Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Citizenship Application Through Investment

Is it possible to acquire Turkish citizenship by making an investment?
Which types of investments allow one to apply for Turkish citizenship in Turkey?
What is the minimum investment amount required for Turkish citizenship in Turkey?
How to acquire Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate in Turkey?
What are the conditions to acquire Turkish citizenship through a real estate investment of 400,000 USD in Turkey?
Can foreigners purchase real estate anywhere in Turkey?
Do those who want to obtain Turkish citizenship through investment need to obtain a residence permit in Turkey?
Can an application for Turkish citizenship be made by investing in bank deposits in Turkey?
Which banks in Turkey open suitable investment accounts for Turkish citizenship?
What documents are required to acquire Turkish citizenship by capital investment in Turkey?
How is the Turkish citizenship application made by investing in government bonds in Turkey?
Is it possible to acquire Turkish citizenship through real estate investment funds in Turkey?
If the immovable property or deposit is sold before the investment period ends in Turkey, is the citizenship canceled?
Where is the eligibility certificate for Turkish citizenship through investment obtained in Turkey?
Can the spouse and children living in Turkey be included in the Turkish citizenship application?
How long does the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship by investment take on average in Turkey?
Can foreigners who acquire Turkish citizenship obtain a second citizenship outside Turkey?
How is the security investigation conducted in Turkish citizenship applications in Turkey?
If the Turkish citizenship application is rejected, can the investment made in Turkey be refunded?
Is legal assistance mandatory in Turkish citizenship applications through investment in Turkey?
Which regions should those who want to acquire Turkish citizenship by investing in Izmir prefer?
Can someone living abroad apply for Turkish citizenship in Turkey by proxy?
Are real estates purchased without registration of title deed valid for Turkish citizenship applications in Turkey?
Up to what age can children of those who want to acquire Turkish citizenship by investing in Turkey be included?
Are foreigners who acquire Turkish citizenship obliged to obtain a work permit in Turkey?
Can the investment be withdrawn after citizenship is obtained through investment in Turkey?
Why is legal assistance important for those applying for citizenship by investment in Turkey?
Which foreign nationals can apply to acquire Turkish citizenship through investment in Turkey?

What is Turkish Citizenship Through Investment?

What does applying for Turkish citizenship through investment mean and who does it cover?

Turkish citizenship through investment is a special practice that allows foreign nationals who meet certain economic criteria to directly acquire Turkish citizenship. This practice was put into effect in 2017 with the aim of attracting qualified foreign investors to Turkey and increasing direct investments, and it has been expanded over time to become investor-friendly.

Regulated within the framework of the International Workforce Law No. 6735 and Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, this system enables foreign natural persons who invest through real estate purchase, capital investment, bank deposits, government bonds, investment fund participation, or creating employment for a specified number of people in Turkey to gain the right to apply for Turkish citizenship quickly and directly.

This practice not only covers individual investors but also their family members. The investor’s spouse and children under 18 years old can also gain the right to apply for Turkish citizenship. This makes the system very attractive in terms of family migration.

In this process, the applicant foreign national submits an application to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs of the Ministry of Interior by obtaining the necessary documents according to the type of investment. Applications are generally concluded within 3 to 6 months, and correct and complete applications ensure a rapid process.

Especially, obtaining support from expert legal consultants who provide services such as Turkey citizenship lawyer and Izmir citizenship application ensures a secure and error-free application process. Citizenship through investment is a strategic choice for individuals wishing to reside in Turkey as well as families aiming to benefit from global access, tax advantages, and educational opportunities.

What Are the Conditions for Turkish Citizenship Through Investment?

What conditions must be met to acquire Turkish citizenship by making an investment?

The legal conditions set for foreigners wishing to acquire Turkish citizenship through investment are clearly defined by Presidential Decree. These conditions require the applicant to contribute directly to the Turkish economy, maintain the investment for a specified period, and make the investment through legal means.

As of 2022, foreigners who choose one of the following methods may apply for Turkish citizenship:

Purchasing immovable property worth at least 400,000 US dollars and placing a restriction on sale in the land registry for 3 years.
Making a fixed capital investment of at least 500,000 US dollars, registered by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
Depositing at least 500,000 US dollars worth of foreign currency bank deposits in a bank operating in Turkey and keeping it in the account for at least 3 years.
Purchasing government bonds worth at least 500,000 US dollars and not disposing of them for at least 3 years.
Purchasing shares of investment funds or real estate investment funds worth at least 500,000 US dollars and not disposing of them for 3 years.
Providing employment to at least 50 Turkish citizens, with this employment verified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Only one of these investment types is sufficient; the applicant is not required to fulfill all. However, the source of the investment must be legal, provable with documents, and approved by official institutions.

