Turkish Citizenship by Investment in 2026

A Turkish passport for an investor is not only a fast way to legalize residency, but also an effective tool for expanding personal and business horizons. Turkish citizenship by investment (Citizenship by Investment, CBI) provides visa-free or simplified entry to more than 120 countries worldwide, offers access to a favorable tax system, high-quality healthcare and education, and allows investors to legally live, work, and invest in the economy of one of the most promising real estate markets on the Mediterranean coast.

However, behind the apparent simplicity of the Turkish citizenship by investment program lie legal nuances that are critically important to observe in order to successfully obtain the new status. In practice, a lack of knowledge about legislative details and procedures is most often the reason for refusals. Therefore, the support of an lawyer in Turkey is indispensable in this case.

In this review, we will examine in detail how to obtain a Turkish passport through an investment of 400,000 USD within just 4–6 months, whether family members can be included in the application, how much the process costs, and why citizenship applications may be rejected.

Advantages of Turkish Citizenship

The status of a citizen of the Republic of Turkey obtained through the investment program grants the applicant and their immediate family members not only the full range of constitutional rights but also expanded access to a wide spectrum of socio-economic opportunities both within Turkey and beyond its borders. Thanks to international agreements, legislative features, and economic conditions, the Turkish passport has become one of the most attractive in the world among economic citizenship programs. Below you will find the key advantages of Turkish citizenship by investment, established both by domestic regulations and international practice.

Visa-Free Countries

Holders of a Turkish passport are entitled to visa-free travel, visas on arrival, or simplified electronic visas to more than 120 countries worldwide. The list includes countries in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, as well as a number of African and Middle Eastern states. In terms of visa-free destinations, the Turkish passport significantly expands an investor’s international mobility.

This is especially beneficial for investors engaged in international business, as well as for families planning frequent travel. In addition, the Republic of Turkey regularly conducts active negotiations with other countries to expand the list of destinations offering visa-free entry.

Opportunity to Obtain a U.S. E-2 Visa

Among the significant advantages of a Turkish passport for investors is the possibility of obtaining a long-term B1/B2 visa to the United States for up to 10 years. The U.S. E-2 visa through Turkey is another benefit of citizenship: the republic is included in the list of countries that have a bilateral investor visa treaty with the United States (E-2 category).

This allows Turkish citizens to establish commercial activities in the United States and legally obtain a visa that permits multiple entries, residence, and business operations. This mechanism is particularly востребован among international entrepreneurs and investors targeting the U.S. market.

Dual Citizenship

Turkey’s legal system officially recognizes the institution of dual citizenship, meaning that a foreign applicant is not required to renounce their current nationality when applying for Turkish citizenship. This allows investors to retain their original passport while enjoying all the rights and privileges granted by Turkish citizenship.

At the same time, it should be noted that the issue of dual (second) citizenship is regulated not only by Turkish law but also by the domestic legislation of the applicant’s home country. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to seek legal advice — both from a lawyer in Turkey and from a qualified legal professional in the applicant’s home country.

Return on Investment

One of the key features of the Turkish citizenship by investment program is the ability to retain and later dispose of the investment asset. In particular, when purchasing real estate worth at least 400,000 USD, the investor undertakes not to sell the asset for three years. However, after this period, the asset may be sold without losing citizenship status.

Thus, the investment is effectively recoverable and can generate income in the form of rental revenue, capital appreciation, or asset liquidation.

No Permanent Residency Requirement

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program does not require the investor to reside in Turkey either before or after obtaining a passport. In this respect, Turkish citizenship through investment fundamentally differs from naturalization.

This makes the program especially attractive for busy international investors and entrepreneurs who do not plan to relocate to Turkey permanently but wish to obtain a second passport.

Fast Processing: 4–6 Months

With proper document preparation and compliance with all investment requirements, the entire process typically takes between 4 and 6 months. This is one of the shortest timeframes among comparable investment citizenship programs worldwide.

