How to Secure a Turkish Passport Through Investment

Turkey offers an attractive route to citizenship for high-net-worth individuals seeking greater global mobility and lifestyle advantages. By investing a minimum of $400,000, typically in real estate, foreign nationals can acquire a Turkish passport, with full citizenship granted for life.

The programme is straightforward and efficient. Investors must be of legal age, maintain a clean criminal record, and provide proof of legally sourced funds. After just three years, the investment may be divested without affecting one’s citizenship status.

In this guide, we explore the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship by investment, its key advantages, and why Turkey remains a compelling choice for global investors.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment: What You Need to Know

Gaining Turkish citizenship via investment is one of the most streamlined and accessible routes available to international investors. The process involves standard due diligence, yet notably requires no family ties, employment history, relocation, or integration into Turkish society. There is no language requirement, and residency – either prior to or after citizenship, is entirely optional.

To qualify, applicants must submit a valid title deed, evidence of government fee payments, and supporting personal documentation.

The entire process typically takes around six months. Moreover, your spouse and dependent children under the age of 18 may be included in a single application. An added generational benefit: citizenship acquired through investment is automatically passed on to future children born after naturalisation.

Investment Routes for Turkish Citizenship

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme is governed by Citizenship Law No. 5901 and Presidential Decrees No. 106 and No. 418, which outline the legal framework and eligibility criteria.

Turkish Citizenship via Real Estate Investment

Purchasing property in Turkey is the most popular and straightforward route to acquiring Turkish citizenship by investment. Real estate investors benefit not only from the potential for capital appreciation and rental income, but also from a clear path to a second passport.

Properties can be rented out immediately and resold after the mandatory three-year holding period. Many reputable developers also offer property management services, simplifying ownership for international investors.

You may purchase a single property or multiple units with a combined cadastral value of at least $400,000. Eligible property types include:

• Residential properties: flats, villas, private homes

• Commercial properties: offices, retail shops, warehouses

Restrictions on Foreign Buyers:

• Foreign nationals may not purchase more than 30 hectares of land in total.

• If the property is intended for development, a construction project must be submitted for approval within two years.

• Military zones and national border areas are strictly off-limits for foreign ownership.

Key Conditions for Eligibility:

• The property must not be previously owned by a foreign national or a relative.

• It must be purchased directly from a Turkish developer: resale properties from private individuals are not eligible.

• The property must not have been used before in another investor’s citizenship application.

• Mortgage financing is not permitted. However, developer instalment plans may be available, typically requiring a 20–50% down payment and terms of 1 to 5 years.

Alternative Investment Routes

Other ways to qualify for citizenship:

• Investment of $500,000 in share capital of a Turkish company

• Establishing a business that creates 50+ jobs for 3 years

• Bank deposit of $500,000 for 3+ years

• Purchase of government bonds (3-year hold)

• Investment in real estate or venture capital funds (minimum $500,000, 3 years)

• Insurance or pension funds designated by Turkish regulators (from $500,000, 3 years)

Step-by-Step Guide to Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate Investment

At Astons, we provide end-to-end guidance for clients pursuing Turkish citizenship by investment: from identifying high-potential real estate to coordinating your biometric submission in Turkey. Our team ensures the process remains seamless, transparent, and fully compliant.

Application Process and Timeline

Step 1: Document Preparation & Property Selection

Begin by collecting the required citizenship application documents, including passport copies, photographs, and proof of funds.

With Astons’ expert support, you’ll identify a qualifying property that meets all legal and financial requirements. Our legal team will perform comprehensive due diligence to verify the property is free from debt, liens, or encumbrances.

Step 2: Property Purchase & Bank Account Setup

Once the ideal property is selected, sign a preliminary sales agreement and place a deposit of approximately 10%.

Astons will assist you in opening a Turkish bank account, facilitating fund transfers and payment completion in accordance with programme requirements.