In addition, investors must have a clean criminal record, pose no threat to public security, and not have any health conditions preventing citizenship. These conditions are evaluated together with the general provisions of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.

Because of the importance of making the investment properly and preparing documents completely, obtaining support from expert lawyers providing services such as Turkey citizenship lawyer or Karşıyaka citizenship application consultancy is very important. Otherwise, the process may be prolonged or the application may be rejected.

How to Acquire Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate Investment?

How much real estate investment is sufficient for Turkish citizenship application?

Foreign natural persons are granted the right to acquire Turkish citizenship in return for real estate investments meeting certain criteria. This process is executed by Presidential decree under Article 12 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and is considered under the category of exceptional citizenship.

According to current regulations, foreign investors gain the right to apply for Turkish citizenship if they purchase real estate worth at least 400,000 US dollars or its equivalent in foreign currency and place a restriction against sale on the property for at least three years. It is mandatory that, after the purchase, a compliance certificate is issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

However, this process is not as simple as a “400,000 USD real estate purchase.” Many administrative limitations, technical documents, land registry transactions, documentation of financial resources, accuracy of appraisal reports, and completeness of restrictions make the process complicated.

For example:

The property may consist of multiple immovables, but their total value must be considered as a single transaction and the land registry transaction must be completed on the same day. Deviation from this rule may invalidate the application.
If the immovable is located in a military prohibited zone, private security area, or a province exceeding the 10% foreign ownership limit, acquisition may be completely rejected.
If there is no building on the property, the investor must apply within two years for project development purposes.
A foreign exchange purchase document from the central bank must be issued during the purchase, and the payment must be made to the seller through the bank using proper methods.
During the application, many documents must be prepared, such as the immovable’s appraisal report to prove its market value, current municipal value, mandatory earthquake insurance (DASK), photographs, sworn translator documents, notarized papers, and necessary powers of attorney.

All these technical and legal stages transform the process into a much more complex structure than an ordinary real estate purchase. Especially, the property acquisition rights of foreign nationals in Turkey are subject to various legal sources such as the Land Registry Law, Military Zones Legislation, Investment Incentive Regulations, and consular-approved powers of attorney.

Therefore, it is highly important for applicants to receive professional support from a Turkey citizenship lawyer or an Izmir citizenship application lawyer throughout the process. Many investors have their applications rejected or the process severely prolonged due to missing documents, incorrect payment methods, or disregarding legal limitations.

Legal consultancy not only ensures the completeness of the procedures but also provides assurance in protecting the investment and preventing future citizenship cancellation risks. Therefore, it is recommended that foreigners who want to acquire Turkish citizenship through investment proceed with expert legal support rather than alone.

Acquiring Turkish Citizenship Through Capital Investment

How much capital investment is required to acquire Turkish citizenship?

Acquiring Turkish citizenship through fixed capital investment is an important practice developed to support foreign investors who will contribute long-term to the Turkish economy. This method opens the way for investors operating in strategic fields such as production, industry, technology, and infrastructure, and at the same time grants them the opportunity to gain exceptional citizenship.

According to official regulations, foreign nationals who make a fixed capital investment of at least 500,000 US dollars or its equivalent in foreign currency and whose investment is certified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology have the right to apply for Turkish citizenship. The type, scope, and economic impact of the investment are evaluated by the relevant Ministry and documented with a certificate of eligibility.

Fixed capital investment may include:

Establishing a new company and documenting its operation,
Becoming a partner in an existing company and increasing capital,
Investing capital in a project that contributes to economic infrastructure such as a factory, production facility, or technology investment.

In these types of investments, not only the value of the investment but also its economic contribution, employment created, export potential, and support for domestic production are important. The entire investment must be documented, and it must be clearly demonstrated that financial resources were transferred legally. Company incorporation documents, trade registry gazette, activity certificates, and other financial documents must also be attached to the application file.

Citizenship applications by capital investment are quite technical and are generally conducted under the guidance of investment law and foreign nationals law experts such as Turkey work permit lawyer or Turkey citizenship lawyer. Because issues like the type of investment, the ministry responsible for oversight, compliance criteria, and document formats require expertise.

Incorrect or insufficient documents may complicate verification of the investment’s authenticity, leading to rejection or indefinite postponement of the application. Additionally, the investment area must not contradict national security, environmental factors, or regional development plans.

Therefore, investors wishing to acquire Turkish citizenship through capital investment should approach the process not only as a financial transaction but as a serious legal procedure and carry out all steps with professional support.

