Turkiye citizenship by investment: who is eligible and how to get it 

The Turkish citizenship by investment program allows foreign nationals to obtain a Turkish passport by making a qualifying investment in the country. Introduced in 2017, it is a structured and legally defined pathway for investors to secure a second citizenship and access Turkey’s economy and real estate market.

To qualify, an applicant must complete one of the approved investments and hold it for at least 3 years. The most common option is the purchase of real estate worth at least $400,000, with a resale restriction registered on the title deed. Other eligible options, starting at $500,000, include:

• term deposit in a Turkish bank;
• business investment;
• purchase of government bonds;
• investments in real estate or venture capital funds.

Once the investment is verified, the authorities issue a certificate of conformity. This allows the main applicant to apply for citizenship together with close family members: a spouse and minor children, under one application and without additional investment.

Obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment typically takes at least 8 months. There are no language tests or residence requirements. Turkish citizenship is granted directly and, in most cases, can be held alongside another nationality.

Benefits of Turkish citizenship by investment go beyond passport status. They include a stronger safety net for the family and options for long-term planning if circumstances change.

1. Save haven

A second passport from Turkey can provide a stable fallback in an uncertain environment. When tighter regulation, banking restrictions, or a deteriorating public situation begins to affect day-to-day life, Turkish citizenship gives the legal right to relocate quickly and continue normal routines. 

Investors can use this option to keep work and business running remotely and secure a predictable living environment for the family. In practice, it functions as a credible Plan B that can be activated without urgent visa procedures or short-term status solutions.

2. Travel without visas

Turkish citizens travel without visas to 120+ countries. Among them are Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Investors with a Turkiye passport can also get a C-2 Schengen visa for 5 years and travel to the Schengen Area.

3. E‑2 investor visa to the USA

With Turkish citizenship, investors are eligible to apply for the US E‑2 treaty investor visa, since Turkey is one of the countries covered by the E‑2 agreement with the United States. This visa is designed for those who invest in and run a business in the US and allows relocation together with a spouse and children under the same status.

The E‑2 visa is non-immigrant, so it does not lead directly to a green card or US citizenship. It is typically issued for up to 5 years and can be renewed, provided the investment and business continue to meet the requirements.

4. Simplified requirements for investors

Investors are not required to renounce their current citizenship or take language or national history exams. Moreover, the investment program does not require applicants to live in Turkiye to obtain or maintain citizenship. 

5. Access to quality healthcare

Turkish citizenship grants access to comprehensive healthcare services, with complete medical assistance for citizens and their families, including free emergency care regardless of insurance status. 

About 80% of the Turkish citizens' expenses on healthcare are covered by Universal Health Insurance. Private treatment in Turkiye often costs substantially less than in the EU or the US — commonly by around 50—80% for self-pay procedures, depending on treatment and provider.

6. Social guarantees

A Turkish passport allows the holder and their family to live, work, and study in Turkiye, offering free education and university reimbursement plans, along with pension programs. There are also no restrictions on the inheritance of real estate and assets. 

7. Affordable high-quality life

The cost of living in Turkiye is lower compared to many European countries, making it an attractive place for those seeking a high-quality life at a more affordable cost. 

In Turkiye, estimated monthly costs for a family of four are approximately $2,360 without rent, while a single person’s estimated monthly costs are around $630[1]​​. This affordability extends across various aspects of living, from groceries and dining out to transportation and utilities.

Comparatively, consumer prices in Turkiye are substantially lower than in the United Kingdom, with consumer prices, including rent, being 50% lower. Restaurant prices, groceries, and rent are significantly cheaper in Turkiye by 60%, 45%, and 60% respectively.

Investors and their family members can obtain Turkish citizenship by investment if the main applicant meets the program’s eligibility criteria.

Investor

The Turkish nationality requirements for the main applicant are to:

• be older than 18;
• have no criminal records;
• comply with Turkish immigration laws;
• have no serious illnesses;
• prove legal income.

Citizens of Armenia, Cuba, Nigeria, North Korea, and Cyprus cannot participate in the program. 

Investor’s family members

Investors have the opportunity to include their spouse and children under 18 to the citizenship application.

Financially independent adult children are not covered by the family application. They can, however, apply independently as main applicants, provided they meet the investment requirements.

The applicant for Turkish citizenship can choose any of the five investment options. Investments in Turkiye citizenship are returnable: 3 years after obtaining citizenship, the investor can sell the purchased securities or real estate or close the deposit.

1. Purchase of real estate — $400,000+

Property purchase is the most popular investment option under the Turkish CBI program. Applicants can buy any property: an apartment, a house, commercial or industrial premises.

Since December of 2023, investors cannot get citizenship in Turkiye by purchasing undeveloped land. The regulations specify that the investment in real estate must include land with established condominiums or buildings or an issued building permit.

Buying a single property isn’t a requirement; instead, one can purchase several apartments for a total cost of more than $400,000.