Citizenship for Spouses and Children

Under the current investment program, Turkish citizenship for family members is fully provided for: the right to obtain citizenship extends to the spouse and children under 18 of the main applicant. Family members receive passports without having to go through a separate naturalization procedure.

This is particularly relevant for families considering relocation to Turkey, planning education abroad for their children, or seeking access to the national healthcare system and social benefits.

Requirements for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship

As of 2026, the procedure for granting citizenship of the Republic of Turkey on the basis of capital investment is regulated by the Law on Turkish Citizenship No. 5901 and the relevant implementing regulations. Several investment options are available, each with its own requirements and procedural conditions regarding the amount and holding period of assets.

Below is a summary table of all current options under the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program.

Real Estate Purchase for 400,000 USD

Buying property in Turkey is the most popular way to obtain a Turkish passport through investment. According to current requirements, the investor must:

• purchase property with a total value of at least 400,000 USD;
• register ownership in their own name;
• undertake not to sell the property (or properties) for three years.

In addition, several additional requirements regarding the purchased property must be met. These conditions are established by law and are intended to ensure transparency and prevent abuse:

1. Foreign investors may purchase different types of real estate, including: residential property (apartments, villas, houses), commercial property (offices, shops, warehouses), and land plots for development (provided the project is completed within the specified timeframe).

2. The buyer may become the owner of one or several properties if:

• each property has a separate title deed (TAPU); without a Turkish title deed, an application cannot be submitted;
• the property is purchased from a Turkish citizen or a Turkish legal entity.

The transaction can only be registered in the name of one buyer, meaning that only one investor is listed on the title deed. Shared ownership is not permitted.

3. In addition, the Turkish citizenship through real estate program does not allow the purchase of:

• properties previously used by another investor as a basis for citizenship;
• real estate purchased from companies under foreign control (if more than 50% of shares are owned by foreigners).

4. To confirm that the required price threshold has been met, a mandatory market valuation must be carried out by an independent specialist certified by the Capital Markets Board of Turkey (SPK). The request for valuation is submitted through the WebTapu electronic portal. The report is attached to the citizenship application package and stored in the GEDAS electronic system.
The valuation is conducted before the transaction and reflects the actual market value of the property.

5. Payment must be made through a bank with the correct purpose of payment indicated, along with obtaining a special currency exchange certificate (DAB).

After completing the procedure, the investor receives a certificate of eligibility confirming that the property qualifies under the CBI program.

Bank Deposit of 500,000 USD

Placing a deposit of at least 500,000 USD in an authorized bank is another legal option for obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment. The condition is that the funds must remain blocked for three years. The confirming document is issued by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK). The bank must notify the BDDK about the placement of the deposit and the signing of the agreement confirming that the funds will not be withdrawn during the required period. Interest accrued during this time remains at the disposal of the account holder.

Business Investment and Job Creation

In addition to investments in real estate, Turkish legislation provides alternative options for investment citizenship for foreigners:

1. Direct investment in the fixed capital of companies and enterprises registered in the Republic of Turkey. To participate, the investor must invest at least 500,000 USD. Official confirmation from the Ministry of Industry and Technology is required to verify that the investment meets the program’s requirements.

Important: the applicant must provide official confirmation of the source of funds as well as documentation confirming that the investment has actually been credited to the company’s authorized capital.

2. An active form of investment is the creation of at least 50 jobs for Turkish citizens. This route requires establishing a company in Turkey, conducting business operations, and submitting supporting documentation to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. The investor must provide financial statements, maintain HR policies in accordance with labor law, and register all employees with the SGK (Social Security Institution).

Bonds and Funds

Another option is the purchase of government bonds worth at least 500,000 USD with a commitment to hold them for three years. This method is regulated by the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance and also requires obtaining a certificate of compliance. Purchases are made through banks or brokers licensed in Turkey.

