How to get Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
Gaining Turkey citizenship by investment is one of the most streamlined and effective ways for international investors to secure a second passport. By committing a qualifying investment, starting at $400,000, you and your family can transition to full citizenship in approximately 6 to 9 months.
This program is uniquely family-centric, allowing the main applicant to include a spouse and all children under 18 within a single application. At Ausiaid, we provide a human-first approach, blending expert legal counsel with local real estate market intelligence to ensure your journey is not just a transaction, but a secure legacy for your family.
Top Investment Pathways for 2025
1. Real Estate Investment
The most popular route involves purchasing Turkish property with a total value of at least $400,000. This can be a single luxury villa or a portfolio of urban apartments.
- Asset Security: You hold a tangible, appreciating asset in a booming market.
- Holding Period: The property must be kept for just 3 years, after which you are free to sell while retaining your citizenship.
- Income Potential: Many investors choose to rent out their properties, generating a steady ROI in foreign-friendly currency.
2. Capital & Banking Alternatives
For those who prefer liquidity, Turkey offers several non-real estate options, typically requiring a $500,000 commitment for a 3-year term:
- Bank Deposits: Keep funds in a Turkish bank (converted via the Central Bank’s exchange protocol).
- Government Bonds: Invest in state-backed securities for a low-risk, stable return.
- Job Creation: Launch a business that provides at least 50 full-time roles for Turkish citizens.
The Best Ways to Obtain Turkish Citizenship & Passport
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Conditions |
| Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate | $400,000 | Purchase property and hold it for at least 3 years |
| Turkish Citizenship by Bank Deposit | $500,000 | Deposit in a Turkish bank for a minimum of 3 years |
| Government Bonds | $500,000 | Buy and hold government bonds for at least 3 years |
| Job-Creating Business | — | Establish a company that employs at least 50 Turkish citizens |
| Fixed Capital Investment | $500,000 | Approved by Ministry of Industry and Technology |
| Real Estate/Venture Capital Fund | $500,000 | Invest and hold fund shares for at least 3 years |
Main Criteria for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship
To be eligible for citizenship in Turkey, applicants are required to fulfill the following criteria:
- A minimum investment of USD 400,000 (real estate option)
- A holding period of 3 years for the investment
- A clean criminal record and security clearance
- A property valuation report approved by the government
- A Certificate of Conformity issued by Turkish authorities
- A short-term investor residence permit
Citizens from the majority of countries can apply. However, individuals from Armenia, Cuba, North Korea, and Syria may face restrictions according to Turkish law.
How to Apply: Step by Step
1. Opening a Turkish Bank Account
Secure a personal tax identification number to establish a local banking profile for all investment activities. This account acts as the mandatory gateway for your capital and the payment of official processing fees.
2. Property Selection with Approved Projects
Identify real estate assets valued at no less than $400,000 within government-sanctioned developments. A state-certified appraiser must then validate that the market value aligns with the legal threshold for citizenship.
3. Fund Transfer to Turkey
Remit your investment funds to your Turkish account and immediately obtain a Currency Exchange Certificate (DAB) from the Central Bank. This step is critical as it legally converts your foreign capital into Turkish Lira for the transaction.
4. Completion of Property Purchase
Formalize the ownership transfer at the Land Registry, where a three-year “no-sale” restriction is legally attached to the title deed. This annotation serves as proof of your commitment to maintaining the investment.
5. Obtaining Certificate of Conformity
Relevant ministries review your investment data and appraisal to confirm they meet all current legislative standards. Upon approval, you receive a formal attestation that authorizes you to proceed with the migration stage.
6. Document Preparation & Legalization
Gather and apostille vital records, such as birth and marriage certificates, ensuring they are notarized by Turkish authorities. All foreign-language paperwork must be professionally translated to be recognized by the Ministry of Interior.
7. Investor Residence Permit Application
Secure a specific short-term residency status designed for high-value investors and their immediate family. This permit provides legal standing in the country while your naturalization request is being processed.
8. Submission of Citizenship Application
File your comprehensive dossier with the Provincial Census Directorate to initiate the transition to Turkish nationality. This stage includes all primary applicants and eligible dependents under the age of 18.
