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 is Turkey Citizenship By Investment for UK citizens?
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.
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 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. 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
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 2023, 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 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
You cannot obtain Turkish citizenship from within the UK. All first-time citizenship applications must be submitted in Turkey with the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. While you can renew a Turkish passport at a Turkish embassy or consulate in the UK, this service is only available to existing citizens and does not apply to new citizenship applications.
Turkey Citizenship By Investment UK 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.
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 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.
