Obtaining Turkish Citizenship by Property Investment

Obtaining Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying real estate investment is one of the most popular paths for foreign investors. This program offers the investor and their family full citizenship rights in exchange for certain conditions, while also providing an opportunity to invest in Turkey's dynamic real estate market. In this article, we summarize the basic steps of the process, the legal requirements, and the critical points you need to consider.

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (TCBI) program is based on Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship and its related regulations. The process consists of a series of legal and administrative steps, from property selection to the delivery of the passport. The dynamic nature of the program's rules, which can change over time, highlights the importance of managing the process with professional legal guidance from the very beginning.

What are the Basic Investment Requirements?

At the heart of the program is a real estate investment that meets specific financial and qualitative criteria. These criteria are as follows:

• Minimum Investment Value: The total value of one or more real estate properties to be purchased must be at least $400,000 USD.
• Mandatory Foreign Exchange Sale: The foreign currency for the investment must be sold to a bank in Turkey, and a "Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate" (DAB) must be obtained.
• Eligible Property Type: The investment must be in properties with established "condominium ownership" or on land with a licensed structure.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The citizenship application process consists of sequential steps that must be followed carefully, where each step is a prerequisite for the next:

1. Preliminary Preparation: Obtain a Tax ID Number and open a Turkish bank account.
2. Property Acquisition: Select a suitable property, conduct due diligence, and obtain an appraisal report. Complete the title deed transfer.
3. "Cannot Be Sold for 3 Years" Annotation: A mandatory annotation is added to the title deed record stating the property cannot be sold for three years.
4. Certificate of Conformity and Residence Permit: Obtain a "Certificate of Conformity" and then apply for a special short-term residence permit.
5. Final Citizenship Application: Submit the final application file to the Directorate of Civil Registration and Nationality.

Strategic Advantages of the Program

This program offers investors more than just property ownership. The main advantages are:

• Global Mobility: The Turkish passport allows visa-free travel to over 110 countries.
• USA E-2 Investor Visa: Turkey's E-2 treaty with the USA allows Turkish citizens to apply for this investor visa.
• Full Citizenship Rights: The acquired citizenship is valid for life and includes all rights.
• Family Inclusion: The main applicant, their spouse, and dependent children under 18 are included.