Best Ways to Invest in Türkiye: Opportunities for Foreigners

Türkiye attracts international investors with its growing economy, strategic location, and access to skilled labour. Government incentives create further opportunities for businesses, while investments can also open a path to Turkish citizenship.

1. Strong economy

Türkiye has developed into a major regional economy, supported by a large domestic market, an established manufacturing sector, and growing international investment. Economic reforms over the past two decades have encouraged private-sector development, strengthened financial regulation, and expanded the country's role in global trade.

Recent figures highlight the scale of Türkiye's economy in 2025:

• 3.6% real GDP growth;
• $1.6 trillion in nominal GDP;
• $18,040 GDP per capita^{[2]Source: Invest in Türkiye — Message from the President};
• $13.1 billion in foreign direct investment^{[3]Source: Invest in Türkiye — Türkiye Attracts USD 13.1 Billion in FDI in 2025};
• $288 billion in cumulative FDI between 2003 and 2025;
• 4th place in Europe for new greenfield foreign investment projects in 2024, with 351 projects operating^{[4]Source: Invest in Türkiye — Foreign Direct Investment in Türkiye}.

The country's appeal to international businesses extends beyond its domestic market. Manufacturing and financial services have attracted significant foreign investment, while trade, technology, and communications have become important areas of activity.

2. Strategic location

Türkiye's position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa gives businesses access to vast international markets. Within a 4-hour flight are around 1.3 billion consumers across regions with a combined GDP of $35 trillion, making the country a natural hub for international trade and investment^{[5]Source: Invest in Türkiye — Strategic Location}.

The location advantage extends to manufacturing and logistics. Türkiye's customs union with the EU facilitates trade in industrial goods, attracting multinational companies that serve global markets from Turkish facilities^{[6]Source: Ministry of Trade of Türkiye — Türkiye and the EU}. For example, Ford exports around 87% of its local production^{[7]Source: Ford Otosan — 2025 Results and 2026 Guidance}, while Hugo Boss operates its largest manufacturing facility worldwide in Türkiye^{[8]Source: Hugo Boss — Annual Report 2025: Business Operations}.

3. Investment incentives and tax advantages

Türkiye offers incentives to reduce investment costs and support business growth. Projects may benefit from VAT and customs duty exemptions, corporate tax reductions, social security support, and subsidised financing, depending on their sector, location, and scale^{[9]Source: Invest in Türkiye — Incentives Guide}.

In May 2026, Türkiye's parliament approved a 20-year income tax exemption on foreign-source earnings for new residents who had no Turkish tax liability during the previous 3 years. The reforms also lowered the corporate tax rate to 12.5% for manufacturers and introduced further incentives for exporters^{[10]Source: IMI Daily — Türkiye's Parliament Passes 20-Year Foreign-Income Tax Holiday Into Law}.

Research, technology, and innovation projects can benefit from additional tax relief and employment support. Türkiye also has 93 double taxation agreements in force, helping international investors avoid being taxed twice on the same income.

4. Large and skilled workforce

Türkiye offers investors access to one of Europe's largest labour markets. The country has around 36.8 million people in its labour force, ranking 2nd in Europe. Its growing pool of university graduates supports recruitment across manufacturing, engineering, technology, and other industries^{[11]Source: Invest in Türkiye — Skilled and Competitive Labour Force}.

Türkiye's education system also provides businesses with a steady supply of qualified professionals. More than 6.5 million students are enrolled in higher education, while universities produce over 850,000 graduates annually. For foreign companies, this creates opportunities to recruit locally without relying entirely on employees brought in from abroad.

5. Opportunity to obtain a second passport

Foreign investors in Türkiye can combine investment opportunities with the prospect of obtaining a second passport. Between 2018 and May 2026, more than 174,000 investors and their family members obtained Turkish citizenship by investment^{[12]Source: Al Jazeera — Interview with Türkiye's Interior Minister, May 26th, 2026}.

The citizenship by investment programme offers 7 routes, with the application process taking at least 8 months:

1. Real estate — $400,000.
2. Fixed capital investment — $500,000.
3. Bank deposit — $500,000.
4. Government bonds — $500,000.
5. Real estate or venture capital investment funds — $500,000.
6. Private pension funds — $500,000.
7. Job creation — at least 50 employees^{[13]Source: Invest in Türkiye — Acquiring Property and Citizenship}.