How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship Through Bank Deposit?

What is the required bank deposit amount for Turkish citizenship, and in which banks should it be held?

Acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit is a method favored by investors seeking a low-risk and manageable option. This method is especially preferred by foreigners who do not consider short-term investments and seek secure and liquid investments.

According to the presidential decree, a deposit of at least 500,000 US dollars or equivalent foreign currency must be deposited in a bank operating in Turkey and kept in the account for at least three years. The suitability of this investment is determined by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA - BDDK).

Important Points in the Application Process:

The bank where the investment is made must be licensed by the BRSA and operating in Turkey.
The deposit amount may be in Turkish lira, US dollars, euros, or other currencies; however, the amount must not be less than the equivalent of 500,000 USD in any case.
When opening the deposit account, a commitment letter must be signed with the bank, explicitly stating that the amount will not be withdrawn or transferred to third parties for three years.
This commitment is officially notified to the BRSA by the bank, and the eligibility certificate is issued accordingly.
Accounts opened in the name of investors must belong only to natural persons; accounts opened in the name of legal entities are not accepted within this scope.

Since this method does not require any production or employment condition, only the correct amount of deposit investment and the completion of official procedures are sufficient. However, many technical details come into play in practice here as well.

For example:

Some banks apply strict procedures for opening accounts for foreign investors and pay special attention to Know Your Customer (KYC) rules.
The source of the foreign currency used in the deposit must be documented and legal due to anti-money laundering regulations.
How the amount that will remain in the account for three years will be managed in terms of maturity, interest, and banking fees should also be carefully analyzed.

Therefore, foreign investors who want to apply for Turkish citizenship through bank deposit should not view the process merely as opening an account. For the proper conduct of all legal and administrative procedures, support from a Turkey citizenship lawyer or an Izmir citizenship application expert is very important. Especially due to different practices among banks and incomplete documentation, delays or rejections of applications are possible.

Professional consultancy ensures that this process proceeds both correctly and rapidly, and that the investor’s rights are fully protected.

Can Turkish Citizenship Be Obtained Through Government Bonds or Fund Investment?

What are the conditions for acquiring Turkish citizenship through government bonds and investment fund purchase?

Acquiring Turkish citizenship through government bonds or investment fund purchase is a very attractive method for foreigners who want to invest with risk-free public guarantees and prefer financial instruments. This method was added as an alternative to citizenship applications with regulations put into effect in 2018 and offers significant advantages in terms of protecting the investment.

1. Citizenship Through Government Bonds

According to the presidential decree, foreign investors who purchase government bonds worth at least 500,000 US dollars or equivalent foreign currency and commit to holding these bonds for at least three years gain the right to apply for Turkish citizenship. The suitability of this investment is determined by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.

Government bonds offer investors a low-risk and stable option due to state repayment guarantee until maturity. However, since these investments may be traded on the stock exchange, the blocking transaction to ensure bonds cannot be sold during the commitment period must be fully completed.

2. Citizenship Through Investment Funds

Another way to acquire Turkish citizenship is purchasing shares in real estate investment funds (REIF) or venture capital investment funds (VCIF). In this context, an investment of at least 500,000 US dollars or equivalent foreign currency must be made and held for at least three years. The suitability inspection and certification are conducted by the Capital Markets Board (CMB - SPK).

Investment funds offer investors a diversified portfolio and a more balanced return profile by distributing risks. However, regarding citizenship processes, these funds must:

Be approved by the CMB,
Be selected only from specified fund types (REIF or VCIF),
Not be sold during the investment period, and participation shares must be blocked.

Although these investment methods seem technically simple, they include many procedures in practice. During bond and fund purchases, correct declarations must be made, blocking transactions carried out appropriately through banks and intermediary institutions, official approvals obtained, and all these processes documented timely.

Incorrect intermediary transactions or incomplete notifications may prevent obtaining the eligibility certificate, leading to invalidation of the application. Also, since some investment funds are not included in the citizenship program, making an investment in the wrong fund may cause the entire process to be canceled.

Therefore, foreigners planning to apply for Turkish citizenship through government bonds or fund investment must conduct the process with an expert lawyer such as a Turkey citizenship lawyer or Karşıyaka citizenship application consultant. This approach guarantees legal compliance and prevents loss of time and financial risks.

Is It Possible to Acquire Turkish Citizenship Through Creating Employment?

How many people must be employed to be sufficient for a Turkish citizenship application?

Acquiring citizenship by creating employment in Turkey is an encouraged method, especially for foreign businesspeople investing in production and service sectors. This method is a strategic practice strongly supported by the government since it aims not only individual but also societal benefit.

