Türkiye citizenship by investment:
a direct route to a second passport
Türkiye grants citizenship to foreign investors who make a qualifying investment in the country. The program (originally referred to as the Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program) was established in 2017 to attract foreign investment, and it remains one of the few routes worldwide that leads to a passport rather than a residence permit. There is no requirement to live in Türkiye, no language test, and family members are included in the same application.
The country pairs a long history with modern life across its coastline, cities, and archaeological sites, sitting where Europe, Asia, and the Middle East meet. For an internationally mobile family, it offers a straightforward second citizenship and a base with strong air links to the rest of the world.
A qualifying investment with genuine flexibility
You become a Turkish citizen by directing capital into one of several approved routes. The right choice depends on your goals and how you want to hold the capital.
Real estate stays the most popular option because it combines the investment with a tangible asset. You can rent the property during the three-year holding period, and once the period ends you are free to sell without affecting your citizenship. There is CGT applicable if you sell after 3 years, and no CGT if you sell after 5 years.
$400,000
Real estate: purchase property worth at least USD 400,000 from an approved source, held for a minimum of three years. This is the route most applicants choose.
$500,000
Bank deposit: place at least USD 500,000 in a Turkish bank, held for three years.
$500,000
Fixed capital: contribute at least USD 500,000 into a Turkish business.
$500,000
Investment fund: hold at least USD 500,000 in an approved real estate or venture capital fund for three years.
50
Job creation: create employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens.
Who can be included?
A single application can include your immediate family:
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Spouse or legal partner.
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Dependent children under 18.
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Dependent children of any age with disabilities.
Citizenship granted to the main applicant extends to include family members and passes on by descent.
Key advantages of Turkish citizenship
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Direct citizenship. A Turkish citizenship for you and your family, not a residence permit that later converts.
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No residence requirement. You do not need to live in Türkiye before or after applying, and there is no language test. A short visit to Türkiye is required during the process to complete biometrics for you and your spouse.
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Investment recovery potential. The real estate route allows you to sell the property after the three-year holding period.
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Global mobility. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 110 countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.
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US E-2 visa access. Eligibility to apply for a US E-2 Investor Visa after being domiciled in Türkiye for three years. Türkiye has a 5 year renewal E2 visa treaty with the USA
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Dual citizenship. Türkiye permits dual citizenship, so there is no need to give up your current citizenship
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Family legacy. Citizenship is permanent and passes to future generations.
Tax residency and environment
Acquiring Turkish citizenship does not make you a Turkish tax resident. Residency is assessed separately, and you generally become tax resident only if you spend more than 183 days a year in the country. Non-resident citizens are taxed only on Turkish-sourced income, such as rent from a property you own.
Property purchases carry a transfer tax and modest annual property taxes. Because your position depends on your circumstances and the route you choose, we recommend reviewing it with a qualified tax adviser before you commit.
How does it work?
Applicants must be at least 18 and meet the due diligence requirements. Required documents include the property title deed where relevant, power of attorney, certified copies of passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, national ID cards, a clean criminal record, and biometric photographs.
1
Initial due diligence and eligibility review.
2
Client agreement signed and retainer paid.
3
Client opens a bank account in Türkiye.
4
Client completes the qualifying investment.
5
Client and spouse visit Türkiyeto submit biometrics for both residence and citizenship .
6
Application submitted to the Turkish government.
7
Government due diligence checks.
8
Citizenship approved and passport applications submitted.
Consider Türkiye as your next step
Türkiye offers a direct, flexible, and comparatively cost-effective route to a second passport, with real estate or a fund investment as the most popular options and no obligation to relocate. It suits families who want mobility, optionality, and a foothold across two continents.
Book a private consultation to review your eligibility and the route best suited to your goals.