Turkey Citizenship by Investment for UK citizens is a government-backed program that allows British nationals to obtain Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying investment, such as purchasing real estate, starting a business, or investing in approved financial assets.
This complete guide explains how the program works, the available investment options, processing timelines, tax considerations, and the key benefits for UK citizens seeking a second passport in Turkey.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment for UK Citizens: Key Takeaways
- UK citizens can obtain Turkish citizenship by investing at least $400,000 in real estate or $500,000 via other approved options.
- Multiple investment routes: property, bank deposit, bonds, funds, capital investment, or creating 50 jobs.
- Citizenship processing takes around 6-12 months, making Turkey one of the fastest citizenship by investment programs globally.
- No residency requirement before or after approval; investment must be held for at least three years.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 75+ countries.
- UK–Turkey double taxation treaty applies; tax residency is generally only triggered after 183 days per year in Turkey.
- Lifestyle appeal is strong, with high tourism demand, and a growing property market.
What is Turkey Citizenship By Investment for UK citizens?
The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program allows UK citizens and other foreign nationals to obtain a Turkish passport by making a qualifying investment, typically ranging from $400,000 to $500,000, in options such as real estate, bank deposits, government bonds, or business ventures. Property investment is the most commonly chosen route and requires the asset to be held for at least three years.
Successful applicants, along with their spouse and dependent children under 18, are granted full Turkish citizenship. The program does not impose residency or language requirements, permits dual citizenship, and provides benefits including work rights in Turkey and visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to numerous countries.
9 Benefits of Turkish Citizenship for UK Investors
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 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 6-12 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: You can travel to 120+ countries with a Turkish passport (visa-free, e-visa, and visa on arrival), providing fantastic travel opportunities for British investors. The GCS Global Passport Index 2025 ranks the Turkish passport 94th.
- 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.
- US E-2 visa eligibility: Turkish citizens qualify to apply for the E-2 investor visa, granting them and their families the ability to live and work in the United States.
- Dual citizenship: Turkey allows dual citizenship, meaning UK investors don’t need to renounce their UK citizenship.
- 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 for UK Citizens
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.
Turkish citizenship by property investment for UK nationals is the most popular option, 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 2024, Turkey was the 5th most visited country in the world.
You may wish to work with Turkey relocation services, as they can assist with all your needs for moving to a new country.
Turkey Citizenship By Investment UK Documentation Requirements
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 Turkish 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 by Investment
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.
Turkey CBI for UK Citizens Cost
Here are some of the costs for applying for the Turkey CBI as a UK citizen:
| Cost Item | USD | GBP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notary & Translation Fees | $1,000 | £750 | Single applicant; add $250/£188 per additional applicant |
| Application Fee | $400 | £300 | Government processing fee |
| Healthcare Coverage | $700 | £525 | Required for application |
| Turkish Passport Fee | $500 | £375 | For each applicant |
Where to Apply for Turkish Citizenship in the UK
All first-time applications for Turkish citizenship must be submitted in Turkey through the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. You cannot apply for citizenship from the UK or at a Turkish embassy/consulate.
However, much of the process can be handled remotely through a Power of Attorney (POA). Your legal representative in Turkey can prepare and submit documents, complete preliminary steps, and manage Turkish government interactions on your behalf. Certain steps still require your physical presence in Turkey, including biometrics.
After you are officially a Turkish citizen, you can renew or replace your Turkish passport at a Turkish embassy or consulate in the UK, but this service applies only to existing citizens and cannot be used to obtain new citizenship.
Turkey Citizenship By Investment UK Processing Time
Obtaining Turkish citizenship as a UK citizen takes between 6-12 months, making it one of the quickest citizenship by investment programs. To avoid any unwanted delays, it’s 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.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment UK Tax Implications
UK citizens applying for citizenship in Turkey are in luck, with the two countries having a double taxation agreement. This ensures that 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.
Turkish Citizenship vs Turkish Residency for UK Citizens
| Feature | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Investment, property purchase, or work permit | Investment via CBI program |
| Investment required | Varies by program, often lower than citizenship threshold | $400,000+ real estate or $500,000+ other investments |
| Rights | Live and work in Turkey, access to healthcare | Full citizenship, work rights, dual citizenship, passport & visa-free travel |
| Residency obligation | Must maintain residence in Turkey | No residency requirement |
| Family inclusion | Usually yes, but depends on program | Spouse and children under 18 included |
| Travel benefits | Limited to residence permit | Turkish passport: visa-free/visa-on-arrival to 120+ countries |
| Duration | Usually renewable annually | Permanent citizenship |
| Exit/entry flexibility | Can lose residency if conditions not met | No loss unless voluntarily renounced |
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.
