Türkiye Citizenship by Investment for British Investors: Requirements, Costs, and Process

Turkish citizenship by investment, CBI, is a form of exceptional naturalisation. Foreigners may qualify by making an approved investment and meeting the requirements of Article 12 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901^{[1]Source: NVI — Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901}. The final decision on citizenship is made by the President of Türkiye.

Unlike general naturalisation, the CBI route does not require 5 years of continuous residence or compliance with the standard Turkish-language condition^{[2]Source: NVI — Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship}.

British citizens are eligible to apply for citizenship by investment. The UK allows dual or multiple citizenship, so British nationals can acquire a Turkish passport without giving up their existing nationality. Turkish legislation also recognises multiple citizenship^{[3]Source: GOV.UK — Dual citizenship}.

Family members, such as spouses and children may also qualify under the exceptional citizenship provisions. The Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs also assesses whether there is an obstacle concerning national security or public order^{[4]Source: NVI — Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship}.

Türkiye offers 7 investment routes to citizenship. Real estate has the lowest fixed threshold at $400,000. The financial options require at least $500,000.

The same Turkish rules apply to foreign nationals who live in the UK but do not hold British citizenship. UK residence itself neither creates eligibility nor prevents an applicant from using the investment route^{[1]Source: NVI — Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901}.

For British investors, the main advantages of Turkish citizenship relate to keeping UK nationality, including family members, and obtaining citizenship without the standard naturalisation requirements. These features make the route relevant to applicants who want a second citizenship without moving their main residence from the UK.

1. Dual citizenship allowed

The UK and Türkiye both recognise dual citizenship, allowing British investors to obtain a Turkish passport while retaining their British nationality. Beyond the freedom to live in either country, Turkish citizenship offers practical advantages: unrestricted residence, the right to work or establish a business, and the option to retire in Türkiye without immigration formalities.

Unlike British visitors, who are limited to 90 days within a 180-day period, dual nationals can make Türkiye a permanent home, a seasonal retreat, or a second base for themselves and their eligible family members.

2. Family inclusion

An investor may apply for Türkiye citizenship together with their spouse and children. This allows a family to use the same investment as the basis for their citizenship application rather than each eligible family member making a separate investment^{[1]Source: NVI — Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901}.

3. No 5-year residence period

General naturalisation requires 5 years of continuous residence in Türkiye before a citizenship application. Investment falls under the exceptional citizenship route, which has separate conditions and does not impose this 5-year requirement. For British investors, this means they can apply for Turkish citizenship without having to move to Türkiye or live there for 5 years beforehand^{[1]Source: NVI — Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901}.

4. No Turkish language requirement

The standard naturalisation conditions include demonstrating sufficient knowledge of Turkish. This is not listed among the requirements for exceptional citizenship. British investors therefore do not have to pass a Turkish language test as part of the investment route.

5. Lower everyday costs in Türkiye

British investors who spend part of the year in Türkiye may benefit from lower everyday expenses than in the UK. The difference is particularly noticeable in housing and public transport^{[5]Source: Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye — New Tenant Rent Index}.

However, living costs in Istanbul have been rising quickly. The cost of living for a family of 4 increased by 43.23% in the 12 months to August 2025^{[6]Source: Istanbul Planning Agency — Cost of Living in Istanbul}. Even so, the monthly rent is about 76% lower in Istanbul than in London, while public transport costs around 67% less^{[7]Source: Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality — 2026 fee tariffs}.

6. Potential 20-year tax exemption on foreign income

British investors who relocate to Türkiye may qualify for a 20-year exemption from Turkish income tax on foreign-source income and gains. Introduced in 2026, the regime could allow eligible residents to earn income from overseas businesses, investments, and rental properties without paying Turkish income tax on those earnings.

To qualify, an individual must not have had a residence or tax liability in Türkiye during the previous 3 calendar years. Turkish-source income remains subject to the applicable domestic tax rules^{[8]Source: Revenue Administration — Income tax exemption for foreign-source income}.

The exemption may be particularly attractive to British investors who wish to live in Türkiye while retaining overseas assets and income. However, Turkish citizenship alone does not provide the tax benefit. The investor must meet the tax-residence and eligibility requirements.