Step 3: Payment of Fees and Government Charges

Step 4: Independent Property Valuation

Before proceeding, a licensed appraiser must issue a government-approved report confirming the property’s true market value. This valuation is mandatory to ensure eligibility for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Step 5: Residence Permit & Biometric Submission

A valid Turkish residence permit is required prior to submitting your citizenship application.

The main applicant and eligible dependants must travel to Turkey to complete biometric registration at the local immigration office. Astons coordinates all necessary appointments and documentation on your behalf.

Step 6: Submit Your Citizenship Application

Once all documentation is finalised and verified, the complete application is submitted in person to the Directorate General of Migration Management.

This includes your biometric data, notarised translations, title deed, valuation report, proof of investment, and other legal paperwork.

Step 7: Receive Your Turkish Passport

Following approval, you and your family members will be issued Turkish passports, typically within 3–6 months of application submission. Citizenship is granted for life, with no renewal requirements and full rights of nationality.

Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

• Valid passport (for all applicants)

• Four passport-sized photographs (per family member)

• Birth certificate

• Turkish residence permit or valid tourist visa

• Marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates (if applicable)

• Proof of government fee payment

• Proof of qualifying investment (e.g. property title deed, bank statement)
  

All documents must be translated into Turkish, notarised, and apostilled in accordance with legal requirements.

Key Benefits of Turkish Citizenship for Investors

• Reduced geopolitical risk: A Turkish passport provides a strategic second nationality and access to crypto and banking platforms globally.

• Global banking access: Open accounts and operate seamlessly within the international financial system.

• Visa-free travel: Travel to 110+ countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and benefit from easier access to Schengen and US visas.

• Business opportunities: Turkey is a global aviation hub with favourable company formation laws, investor incentives, and a growing economy.

• Rising property market: Real estate values continue to increase, particularly in Istanbul, Antalya, and Ankara, making investment both strategic and profitable.

• Dual citizenship allowed: Maintain your current nationality. (Note: Russian citizens must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs.)

• Lifestyle advantages: Enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, world-class cuisine, and a lower cost of living compared to Europe.

Common Mistakes & Expert Tips

Avoid these critical missteps when applying for citizenship by investment in Turkey:

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents

• Translation errors or failure to notarise/apostille correctly

• Providing false or misleading information

• Failure to meet the investment threshold or hold period

• Inability to verify the legal source of funds

• Prior criminal record or visa refusals

• Violations of Turkish migration law

Important:

Turkish citizenship can be revoked if the property is sold within three years or if fraudulent documents were used. This may also affect the status of accompanying family members.

If your application is denied, you may appeal in court within 60 days, or reapply after 1–2 years.

To ensure a successful outcome, work with experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of investment migration, local regulations, and the Turkish real estate market.

Astons is a leading advisory in investment immigration, with decades of experience helping discerning investors secure second citizenship and global mobility.

Let our expert team guide you: from selecting the ideal property and preparing documentation to completing biometrics and receiving your Turkish passport.

Start your journey with confidence.
Contact Astons today to schedule a private consultation and discover how Turkish citizenship can elevate your freedom, security, and lifestyle.

FAQ: Turkish Citizenship by Investment

What investments qualify for Turkish citizenship?
Qualifying investments include real estate, bank deposits, government bonds, venture capital funds, or job creation. Real estate is the most popular due to its potential for rental income and personal use.

What is the minimum amount for real estate investment?
You must invest at least $400,000 in property, based on the official cadastral value.

What documents are required?
Valid passport, biometric photos, birth certificate, residence permit or visa, marriage and birth certificates (if applicable), proof of fees, and investment documentation.

How long does the process take?
The typical timeline is 6 months, from property purchase to passport issuance.

Do I need to live in Turkey?
No, residency is not required before, during, or after obtaining citizenship.

What are the advantages of a Turkish passport?
Enjoy visa-free access to 110+ countries, simplified applications for US and Schengen visas, and enhanced global mobility and financial flexibility.

What are the most common mistakes?
Frequent issues include inaccurate documents, poor translations, unverified funds, and non-compliance with investment rules – all of which can lead to delays or rejection.