Türkiye has become one of the most attractive jurisdictions in the world for investors seeking a second passport. The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program offers a fast-track, legally secure, and government-backed route to acquiring Turkish nationality through qualified investments. With its strategic geographic location, strong real estate market, developed banking system, and access to global markets, Türkiye provides both financial and personal advantages to international investors.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we provide end-to-end legal representation for foreign clients seeking citizenship under the Turkish investment scheme. This comprehensive guide explains How to Get Turkish Citizenship by Investment, outlines the legal framework, and highlights critical compliance issues every investor must consider.
The Legal Framework of Citizenship by Investment Turkey
The Citizenship by Investment Turkey program is regulated under Article 20 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. The program allows foreign nationals to acquire Turkish citizenship by making one of several qualifying investments, subject to official verification and governmental approval.
All applications are reviewed by the Ministry of Interior following certification from the relevant governmental authority (such as the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency, or the Ministry of Industry and Technology). The process is administrative but requires strict procedural accuracy and documentary compliance.
Errors in structuring the investment or filing the application may result in rejection or significant delays. Therefore, professional legal oversight is not optional—it is essential.
Investment Options Under Turkish Citizenship by Investment
To qualify for Turkish Citizenship by Investment, applicants must complete one of the legally recognized investment categories:
Real Estate Investment
The most common route is the purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 400,000. The property must be retained for at least three years, and an official annotation restricting sale must be registered with the Land Registry.
Legal due diligence is critically important. Title deed restrictions, zoning compliance, construction permits, encumbrances, and valuation accuracy must all be carefully reviewed before purchase.
Bank Deposit
A foreign investor may deposit a minimum of USD 500,000 into a Turkish bank, with a commitment not to withdraw funds for at least three years.
Capital Investment
An investment of at least USD 500,000 in fixed capital, certified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, also qualifies.
Government Bonds or Investment Funds
Investments in government debt instruments or real estate investment funds meeting the minimum threshold may qualify under specific regulatory approvals.
Each investment category has distinct procedural steps and certification requirements. Choosing the correct route depends on the investor’s financial strategy and long-term objectives.
How to Get Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Step-by-Step Legal Process
Understanding How to Get Turkish Citizenship by Investment requires clarity on the procedural structure. While the program is marketed as straightforward, in practice it involves multiple coordinated stages.
1. Pre-Investment Legal Structuring
Before any funds are transferred, legal counsel should review:
Compliance with current investment thresholds
Source of funds documentation
Tax implications
Cross-border financial transfer regulations
2. Completion of the Qualifying Investment
The investment must be completed in accordance with official procedures. For example, in real estate acquisitions, valuation reports must be obtained from licensed appraisers approved by the Capital Markets Board.
3. Certificate of Eligibility
The relevant ministry issues a Certificate of Conformity confirming that the investment meets statutory requirements.
4. Residence Permit Application
Applicants must first obtain a short-term residence permit as part of the citizenship procedure.
5. Citizenship Application Filing
The final application is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. Background and security checks are conducted before final approval by presidential decision.
When properly managed, the process typically takes between 4 to 8 months.
Key Legal Risks and Compliance Issues
Although the Citizenship by Investment Turkey program is legally regulated and government-backed, risks arise primarily from improper structuring and unqualified intermediaries.
Common legal pitfalls include:
Overvaluation of real estate
Purchasing properties with legal encumbrances
Improper annotation of the three-year holding restriction
Failure to document lawful source of funds
Incomplete or inconsistent application files
Foreign investors should avoid relying solely on real estate agents or financial brokers. Citizenship is a sovereign legal status, not merely a commercial transaction. Every stage must be supervised by an experienced immigration lawyer in Türkiye.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Acquiring Turkish Citizenship by Investment provides significant advantages:
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries
Eligibility for the E-2 Investor Visa in the United States (subject to U.S. approval)
Full family inclusion (spouse and children under 18)
No mandatory residence requirement
No language proficiency test
Dual citizenship permitted under Turkish law
Additionally, Turkish citizens enjoy full constitutional rights, including property ownership without restrictions and access to Türkiye’s healthcare and education systems.
Why Legal Representation Is Essential
The Turkish citizenship framework is administrative in nature but legally technical in execution. A minor procedural error can jeopardize an otherwise eligible application.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we provide:
Comprehensive legal due diligence
Investment structuring guidance
Direct coordination with government authorities
Preparation and submission of all application documents
Representation throughout the approval process
We act exclusively in our clients’ legal interests, ensuring compliance, transparency, and long-term security.
Bayraktar Attorneys provides expert legal representation to foreign investors seeking secure and compliant access to the Citizenship by Investment Turkey program. Our team ensures that your investment is protected, your application is properly structured, and your citizenship process proceeds smoothly from start to finish.