Most financial investments and property must be held for at least 3 years. Afterwards, investors can sell or withdraw their assets without losing citizenship.

From Istanbul’s commercial property market to technology startups and tourism, Türkiye offers investment opportunities across established industries and emerging businesses. Each sector has its own growth drivers, capital requirements, and risks.

1. Real estate

In 2025, foreign investors purchased approximately $2.3 billion worth of real estate in Türkiye, accounting for 17.6% of the country’s total foreign direct investment^{[14]Source: YASED — 2025 Annual Report}.

Türkiye’s property market offers opportunities in residential, commercial, and hospitality real estate, supported by tourism, international business activity and urban development. Major infrastructure projects, including Istanbul Airport, the Marmaray railway, and the Istanbul Finance Centre, have improved connectivity and helped develop new business districts.

Recent figures illustrate the scale of the commercial property market:

• 7.21 million m² of office space in Istanbul in the third quarter of 2025^{[15]Source: Cushman & Wakefield — Türkiye MarketBeat Q3 2025};
• 475 shopping centres across Türkiye, with a combined gross leasable area of 14.8 million m² as of mid-2026^{[16]Source: Cushman & Wakefield — Türkiye Retail Market, H1 2026};
• 36.3% of the country’s shopping centre space was concentrated in Istanbul at the end of 2025^{[17]Source: İş REIC — 2025 Annual Report}.

Investing in Türkiye for foreigners remains an attractive option, particularly in the residential property market, where international buyers purchased 22,980 homes in 2025^{[18]Source: TurkStat — Revised House Sales to Foreigners, 2013—2025}.

2. IT and startups

Türkiye’s technology sector attracts international investors, particularly in software development, fintech, artificial intelligence, and gaming. Companies such as Trendyol, Dream Games, Peak Games, and Insider have gained international recognition, demonstrating the potential for Turkish startups to expand beyond the domestic market.

Key figures highlight the sector’s scale and investment activity:

• $36.7 billion — ICT market size in 2024;
• $3.3 billion — ICT exports in 2024;
• 246,000+ professionals employed across more than 11,700 ICT companies^{[19]Source: Invest in Türkiye — ICT Sector};
• $1.4 billion — total startup transaction value across 360 deals in 2025^{[20]Source: KPMG — Türkiye Startup Investments 2025};
• $178 million — startup funding raised across 101 rounds in the first half of 2026^{[21]Source: StartupCentrum — 2026 Mid-Year Türkiye Startup Ecosystem Investment Report}.

For investors, the sector offers opportunities to support emerging businesses or invest in established technology companies. Gaming, fintech, and AI are particularly active areas.

3. Agriculture and food production

Türkiye is the world’s 7th largest agricultural producer and the largest in Europe^{[22]Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry — Türkiye ranks 7th worldwide and 1st in Europe in agricultural output}, benefiting from a favourable climate, extensive farmland, and a well-developed food-processing industry. 

The country is a leading global supplier of hazelnuts, apricots, figs, cherries, and quinces, with agricultural exports reaching around 200 countries. In 2025, agricultural and food exports totalled $36.4 billion^{[23]Source: Invest in Türkiye — Sectoral Opportunities}.

Agriculture also plays an important role in the domestic economy. In 2025, the sector employed approximately 14.2% of Türkiye’s workforce^{[24]Source: World Bank — Employment in agriculture} and contributed 5.2% of GDP^{[25]Source: TurkStat — Annual Gross Domestic Product, 2025}.

4. Tourism and hospitality

Türkiye ranked as the world’s 4th most visited destination in 2024, attracting travellers with its Mediterranean beaches, historic cities, cultural heritage, and thermal resorts^{[26]Source: Invest in Türkiye — Tourism}. In 2025, the country welcomed nearly 64 million visitors and generated $65.2 billion in tourism revenue^{[27]Source: TurkStat — Tourism Statistics 2025}.

