Turkey Citizenship by Investment is a program that allows UAE citizens to obtain Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying financial investment in Turkey. Whether through real estate, capital investment, or bank deposits, UAE citizens can benefit from Turkey’s strategic location and booming tourism sector.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment from UAE is growing in popularity, particularly for those looking for visa-free travel, real estate opportunities, and business expansion into Europe and Asia. With a streamlined process and attractive investment options, Turkey has become a top choice for UAE citizens seeking global mobility.
In this guide you will learn about:
What is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
Launched in 2017 to attract foreign direct investment, the Turkey Citizenship by Investment program enables investment from UAE nationals to acquire Turkey citizenship. Options include purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000, investing $500,000 in government bonds, bank deposits, or fixed capital. The application is processed within 3 to 6 months, offering a direct and efficient path to Turkish citizenship.
7 Benefits of Obtaining Turkish Citizenship for UAE Residents
The Turkey citizenship program offers significant advantages for UAE nationals and expatriates, including:
- Affordable investment threshold: Those from the UAE can obtain Turkey citizenship with a minimum real estate investment of $400,000, making it a cost-effective option.
- Fast-track citizenship process: Citizenship can be secured in as little as 3–6 months.
- No residency requirements: UAE investors do not need to live in Turkey before or after obtaining citizenship.
- Visa-free travel: A Turkish passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries for Turkish citizens.
- Strategic business location: Turkey serves as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, offering business expansion opportunities. It is particularly popular among those looking for Turkey citizenship by investment from Abu Dhabi.
- Family inclusion: UAE investors can include spouses and dependent children in the application.
- Thriving real estate market: Turkey’s booming property market provides strong rental yields and fantastic appreciation potential.
Investment Options for Turkey Citizenship by Investment from the UAE
There are a range of options for UAE citizens looking to acquire Turkish citizenship through foreign direct investment, including:
| Pathway | Price in US Dollars | Price in Dirham |
| Real estate | $400,000 | AED 146,908,4 |
| Bank deposit | $500,000 | AED 183,635,50 |
| Government bonds | $500,000 | AED 183,635,50 |
| Investment funds share | $500,000 | AED 183,635,50 |
| Capital investment | $500,000 | AED 183,635,50 |
| Job creation | Create 50 full-time jobs | |
Turkish real estate is the most popular option for UAE investors, as Turkey offers lucrative investment opportunities in major cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum. Many investors purchase properties for rental income or as holiday homes, benefiting from Turkey’s growing tourism industry.
Important to note: Turkey citizenship by investment changes saw the minimum investment for the real estate option increase from $250,000-$400,000.
Top 5 Places to Buy Property in Turkey as a UAE Citizen
Investing in Turkey real estate is one of the top options for those from the UAE, here are some of the best places to buy property in Turkey:
- Istanbul: The capital city of Turkey, Istanbul is ideal for those looking to invest in Turkey for capital appreciation and high rental yields. As the cultural and economic hub of the country, Istanbul is perfect for a holiday home or investment property.
- Antalya: UAE investors on the lookout for a good property for tourism in Turkey, Antalya is well known for its beaches and growing expat communities. It is ideal for short-term rentals and holiday homes.
- Bodrum: Coastal living, with boutique hotels and luxury villas await in Bodrum. A stunning coastal town invites investors to explore its gorgeous sea views and exclusive living opportunities.
- Izmir: For long term growth and strong investment potential, Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey. The property prices are lower, which may potentially hold significant investment potential for those looking at Turkey citizenship by investment from Sharjah.
- Fethiye: Affordable real estate in Turkey with beachside views await in Fethiye. This area has a high holiday rental demand with holiday and rental home properties increasing in value.
Document Requirements for UAE Citizens
UAE citizens need to submit the following documents for the Turkey Citizenship by Investment program:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Biometric passport photos
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill)
- Turkish Tax Identification Number
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Valid health insurance in Turkey
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate (if applicable)
For real estate investments, additional documents include:
- Land Registry Certificate
- Private purchase contract from the developer
- Valuation report approved by the Capital Market Board
Working with a Turkey citizenship lawyer is highly recommended to ensure all documents are up to date and meet the requirements.
Steps for UAE Citizens to Get Turkey Citizenship
- Choose a qualifying investment: Select an approved option such as real estate (minimum $400,000), a $500,000 bank deposit, or other eligible investments.
- Conduct initial due diligence: Ensure all funds are from legal sources and meet Turkey’s eligibility criteria.
- Open a Turkish bank account (if required): Necessary for certain investments like bank deposits or capital investments.
- Make the investment: Complete the transaction and secure official documentation.
- Obtain certificate of conformity: Issued by the relevant Turkish authority confirming investment compliance.
- Compile and submit documents: Include proof of investment, passport copies, biometric photos, and other required paperwork.
- Apply for a residence permit: File with the Directorate General of Migration Management.
- Submit citizenship application: Apply through the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship.
- Receive citizenship approval: Turkey citizenship is granted within 3 to 6 months, subject to verification.
- Maintain the investment for 3 years: Required to retain citizenship benefits under Law No. 5901.
Processing Time
The processing time for Turkey citizenship by investment from UAE is approximately 3 to 6 months, provided all documentation is complete and the investment complies with program requirements. After the investment is made, applicants must first obtain a Certificate of Conformity from the relevant Turkish authority (based on the type of investment), followed by a residence permit application. Once these steps are completed, the citizenship application is submitted and reviewed.
This timeline makes the Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program one of the fastest and most efficient options for UAE nationals, especially compared to similar programs in Europe or the Caribbean.
Tax Implications for UAE Citizens with Turkish Citizenship
Turkey and the UAE have a double taxation agreement in place, meaning you are only taxed once on the same income. However, those from the UAE are only considered Turkish tax residents if they spend more than 183 days per year in the country. Still, consulting a tax expert is recommended before applying to ensure you know what taxes apply to you.
| Tax Type | Applies To | UAE Residents Living <183 Days in Turkey | UAE Residents Living >183 Days in Turkey |
| Income Tax | Income earned in Turkey | Yes (on Turkish income only) | Yes (on worldwide income) |
| Capital Gains Tax | Profit from sale of real estate or investments | Yes | Yes |
| Rental Income Tax | Income from rental properties in Turkey | Yes | Yes |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) | Goods and services purchased in Turkey | Yes (if applicable) | Yes |
| Property Tax | Annual tax on owned real estate | Yes | Yes |
| Inheritance & Gift Tax | Property or wealth transferred via inheritance/gift | Yes | Yes |
| Corporate Tax | Profits from Turkish companies | Yes (if company is registered in Turkey) | Yes |
Where to Apply for Turkish Citizenship in the UAE
Those in the UAE can obtain a residency permit and enquire about Turkey citizenship at the Turkish consulate in Dubai. To apply for citizenship, UAE nationals need to apply with the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs in Turkey. Working with an immigration specialist can help ensure that the entire application process runs smoothly.
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.