According to the presidential decree, foreigners who create employment for at least 50 people, verified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, have the right to apply for Turkish citizenship. This type of exceptional citizenship covers not only the investor but also their spouse and children under 18.

Under What Conditions Is Employment Considered Valid?

Employed persons must be registered with social security (SGK); no unregistered employment is allowed.
Insurance premiums must be paid for the minimum required period for the employed personnel.
Employment must be real and actual; if employees are listed on paper only, the application is rejected.
The employing company must provide activity documents, balance sheets, tax certificates, and trade registry documents showing the sustainability of the investment.
If the company dismisses all personnel simultaneously or ceases operations shortly, the citizenship previously granted can be revoked.

Applications made under these conditions are evaluated within a policy that encourages direct employment. That is, the goal is to provide economic benefit not only to the investor but also to citizens living in Turkey.

Practical Challenges

Acquiring citizenship through employment involves more bureaucratic details compared to other investment types. Because not only the amount of investment but also work permit procedures, tax and social security notifications, employee records, and workplace inspections are part of the evaluation process.

Additionally, incomplete payment of SGK premiums, underreporting of employees’ working days, or removal of some employees from the system later may invalidate the entire process. Therefore, employment-based citizenship applications require direct and sensitive monitoring.

Given such a complex and multifaceted process, it is crucial to receive consultancy from expert lawyers such as Turkey work permit lawyer or Izmir citizenship lawyer. Because not only must the investment amount be appropriate; the accuracy of all documents, timing of the process, and compliance with legislation must also be carefully managed.

Proper legal guidance ensures both the positive outcome of the citizenship application and the elimination of future cancellation risks and criminal sanctions.

How Does the Application Process for Turkish Citizenship Through Investment Work?

What are the stages of the Turkish citizenship application process through investment, and how long does it take?

Foreigners who want to acquire Turkish citizenship through investment must not only make the investment but also document it, obtain compliance reports, submit official applications, and complete evaluation processes. The process is conducted in coordination with various public institutions and includes many procedures requiring attention and technical expertise.

Stages of the Application Process:

Making the Investment:
The foreign individual makes the necessary investment according to the chosen investment type (real estate, bank deposit, capital investment, employment, etc.). The amount, duration, and form of investment must comply with relevant legislation.
Obtaining Eligibility Certificate:
An eligibility certificate is obtained from the relevant public authority responsible for supervising the investment (e.g., Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, BRSA, Ministry of Industry and Technology, Capital Markets Board). This document officially certifies that the investment complies with Turkish citizenship application criteria.
Residence Permit Application (Exceptional Residence):
Under Article 31/1-j of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, the investor must first obtain a short-term residence permit. This application is made to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
Citizenship Application:
After obtaining the residence permit, the application is submitted to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. The application may also be made through a lawyer representing the investor.
Evaluation and Approval Process:
Applications are evaluated by the Ministry of Interior and affiliated bodies, including security checks and archival research. If there are no deficiencies or obstacles, the file is forwarded to the Presidential Office, and the citizenship decision is made with the President’s approval.

What Is the Average Duration?

Depending on the type of investment, document preparation time, and workload of official institutions, the application process usually concludes within 3 to 6 months. However, due to missing documents, incorrect procedures, or communication delays between institutions, the process may extend up to 9-12 months.

Critical Points to Consider

All documents must be prepared accurately, completely, and in official format. Incomplete forms or incorrect translations may cause suspension of the application.
The declared value of the asset (e.g., real estate) must be consistent with documents. A significant discrepancy between appraisal report and title deed value raises suspicion.
The security investigation on the applicant and their family may stop the process if negative findings emerge.

Since the summarized application process includes numerous administrative steps, technical documents, and inter-institutional inspections, carrying it out individually is often risky and exhausting. Especially, any small mistake at any stage or improper documentation may lead to complete rejection of the application.

Therefore, it is recommended to obtain professional support from a Turkey citizenship lawyer or law offices specialized in Karşıyaka citizenship applications at all stages of the application. This both speeds up and secures the process.

What Documents Are Required for Turkish Citizenship Through Investment?

Which documents must be prepared in a Turkish citizenship application through investment?

Document preparation is one of the most critical stages in Turkish citizenship applications through investment. Preparing all documents completely, in official format, and with correct translation is vital for a successful application. Incomplete or incorrect documents may cause delays, suspension, or rejection.

