Secure Your Future via Turkish Citizenship By Investment.
Introduction
Turkish citizenship by investment is considered one of the most attractive citizenship programs for investors worldwide, thanks to the multiple advantages it offers, such as visa-free travel, the right to reside, work, and study, and access to an advanced healthcare and education system in a country that bridges Asia and Europe.
With recent legal updates, Turkey has become one of the fastest and most transparent countries granting citizenship in return for investment especially through real estate investment, which is preferred by most investors as it provides tangible assets alongside citizenship.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover Turkish citizenship by investment from all key angles: eligible investment options, precise requirements, how to ensure your application is approved, and the mistakes to avoid to guarantee a smooth and successful process. This guide is based on current regulations for 2026 and beyond.
What Is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
Turkish citizenship by investment is a government program that allows foreign investors to obtain Turkish citizenship in exchange for making a specific financial investment in Turkey, provided that certain legal requirements are met. Eligible investments may include:
- Real estate investment
- Depositing funds in a Turkish bank
- Purchasing government bonds
- Investing in fixed capital
- Establishing companies and creating jobs
- Participating in approved investment funds
Turkish law requires that the investment meets minimum value thresholds and is held for a legally defined period before any restrictions can be lifted.
What Investment Methods Qualify for Turkish Citizenship?
There are several investment routes through which an investor can obtain Turkish citizenship, each with its own conditions and advantages:
1. Real Estate Investment (Most Common)
You must purchase one or more properties with a total value of at least USD 400,000 or the equivalent in Turkish Lira.
The property must be registered in the investor’s name and may include residential apartments, villas, or commercial properties, provided that the true market value is reflected in the valuation report.
The law requires a No-Sale Restriction to be placed on the property for three years from the date of registration. During this period, the investor may rent out the property and generate rental income without affecting citizenship eligibility.
Note: All types of land are not eligible for applying for Turkish citizenship.
2. Bank Deposit
You may deposit a minimum of USD 500,000 in a Turkish bank, with a commitment not to withdraw the funds for three years.
3. Purchasing Government Bonds or Financial Instruments
Purchasing Turkish government bonds or state-backed investment instruments worth USD 500,000 or more, with a three-year holding commitment.
4. Fixed Capital Investment
Investing USD 500,000 or more in a Turkish company, with certification and approval from the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
5. Establishing a Company and Creating Jobs
Establishing a commercial or industrial business that provides employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens, certified by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services.
Conditions to Ensure Approval of Turkish Citizenship by Investment
To successfully secure approval for Turkish citizenship by investment, the following key conditions must be met precisely:
1. Meeting the Minimum Investment Amount
- Real estate: a fixed minimum of USD 400,000—properties below this value are not accepted.
- Other investment options: generally a minimum of USD 500,000, depending on the investment type.
2. Approved Property Valuation Report
An official valuation report must be obtained from a licensed valuation company, confirming that the market value of the property meets or exceeds legal requirements.
3. No Debts or Legal Encumbrances on the Property
The property must be free of debts, mortgages, or ownership disputes, and must be purchased directly from authorized individuals or companies.
4. Holding the Investment for Three Years
Whether the investment is real estate, a bank deposit, or bonds, it must not be sold, transferred, or withdrawn before the end of the three-year period.
5. Clean Criminal Record and Security Clearance
Applicants must submit a clean criminal record and must not pose any security risk to Turkey. This is reviewed during the application process.
Steps to Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
The citizenship process is completed through a structured series of steps that ensure proper and lawful approval:
1. Choosing the Appropriate Real Estate Investment
The most common and straightforward option is purchasing real estate worth at least USD 400,000.
2. Preparing the Property Valuation Report
This report proves the true market value of the property and must be issued by a licensed institution.
3. Bank Registration and Legal Transfer of Funds
Transfer the amount via an official transfer to a certified Turkish bank and obtain a foreign currency exchange certificate proving lawful transfer and conversion based on the Central Bank rate.
4. Title Deed (Tapu) Registration
Complete the title deed registration at the Land Registry Office, including the three-year no-sale restriction.
5. Submitting the Citizenship Application Through Official Authorities
- Submission of the investment file
- Attaching the valuation report
- Providing translated and notarized personal documents
- Completing the process at the Land Registry or relevant government office
6. Legal Follow-Up and Security Review
This stage includes security checks, background review, and passport issuance procedures after approval.
Practical Tips to Ensure Turkish Citizenship Approval
To increase the chances of approval without complications, consider the following:
- Rely on a professional legal and real estate company to ensure full compliance.
- Avoid purchasing ineligible projects or properties without an approved valuation report.
- Ensure all documents are legally translated and notarized.
- Follow up continuously and respond promptly to any official requests.
