Turkey Citizenship by Investment: Ultimate Guide 2026

Since 2017, Turkey has offered high-net-worth investors and their families the chance to acquire citizenship through investments that support the country’s economic growth and development.

An appealing aspect of the program is its range of qualifying investments, including bank deposits, government bonds, business investments, and property purchases. Real estate requires a $400,000 minimum purchase, with other options starting at $500,000.

The procedure requires obtaining a residence permit and visiting Turkey, but there are no residency requirements or language tests during the estimated six to seven-month process.

Designed with families in mind, the program allows investors to apply for passports for their spouses, children under 18, and parents.

Affordable property investment

One of the program’s strengths is the minimum threshold of $400,000 for acquiring property. Investors can purchase a residential or commercial property and obtain citizenship, without an additional investment required when including family members.

Investors can purchase more than one property to meet the minimum investment requirement. If you purchase an apartment valued at $100,000 and a villa for $300,000, you’ll qualify as long as the combined investment is at least $400,000. This makes Turkey’s second citizenship one of the most affordable in Europe for real estate investors.

More travel freedom

Turkish passport holders can travel freely to over 130 countries, according to the Global Passport Index. This access is provided without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or with approval for an eTA or eVisa. Destinations include South Korea, Singapore, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and countries in Latin America and Africa.

Beyond visa free travel, Turkish citizens can apply for visitor and long-term visas to the UK, Canada, and Australia with relative ease. Turkey passport holdes can also qualify for the US E-2 Investor Visa, which requires three years domicile in Turkey for those who obtain citizenship through investment.

Citizenship for family members

Turkey’s program allows investors to add their family members to their application for an additional government fee.

Qualified dependents include spouses, children, and parents. Families gain lifetime citizenship and the right to Turkish passports, which are valid for ten years for adults and five years for children under 18. Citizenship can also be passed down to future generations.

Tax optimization

At the beginning of 2026, Turkey rolled out a new tax reform may gives eligible new residents access to a 20-year exemption on qualifying foreign-source income.

The reforms also provide a full deduction for qualified remote workers and introduce the “Asset Peace” program to encourage the declaration of overseas assets.

Access to quality healthcare and education

Turkey’s combination of access to quality healthcare and affordable education makes it attractive to investors and their families. Citizens can use the national healthcare system for routine and specialist treatments and can also access high-quality private hospitals at reasonable prices.

Public education is free through secondary school, while universities, such as Istanbul Technical University and Middle East Technical University, offer respected programs with generally lower tuition than those in Western Europe or North America.

Opportunity to hold dual citizenship

Turkey’s citizenship law permits citizens to hold multiple citizenships. Investors can retain their original citizenship and passport when applying, provided their country of citizenship allows them to maintain other citizenships.

Turkey requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal background, and agree to invest in the country and hold the investment for at least three years.

A background check must confirm the following:

• Clean criminal history
• No terrorism or security-related concerns
• Financial means to make the minimum investment
• No illegal entries or overstays in Turkey

Eligible family members

• Spouse
• Children under 18 years old

If a child has a physical or mental disability, they qualify for Turkish citizenship regardless of their age. Parents and siblings of the main applicant or their spouse are not eligible for the program.

The Turkish government has set out several investment options to attract foreign capital.

1. Property purchase ($400,000)

Real estate is the preferred investment option for many investors thanks to having the lowest investment threshold and the security of owning a physical asset.

You can buy any property worth at least $400,000, as Turkey does not have a list of approved developers, provided it meets the program’s requirements:

• Clean title ownership
• SPK report of the property’s value
• DAB certificate
• Three-year no-sale restriction attached to the deed

Investors can combine multiple properties to reach the minimum threshold. For example, two properties worth $200,000 each would satisfy the $400,000 requirement. The minimum investment amount excludes purchase costs, including transfer tax, registration fees, and legal expenses.

Examples of available properties

Modern lifestyle and family residences

• Location: Beylikdüzü, Istanbul
• Property type: Three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment
• Price: $415,000

Commercial property

• Location: Lara, Antalya
• Property type: 800-square-meter commercial building featuring retail space on the ground floor and apartments above
• Price: $967,000

Sunset-view villa

• Location: Bodrum, Yalikavak
• Property type: Sea-view, four-bedroom, two-bathroom villa, with guest apartment
• Price: $675,000

2. Cash investment ($500,000)

Turkey has designated several investment routes that require a cash commitment, which must be maintained for at least three years.

• Fixed capital investment of at least $500,000, approved by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
• Deposit $500,000 into a bank operating in Turkey, approved by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency.
• Buy government bonds valued at $500,000, approved by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.
• Buy real estate investment fund or venture capital investment fund shares worth at least $500,000, approved by the Capital Markets Board of Turkey.
• Deposit $500,000 into funds approved by the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency.

The transaction can be made in USD or an equivalent foreign currency. In addition to the investment, government fees apply.

3. Business investment (varies)

The company formation option doesn’t have a set minimum investment amount, but it requires creating at least 50 jobs for Turkish citizens and operating under the investor for a minimum of three years, subject to approval from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. In addition to the investment, government fees apply.

