Turkey’s citizenship by investment programme is one of the best-known routes to a second passport. Investors who meet a qualifying investment can apply for citizenship for themselves, their spouse and their children under 18, without first living in Turkey for years. This guide explains the main Turkish citizenship by investment options for 2027, what they cost, and how the process works.
Investment Options
| Route | Minimum amount | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate | $400,000 | Keep the property for at least 3 years (annotation on the title deed) |
| Bank deposit | $500,000 | Keep the deposit in a Turkish bank for 3 years |
| Fixed capital investment | $500,000 | Approved by the relevant ministry |
| Government bonds / investment funds | $500,000 | Hold for 3 years |
| Job creation | 50 employees | Certified by the Ministry of Labour |
Amounts and rules are set by regulation and can change; confirm the current requirements before you invest.
The real estate route is the most common because the investment is a tangible asset that can also generate rental income. If you are looking at property, read our guide to buying property in Turkey as a foreigner.
Who Can Be Included?
The main applicant can include a spouse and children under 18. Adult children usually need to qualify separately. All applicants must pass security checks, and anyone with relevant legal issues may be refused.
Step-by-Step Process (Real Estate Route)
- Choose a property and get an official valuation report from a licensed appraiser.
- Get a Turkish tax number and open a Turkish bank account.
- Transfer the funds in foreign currency and convert them through a Turkish bank, keeping the official exchange receipts.
- Complete the title deed transfer at the land registry, with the 3-year no-sale annotation.
- Obtain a certificate of conformity confirming the investment qualifies.
- Apply for a residence permit on the basis of the investment.
- Submit the citizenship application with family documents (translated and apostilled).
- Receive citizenship and passports after approval.
Exploring a Turkish passport?
Saya Group’s Istanbul team guides investors through property selection, valuation and the citizenship file, together with licensed lawyers.
Costs Beyond the Investment
- Title deed transfer fee and valuation report.
- Legal fees, translations, notarisation and apostilles.
- Residence permit and passport fees.
- For property: annual property tax, maintenance fees and insurance.
Pros and Things to Consider
A Turkish passport gives you the right to live, work and study in Turkey, and access to its healthcare and education systems. On the other hand, the investment is locked for three years, property markets can move, and rules can change. Recent years have also seen stricter checks on property valuations. Always use licensed professionals and keep every bank and exchange record.
Not ready for citizenship? A property purchase can also give you a residence permit by property purchase.
Is Citizenship by Investment Right for You?
The programme suits investors who want a long-term base in Turkey, a second residence option for their family, or a property investment in a large and growing market. It is less suitable if you need your capital back within three years or if your home country does not allow dual citizenship.
Before investing, compare three things: the total cost (investment plus fees), how easily the asset can be resold after three years, and whether a residence permit alone would meet your goals. Many families start with a move to Turkey on a residence permit and decide on citizenship later.
Documents Usually Required
- Passports and biometric photos for every applicant.
- Birth certificates and marriage certificate, translated and apostilled.
- Title deed, valuation report and certificate of conformity (property route).
- Bank transfer and currency exchange receipts.
- Residence permit and other forms requested by the authorities.
Citizenship by Investment vs Residence Permit by Property
Many investors compare Turkish citizenship by investment with the cheaper residence permit route. Both start with buying property, but the result is very different.
| Feature | Citizenship by investment | Residence permit by property |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum property value | $400,000 (held 3 years) | $200,000 |
| What you get | Turkish citizenship and passport | Renewable residence permit |
| Family | Spouse and children under 18 | Family members may apply separately |
| Renewal | Not needed once granted | Must be renewed periodically |
If your main goal is simply to live in Turkey, a residence permit may be enough. If you want a second passport, long-term security for your family and full rights to live and work in Turkey, the citizenship route is usually the better fit. For family members who join a residence permit holder, read our guide to the Turkey family residence permit.
Common Mistakes That Delay Applications
Most delays in Turkish citizenship applications come from avoidable errors made at the purchase stage. Watch out for these:
- Paying in the wrong way: the investment must be transferred through the banking system with proper documentation. Cash payments or transfers through third parties can make the investment ineligible.
- Undervalued title deeds: the price on the title deed and the official valuation report must support the qualifying amount.
- Buying from a previous citizenship applicant: property already used for a citizenship application may not qualify again, so check its history.
- Missing the commitment annotation: the title deed must carry the official note that you will not sell the property for three years.
- Incomplete documents: untranslated or unapostilled birth and marriage certificates are a frequent cause of requests for further information.
Working with an independent lawyer, rather than relying only on the seller’s agent, is the simplest way to avoid these problems.
Life After Receiving Turkish Citizenship
Once approved, you receive a Turkish ID card and can apply for a Turkish passport. As a citizen you can live, work and do business in Turkey without residence or work permits, use public services and enrol your children in local schools. If you plan to run a business, our guide on how to start a company in Turkey explains the main steps.
Citizenship also brings obligations. Turkish male citizens may have military service obligations, with special arrangements for citizens living abroad, so men and parents of sons should look into this before applying. You should also consider tax residency rules in Turkey and in your current country. Citizenship and tax laws change, so confirm the latest rules with official sources or a licensed professional before you invest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in Turkey to get citizenship by investment?
No minimum residence period is required before applying under the investment route, although you must complete the residence permit step.
Can I sell the property after receiving citizenship?
Only after the 3-year holding period noted on the title deed.
Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
Turkey allows dual citizenship, but your home country may not. Check your own country’s rules first.
How long does the process take?
Usually several months from the investment to receiving passports, depending on document preparation and official processing.
Can I combine several properties to reach the $400,000 threshold?
Generally yes. You can buy more than one property as long as their combined value meets the minimum and every title deed carries the three-year no-sale annotation. Each purchase must also be supported by valuation reports and bank transfer records.
Can my adult children be included in my application?
Only your spouse and children under 18 are included automatically. Adult children usually need to qualify through their own application, so plan ahead if your children are close to 18.
Do I need to speak Turkish to get citizenship by investment?
No. There is no Turkish language test for the investment route. Learning some Turkish is still helpful if you plan to spend time in the country.
Related guides
- Moving to Turkey: The Checklist
- Health Tourism in Turkey
- Property Purchase Services
