Understanding Turkey''s Golden Visa Program
Over the past five years, Turkey has quietly become one of the most attractive destinations for citizenship by investment. Having guided hundreds of investors through this process from our Bağdat Caddesi office, we can say with confidence that the Turkish program offers unmatched value for the price.
But what exactly does the program entail? Who qualifies? What are the real steps involved?
Eligibility Criteria
Nearly all nationalities can apply. There are limited exceptions such as Syrian and North Korean citizens. Applicants from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia, Ukraine, and dozens of other countries have successfully obtained Turkish citizenship.
Available Investment Routes
Real estate purchase is the most popular path, but it is not the only one.
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Holding Period |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Purchase | $400,000 | 3-year sale restriction |
| Fixed Capital Investment | $500,000 | 3 years |
| Bank Deposit | $500,000 | 3-year lock |
| Government Bonds | $500,000 | 3 years |
| Job Creation | 50 employees | Ongoing |
The Application Timeline
A Pakistani client who purchased a 3-bedroom apartment in Kadıköy waited exactly four months from title deed to citizenship certificate. That was fast. Not every case moves that quickly. Expect anywhere from 3 to 8 months depending on security clearance.
- Property selection and preliminary agreement
- Official valuation report
- Title deed transfer with 3-year annotation
- Conformity Certificate application
- Citizenship application at Civil Registry
- Security screening and approval
Why Turkey Over Other Programs
Spain shut down its program. Portugal redirected to funds. Greece raised its threshold to €800,000. Turkey remains at $400,000 and grants full citizenship — not just a residence permit.
An Iranian investor who visited our office on Bağdat Caddesi put it perfectly: "In Portugal, you pay €500K for residency. In Turkey, you pay $400K for a passport."
🏠 Profesyonel Danışmanlık
Century21 Perfect Bağdat Caddesi ekibimiz size yardımcı olsun.
📞 +90 552 688 0195 | 📧 ashkan.ahani@century21.com.tr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum age requirement?
No age limit exists, but the primary applicant must be at least 18. Children under 18 are included through their parents'' application.
Does my spouse get citizenship too?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 are included in the same application at no additional investment.
Do I have to live in Turkey?
No. There is no residency requirement after obtaining citizenship. You can live anywhere in the world.
What happens if I sell the property before 3 years?
Your citizenship may be revoked. The 3-year annotation on the title deed prevents any sale before the period ends.
Can I combine multiple properties to reach $400,000?
Yes. As long as the combined valuation meets or exceeds $400,000, multiple properties are permitted.
Will I have military obligations?
Citizenship-by-investment holders are typically evaluated under the paid military service scheme. Each case is assessed individually.
If my application is rejected, do I get a refund?
The property remains yours. In case of rejection, you can sell after the 3-year period. There is no monetary refund because you have acquired an asset.
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📞 +90 552 688 0195 | 📧 ashkan.ahani@century21.com.tr
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