Addition expenses

Besides the main investment, the process involves several fees, depending on the chosen investment.

Government fees

These fees are approximate and subject to change, but generally include:

• Notary and translation fees: $1,000 for a single applicant and $250 per additional applicant
• Application fee: $400
• Healthcare coverage: $700 per person
• Passport fee: $500 per person

While the main investor’s parents are not eligible for citizenship, they can acquire a residence permit for $5,000 per person.

Real estate costs (if applying via property purchase)

• Land registry fee and stamp duty: 4 to 6% of the purchase price.
• Legal fees: 1% of the purchase price.
• Sales tax: 1 to 18% value-added tax (foreign investors may be eligible for VAT exemption).
• Title deed transfer: 4% of the purchase price (split between buyer and seller.

1. Consult an immigration specialist

Timeline: 1–2 days

Consult an immigration specialist to carry out a preliminary compliance review. Global Citizen Solutions collaborates with a local authorized agent to identify potential risks that may disqualify your application under the rules.

2. Property selection and document preparation

Timeline: 2+ weeks

An advisor at Global Citizen Solutions will prepare a complete list of the documents required for the program based on the chosen investment. Local real estate specialists will select properties that suit your preferences, budget, and intended use.

The team will conduct a thorough check of the property title, the absence of encumbrances or outstanding debts, and its physical state.

3. Open bank account and property purchase

Timeline: 2+ weeks

The applicant can sign a preliminary sales agreement and pay a 10% deposit. Some developers and sellers may request that the property be paid for in full upon signing the sales agreement.

After notarizing the sales contract, with support from Global Citizen Solutions advisor, the investor can set up a bank account in Turkey in just one day and complete the payment in full. Popular banks for property transactions include Akbank, Garanti BBVA, Isbank, and YKB.

An independent, licensed appraiser evaluates the property’s value to ensure it meets the minimum SPK valuation requirement of $400,000.

4. Residence permit issuance and biometric enrollment

Timeline: 1+ month

Investors must hold a valid Turkish residence permit to continue the process, though actual residence in Turkey is not required. A one-year permit is issued once the investment is completed and the applicant provides the required documents, which include:

• Completed application form
• Valid passport
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Financial statements
• Health insurance certificate
• Birth certificate

Issuance takes 30 to 60 days, and a visit to Turkey by the investor and their family is required once the permit is issued to submit biometrics and digital photos.

5. Submit the citizenship application

Timeline: 10–12 months

Once in Turkey, the main applicant and their family submit the application to the Presidency of Migration Management. Fingerprinting and verification are completed in person.

After submission, applicants are not required to remain in Turkey during the processing stage. Global Citizen Solutions coordinates the scheduling and submission of in-person verification appointments in Turkey to make the process as efficient as possible.

6. Citizenship approval and passport collection

2+ weeks (complete timeline averages 12 months)

Expect to receive a citizenship certificate and Turkish passport within 12 months of lodging the application.

The Turkish citizenship process involves more than simply making a large investment. Every stage must comply with the country’s regulations.

How lawyers support the process

Lawyers who are experienced with Turkish immigration process manage the legal elements of the entire application. Their role is to ensure the chosen investment satisfies the program’s requirements while protecting the investor’s interests.

Their assistance includes:

• Evaluating investment options to confirm eligibility
• Conducting legal checks on real estate
• Preparing and reviewing contracts and supporting documents
• Coordinating certified translations, notarizations, and legal certifications
• Arranging a Power of Attorney
• Guidance on arriving in Turkey for biometric submission
• Filing the citizenship application with the relevant authorities

Preparing the required documents

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the Turkish authorities require documents that may include:

• Valid passport
• Birth certificates
• Health insurance certificate
• Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable)
• Police clearance certificates
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of the property purchase or capital transfer
• Residence permit

The lawyer coordinates notarization, translations, and apostilles, where required. 

Compliance

The program has a standardized requirement of holding any investment made to qualify for at least three years after citizenship is granted. This means:

• Real estate cannot be sold before the holding period expires
• Bank deposits must remain in place for the required period
• Investment fund shares must continue to be held until the restriction ends
• Businesses must remain in operation and provide jobs for the minimum period

Lawyers continue to support new citizens by monitoring important deadlines and explaining changes to any rules, as failing to comply with requirements could affect the investor’s standing under the program.

After successfully applying for citizenship, investors and their families gain the right to live in Turkey indefinitely, which includes full work and study rights, as well as access to healthcare throughout the country. While there is no requirement to relocate, many choose to spend part of the year in Turkey after receiving their passport.

Turkey’s modern cities, coastline, and unique culture open the door to new experiences. A high quality of life is reinforced by an affordable cost of living, which is over 70% cheaper than in the United States, according to cost-of-living indexes.

Turkish citizenship gives you the flexibility to live, work, or run a business without the restrictions that apply to foreign nationals. You’ll also have access to public services, while benefiting from a country that has become a global hub for medical tourism thanks to its advanced healthcare facilities and internationally educated doctors.