Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026

Quick answer: Foreign nationals can obtain Turkish citizenship by investment through a USD 400,000 real-estate purchase (held 3 years), a USD 500,000 fixed capital or bank deposit, or by creating employment for 50 people. Applications are filed with the Turkish authorities after a residence/investment certificate is issued.

Investment routes at a glance

The most common route is real estate valued at least USD 400,000, confirmed by an official valuation report and kept for a minimum of three years with an annotation at the land registry. Alternative routes include a fixed capital contribution of USD 500,000, a bank deposit of USD 500,000 held for three years, government-bond or investment-fund holdings, or employing at least 50 Turkish workers.

Step-by-step process

The typical sequence is: obtain a tax number, open a Turkish bank account, complete the qualifying investment through official banking channels, secure the Certificate of Conformity from the relevant ministry, apply for a short-term residence permit, and then submit the citizenship application. Spouses and children under 18 are generally included in the same file.

Documents and common pitfalls

You will need a valuation report from an authorised firm, bank receipts showing the transfer in foreign currency, the title deed with the three-year restriction annotated, apostilled and translated civil-status documents, and biometric photos. A frequent mistake is transferring funds outside the required banking route, which can invalidate the application. Legal review before purchase is strongly advised.

Investment Thresholds in 2026

The most common route is buying real estate worth at least USD 400,000, confirmed by a licensed valuation report and held for three years with an annotation on the title deed. Alternatives include a USD 500,000 fixed-capital contribution, a three-year bank deposit or government bonds of USD 500,000, or creating employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens. Currency transfers must be documented through official banking channels in the applicant’s own name.

Legal Basis and Competent Authorities

Turkish citizenship procedures are governed by Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and its implementing regulation. Applications are assessed by the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality. Applications from abroad are filed through Turkish consulates, while those inside Türkiye are filed through provincial civil registration offices. Foreign nationals handling their files in Istanbul often work with a citizenship lawyer to keep the file complete and on schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How long does citizenship by investment take?

After the investment and Certificate of Conformity, the process commonly takes several months, though timelines vary with file completeness and workload at the authorities.

Can I sell the property after receiving citizenship?

The qualifying property must be held for three years with a land-registry annotation. Selling earlier can jeopardise the citizenship granted on that basis.

Are family members included?

A spouse and children under 18 are generally included in the same application, subject to document requirements.

Do I need to reside in Turkey?

The investment route does not require prior long-term residence, unlike the ordinary five-year residence path.

➤ Turkish citizenship by marriage — detailed guide

Which Investment Route Fits Your Situation?

Turkish citizenship by investment can be obtained through several routes, and the right one depends on your goals and liquidity. Real estate purchase of the required minimum value is the most common path because the asset can later be sold after the holding period. A fixed capital contribution, a bank deposit held for the required term, or government bond purchases are alternatives for applicants who prefer not to manage property. Job creation for a set number of Turkish employees suits active business investors. Each route carries its own documentation, valuation, and holding-period rules, so matching the route to your financial profile early prevents delays later.

Protecting the Investment Threshold Against Currency Swings

Because the minimum investment amount is defined in US dollars while purchases are often completed in Turkish lira, exchange-rate movement between signing and valuation can push a transaction below the threshold. The valuation report and the Central Bank’s effective rate on the transaction date are used to confirm compliance. Buyers commonly build a modest buffer above the minimum to absorb fluctuation, and they align the payment, valuation, and application dates carefully. Keeping bank receipts, the appraisal report, and transfer records consistent is essential, because any gap between the recorded value and the required amount can lead to a request for correction.

Can I sell the property after obtaining citizenship?

Real estate acquired for citizenship must be held for the mandatory retention period, during which an annotation preventing sale is recorded on the title. After that period ends the property may be sold freely, and citizenship already granted is not affected by a later sale. Selling before the period ends can jeopardize the status.

Does my family gain citizenship through my investment?

A single qualifying investment can generally extend to the main applicant’s spouse and dependent children, allowing the family to apply together. Documentation proving the marriage and the children’s dependency is required. The investment threshold applies once to the principal applicant rather than per family member.