose a risk are denied by the Ministry. If no issue is identified during the review, the application is submitted to the President, and the foreign national becomes a Turkish citizen by decision of the President.