UK tax obligations also need to be considered separately. Obtaining Turkish citizenship or becoming eligible for the Turkish exemption does not automatically end UK tax residence.

7. Plan B with strong international connections

Turkish citizenship gives British investors an additional country where they can live and build a long-term base. This may be useful as a Plan B if personal, business, or family circumstances change.

Istanbul provides strong international flight connections. In 2026, Istanbul Airport connected passengers to more than 340 destinations through over 110 airlines. For British investors, this makes Türkiye useful not as a replacement for the UK passport, but as an additional base with convenient access to destinations in the EU, Asia, the Middle East, and other regions^{[9]Source: Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye — Istanbul Airport’s new runway}. The airport was also the busiest in Europe by average daily flights in September 2026^{[10]Source: Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye — Istanbul Airport ranks among world’s top 5}.

Türkiye offers several ways to qualify for citizenship by investment. Each option has its own minimum threshold and requirements for how the investment must be maintained.

For British investors, the main difference lies in how the capital is used and how long it remains committed. Real estate, bank deposits, government bonds, investment funds and private pension funds involve a 3-year restriction or holding period. Fixed capital investment and job creation follow separate requirements.

Investment options

Investors currently have 7 options to choose from:

1. Real estate worth at least $400,000, or ≈ £301,000.
2. Bank deposit with a minimum balance of $500,000, or ≈ £376,000.
3. Fixed capital investment with a minimum value of $500,000, or ≈ £376,000.
4. Government bonds worth at least $500,000, or ≈ £376,000.
5. Real estate or venture capital investment fund shares of $500,000, or ≈ £376,000.
6. Private pension fund contribution of $500,000, or ≈ £376,000.
7. Creation of 50 or more jobs.

Real estate investment requirements

Real estate requires additional checks. A property purchase of at least $400,000 qualifies only if the transaction meets the official land registry requirements. The title deed must include a restriction preventing resale for at least 3 years.

Investors should also budget for expenses beyond the property price. Related taxes and transaction fees start at approximately $14,000.

Before purchasing a property, an investor needs to check:

• mortgages, liens, and other restrictions attached to the property;
• current valuation requirements for citizenship transactions;
• 3-year no-sale restriction recorded in the title deed;
• foreign currency purchase certificate required for property transactions involving foreign buyers;
• bank receipt confirming the payment to the seller for a citizenship-related purchase.

British investors choosing real estate must also comply with the Türkiye’s rules for foreign property ownership. Article 35 of Land Registry Law No. 2644 governs property acquisitions by foreign individuals. Restrictions include a general limit of 30 hectares and rules for military and security zones^{[11]Source: Republic of Türkiye Presidency Investment Office — Acquiring Property and Citizenship}.

Türkiye updated its rules on valuation reports for foreign property transactions in September 2026. For example, a valuation document can now be used for up to 12 months before the relevant land registry application, instead of 6 months^{[12]Source: General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre — Updated rules on property valuation reports}.

Employment and business option requirements

Türkiye offers 2 business-related options for citizenship by investment. An investor may make a fixed capital investment with a minimum value of $500,000 or create at least 50 jobs for Turkish citizens{source: Source: Ministry of Labour and Social Security — Exceptional Turkish Citizenship}}.

The fixed capital route may suit investors who plan to establish or expand a business and commit significant capital in Türkiye. The job creation route has no separate minimum investment threshold, but the investor must maintain employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens. These employees must have worked continuously for 6 months before the Certificate of Conformity application, and the employment must continue for at least 2 years afterwards.

Purchasing property offers a different proposition from committing capital to a bank deposit or investment fund: it gives the buyer an asset with practical uses beyond meeting the citizenship requirements.

Lower entry threshold 

The minimum investment is $400,000. This is $100,000 less than the threshold for bank deposits, government bonds, investment funds, and private pension funds. Investors can also purchase two or more properties to meet the threshold, allowing them to diversify their investment or combine a personal residence with a rental property.

Recent property price growth

Residential property prices in Istanbul have continued to rise in nominal terms. In August 2026, the Residential Property Price Index for Istanbul was 26.3% higher than a year earlier^{[13]Source: Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye — Residential Property Price Index}. This may support the long-term investment case for buyers who must keep property for 3 years.