A property can be used for participation in the program only once. An investor who obtained citizenship in Turkiye by purchasing real estate cannot resell that property to another applicant for a passport by investment.

2. Deposit in a Turkish bank — $500,000+

Under the Turkish CBI program, investors may open a deposit account with a Turkish bank and place at least $500,000. They may withdraw the funds after 3 years.

Money can be placed in different account types, including savings accounts, and held in Turkish lira, euros, pounds sterling, or other currencies.

3. Purchase of government bonds — $500,000+

Investors may qualify for Turkish citizenship by purchasing Turkish government bonds worth at least $500,000 through one or more Turkish banks. The investment must be maintained for 3 years. 

Banks forward the documents to the Ministry of Treasury to obtain a certificate of conformity. It enables the citizenship application to proceed without waiting for the 3-year period to end. If the investor sells the bonds before the commitment period expires, the bank must report it and the investor may lose Turkish citizenship.

4. Purchase of units in an investment fund — $500,000+

Investors may qualify for Turkish citizenship by investing at least $500,000 in units of a real estate investment fund or a venture capital investment fund. These funds are regulated by Turkiye’s Capital Markets Board, which verifies the investment for the citizenship process. 

The fund units must be held for at least 3 years without selling or withdrawing. Income-focused funds usually hold more liquid assets, while growth-focused funds target higher returns through longer-term investments.

5. Business investment — $500,000+

Investors may qualify for Turkish citizenship by investing at least $500,000 in the capital of a Turkish company and keeping the investment for 3 years. They must also create at least 50 jobs, confirmed by the relevant authorities. 

After the 3-year period, investors may keep their stake or sell it, depending on their strategy. The business option suits those who want to combine citizenship with active involvement in Turkiye’s corporate environment.

To apply for Turkish citizenship by investment, investors must prepare a set of official documents for themselves and their family members. Here’s a simplified checklist of the required paperwork:

1. Power of attorney — 3 copies, with biometric photos.
2. Birth certificate.
3. Marriage certificate or certificate of marital status.
4. Visa or entry stamp photo.
5. Biometric photos — 10 pcs per person.
6. Bank statement — proof of investment.
7. Parental consent, if applicable.
8. Criminal record certificate, valid for 6 months.

Documents require notarisation, apostille, and certified translation into Turkish.

The most popular option to obtain Turkish investment citizenship is to buy a property. Unlike some other countries’ citizenship by investment programs, foreigners do not need to obtain permits to buy real estate.

There are many real estate properties in Turkiye for every taste: inexpensive apartments, apartments in modern residential complexes with their own infrastructure, penthouses, mansions, villas by the sea, commercial premises. Most often, investors buy housing in Istanbul, Antalya, and Ankara. 

Property prices. On the Turkish real estate market, the average cost of an apartment located in the city centre is $1,887 per square metre and $1,120 outside of the city centre[1]​​.

The cost of a one-room apartment in a provincial city averages $30,000—50,000, and of villas with several bedrooms — $100,000+.

For $400,000, an investor can buy a choice of:

• several inexpensive apartments in Kemer;
• two-room apartment in Istanbul with an area of 80 m²;
• three-room apartment in Antalya with an area of 170 m²;
• villa by the sea in Alanya with an area of 200 m².

Purchased Turkish real estate can be a profitable investment. As of November 2025, the prices for property in Turkiye have increased by 31.4%, compared to November of 2024. The highest annual increase was 40.1% in Bingol, Elazig, Malatya, Tunceli, Van, Bitlis, Hakkari, and Mus[2]​​.

The Turkish housing market is quite dynamic, with properties often being sold within a few months, indicating a relatively high rate of liquidity in this sector.

The demand for housing amid Turkiye’s economic difficulties is largely supported by foreigners. The devaluation of the Turkish lira plays into their hands: there are many properties on the market at attractive prices.

In addition to investing in the Turkish economy, there are several other ways to obtain citizenship.

1. Birth or descent. This path is suitable for those who have at least one parent who is a Turkish citizen or for those who have Turkish ancestry.

2. Marriage. Citizenship application becomes availableafter three years of marriage to a Turkish citizen.

3. Employment. The applicant becomes eligible after 5 years of employment in Turkiye under an employment contract.

4. Turkey citizenship by naturalisation. It is available after 5 years of living in Turkiye. During this time, applicants cannot leave the country for a total of more than 6 months. 

To apply for citizenship, the foreigner proves proficiency in the Turkish language and having a job or a sufficient level of income.

Buying property in Turkiye supports a short-term residence permit based on property ownership. For purchases made on or after 16 October 2023, the property value on the title deed must reach at least $200,000. The permit is usually issued for up to 2 years at a time and can be renewed as long as the applicant keeps the property[3].

5. Special merit, Turquoise Card. The applicant qualifies if they have outstanding achievements in science, business, culture, or sport.