What Is the New Turkish Naturalization Law?
In recent years, Turkish naturalization law has undergone major updates aimed at regulating citizenship grants to foreigners and encouraging foreign direct investment while maintaining economic and security balance. Turkish citizenship by investment is one of the most significant of these updates, providing a clear legal framework defining conditions, investment values, and approved procedures.
Under the current law, foreigners may apply for Turkish citizenship without long-term residency requirements, provided they make an eligible, state-approved investment and commit not to selling or withdrawing it for three years. The law includes multiple investment routes, most notably real estate investment, which is the most widely used.
The new law also emphasizes several key points:
- Mandatory official property valuation to ensure realistic pricing
- Exclusive reliance on formal bank transfers, prohibiting cash payments
- Legal and security screening of all applications
- Unified follow-up procedures through government electronic systems
These amendments have made the Turkish citizenship program more transparent and less prone to errors, while increasing the importance of working with specialized companies such as Al Hafez Real Estate to ensure full compliance and avoid rejection or delays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Citizenship by Investment
What Is the Minimum Investment Required to Obtain Turkish Citizenship?
The official minimum for real estate investment is USD 400,000, calculated based on an officially approved valuation report.
For other investment routes such as bank deposits or business investment, the minimum generally starts from USD 500,000, depending on the type.
Can I Obtain Citizenship If I Buy a House in Turkey?
Yes, provided that:
- The property value meets the minimum required threshold
- The property is legally eligible for the citizenship program
- The property is registered in the investor’s name with a three-year no-sale commitment
- All legal procedures, including valuation and formal bank transfer, are completed
Here, the role of Al Hafez is crucial in ensuring the selected property is genuinely eligible for citizenship, not merely a standard residential property.
How Many Years Must I Live in Turkey to Obtain Citizenship?
Residency requirements depend on the naturalization method.
In traditional routes, long-term legal residence may be required, whereas the citizenship by investment program does not require living in Turkey for a specific number of years, nor permanent residence.
Through the solutions provided by Al Hafez Real Estate, investors can obtain citizenship within a relatively short period via the fastest and most legally straightforward investment route, without changing their lifestyle or relocating to Turkey.
What Are the Benefits of Holding a Turkish Passport?
A Turkish passport offers a wide range of advantages, including:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 110 countries
- Full rights of a Turkish citizen within the country
- Access to public healthcare and education systems
- The ability to work and establish businesses without restrictions
- Inclusion of a spouse and children under 18
- Easier access to certain international residency and visa programs, such as the U.S. investor visa
- The ability to hold Turkish citizenship alongside other nationalities, as Turkey allows dual and multiple citizenships
Beyond travel, Turkish citizenship represents a long-term strategic asset linked to a growing and income-generating real estate investment.
How Does Al Hafez Ensure the Fastest Path to Turkish Citizenship?
Al Hafez follows an integrated methodology that combines:
- Selecting guaranteed, citizenship-eligible properties
- A specialized legal team overseeing every stage
- Comprehensive document review before submission
- Close follow-up with official authorities until the final decision
This approach minimizes risk, saves time, and ensures the highest approval rates.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners are allowed to purchase real estate in Turkey under specific conditions, making it a core step in citizenship by investment programs.
How Much Does It Cost to Obtain Turkish Citizenship?
The minimum official cost via real estate investment is USD 400,000, in addition to extra expenses such as valuation, legal fees, and bank transfer costs.
Does Turkey Allow Triple Citizenship?
There is no maximum limit on the number of citizenships one may hold in Turkey, provided that the laws of the other countries also permit multiple citizenships.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Citizenship in Turkey?
The process is typically completed within approximately 3 to 6 months after submitting the application and completing the investment—faster than many other citizenship-by-investment programs worldwide.
Why Choose Al Hafez Real Estate for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
The journey to Turkish citizenship by investment is not a single transaction, but a series of legal, financial, and administrative procedures that require expertise and precision. At Al Hafez Real Estate, we offer:
Specialized Legal Team
Experienced lawyers and legal experts who manage every detail, from valuation to title deed registration.
Full Investment Management
From selecting citizenship-compliant properties to opening bank accounts and obtaining transfer certificates.
Trilingual Support
Document management and communication with authorities in the required languages to avoid errors.
Personalized Case Follow-Up
Dedicated follow-up for each client to ensure speed, accuracy, and timely responses to government authorities.
Conclusion
The Turkish citizenship by investment program offers an exceptional opportunity to obtain citizenship for you and your family through a secure and transparent investment—especially in real estate. With a clear understanding of requirements, obligations, and investment options, you can make the optimal decision to achieve your goals.
In cooperation with Al Hafez Real Estate, this opportunity becomes a clear, lawful, and profitable path toward a future in Turkey.