General Documents (Common for All Application Types)

Application Form: Official application form specified by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
Passport and Notarized Translation: Valid passport of the applicant and its notarized Turkish translation.
Birth Certificate / Population Registry Extract: Birth certificates of the applicant and family members with official translations.
Passport-size Photographs: Four biometric photos taken within the last six months with a white background.
Marriage Certificate / Divorce Certificate / Death Certificate (if married): Notarized and translated.
Criminal Record: Clean criminal record obtained from both Turkey and the applicant’s country of citizenship.
Residence Permit: Short-term residence permit card obtained under Article 31/1-j of Law No. 6458.
Health Insurance: Valid private health insurance policy in Turkey.

Investment-Specific Documents

1. For Real Estate Investment:

Title deed or sales promise contract (notarized),
Compliance certificate obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change,
Current appraisal report of the property,
Property tax value document from the municipality,
Bank receipt of payment and foreign exchange purchase document (approved by the Central Bank of Turkey),
Land registry restriction confirming the property cannot be sold for at least 3 years.

2. For Capital Investment:

Trade registry gazette of the company,
Document showing the partnership structure,
Capital investment receipts,
Eligibility certificate issued by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.

3. For Bank Deposit:

Term deposit contract opened with a bank in Turkey,
Eligibility certificate issued by the BRSA,
Blocking letter from the bank stating the amount will not be withdrawn for three years,
Foreign exchange purchase document.

4. For Government Bonds or Fund Investment:

Purchase documents of government bonds or investment funds,
Eligibility letter from the Capital Markets Board or the Ministry of Treasury and Finance,
Blocking letter containing the three-year non-sale commitment issued by the intermediary institution.

5. For Employment Creation:

Company activity documents, tax certificate, trade registry gazette,
Social Security Institution (SGK) employment notification and premium payment documents,
Official list confirming 50 employees,
Eligibility certificate from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Important Note:

All documents issued abroad:

Must have an apostille (for countries party to the Hague Convention),
If no apostille is available, must be submitted with consular approval and notarized Turkish translation.

The documents listed above are evaluated separately for each application type and are thoroughly examined by official institutions. Even a minor error, incomplete translation, or date discrepancy may cause the application to be suspended. Therefore, the entire document process must be carried out under the supervision of a Turkey citizenship lawyer or an Izmir citizenship application expert.

Professional consultancy ensures documents are presented in the correct order and in compliance with official requirements, saving time and ensuring the application is completed securely.

The Importance of Legal Assistance in Turkish Citizenship Through Investment

Why should legal assistance be obtained in Turkish citizenship applications through investment?

The biggest challenge faced by foreigners who want to acquire Turkish citizenship through investment is that the process is very multifaceted and complex both technically and legally. Regardless of the investment type, all documents related to the application must be prepared officially and correctly, eligibility certificates must be obtained on time, coordination with various public institutions must be ensured, and full compliance with legislation must be maintained at every stage of the application. All these details are often impossible to manage successfully without professional legal support.

The Lawyer’s Role in the Process

Correct Determination and Planning of the Investment:
An expert citizenship lawyer provides strategic consultancy to determine the most appropriate investment type according to the applicant’s financial situation, purpose, and preference.
Compliance Control:
Lawyers with up-to-date knowledge of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, and all relevant regulations ensure that every step of the process is carried out in accordance with the law.
Complete Preparation of Documents:
Both investment documents and official papers such as identity, registry, and residence documents require precise preparation and translation. The lawyer examines all details to eliminate the risk of errors.
Communication with Official Institutions:
Simultaneous and official communication with many institutions such as land registry offices, banks, Migration Administration, BRSA, Capital Markets Board, ministries, and population offices is necessary. Effective management of this communication can only be possible through an experienced legal expert.
Follow-up, Acceleration, and Prevention of Rejection Risk:
Tracking the process, timely completing missing documents, and taking precautions against the risk of rejection at any stage can only be ensured with a professional lawyer. Quick and effective legal solutions are vital in cases of suspension or rejection.
Management of Applications for Family Members:
The lawyer is also responsible for ensuring that additional applications for the applicant’s spouse and children are conducted simultaneously and legally with the main application.

Why KL Legal Consultancy?

Working with an expert and experienced law office in the process of Turkish citizenship through investment provides significant advantages not only in terms of time and cost but also legal security. KL Legal Consultancy, based in Izmir, offers services in foreigners law, citizenship applications, investment consultancy, residence and work permits, and throughout the process:

Carries out every step on behalf of the client,
Handles the entire procedure from document preparation to approval,
Communicates directly with official institutions,
Ensures safe and fast completion of applications.

You can receive professional consultancy from KL Legal Consultancy to ensure your Turkish citizenship application process proceeds accurately and completely. By contacting our expert lawyers, you can best protect your legal rights.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment Application