Turkey Citizenship by Investment is a citizenship program that enables UK citizens to apply for Turkish citizenship once they have met the investment criteria, through real estate, starting a business, and financial investment into the country.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment for UK citizens is quickly becoming one of the most popular second passport options among UK citizens, and for good reason. As one of the top holiday destinations in the world, offering fantastic investment opportunities, and a gateway to various business markets in Europe and Asia, Turkey has truly put itself on the map as a top investment destination.
In this guide you will learn about:
What Turkish Citizenship by Investment Is
UK citizens can obtain Turkish citizenship through the Turkey Citizenship by Investment program, often called the Turkey Golden Visa, by making a qualifying investment of at least $400,000 in the country’s economy.
The program is one of the most accessible and cost-effective routes to a second passport, offering British investors visa-free travel, business opportunities, and a strategic location between Europe and Asia.
Established in 2017, the program was implemented by the Turkish government to attract foreign direct investment into the country, with growing success since the program launched.
7 Reasons Why UK Citizens Are Choosing Turkey for Citizenship by Investment
There are a range of benefits of Turkish citizenship for UK citizens, let’s take a closer look:
- Affordable investment threshold: UK citizens can obtain Turkish citizenship with a minimum real estate investment of $400,000, making it a cost-effective alternative to many European residency and citizenship programs.
- Fast-track citizenship process: British investors can secure citizenship in approximately 3–6 months, making it one of the quickest routes to a second passport.
- No residency requirements: There is no obligation to live in Turkey before or after obtaining citizenship, making it ideal for UK citizens seeking flexibility.
- Gateway to global mobility: A Turkish passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 120 countries, providing fantastic travel opportunities for British investors.
- Strategic location for business: Situated between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey provides UK investors with excellent opportunities to expand into new markets.
- Family inclusion: Foreign investors can include their spouse and dependent children in their application, securing citizenship for the whole family.
- Attractive lifestyle and property market: Turkey boasts a Mediterranean climate, rich culture, and booming real estate market, offering UK citizens an ideal destination for a second home or investment property.
Investment Options for Turkey Citizenship by Investment
Investing in Turkey for citizenship has a range of options to choose from, including:
|
Pathway
|
Price in US Dollars
|
Price in British Pounds
|
|
Real estate
|
$400,000
|
£308,346.95
|
|
Bank deposit
|
$500,000
|
£385,433.69
|
|
Government bonds
|
$500,000
|
£385,433.69
|
|
Investment fund share
|
$500,000
|
£385,433.69
|
|
Capital investment
|
$500,000
|
£385,433.69
|
|
Job creation
|
Create 50 full time jobs |
|
Working with a Turkey citizenship by investment lawyer is highly recommended to ensure you make the right choice for your needs.
Real estate investments are the most popular option for UK citizens as Turkey is one of the top places to obtain a holiday home. The average flight takes only four hours from the UK, with sun and sea waiting for those with families and retirees looking to explore all Turkey has to offer.
Additionally, many UK citizens rent out their property, with the Turkish tourism market increasing dramatically year on year. In fact, in 2023, Turkey was the 5th most visited country in the world.
Where to Buy Property in Turkey as a UK Citizen
- Istanbul: Istanbul is the cultural and economic hub of Turkey, offering UK citizens a fantastic opportunity for business investment. Additionally, as the country’s capital, it is the ideal location for holiday rentals with new developments and high growth potential.
- Antalya: Antalya is a tourist hotspot in Turkey, offering a Mediterranean paradise with a warm climate, low cost of living, and stunning beaches. It is perfect for holiday homes, rental properties, and those looking to retire.
- Bodrum: Bodrum offers a vibrant expat community with a luxury lifestyle and upscale developments. It is well known for its stunning seaside real estate, villas, and boutique hotels.
- Fethiye: If you want to enjoy seaside living at a fraction of the cost, Fethiye offers affordable real estate, making it an ideal option for retirees and holiday homes.
You may wish to work with Turkey relocation services as they can assist with all your needs for moving to a new country.
Document Requirements for UK Citizens to Get Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Here are the general document requirements for UK citizens to apply for Turkey Citizenship by Investment:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Biometric passport photos (colored)
- Proof of residence, such as a recent utility bill
- Turkish Tax Identification Number
- Criminal record clearance
- Valid health insurance in Turkey
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate (if applicable)
There are some additional documents for real estate property investments, including:
- Land Registry Certificate confirming full ownership of the property or properties
- Valid private purchase contract from the developer
- Valuation report approved by the Capital Market Board
Hiring a Turkey citizenship lawyer is recommended to ensure you have all the documents required in order before your application. A lawyer can also keep you informed on any Turkey citizenship by investment changes.
Steps for UK Citizens to Get Turkish Citizenship
Here are the steps for UK citizens to obtain Turkish citizenship:
- Step 1: Select a qualifying investment option.
- Step 2: Perform preliminary due diligence.
- Step 3: Open a Turkish bank account (Optional).
- Step 4: Complete the investment.
- Step 5: Obtain a certificate of conformity.
- Step 6: Prepare and submit the required application documents.
- Step 7: Secure a residence permit.
- Step 8: Apply for citizenship.
- Step 9: Receive citizenship.
- Step 10: Maintain the investment for at least three years.
Where to Apply for Turkish Citizenship in the UK
UK citizens can submit certain documents and enquire about citizenship at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate, with offices available in London.
However, the full citizenship application is required to be submitted in Turkey, with the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, meaning UK citizens would need to travel to Turkey for a few days. This is due to the new citizenship requirements, whereby main applicants and their spouses are required to apply in person to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Processing Time
Obtaining Turkish citizenship as a UK citizen takes between 3-6 months, making it one of the quickest citizenship by investment programs. To avoid any unwanted delays its essential to meet all the requirements and follow the application steps. Working with an immigration service can ensure that your application is completed in full, to avoid Turkey citizenship by investment delays.
Tax Implications for UK Citizens with Turkish Citizenship
UK citizens applying for citizenship in Turkey are in luck, with the two countries having a double taxation agreement. This ensures you are only taxed once on the same income.
Additionally, UK citizens don’t necessarily become Turkish tax residents even if they obtain Turkish citizenship. UK citizens would need to spend 183 days per year in Turkey to be considered a tax resident and begin paying taxes.
However, it’s important that UK citizens understand the Turkish tax system and what they may potentially be liable for. Speaking with a tax expert is highly recommended before applying for citizenship in another country.
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.
