Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program allows Canadians to secure permanent citizenship through strategic investments, including real estate. With visa-free access to 128 countries and eligibility for family inclusion, it’s a practical option for global mobility. This guide covers everything Canadians need to know to apply.
In this guide you will learn about:
What is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
Launched in 2017, Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program enables foreign nationals, including Canadians, to acquire Turkish citizenship by making qualifying investments. Options include purchasing real estate valued at a minimum of $400,000 or committing at least $500,000 in fixed capital, government bonds, or a Turkish bank deposit. The program offers a fast-track path to citizenship, with no residency requirement and the ability to include a spouse and dependent children in the application.
7 Benefits of Obtaining Turkish Citizenship for Canadians
There are a range of benefits for Canadians obtaining Turkish citizenship, including:
- Dual citizenship: Both Turkey and Canada permit dual citizenship. This means Canadian citizens can obtain Turkey citizenship without renouncing their Canadian nationality.
- Visa free travel: Once a Canadian obtains a Turkish passport they are permitted to travel to 128 countries visa free or with a visa on arrival, opening a world of travel and business opportunities. The GCS Global Passport Index 2025 ranks the Turkish passport 94th.
- Investment opportunities: The Turkish CBI program offers a range of investment opportunities, opening Canadians up to a range of investment potential, including real estate and businesses.
- Pathway to the US E-2 visa: Canadian citizens don’t directly have access to the US E-2 visa, but Turkish citizens do, meaning Canadians may be eligible once they become Turkish citizens.
- Family inclusion: Canadian citizens can include their family members on their Turkey CBI application, including spouses and dependents under 18.
- Access to affordable healthcare and education: Turkey has affordable healthcare and education systems available to Turkish citizens. This includes access to fantastic Turkey citizenship by investment healthcare benefits and education for a fraction of the cost.
- No residency requirements: Canadians are not required to live in Turkey before or after their application for Turkish citizenship.
Additional Long-Term Benefits:
1. Access to the EU market: While not an EU member, Turkey has a customs union agreement with the EU, offering business advantages and simplified trade access for entrepreneurs and investors.
2. Strategic geographic location: As a citizen, Canadians can leverage Turkey’s unique position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for personal and professional growth.
3. Enhanced tax planning: Turkish citizenship may provide tax planning opportunities for Canadians with global income, although professional guidance is recommended for personalized scenarios.
4. Retirement potential: Turkey is increasingly popular among Canadian retirees for its lower cost of living, favorable climate, and access to high-quality, affordable medical care.
Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship by Investment for Canadians
There are a range of options for Canadians looking to obtain citizenship in Turkey through investment, including:
Pathway | Price in US Dollars | Price in Canadian Dollars |
| Real estate | $400,000 | CAD 570,434 |
| Bank deposit | $500,000 | CAD 713,042 |
| Government bonds | $500,000 | CAD 713,042 |
| Investment funds share | $500,000 | CAD 713,042 |
| Capital investment | $500,000 | CAD 713,042 |
| Job creation | Create 50 full-time jobs | |
The most popular option for those looking to apply for Turkey citizenship by investment from Canada is real estate. The property market in Turkey is booming, offering Canadians the opportunity to obtain a second home or a lucrative rental property.
Top 3 Places to Buy Property in Turkey as a Canadian
Before making an investment in Turkish property, knowing which areas offer the best returns and value for money can help. The top three places to buy property in Turkey for Canadians include:
- Istanbul: The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is the cultural and economic hub of the country. Istanbul offers high rental yields, fantastic infrastructure, and is popular among foreign investors and locals.
- Bodrum: Known for its upscale living options, Bodrum is famous for its high-end investments with premium real estate options along the Aegean coastline.
- Antalya: Offering a more laid-back lifestyle, Antalya is popular among retirees and holiday home seekers. It offers affordable coastal properties, natural beauty and a thriving expat community.
Document Requirements for Canadians
The Turkish citizenship investment program for Canadians requires the following documents for the application:
- Turkish Tax Identification Number
- Valid health insurance
- Divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate (if applicable)
- Biometric passport photos
- Proof of residence
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport
For real estate investments, additional documents include:
- Land Registry Certificate
- Private purchase contract from the developer
- Valuation report approved by the Capital Market Board
Steps for Turkey Citizenship by Investment for Canadians
Turkey citizenship by investment for Canadian citizens is streamlined and typically takes 3 to 6 months. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help Canadians navigate the application:
Step 1: Choose Your Investment Route
Select an eligible investment that meets the minimum investment for Turkish citizenship by investment for Canadians. Popular options include purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 or depositing $500,000 in a Turkish bank. Consulting with a citizenship advisor can help ensure the choice aligns with your goals.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Gather essential documents such as passports, proof of investment funds, birth certificates, and marital status records. All documents must be notarized and translated into Turkish.
Step 3: Complete the Investment and Apply for a Residence Permit
Once your investment is finalized, apply for a Turkish residence permit. This is a mandatory step before you can proceed with the citizenship application.
Step 4: Submit Your Citizenship Application
Once you have secured the residence permit and confirmed the investment, submit your application through the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship.
Step 5: Receive Your Turkish Citizenship and Passport
Upon approval, you’ll receive full Turkish citizenship. You can then apply for a Turkish passport and begin enjoying Turkish citizenship benefits for Canadian passport holders, such as visa-free travel and business access across multiple countries.
*Important: Canadians must maintain their qualifying investment for a minimum of three years to retain citizenship status.
This path also opens the door to the benefits of Turkey citizenship for Canadian children and spouses, as immediate family members can be included in the same application—ideal for those moving to Turkey from Canada with citizenship by investment.
Processing Time
Canadians can expect to obtain citizenship through investment in 3–6 months, making the program one of the fastest citizenship programs available.
Canadian Tax Implications of Turkey Citizenship by Investment
Taxes in Turkey are based on residency. This means that Canadians are only considered Turkish tax residents if they spend more than 183 days in the country.
One of the main Turkish citizenship tax benefits for Canadians is that Turkey has a double taxation treaty with Canada, meaning Canadian citizens are only taxed once on the same income.
Where to Apply for Turkish Citizenship in Canada
Canadians can find out more about the investment program in Turkey from the Turkish embassy in Ottawa or consulates in Toronto and Vancouver.
Canadians will need to travel to Turkey in person to obtain citizenship from the Presidency of Migration Management. However, this can be a quick trip over a few days where they can apply for residency and citizenship at the same time.
Speaking with a Turkey citizenship lawyer is highly recommended to ensure your application meets the legal requirements for Canadians to invest in Turkey for citizenship. This can help to avoid any unwanted Turkey citizenship by investment delays.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
