Turkey citizenship by investment

Turkish passport by investment

Turkey’s investment programme, commonly referred to as the Golden Visa, offers foreign homebuyers a unique opportunity to obtain a passport by investing in the local market. Launched in 2017, it has already attracted many foreign investors due to its favourable conditions and the prospects of property value growth.

This programme significantly strengthens the Turkish economy by stimulating the real estate market and infrastructure development, making the country even more attractive to foreign investors and improving the quality of life.

Expats can get citizenship in Turkey by investing a minimum of $400,000 in local real estate. This option is particularly popular, as it not only offers the potential for investment returns through asset appreciation but also the opportunity for steady rental income. Real estate in the country consistently enjoys high demand.

The application process takes 6 to 8 months. Upon completion of the checks, investors receive a passport that allows visa-free travel to many countries and the possibility of permanent immigration to Turkey.

Conditions for obtaining citizenship in Turkey

Foreign applicants can obtain citizenship in Turkey through several programmes:

• Invest a minimum of $400,000 in real estate.
• Make investments starting from $500,000 in bank deposits or shares of local companies.
• Live in the country for more than 5 years, pass an interview, and demonstrate proficiency in the language through an exam.
• Marry a Turkish citizen.

For homebuyers, a key condition is to retain ownership of the property for more than 3 years to confirm long-term intentions and the stability of the investment in the country’s economy. After this period, the property can be sold while maintaining citizenship status. All financial transactions must be supported by relevant banking documents verifying the legality and source of funds.

Investor

Requirements for those wishing to apply for citizenship:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• No legal issues.
• Obtain health insurance and have no serious illnesses.

For married couples, proof of a legally registered marriage is important.

Documents for obtaining Turkish citizenship

In addition to the mandatory financial investments, those who apply for citizenship in Turkey must provide the following documents:

• Application form, birth certificate.
• Certificate of no criminal record issued in the applicant’s home country.
• Valid health insurance.
• Biometric photographs.
• Bank statement confirming full payment for the real estate.
• Passport with a visa confirming the legal residence of the investor in the country at the time of application.
• Copy of a valid residence permit or visa.
• Receipt for the payment of the state fee for issuing a Turkish passport.

All documentation must be translated into Turkish and notarised.

Visa-free countries for Turkish citizens

A Turkish passport grants visa-free access to more than 110 countries worldwide, including:

• Singapore
• Japan
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Bahamas

Investor expenses in Turkey – starting from $400,000

95% of investors prefer purchasing real estate, driven by a significant annual increase in housing prices, ranging from 15–25%. In 2022, there was a particularly notable increase in value, with prices rising by 60–70% in dollar terms.

Investors can choose from residential and commercial properties. Land acquisition is only possible if the land includes buildings valued at $400,000 or more, or has construction permits. Purchasing a share in a property is not allowed.

Three years after purchase, the property can be sold, but the new owner cannot use it to participate in the Golden Visa programme in Turkey.

The cost of citizenship in Turkey includes investments amounting to $400,000, which can be distributed across several apartments, along with taxes and fees.

A title deed (TAPU) is required for each property. The total investment amount does not depend on the number of family members of the investor.