Looking to obtain Turkish citizenship as a Pakistani national? Turkey offers a golden opportunity through its Citizenship by Investment program—a gateway to a powerful passport, world-class healthcare, premium education, and robust financial returns.
Whether you aim to expand your business, secure your family’s future, or simply enjoy visa-free access to over 60 countries, Turkey Citizenship by Investment for Pakistani citizens is a strategic move. Backed by a fast-track application process and inclusive family benefits, it’s your pathway to a dynamic life in a nation that bridges Europe and Asia.
In this guide you will learn about:
6 Benefits of Pakistani Citizens Getting Turkey Citizenship by Investment
- Strategic location: Turkey is situated between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making it an ideal location for a multinational business. Additionally, with one of the Turkey Citizenship by Investment options being starting a business, the program is the perfect choice for those looking to expand into various international markets.
- Global mobility: The Turkish passport offers visa free travel to over 60 countries. Once a Pakistani obtains Turkish citizenship, they are eligible for the Turkish passport and its range of benefits. The GCS Global Passport Index 2025 ranks the Turkish passport 94th.
- Access to high quality education: Turkey has a fantastic education system, with the private sector offering English learning institutions from kindergarten to university programs. Additionally, Turkish degrees are often advantageous for those that plan to live and work in the EU.
- Double taxation agreement: Turkey has double taxation agreements with 85 countries. Pakistan and Turkey have a double taxation agreement, meaning a Pakistani can only be taxed once on the same income.
- High standard of living: Comparatively, Turkey offers a higher standard of living to Pakistan when considering safety, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The GDP per capita in Turkey is also significantly higher than Pakistan.
- Access to the Turkey healthcare system: Once a Pakistani becomes a Turkish citizen through the investment program, they are eligible for Turkey Citizenship by Investment healthcare. This includes access to the fantastic public healthcare system, as well as the low-cost private health insurance options.
How can Pakistani citizens obtain Turkey Citizenship by Investment?
Pakistani citizens can acquire Turkish citizenship by investing at least $400,000 in real estate or $500,000 in other assets such as government bonds, bank deposits, or investment funds.
The investment must be maintained for a minimum of three years. After completing the investment, applicants must obtain a temporary residence permit before applying for citizenship.
Real Estate Option: A Preferred Route for Pakistani Investors
The real estate route is a popular choice among Pakistani applicants. Investors can buy one or more properties totaling at least $400,000, with no requirement to live in them. Ownership must be maintained for three years.
Cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum offer high-return investment properties, making this a strategic path for those considering Turkish immigration from Pakistan.
Requirements for Pakistani Citizens to Obtain Turkish Citizenship
To acquire Turkish citizenship, Pakistani nationals must meet the following:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have no criminal record
- Maintain their investment for a minimum of three years
Document requirements
- Passport copies for all applicants
- Birth certificates for each applicant
- Proof of residence, such as a recent utility bill
- Biometric passport photos (colored) for all applicants
- Turkish Tax Identification Number
- Criminal record clearance for all applicants
- Valid health insurance in Turkey
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce or death certificate of a spouse (if applicable)
For property investments, additional documents include:
- Property valuation report approved by the Capital Market Board
- Land Registry Certificate, proving full ownership of the property or properties
- Legally binding purchase contract from the developer
Process of Getting Turkey Citizenship by Investment for Pakistani Citizens
Here is the Turkey citizenship process for Pakistani investors:
- Choose an Investment Route
Pakistani citizens can select from several investment options. These options are stipulated under Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and relevant Presidential Decrees. - Conduct Preliminary Due Diligence
Engaging with legal advisors to verify property records or business details ensures compliance with Turkish regulations and facilitates a smooth application process. - Open a Turkish Bank Account (If Required)
Necessary for certain investment types, such as bank deposits or to facilitate real estate transactions. A Turkish Tax Identification Number is also required. - Make the Investment
Completing the investment and ensuring it meets government standards is crucial. Proper documentation, such as the Land Registry Certificate and Property Valuation Report, is necessary. - Obtain a Certificate of Conformity
This certificate, issued by the relevant authority (e.g., Ministry of Industry and Technology, BRSA, or Capital Markets Board), confirms that the investment meets the program’s criteria. - Prepare and Submit Required Documents
Applicants must compile essential documents, including a valid passport, birth certificate, proof of residence, biometric photos, criminal record clearance, health insurance, and marital status certificates (if applicable). - Apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit
A residence permit is required to stay in Turkey legally while the citizenship application is processed. This permit is issued by the Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Migration Management. - Submit Citizenship Application
The application is filed through the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, including all legal documentation and the Certificate of Conformity. - Wait for Approval
The approval process typically takes 3–6 months, during which background checks and verifications are completed. - Receive Turkish Citizenship and Passport
Upon approval, applicants and eligible family members receive Turkish passports and full citizenship rights. - Maintain the Investment for 3 Years
Investors must retain their investment for at least three years to comply with the program’s requirements.
Additional Considerations
- Dual Citizenship: Dual citizenship between Pakistan and Turkey is not yet formally established, but both governments are working toward an agreement.
- Family Inclusion: The Turkey investment visa for Pakistan passport holders permits the inclusion of immediate family members, such as spouses and children under 18, in the citizenship application.
Where to Apply for Turkish Citizenship in Pakistan
Those looking into immigration to turkey from Pakistan can obtain a residency permit and enquire about Turkish citizenship at the Turkish Consulate General in Karachi or the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad.
To apply for citizenship, Pakistani nationals need to apply with the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs in Turkey.
Working with a Turkey citizenship lawyer can help ensure that the entire application process runs smoothly, particularly for working with the Turkish government and navigating the Turkey Citizenship by Investment official website.
Processing Time
The processing time for Turkish citizenship by investment for Pakistani nationals typically ranges from 3 to 6 months from the date of application submission. This includes:
- Verification of investment (1–2 months)
- Issuance of Certificate of Conformity (within weeks)
- Application review and background checks (2–3 months)
- Final approval and passport issuance (within 1 month after approval)
This expedited timeline makes Turkey’s program one of the fastest and most efficient citizenship by investment options globally.
Tax Considerations for Pakistani Nationals Obtaining Turkish Residency
Turkish tax law is based on residency status.
- Non-residents (those spending fewer than 183 days per year in Turkey) are taxed only on income earned within Turkey.
- Residents (those living in Turkey for more than 183 days annually) are taxed on their global income, including earnings from outside Turkey.
Double Taxation Agreement
Pakistan and Turkey have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). This treaty ensures that Pakistani citizens who become Turkish nationals will not be taxed twice on the same income. Taxes paid in one country are credited against tax liabilities in the other, helping avoid financial burdens and ensuring compliance in both jurisdictions.
Key Tax Types in Turkey
- Income Tax (15–40% for residents)
- Capital Gains Tax
- Inheritance and Gift Tax
- Property Tax (0.1%–0.6%, depending on location)
- Value Added Tax (VAT) (typically 18%)
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.