Türkiye’s tourism infrastructure extends well beyond its major resorts:

• 8,300 km of coastline, supporting beach tourism and seaside developments;
• 580 Blue Flag beaches in 2026, ranking 3rd worldwide for beaches meeting international environmental and quality standards^{[28]Source: Foundation for Environmental Education — Türkiye’s 2026 Blue Flag Awards};
• more than 1,000 thermal springs, placing Türkiye among the world’s leading destinations for geothermal and wellness tourism^{[29]Source: Ministry of Culture and Tourism — Thermal Resorts};
• over 21,900 tourist accommodation establishments, offering more than 1 million rooms as of August 2025.

Beyond traditional resorts, boutique hotels, cultural tourism, and wellness retreats offer opportunities in destinations such as Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and the Aegean coast.

5. Financial services

Türkiye has a well-established financial sector, with banking accounting for more than 70% of financial services^{[30]Source: Invest in Türkiye — Financial Services}. The industry has expanded beyond traditional banking into insurance, investment management, and financial technology.

The sector continues to grow. By July 2026, Turkish banks held assets worth approximately TRY 53.8 trillion, or ≈ $1.14 trillion, compared with TRY 46.9 trillion, or ≈ $1.09 trillion, at the end of 2025^{[31]Source: Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency — December 2025 Indicators}. Banks also maintained a capital adequacy ratio of 19.7% at the end of 2025, reflecting their capacity to absorb financial risks.

Türkiye's property market combines investment potential with practical benefits. Buyers can earn rental income, benefit from possible capital growth, and qualify for a second passport, while retaining a home for personal use or future relocation.

Large and active property market

Türkiye is a major real estate market, supported by a population of over 86 million. Urban renewal, infrastructure development, and demand for modern residential, office, and logistics properties create opportunities for developers and international investors.

Türkiye's residential property market recorded around 1.69 million home sales in 2025, up 14.3% from the previous year. Istanbul led the market with 280,262 transactions, followed by Ankara with 152,534, and Izmir with 96,998^{[33]Source: TurkStat — House Sales Statistics, December 2025}.

Foreign buyers purchased 22,980 homes nationwide. Istanbul remained the leading destination for international buyers, followed by Antalya, and Mersin.

Route to a second passport

Foreign investors can apply for Turkish citizenship by purchasing one or several properties worth at least $400,000 in total. Both residential and commercial real estate may qualify, and eligible family members can also obtain citizenship.

Buyers must obtain a Turkish tax identification number and complete the required banking, valuation, and land registry procedures. Properties must be held for at least 3 years, after which they can be sold without affecting citizenship.

Investors can use their properties as family homes or rent them out for additional income. Once citizenship is granted, they can live in Türkiye without residence permits or limits on the length of their stay, making property ownership particularly convenient for extended holidays or future relocation.

Potential for rental income

Residential property in Türkiye can generate regular rental income alongside potential capital appreciation. In the third quarter of 2026, the average annual gross rental yield reached 7.86% nationwide, with Istanbul offering 9.92%, Ankara 8.51%, and Antalya 6.57%^{[34]Source: Global Property Guide — Rental Yields in Türkiye, Q3 2026}.

Actual returns depend on the property's location, occupancy, maintenance costs, and taxes. Foreign investors must also consider exchange-rate movements, as rental income received in Turkish lira may lose value when converted into dollars.

Foreign investors can access Türkiye's financial markets through Borsa İstanbul, BIST, the country's main securities exchange. It brings together equity, debt, precious metals, and derivatives markets, offering opportunities to invest in Turkish companies and financial instruments.

Investment options on Borsa İstanbul

Investors can choose from several financial instruments:

1. Shares: ownership stakes in publicly traded Turkish companies, offering potential returns through dividends and capital appreciation^{[35]Source: Borsa İstanbul — Equity Market Products}.
2. Government and corporate bonds: debt instruments that pay interest or other agreed returns, subject to credit and market risks^{[36]Source: Borsa İstanbul — Debt Securities Market}.
3. Exchange-traded funds, ETFs: funds that track indices such as the BIST 100, allowing investors to hold a diversified basket of shares without selecting individual companies^{[37]Source: Borsa İstanbul — Exchange Traded Funds}.

ETFs can be a convenient starting point for investors seeking broad exposure to the Turkish market. Still, all three options carry risks, including price volatility, and fluctuations in the Turkish lira.

