Turkish Citizenship by Investment: How It Works, Step by Step

Türkiye offers citizenship to foreigners who make a qualifying investment. It's one of the best-known programmes of its kind, and the real estate route is by far the most used. Here's how it works and what to check before you commit.

Rules and thresholds change. Treat this guide as an overview and confirm the current requirements with official sources or a licensed lawyer before you invest.

The investment routes

Turkish law lists several ways to qualify. The thresholds most often quoted are:

Spouses and children under 18 can usually be included in the same application.

How the real estate route works

1. Choose the property. It must be valued by a licensed appraiser, and the official valuation, not just the sale price, has to meet the threshold.
2. Pay through a bank. Funds are transferred and converted through a Turkish bank, with records that prove the payment.
3. Register the title deed (tapu) with a restriction stating the property won't be sold for three years.
4. Get a certificate of conformity confirming the investment qualifies.
5. Apply for a residence permit, then citizenship. The application is reviewed by the authorities, including security checks.

Processing times vary, so plan for several months from purchase to passport.

Documents you'll typically need

• Valid passport and birth certificate (translated and apostilled or legalised)
• Marriage certificate for a spouse, birth certificates for children
• Photos and proof of address
• Title deed, valuation report and bank payment records

Mistakes to avoid

• Overpaying for a valuation that won't hold. Check the official valuation before you sign.
• Buying property that doesn't qualify, for example one already used in another citizenship application.
• Skipping due diligence on the title, debts and building permits.
• Unclear contracts with developers for off-plan projects.

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