The Turkish Statistical Institute, TÜİK, announced that, in 2026, the costs for obtaining a Turkish passport are expected to increase by 25.49%[4]​​. Here are the projected fees for different validity periods:

• passport with a 1-year validity — 4,296 lira, ≈ $101;
• 2-year passport — 7,065 lira, ≈ $165;
• 3-year validity passport — 10,065 lira, ≈ $236;
• passports with a validity of 4—10 years — 14,146 liras, ≈ $331.

The passport book fee will also increase to 1,424 liras, ≈ $33.

Turkiye allows dual and multiple citizenships under Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law[5], which states that individuals can maintain multiple citizenships, provided they meet certain requirements and procedures laid out by the law​​.

A Turkish citizen acquiring citizenship of another country must inform Turkish authorities and have this information recorded in their civil registration. This requirement ensures that Turkiye’s records accurately reflect its citizens' multiple nationalities.

Turkish citizenship by investment suits investors who plan to settle in Turkiye long term, apply for the US E-2 investor visa, or secure a reliable safe haven outside their home country. Turkish citizenship can also support property purchases through access to preferential mortgage rates.

Turkish citizenship does not suit investors who prioritise visa-free travel to the US, Canada, Europe, the UK, China, tax optimisation, or business expansion in Europe.

In these cases, Caribbean citizenship programs often fit better: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Vanuatu. 

Caribbean CBI programs, like Turkey’s, typically allow the whole family to obtain citizenship without residence requirements or local language tests.

Moving to Turkiye as a citizen is a smooth transition. Daily life is supported by reliable infrastructure, efficient public services, and access to international amenities. 

Whether settling in Istanbul, Izmir, or Antalya, citizens can benefit from a strong banking system, private healthcare, quality education, and a straightforward tax environment. Here’s what to expect when starting a new life in Turkiye.

Banking

Both local and global banks operate across Turkiye. Leading Turkish banks include Ziraat Bankası, İşbank, Akbank, Garanti BBVA. Global institutions such as HSBC also have a presence.

To open a bank account, bring the following to a branch:

• passport;
• Turkish tax ID number;
• proof of address;
• Turkish residence certificate.

Accounts can be opened in lira, euros, or US dollars.

Turkish tax system

One becomes a Turkish tax resident if they spend over 6 months a year in Turkiye. The system is transparent, and taxes apply to worldwide income for residents.

Main tax rates include[6]:

1. Income tax — progressive 15—40%.
2. Corporate tax — 25%.
3. VAT — 1%, 10%, or 20%.
4. Capital gains tax — 0—35%, depending on the asset and holding period.
5. Property tax — 0.1—0.6% annually, depending on location and type.

Private healthcare

Private hospitals in Turkiye are well-equipped and internationally accredited. Many doctors speak English. Top-rated hospitals include: American Hospital, Acıbadem Hospitals, Memorial Hospitals, and Medicana Hospitals.

Private insurance is recommended and widely accepted at these hospitals.

International education

Families relocating to Turkiye can choose from top international schools with British, American, German, or IB curriculums. Leading options:

• British International School Istanbul;
• MEF International School in Istanbul and Izmir;
• Istanbul International Community School;
• ENKA Schools in Istanbul.

Enrollment typically requires a passport, previous school transcripts, English or academic placement test, and early application due to high demand.

Best cities to settle

Many new citizens choose to settle in Istanbul, Turkiye’s largest city and economic hub. It offers top international schools, the most developed expat infrastructure, and a rich mix of business, culture, and daily convenience.

Ankara, the capital, appeals to those seeking a quieter pace and better value for spacious housing. Izmir offers a Mediterranean lifestyle, with strong local culture and good transport links to the rest of the country.

For a relaxed coastal life, Antalya is a favourite with its resort atmosphere and large foreign community. Bodrum and Fethiye attract those looking for premium seaside living, often on a seasonal basis. Bursa, nestled near Istanbul, is a greener, family-friendly alternative with growing industrial opportunities and easy access to the city.

1. Obtaining Turkey citizenship by investment offers a wide range of benefits, including visa-free access to over 120 countries and the opportunity for an E‑2 investor visa to the USA.
2. Investors and their families can enjoy high-quality healthcare and education without the need for renouncing their original nationality.
3. The program allows investors to include their spouse and children under 18.
4. The program’s efficient processing time is at least 8 months ensures that investors can quickly gain citizenship and start enjoying the benefits.
5. The Turkish real estate market presents profitable investment opportunities with a variety of options and the potential for substantial returns.
6. The investment options include buying real estate for $400,000+, opening bank deposits of $500,000+, creating business with $500,000, and purchasing government securities or shares of investment funds for $500,000+.

1. Source: Numbeo — Cost of living in Turkey
2. Source: CBRT RPPI Monthly Developments — November 2025
3. Source: Konaç Levent Consultancy — New Regulations for Obtaining a Residence Permit in Turkey by Purchasing Property
4. Source: Gazete Oksijen Economy — 2026 pasaport harç ve defter bedelleri belli oldu
5. Source: Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law
6. Source: PwC — Turkish taxes: Income tax, Corporate tax, Other taxes