How to start investing

The process involves four steps:

1. Choosing an authorised broker. Selecting an intermediary licensed to provide access to Borsa İstanbul.
2. Opening an investment account. Completing identity verification and the broker's required documentation to access its trading platform.
3. Selecting your investments. Depending on the available market and account, choosing shares, government bonds, corporate bonds, or other eligible instruments.
4. Placing an order. Submitting a market or limit order through the broker's platform, taking account of trading fees and currency conversion costs.

Foreign investors can establish and own businesses in Türkiye under largely the same conditions as Turkish nationals. The Turkish Commercial Code allows several company structures, with two particularly common options:

1. Joint-stock company, JSC, — suitable for larger businesses, multiple shareholders, and companies planning to raise investment.
2. Limited liability company, LLC, — a common choice for small and medium-sized businesses.

Companies are registered through Trade Registry Directorates at local Chambers of Commerce, with applications prepared using the online MERSIS system. Registration can be completed in 1 working day once the necessary documents are ready^{[38]Source: Invest in Türkiye — Establishing a Business}.

Business investment may provide a route to Turkish citizenship. Foreigners who invest at least $500,000 in fixed business capital, such as production facilities, machinery, or equipment, may apply for citizenship. The investment must be verified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Simply purchasing company shares does not automatically meet this requirement.

Investment funds in Türkiye offer access to a range of assets, including government bonds, bank deposits, company shares, gold, and other precious metals. Funds are regulated by the Capital Markets Board and vary in their investment strategies and risk levels.

Two common investment approaches are:

1. Income funds focus on generating regular returns through instruments such as government bonds and other income-producing securities.
2. Growth funds invest primarily in shares and other assets with potential for long-term capital appreciation, generally involving higher market risk.

Fund investments can provide a route to Turkish citizenship. Foreigners may apply for Turkish citizenship by investing at least $500,000 in real estate or venture capital investment fund shares. The investment must be verified by Türkiye's Capital Markets Board and held for at least 3 years.

Turkish banks offer foreign investors a range of financial products, including savings accounts, fixed-term deposits, investment funds, and securities. Major banks such as HSBC Türkiye and Garanti BBVA provide options in Turkish lira and foreign currencies, allowing investors to choose according to their financial goals.

For example, HSBC Türkiye offers the YUVAM deposit account, which allows eligible non-residents to convert foreign currency into Turkish lira with exchange-rate protection backed by the Central Bank. Deposits can be held for 3, 6, 12, or 24 months, with additional annual returns of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%, respectively^{[39]Source: HSBC Türkiye — YUVAM Deposit Account}.

Garanti BBVA offers foreign-currency time deposits in US dollars, euros, and pounds sterling^{[40]Source: Garanti BBVA — Foreign Currency Time Deposit Account}. This can appeal to international investors who want to earn interest while keeping their deposits in a familiar currency, without converting them into Turkish lira.

Bank deposits can also provide a route to Turkish citizenship. Foreign investors who deposit at least $500,000, or the equivalent in an eligible foreign currency, with a bank operating in Türkiye may apply for citizenship. The deposit must be maintained for at least 3 years.

Türkiye offers foreign investors a route to a second passport through 7 investments, starting at $400,000. Successful applicants gain the right to live, work, and establish businesses in Türkiye.

Investment options

Foreign investors can qualify through one of 7 routes:

1. Real estate — property purchase of $400,000 or more.
2. Fixed capital investment — $500,000 in business capital.
3. Bank deposit — $500,000 held in a Turkish bank.
4. Government bonds — $500,000 in eligible government debt.
5. Investment funds — $500,000 in real estate or venture capital funds.
6. Private pension funds — $500,000 contributed to approved funds.
7. Job creation — employment of 50 or more people.

Property and most financial investments must be held for at least 3 years. Applicants must also cover government fees and document-related expenses.

Requirements for investors and families

The main applicant must be at least 18, have a lawful source of investment capital, no criminal record, and no serious health conditions that pose a public health risk. Applicants must also pass background and security checks.

The investor's spouse and children under 18 may also qualify for citizenship. Family applications require additional documents, including marriage and birth certificates.

Benefits of a Turkish passport

The benefits of a Turkish passport go beyond the freedom to live in a Mediterranean country known for its beautiful coastline, rich culture, and warm climate. Citizenship also offers practical advantages for international travel, business, and leisure.

International travel. Turkish passport holders can visit 136 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance, including Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. This includes visa-free travel, visas on arrival, and electronic travel authorisations.

