Why Investors Choose Turkish Citizenship
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment opens up significant opportunities for business people, investors with families, and those seeking a second passport with global mobility.
Key Benefits
Visa-Free Travel
A Turkish passport grants visa-free access to 120+ countries, including destinations in Europe, South America, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Eligibility for the US E-2 Investor Visa
Turkish citizens are eligible to apply for the E-2 Visa—one of the most convenient relocation options for entrepreneurs. It grants the right to live, work, and develop a business in the USA, with the possibility of renewal.
Long-Term US Visas
A Turkish passport simplifies the process of obtaining B-1/B-2 visitor visas valid for up to 10 years.
Simplified Application Process
There are no residency requirements, language exams, or mandatory interviews.
Citizenship for the Whole Family
The spouse and children under 18 also receive passports.
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Turkey allows you to keep your current citizenship (if your home country permits).
Return on Investment (ROI)
Real estate, bonds, fund shares, or company stakes can be sold after just 3 years.
Inheritable Status
Children automatically inherit all rights of Turkish citizenship.
Access to Healthcare and Education
Public clinics provide free healthcare, and university tuition starts from as low as $300 per year.
Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship
The program offers five investment routes. All are officially regulated by the Turkish government and grant the right to a passport upon meeting minimum requirements.
|
Investment Route |
Min. Amount |
Conditions |
|
Real Estate Purchase |
$400,000 |
Cannot sell for 3 years |
|
Job Creation (50 Turkish employees) |
No limit |
Maintain employment for 3 years |
|
Bank Deposit |
$500,000 |
Funds blocked for 3 years |
|
Government Bonds |
$500,000 |
Cannot sell for 3 years |
|
Venture Capital or Real Estate Funds |
$500,000 |
Hold shares for 3 years |
Each option grants the investor the right to citizenship, provided all requirements are met and financial transactions are verified by Turkish government agencies.
Capital Investment in a Turkish Company
For entrepreneurs looking to expand internationally, Turkey offers a citizenship route via a capital injection of at least $500,000 into a Turkish enterprise.
Conditions:
-
Investment must be confirmed by a valuation report. -
Minimum holding period for the asset is 3 years. -
The transaction is monitored by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. -
Applicable to manufacturing, service, and technology companies.
This path is ideal for those viewing Turkey as a hub for long-term business.
Real Estate Investment: The Most Popular Choice
The most sought-after option is real estate investment starting from $400,000. This can include:
-
Residential apartments -
Villas and private homes -
Commercial properties -
Land plots with building permits
Key Conditions:
-
Property cannot be sold for 3 years. -
Must be purchased from a Turkish owner/developer. -
Fractional ownership is not allowed—must be 100% ownership. -
Property must have a correctly issued Title Deed (TAPU). -
Value must be confirmed by an independent appraisal.
This option combines capital preservation, high market demand, and the potential for rental income.
Job Creation
If an investor establishes a business in Turkey and hires at least 50 employees, they are eligible to apply for citizenship.
This option:
-
Does not require a specific minimum investment amount. -
Is suitable for large entrepreneurs and investment companies. -
Is monitored by the Ministry of Labor.
Bank Deposit in Turkey
A conservative option involving a deposit of $500,000 into a Turkish bank.
Features:
-
Money is blocked for 3 years. -
Deposit can be split across multiple banks. -
Investor earns interest income. -
Controlled by the BRSA (Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency).
This preserves capital liquidity while generating passive income.
Government Bond Investment
Another low-risk option is purchasing government bonds worth at least $500,000.
Conditions:
-
Cannot sell for 3 years. -
Investments are made in Lira at the current exchange rate. -
Transactions are monitored by the Ministry of Finance.
Suitable for those who prefer government-backed guarantees.
Investment in Venture Capital & Real Estate Funds
Investments of $500,000 grant access to real estate investment funds (REIFs) or innovative venture capital projects.
Advantages:
-
Professional asset management. -
Potentially high yields. -
No need for operational involvement.
Requirements for Turkish Citizenship
The Main Applicant must:
-
Be over 18 years old. -
Have proof of income/funds. -
Have no criminal record. -
Have no serious communicable diseases.
Citizenship extends to:
-
Spouse. -
Children under 18.
Applicants from a limited list of restricted countries (e.g., Syria, North Korea) are currently not eligible.
Additional Costs:
-
State fees — from $574 per person. -
Property purchase taxes and fees — from $14,000. -
Translation and notarization of documents.
Required Documents
The basic checklist includes:
-
Application form. -
Passport translation. -
Birth and Marriage certificates. -
Passports of all family members. -
4 biometric photos. -
Police Clearance Certificate. -
Proof of address. -
Receipt of state fee payment.
Additional documents depend on the chosen route:
-
Real Estate: Appraisal report, Title Deed (TAPU), bank receipts. -
Funds: MKK number, proof of share purchase. -
Business: Employee records, tax filings.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Preliminary Check (1 Day)
Risk assessment and applicant background check.
2. Document Preparation (2–4 Weeks)
Translations, notarizations, and form filling.
3. Investment Selection & Purchase (Concurrent)
Legal due diligence and closing the deal.
4. Property Registration (Up to 6 Weeks)
Obtaining the Title Deed (TAPU) and Certificate of Conformity.
5. Residence Permit & Citizenship Application (Up to 4 Weeks)
Submitting the application through the migration office.
6. Government Review & Due Diligence (3–4 Months)
Inter-agency background checks.
7. Passport Issuance (From 2 Days)
Receiving your Turkish ID Card (Kimlik) and Passport.