9. Background Check
Government security agencies, including intelligence and police forces, conduct a rigorous multi-month audit of the applicant’s history. This ensures that every new citizen meets Turkey’s national security and public order protocols.
10. Issuance of Turkish Passport and ID Card
Once the President grants final approval, you will visit a civil registry office to provide biometric data and fingerprints. Your official Turkish identity cards and passports are then generated and delivered within a single business day.
Both the main applicant and spouse must be physically present in Turkey for fingerprinting during the residence permit and citizenship application stage.
Real Estate Market Overview in Turkey (2025)
| City | Avg Price/m² (City Center) | Avg Price/m² (Outside Center) |
| Istanbul | USD 1,501 | USD 1,151 |
| Izmir | USD 1,218 | USD 950 |
| Antalya | USD 1,197 | USD 950 |
| Ankara | USD 798 | USD 650 |
| National Average | USD 939 | USD 780 |
Average Rental Yields:
- Istanbul: ~7.3%
- Ankara: ~8.3%
- Izmir: ~7.1%
- Antalya: ~5.7%
Here is a unique, plagiarism-free version of the required documentation list, rephrased for professional clarity and technical accuracy.
Essential Documentation for Turkish Nationality
- Official Naturalization Request (VAT-4): A signed and completed petition form specifically designated for citizenship by investment applications.
- Certified Travel Documents: A valid international passport accompanied by a notarized translation performed by a sworn Turkish translator.
- Vital Statistics Records: Original birth certificates or official household registry extracts that verify the identity and parentage of all applicants.
- Civil Status Evidence: A legalized marriage license, divorce decree, or single-status certificate to define the family’s legal structure.
- Global Background Clearance: A formal police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country proving a clean criminal history.
- Investment Approval Letter: The “Certificate of Conformity” issued by the Ministry, confirming your $400,000+ investment meets all legal criteria.
- Investor-Specific Residency Card: A copy of the valid “Type J” residence permit issued specifically for the duration of the investment process.
- Biometric Identity Portraits: Recent high-resolution photographs that comply with ICAO standards for biometric ID cards and passports.
- Receipts of Statutory Dues: Verified bank vouchers or treasury receipts confirming the settlement of all government application and processing fees.
- Lineage Verification (Family Book): An official document or family certificate required if surnames differ between spouses or children to confirm kinship.
Advantages of Turkish Citizenship • Permanent Turkish citizenship • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to more than 110 countries • Qualification for dual citizenship • No minimum residency obligation • Access to healthcare and education in Turkey • Robust returns on real estate investments • Citizenship can be inherited by future offspring
FAQ
- What are the primary advantages of Turkish nationality? Acquiring a Turkish passport enhances your global travel freedom, secures your assets in a growing market, and provides a stable, long-term foundation for your family’s future.
- Is it possible to retain my original nationality? Absolutely. Turkish law fully recognizes dual citizenship, allowing you to maintain your current passport alongside your new Turkish one without conflict.
- Am I obligated to live in Turkey once I become a citizen? There are no physical residency requirements. You are free to live anywhere in the world while enjoying the full rights of a Turkish citizen.
- When am I allowed to liquidate my real estate investment? You are permitted to divest and sell your property once the mandatory three-year holding period—marked on your title deed—has concluded.
- What are the rules regarding compulsory military service? Applicants who acquire citizenship after the age of 22 are typically exempt. Those who are younger may be eligible for an exemption through a specific payment or by proving prior service in their home country.
Why Choose Ausiaid for Your Transition?
Ausiaid provides an end-to-end white-glove service for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program, encompassing:
Post-Investment Support: Offering professional property management to ensure your investment remains profitable.
Strategic Asset Sourcing: Identifying high-yield, government-vetted real estate opportunities.
Legal Safeguarding: Managing all contract negotiations and conducting rigorous title deed due diligence.
Financial Onboarding: Streamlining the acquisition of tax identifiers and the setup of local banking facilities.
Administrative Oversight: Handling the entire lifecycle of residence permits and naturalization filings.
Get the best legal assistance for your Turkish Citizenship & Passport
HAMITCAN EKŞI
Lawyer, Union of TurkishBars
Bar Reg. No 52232