Price growth does not guarantee a return. Across Türkiye, residential prices increased by 23% year on year in nominal terms but fell by 6.5% after adjustment for inflation. 

However, CBI properties are often priced in US dollars, which can help limit exposure to Turkish lira inflation and depreciation. For example, a property purchased for $400,000 and sold for $500,000 would generate a 25% nominal gain before taxes and costs. The actual return still depends on the resale price achieved and exchange-rate movements, particularly when converting the proceeds into pounds sterling.

No residence permit required for the purchase 

British investors do not need a Turkish residence permit before buying property. They can complete the purchase while remaining resident in the UK.

For those pursuing citizenship through property investment, the residence permit becomes relevant only after the purchase. It is part of the application process rather than a requirement to relocate to Türkiye^{[14]Source: Republic of Türkiye Presidency Investment Office — Acquiring Property and Citizenship}.

Tangible asset

Unlike financial investments, real estate offers British investors a home they can use themselves. Combined with Turkish citizenship, property ownership allows them to spend as much time in Türkiye as they wish, without counting days or worrying about visa limits. 

Families could, for example, spend the entire summer holidays at their Turkish home, return throughout the year, or stay for longer periods whenever it suits them.

Ownership can be transferred to heirs 

Turkish law protects the inheritance rights of foreign property owners. Qualifying property may pass to heirs, subject to the rules governing foreign ownership. This may be relevant to British investors who consider the purchase part of longer-term family or estate planning.

Türkiye applies separate requirements to the principal investor and family members included in the citizenship application. British nationality itself does not create additional conditions under the exceptional naturalisation provisions.

For investors

The principal applicant must:

• be a foreign national;
• make an investment under one of the approved routes;
• meet the minimum investment threshold;
• keep the investment for the required period, where applicable;
• have no circumstances that create a national security or public order concern.

Investors also need to obtain the residence status required for the exceptional citizenship procedure under Article 31 of Law No. 6458. This permit is a formal step in the investment-based citizenship process and does not require the investor to relocate to Türkiye or live there permanently^{[15]Source: Ministry of Labour and Social Security — Exceptional Turkish Citizenship}.

Meeting the investment conditions does not guarantee citizenship. The application is reviewed by the Turkish authorities, and the final decision is made by the President of Türkiye.

For family members

The citizenship by investment application can extend to the investor’s family. Eligible relatives include:

• spouse;
• investor’s minor or dependent children;
• spouse’s minor or dependent children.

Adult children who are financially independent and the investor’s parents are not automatically eligible for Turkish citizenship through the same application. They would need to qualify separately under another legal route.

British applicants prepare the citizenship file after the investment has been confirmed by the competent authority. The exact supporting documents depend on the selected investment route and on whether family members are included.

Documents issued in the UK may require an apostille and translation into Turkish. Immigrant Invest lawyers help prepare the file, arrange translations, and check the documents before submission.

Turkish citizenship does not by itself determine a British investor’s UK tax residence. UK taxation, foreign income, and banking arrangements therefore need to be considered separately from the citizenship application.

Turkish citizenship does not change UK tax residence

UK tax residence is determined under the Statutory Residence Test. A person who spends 183 days or more in the UK during a tax year is automatically considered a UK tax resident. The UK tax year runs from April 6th to April 5th.

Spending fewer than 183 days in the UK does not automatically make a person non-resident. Tax residence may also depend on whether they have a home or work in the UK, as well as their family ties, and the amount of time they spent in the country in previous years^{[16]Source: HMRC — RDR3 Statutory Residence Test}. 

Obtaining Turkish citizenship does not automatically change a person's UK tax residence status. A British citizen may therefore hold both passports while remaining liable for UK tax on worldwide income, including rental income from Turkish property, overseas investments, and savings interest. They may also need to declare these earnings to the UK tax authorities by submitting an annual tax return^{[17]Source: GOV.UK — Tax on foreign income}.

Leaving UK residence may have tax consequences

The UK does not impose a general exit tax simply because an individual becomes non-resident. However, leaving a UK tax residence may still have tax consequences.