Access to US business visas. Türkiye's treaty with the US allows eligible citizens to apply for E-1 trader and E-2 investor visas^{[41]Source: US Department of State — Visa Reciprocity}. The E-2 visa enables entrepreneurs to live in the US and manage business, while the E-1 supports substantial international trade. 

For Turkish nationals, both visas may be issued for up to 5 years with multiple entries, allowing repeated travel to the US without applying for a new visa each time.

Easier holidays in Greece. Turkish citizens can obtain a special short-stay visa on arrival for 12 Greek islands, including Rhodes, Kos, Samos, and Lesvos. The programme allows visits of up to 7 days without applying for a standard Schengen visa, making short trips from Türkiye's Aegean coast more convenient^{[42]Source: Kathimerini — Greek Islands Visa Scheme, March 2026}.

Investing in Türkiye offers opportunities across several sectors, but economic volatility, regulatory requirements, and market conditions can affect returns. Foreign investors should consider the following risks before committing capital.

Economic risks remain

High inflation, currency fluctuations, and borrowing costs can affect investment returns in Türkiye. For example, annual inflation fell from 49.4% in September 2024 to 30.9% in December 2025^{[43]Source: Central Bank of Türkiye — Consumer Prices}, but prices continued to rise rapidly. 

Investors should therefore consider not only potential profits but also how inflation, exchange rates, and financing costs could affect their real returns.

Currency fluctuations can reduce profits

An investment may appreciate in Turkish lira while losing value when converted into pounds, euros, or US dollars. Rental income, deposit interest, and stock market gains should therefore be assessed in the investor's home currency, not just in lira.

Exit restrictions can limit flexibility

Investors using property, bank deposits, or other assets to obtain Turkish citizenship must maintain them for 3 years. Selling or withdrawing an investment early may jeopardise eligibility, even when market conditions make an earlier exit attractive.

Investment returns can be unpredictable

Profitability depends on market conditions, operating costs, and demand. Businesses may face rising wages and energy prices, while stocks and investment funds can lose value during market downturns.

Rental properties are also exposed to seasonal demand and vacant periods, while unexpected expenses can further reduce returns. Property taxes, maintenance, insurance, legal fees, and transaction costs all affect profitability. Investors should therefore assess the risks of their chosen assets rather than rely solely on projected returns.

Changing regulations

Tax rules, investment incentives and requirements for foreign-owned businesses may change. Investors should also account for licensing, reporting obligations, and sector-specific restrictions, which can affect costs and business plans.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed investment migration consultancy. We have helped over 10,000 clients obtain citizenship and residence permits by investment since 2006. With 20 years of experience, our team of lawyers, compliance specialists, and real estate experts guides investors through every stage of the Turkish citizenship process.

We provide the following services:

1. Preliminary Due Diligence. We assess the investor's background and identify potential reasons for rejection before the application begins.
2. Investment strategy. We help clients compare citizenship investment options and choose a route that suits their goals, budget, and preferences.
3. Property selection. Our real estate specialists shortlist properties, while lawyers verify ownership, legal status, and transaction documents.
4. Document preparation. We collect and review the required paperwork, arrange translations and certifications, and prepare the citizenship application.
5. Application support. We coordinate residence permit and citizenship procedures, communicate with the relevant authorities, and guide investors through appointments.
6. Post-approval support. We help new citizens obtain Turkish passports and ID cards and advise on practical matters, including property ownership, banking, and relocation.

We have 11 offices worldwide, including one in Türkiye, allowing us to combine international expertise with local knowledge. Our team in Türkiye works directly with local partners, oversees property transactions, and helps investors navigate legal and administrative procedures throughout the citizenship process.

1. Türkiye has a large and growing economy. GDP reached approximately $1.6 trillion in 2025, with economic growth of 3.6%.
2. 5 sectors stand out for investors: real estate, tourism, agriculture, information technology, and financial services.
3. Turkish citizenship by investment starts at $400,000. Investors can qualify through property purchases or one of six alternative routes.
4. After 3 years, investors can withdraw their investment without losing Turkish citizenship.
5. A Turkish passport offers practical advantages. Citizens can live and work in Türkiye, travel visa-free to destinations such as Japan and Singapore, and apply for US E-1 or E-2 business visas.