Turkey stands as one of the world''s most attractive destinations for citizenship by real estate investment. In 2025, a minimum purchase of $400,000 USD in real estate qualifies you for Turkish citizenship. This program has granted citizenship to over 50,000 foreign investors since 2018, positioning Turkey at the forefront of the global investment migration landscape.
Overview of Turkey''s Citizenship Program
Regulated under Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law, the citizenship-by-investment program grants Turkish citizenship to foreign investors who meet specific criteria. The program is governed by Presidential Decree and administered by the Directorate General of Migration Management and the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre.
Pathways to Citizenship
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Holding Period | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Purchase | $400,000 USD | 3-year no-sale | 3-6 months |
| Bank Deposit | $500,000 USD | 3-year hold | 3-6 months |
| Fixed Capital Investment | $500,000 USD | 3 years | 3-6 months |
| Job Creation | 50 employees | - | 3-6 months |
| Government Bonds | $500,000 USD | 3-year hold | 3-6 months |
Citizenship Through Real Estate: Step-by-Step Process
- Property Selection and Valuation: Select one or more properties worth at least $400,000 USD. Obtain a property valuation report from an SPK-licensed appraisal company.
- Sale Transaction and Title Deed Transfer: Complete the sale at the General Directorate of Land Registry. A "not to be sold for 3 years" annotation is placed on the title deed. Payment must be made through a Turkish bank with a foreign exchange purchase certificate.
- Eligibility Certificate Application: Request an eligibility certificate from the General Directorate of Land Registry confirming the property meets citizenship requirements.
- Residence Permit Application: Apply for a short-term residence permit through the Directorate General of Migration Management.
- Citizenship Application: Submit the citizenship application to the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship. Spouse and children under 18 can be included.
- Evaluation and Approval: The application undergoes various stages including security clearance, typically completed within 3-6 months.
Required Documents
- Passport: Valid passport with notarized Turkish translation
- Birth Certificate: Apostilled with notarized Turkish translation
- Marriage Certificate: (If applicable) Apostilled with notarized Turkish translation
- Criminal Record: From country of origin, apostilled and translated
- Biometric Photos: 4 passport-size photographs
- Valuation Report: From an SPK-licensed appraisal company
- Title Deed: With 3-year no-sale annotation
- Foreign Exchange Certificate: DAB issued by the bank
- Health Insurance: Valid health insurance policy in Turkey
- Residence Permit: Valid short-term residence permit
🏠 Professional Consultation
Meet our expert team to guide you through the Turkish citizenship process. As Century21 Perfect Bağdat Caddesi, we support you from property selection to citizenship application.
📞 +90 552 688 0195 | 📧 ashkan.ahani@century21.com.tr
Property Selection Tips
Location Selection
Istanbul remains the most popular city for real estate investment. Within Istanbul, central locations such as Bağdat Caddesi, Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Şişli, and Beyoğlu offer the best advantages in terms of both appreciation and rental yield.
- Istanbul Asian Side: Bağdat Caddesi area, Ataşehir, Üsküdar enjoy high demand.
- Istanbul European Side: Beşiktaş, Şişli, Sarıyer, Bakırköy are preferred areas.
- Antalya: High rental yields driven by tourism potential.
- Izmir: High appreciation potential with developing infrastructure.
- Ankara: Advantage of finding corporate tenants as the capital city.
Property Type Selection
- Residential (Apartment): The most commonly preferred type with balanced rental yield and appreciation. In Istanbul, $400,000 can purchase a 2+1 or 3+1 apartment in central locations.
- Commercial Real Estate: Shop or office investment may offer higher rental yields but carries vacancy risk.
- Land: Suitable for long-term investment with high appreciation potential but no rental income.
- Off-plan: Pre-construction purchases can offer price advantages but carry delivery risk.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship
- Dual Citizenship: Turkey allows dual citizenship. You do not lose your existing citizenship.
- Family Included: Spouse and children under 18 also gain citizenship rights.
- Travel Freedom: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries.
- E-2 Visa: Eligibility for the US E-2 investor visa, allowing living and working in the United States.
- Business: Unlimited right to establish businesses and work in Turkey.
- Education: Access to Turkish universities with citizen status.
- Healthcare: Access to healthcare services under the Social Security system (SGK).
Costs and Taxes
| Cost Item | Amount / Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Title Deed Fee | 4% | 4% of sale price (shared between buyer and seller) |
| Valuation Report | $430 - $720 | SPK-licensed appraisal fee |
| Translation & Notary | $290 - $570 | Document translation and notarization costs |
| Legal Fees | $5,000 - $15,000 | Attorney fees for managing the citizenship process |
| DASK (Earthquake Insurance) | $30 - $85/year | Mandatory earthquake insurance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell the property after 3 years?
Yes, after the 3-year no-sale annotation period expires, you can freely sell your property. Your citizenship is not affected by the sale.
Can I buy multiple properties?
Yes, you can purchase multiple properties as long as the total value meets the $400,000 threshold. All properties will have the 3-year annotation.
Can my family also get citizenship?
Yes, your spouse and children under 18 can gain Turkish citizenship under the same application. No additional investment is required.
Why Work with Century21 Perfect?
- 10+ Years Experience: Over a decade of experience advising foreign investors on real estate.
- End-to-End Service: We support you from property selection to citizenship application.
- Multilingual Team: Consultants fluent in Turkish, English, Farsi, and Arabic.
- Legal Support: Partnered attorneys manage the legal process securely.
- Extensive Portfolio: Over 500 active listings in Istanbul''s most prestigious areas.
Expert Opinion: "Turkey''s citizenship-by-investment program offers exceptional value compared to similar programs globally. The combination of a tangible real estate asset, fast processing, and the benefits of a Turkish passport make it an outstanding choice." — Century21 Perfect Bağdat Caddesi Investment Team
Turkish citizenship through real estate investment is a valuable opportunity that can be obtained quickly with the right investment and professional guidance.
Citizenship calculator → | Browse our listings →
🏠 Professional Consultation
Complete your Turkish citizenship process as quickly and securely as possible. Contact our Century21 Perfect Bağdat Caddesi team today.
📞 +90 552 688 0195 | 📧 ashkan.ahani@century21.com.tr