Split-year treatment. In the year of departure, the tax year may be divided into a UK part and an overseas part. Foreign income arising during the overseas part is treated under non-resident rules if the applicable conditions are met^{[18]Source: GOV.UK — UK residence and tax}.

Temporary non-residence. A person who leaves the UK and returns within 5 years may become liable to UK tax on certain income and capital gains received while living abroad. The rules apply if the individual was a UK resident in at least 4 of the 7 tax years before leaving^{[19]Source: HMRC — Temporary non-residents and Capital Gains Tax}.

UK property remains within the UK tax system. Non-residents still have to pay Capital Gains Tax when they sell UK property or land. UK-source income, such as rent from British property, also remains taxable in the UK^{[20]Source: GOV.UK — Tax on your UK income if you live abroad}.

Inheritance tax may continue to apply after departure. Since April 6th, 2025, inheritance tax is based on long-term UK residence rather than domicile. A long-term UK resident may remain within the UK Inheritance Tax regime for up to 10 tax years after leaving the country^{[21]Source: HMRC — Inheritance Tax if you’re a long-term UK resident}.

UK non-dom tax rules changed in 2025

The remittance basis was abolished on April 6th, 2025. It was replaced by the 4-year Foreign Income and Gains regime for new UK residents.

Qualifying taxpayers may claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains^{[22]Source: HMRC — 4-year foreign income and gains regime}. The regime is available during the first 4 years of UK tax residence following at least 10 consecutive tax years of non-UK residence. 

Obtaining Turkish citizenship does not make an investor eligible for this tax regime. Eligibility depends on UK tax residence history rather than nationality.

Banks may request additional information

An investment of $400,000 or more may involve a substantial international transfer from a UK bank account. UK financial institutions apply customer Due Diligence and monitor transactions under anti-money laundering rules^{[23]Source: UK Government — Money Laundering Regulations 2017}.

Where enhanced Due Diligence applies, a financial institution may obtain information about the source of funds, source of wealth and reasons for a transaction. Investors therefore need to be ready to explain where the investment capital came from.

Supporting evidence depends on the source of the capital. Documents may include bank statements, investment records, business records or evidence of an asset sale. The bank determines what information is required according to its checks and the circumstances of the transaction.

Visa-free travel is not the main reason for a British citizen to obtain Turkish citizenship. However, a Turkish passport provides its own network of visa-free and simplified-entry destinations, which may be useful when travelling on the second passport.

For British investors, this is better viewed as an additional travel option rather than a replacement for the UK passport. Entry requirements depend on the destination and may change, so travellers need to check the current rules before each trip.

British investors considering a second citizenship can also explore programmes in the Caribbean, Pacific, Africa, and South America. These options differ in minimum investment, processing time and the type of investment required. Property investment is available in Caribbean countries and Egypt.

Türkiye has the highest entry threshold at $400,000. Its main advantage, however, is its suitability as a second home and practical base for British citizens. Compared with more remote CBI destinations, Türkiye is closer to the UK, easier to reach, and offers a more familiar urban lifestyle. The country also has well-developed transport, healthcare and education infrastructure, including Istanbul Airport, modern hospitals, and 208 universities.

For British investors, the comparison may therefore be less about obtaining another passport and more about choosing a country where they could comfortably live, work, or relocate with their families if personal or business circumstances change.

Meanwhile, new options continue to emerge. Argentina is also entering the citizenship by investment market. On October 2nd, 2026, the government announced the launch of its Citizenship by Investment Programme^{[24]Source: Government of Argentina — Argentina launches Citizenship by Investment Programme}.

Türkiye citizenship by investment involves legal, financial, and procedural requirements. British investors need to check the current rules before transferring funds, as meeting the investment threshold alone does not guarantee citizenship.

Relying on outdated programme conditions

Türkiye currently offers 7 investment routes. Real estate requires at least $400,000, while most financial options start at $500,000. Some websites and investment firms may still advertise outdated thresholds, special discounts, or simplified requirements that do not reflect official rules. Investors should verify the current conditions, including minimum amounts and holding periods, before committing capital.

Treating the minimum investment as the total cost

The investment does not cover all transaction and application expenses. Related taxes and fees for the property route amount to approximately $14,000. These include title deed charges, property-related costs, residence permit fees, and other expenses associated with the application. 

