How to Get Turkey Citizenship by Investment: Guide | Astons

Launched in 2017, Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme offers a fast-track path to a Turkish passport in approximately 8 to 12 months. Eligible applicants can acquire citizenship by purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000, making a $500,000 deposit or capital investment, or creating jobs for 50 Turkish citizens. By investing in Turkey, you gain access not only to citizenship but also significant economic and lifestyle advantages.

What are Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship?

Several investment routes qualify investors for Turkish citizenship.

The main options include:

Real estate investment: Purchase property worth at least $400,000
Bank deposit: Deposit a minimum of $500,000 into a Turkish bank for at least 3 years
Government bonds: Invest at least $500,000 in Turkish government bonds and hold for 3 years
Venture capital or REITs: Invest $500,000 in a Turkish venture capital fund or real estate investment fund
Business investment: Make a fixed capital investment of $500,000 in a Turkish company
Job creation: Establish a business that creates employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens

The real estate option is particularly attractive as it enables investors to acquire a second home or vacation property. Investors are not required to live in their property but must maintain ownership for at least 3 years.

What are Requirements of Turkey Citizenship by Investment?

Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment programme with Astons is straightforward but requires meeting certain key criteria.

Due Diligence: Applicants must have a clean criminal record and provide basic identification and proof of investment.
Investment Currency: Investments must be made in Turkish Lira, matching the minimum USD equivalent at the transaction time.
Legitimate Funds: All funds must be legally sourced;
Investment Period: Investments must be held for at least 3 years.

What Documentation is Required for Turkish Citizenship?

Applicants should prepare several important documents:

Certified copies of birth records for each applicant
Valid passports for all involved
Recent utility bills confirming residential address, if relevant
Recent biometric passport-sized color photographs
Marriage certificate, if applicable
Divorce or death certificate of spouse, if relevant
Official proof of no criminal record
Health insurance policy valid in Turkey
Evidence of investment, such as proof of transferring at least $400,000 into a Turkish financial institution or an escrow account
Turkish Tax Identification Number (mandatory)

Property investment also requires:

Official valuation report approved by the Capital Market Board
Complete Land Registry document confirming ownership
Valid sales agreement from the property developer

To simplify the process and avoid delays, it’s recommended to work closely with legal professionals experienced in Turkish immigration procedures. Astons maintains licensed partnerships with the official governmental agencies operating the CBI and RBI programs. Astons operates in strict accordance with the laws and regulations of every country where we do business – cooperating with local regulators and government officials.

How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship

As mentioned earlier, Turkey offers several official investment routes for acquiring citizenship — including real estate, bank deposits, government bonds, venture capital funds, fixed capital investments, and job creation. Here’s how the process typically works:

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Eligibility Check

Applicants begin by evaluating which investment route aligns best with their goals and family structure. Spouses, children under 18, and dependent children with special needs can be included.

Step 2: Select Your Investment Route

Choose between real estate, bank deposits, capital investments, fund participation, or creating employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens. Ensure that the selected investment meets government thresholds and approval criteria.

Step 3: Documentation Preparation

Gather and translate required documents, including valid passports, birth and marriage certificates, biometric photographs, proof of funds, and any supporting materials related to the investment.

Step 4: Complete the Investment

The investor finalises the required financial commitment — whether through a property purchase, bank deposit, or business investment. A Turkish bank account may be required, depending on the route.

Step 5: Apply for a Residence Permit

Before applying for citizenship, a temporary residence permit must be obtained. Though residency in Turkey is not required, both the main applicant and spouse must travel to Turkey at least once to provide biometric data.

Step 6: Submit the Citizenship Application

Once the residence permit is issued, the citizenship application is submitted to the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. Required forms and biometric data must be provided for all included family members.

Step 7: Receive Turkish Citizenship and Passport

After approval, Turkish ID cards and biometric passports are issued. Successful applicants become full Turkish citizens, gaining access to visa-free travel, business benefits, and lifestyle advantages.

While all routes are legally recognised, the real estate investment option remains the most popular due to its security, asset growth potential, and dual-purpose value. Astons specialises in guiding investors through this route, offering a curated selection of government-approved properties and full legal support via its Istanbul-based team. Reach out to learn more or schedule your free consultation.

Costs & Fees for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment involves several administrative and transactional costs in addition to the primary investment amount.

Type of Fee	Estimated Cost	Notes
Government Application Fee	$400	Per main applicant
Notary & Translation	From $1,000	Approximate base cost; +$250 for each accompanying family member
Health Insurance	~$700	Required for each adult applicant
Turkish Passport Issuance	~$500	Per applicant
VAT (Value Added Tax)	1% – 20% of property value	Rate depends on property type and government assessment; first-time foreign buyers may be exempt
Title Deed Transfer Tax	4% of appraised value	Usually split 50/50 between buyer and seller
Land Registry Fee	~1% of appraised value	Standard registration charge
Stamp Duty	Included in title deed tax or 0.95%+	May vary depending on contract structure
Administrative Fees	From $1,000	Includes property appraisal, DASK (earthquake insurance), legal filings, etc.

Astons’ professional service fees are calculated individually.

Tax Considerations for Investors

Turkey offers a relatively benign tax environment. Foreign-source income is not taxed unless the individual becomes a tax resident (defined as residing in Turkey for more than six months per year). Сorporate income tax is set at 25%.

Other Options to Obtain Turkey Citizenship

How to get Turkish citizenship through alternative means? While investment is the most popular path, Turkish citizenship can also be acquired through birth, marriage to a Turkish citizen (after three years of marriage), or through long-term residency – typically after 5 years of continuous legal residence. Exceptional cases based on notable contributions to Turkey in fields such as science, culture, or sports may also qualify for citizenship.

Pros and Cons of Turkish Citizenship

Pros

Fast-track processing – citizenship granted in as little as 8–12 months
No residency requirement before or after acquisition
Global mobility with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries
Full family inclusion – covers spouse, children under 18, and differently-abled dependents
Eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa
Dual citizenship allowed – retain your original nationality

Cons

No visa-free access to the European Union (as of now)
Real estate investments incur taxes and fees (e.g., VAT, title transfer tax)

Visa-Free Countries with Turkish Passport

Turkish passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to more than 110 countries, including Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Brazil, and most Latin American and African countries. While EU access is still under negotiation, Turkey’s global mobility offering is competitive.

Dual Citizenship in Turkey: is it possible?

Yes. Turkey fully allows dual citizenship, enabling applicants to maintain their original nationality while benefiting from Turkish citizenship rights. There is no obligation to renounce existing citizenship(s).

For those seeking a second citizenship that blends global access with regional influence, Turkey’s investment programme offers a practical, well-structured solution. With Astons as your guide, the path to a Turkish passport is not only attainable – it’s seamless.

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FAQ

What’s the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship?

Choose an investment route, complete the investment, obtain a residence permit, and apply for citizenship.