Introduction
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has become one of the most attractive citizenship schemes globally due to its relatively accessible investment threshold, fast processing time, and strategic geopolitical advantages. Introduced in 2017 and significantly amended in 2018, the program allows foreign nationals to acquire Turkish citizenship by making qualifying investments in Turkey.
Turkey’s location between Europe and Asia, visa-free access to many countries, access to the Turkish market, and potential E-2 investor visa eligibility for the United States (for qualifying nationals) make the program highly appealing.
This article explains how to obtain Turkish citizenship by investment, including investment options, procedural steps, documentation requirements, timeline, and legal risks.
1. Legal Basis of the Program
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program is regulated under:
- Turkish Citizenship Law (Law No. 5901)
- Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law
- Presidential Decrees determining investment thresholds
The Council of Ministers (now Presidential authority) determines qualifying investment categories and amounts.
2. Investment Options
To obtain Turkish citizenship by investment, a foreign national must meet one of the following criteria:
1️⃣ Real Estate Investment
Purchase immovable property worth at least 400,000 USD, with a commitment not to sell it for 3 years.
This is the most popular option.
2️⃣ Bank Deposit
Deposit at least 500,000 USD in a Turkish bank for 3 years.
3️⃣ Capital Investment
Make fixed capital investment of at least 500,000 USD, confirmed by Ministry of Industry and Technology.
4️⃣ Government Bonds
Purchase government bonds worth at least 500,000 USD, held for 3 years.
5️⃣ Employment Creation
Create employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens.
Most applicants prefer real estate due to flexibility and asset retention.
3. Real Estate Route: Detailed Explanation
The real estate pathway is the most utilized route.
Requirements:
- Property must be purchased from a Turkish citizen or Turkish company.
- Official valuation report required.
- Payment must be made via bank transfer.
- Title deed must include 3-year non-sale annotation.
Multiple properties may be combined to reach threshold.
The value must meet official appraised value, not merely contract price.
4. Application Procedure
The citizenship process involves several steps:
Step 1: Obtain Tax Number
Step 2: Open Turkish Bank Account
Step 3: Make Investment
Step 4: Obtain Certificate of Eligibility
Step 5: Apply for Residence Permit
Step 6: Submit Citizenship Application
Applications are filed at Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
5. Timeline
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment process typically takes:
- 4 to 8 months
Processing time may vary depending on documentation completeness and background checks.
6. Family Members Included
The main applicant may include:
- Spouse
- Children under 18
Adult children must apply separately.
7. Dual Citizenship
Turkey allows dual citizenship.
Applicants are not required to renounce existing nationality, subject to their home country’s laws.
8. Due Diligence and Background Checks
Authorities conduct:
- Criminal background checks
- National security screening
- Financial source verification
Incomplete or suspicious documentation may result in rejection.
9. Risks and Considerations
Foreign investors must consider:
- Market fluctuations
- Overvalued properties
- Fraudulent intermediaries
- Currency risk
- Delays in valuation approval
Professional legal and financial advice is strongly recommended.
10. Advantages of Turkish Citizenship
Benefits include:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries
- Access to Turkish healthcare and education
- Strategic geographic mobility
- Business opportunities in Turkish market
- E-2 visa eligibility (for qualifying nationalities)
11. Citizenship Revocation Risk
If investment conditions are violated (e.g., property sold before 3 years), citizenship may be revoked.
Compliance is critical.
Conclusion
Turkish Citizenship by Investment provides a structured and relatively fast pathway to acquiring Turkish nationality. The real estate route remains the most accessible option, but investors must carefully comply with valuation, transfer, and annotation requirements.
With proper planning, due diligence, and legal compliance, obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment can be both a strategic mobility tool and a profitable asset decision.
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