Skipping property checks before the purchase

Before purchasing property, investors should check for mortgages, liens, or other legal restrictions, as recommended by Türkiye’s General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. To qualify for citizenship, the property must also meet the $400,000 minimum investment threshold and be subject to a 3-year resale restriction registered in the title deed.

The General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre may check whether the property remains subject to the mandatory 3-year holding period. If a breach is identified, the case may be referred to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs for review. Serious violations, including fraudulent information or failure to meet the investment conditions, may result in the annulment of citizenship and the loss of the Turkish passport.

Making mistakes with the payment procedure

Foreign buyers must obtain a Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate for a property transaction. For citizenship applications, the Land Registry also requires a bank receipt showing the transfer from the buyer to the seller. These documents form part of the evidence used to confirm the qualifying amount.

Breaking the investment conditions too early

Real estate cannot be sold for at least 3 years. Bank deposits cannot be withdrawn during the required 3-year period, while government bonds, investment fund shares, and private pension investments are subject to similar holding conditions.

Compliance is monitored by the authority responsible for each investment route: 

• Ministry of Environment;
• Urbanisation and Climate Change for real estate; 
• Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency for bank deposits;
• Ministry of Treasury and Finance for government bonds; 
• Capital Markets Board of Türkiye for investment funds; 
• Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency for private pension investments.

If one of these authorities establishes that the investment conditions have been breached, the case may be referred to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. The decision granting Turkish citizenship may then be withdrawn.

Assuming that investment guarantees citizenship

An investment allows applicants to apply for Turkish citizenship through the exceptional route, but approval is not guaranteed. The Turkish citizenship authorities review applications for national security and public order concerns, while the final decision rests with the President of Türkiye.

Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documents

All documents submitted for citizenship must contain accurate and consistent personal and family details. Applicants must not hide relevant information or provide false documents, as this could result in rejection of the application or legal consequences^{[25]Source: NVI —VAT-4 application form for exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship}.

Immigrant Invest supports British applicants throughout the citizenship process, from the preliminary Due Diligence check to document preparation and filing. The company also has an office in Istanbul, allowing its local team to coordinate property checks, transactions, and application formalities directly in Türkiye.

The main stages of support include:

1. Preliminary Due Diligence. Immigrant Invest’s Compliance Department checks the investor’s background before the application process begins. The review helps identify potential issues early and determine which documents may require additional explanation.
2. Selecting an investment option. The team helps compare the available routes according to the investor’s goals, budget, and plans for the capital. Türkiye currently offers 7 options, with thresholds starting at $400,000 for real estate.
3. Checking property before purchase. For the real estate route, Immigrant Invest assists with reviewing the property and transaction before the investor transfers funds. Particular attention is paid to the title, applicable restrictions, and compliance with citizenship requirements.
4. Preparing the application file. Lawyers provide a personalised list of documents and help arrange apostilles, translations, and other formalities. They also check that information is consistent across passports, civil status records, and family documents before submission.
5. Coordinating the application process. The team assists with obtaining the Certificate of Conformity, preparing the residence permit application, and submitting the citizenship file. Lawyers also respond to requests for additional documents from the Turkish citizenship authorities.
6. Supporting the investor after approval. Assistance may continue after citizenship is granted. Immigrant Invest can help renew Turkish passports, open bank accounts, purchase property, and register civil status documents. The team can also advise on citizenship or residence options for family members.

Professional assistance helps reduce the risk of document and procedural errors, but it cannot guarantee citizenship. Applications remain subject to government checks, and the final decision rests with the President of Türkiye.

1. Türkiye citizenship by investment for UK citizens requires at least $400,000 in property or $500,000 in financial investments, with final approval by the President.
2. Investors can include their spouse and children under 18 in the same application.
3. The citizenship process takes at least 8 months.
4. British citizens can keep both passports. Turkish citizenship gives them the right to live, work, and run a business in Türkiye without residence or work permits or limits on how long they can stay.
5. Türkiye is a practical choice for a second home. Its proximity to the UK, modern infrastructure, international schools, and healthcare facilities make it convenient for British families considering relocation or extended stays abroad.