To obtain a Turkish passport through investment, contributions to shares of approved real estate investment funds or venture capital funds registered and regulated by the Capital Markets Board of Turkey (SPK) are also permitted. The required minimum investment is 500,000 USD with a mandatory holding period of at least three years.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a Turkish Passport

Obtaining Turkish investment citizenship in 2026 is a strictly structured legal procedure regulated by national legislation and implementing regulations. If documents are prepared correctly and all conditions are met, the process can be completed within 4–6 months.

1. Due Diligence and Property Valuation

At the initial stage, legal and financial due diligence is carried out to identify potential risks of refusal. The choice of investment strategy determines the entire course of the procedure — from the required documents to the time needed to obtain the passport.

If the chosen investment method is real estate, the value of the property must be confirmed. Compliance with the required price threshold is verified through a mandatory market valuation conducted by an independent appraiser accredited by the Capital Markets Board (SPK). The valuation request is submitted via WebTapu and must be completed before the purchase transaction. This document is mandatory when applying for Turkish citizenship by investment.

2. Bank Payment and DAB Certificate

The property is paid for officially through a bank with the purpose of payment clearly indicated. At this stage, it is also mandatory to obtain a DAB certificate confirming the exchange of foreign currency into Turkish lira.

3. Obtaining TAPU and Registering the 3-Year Sale Restriction

The TAPU (title deed) is transferred to the investor’s name at the Land Registry Office, which forms the basis for participation in the investment program. A restriction preventing the sale of the property for three years must then be registered.

4. Obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (Uygunluk belgesi)

The investor receives a certificate confirming that the purchased property complies with the requirements of the Turkish citizenship program.

5. Obtaining a Residence Permit

The applicant and their family prepare documents and apply for a special residence permit in Turkey (jbendi). The residence permit is usually issued for one or two years and allows legal stay in the country while the citizenship application is being processed.

6. Preparing Citizenship Documents

Preparation of documents for obtaining Turkish citizenship is a key stage of the process. The following documents must be prepared:

• An application form for citizenship completed in the prescribed format and signed by the applicant or a lawyer under notarized power of attorney.
• A valid international passport.
• Birth certificates of the main investor and all family members included in the application.
• Biometric photographs measuring 5×6 cm that meet official requirements.
• A copy of a valid residence permit (ikamet) — if available.
• Police clearance certificates from the country of residence.
• A marriage certificate and proof of marital status.
• A receipt confirming payment of the state fee.
• Medical insurance valid in Turkey.
• Confirmation of the completed investment requirement (Certificate of Eligibility).

When citizenship is obtained through real estate investment, the property title deed (TAPU) must also be attached.

All documents issued in a foreign language must be apostilled, translated into Turkish, and notarized. Considering the strict requirements regarding the completeness and accuracy of submitted documents, it is recommended to involve an experienced lawyer in Turkey to ensure proper preparation and reduce the risk of refusal.

The document package is submitted to government authorities for the issuance of a certificate confirming that the investment meets the program’s requirements.

7. Submitting the Citizenship Application

Once the residence permit card is obtained and all investment obligations have been fulfilled, the investor submits an official application for citizenship. The application is reviewed by the Ministry of Interior of Turkey, and the final decision is formalized by a decree of the President of the Republic.

8. Receiving the Passport

The applicant is issued a Turkish passport (kimlik). This is the final stage of the process confirming the investor’s new legal status.

Cost of Turkish Citizenship by Investment

The total cost of Turkish citizenship consists of several components: the main investment amount, taxes and fees related to the transaction, as well as legal and documentation expenses.

Investment Costs

The minimum investment threshold for Turkish real estate is 400,000 USD and has remained unchanged since 2022. For other investment options (deposit, bonds, funds, business), the minimum threshold is 500,000 USD.

Additional Expenses

When purchasing property, related taxes, fees, document translation, and legalization typically amount to approximately 15,000 USD.

Government Fees

The government fee for reviewing a citizenship application is approximately 1,000 TRY per family member included in the application.

Legal Services

The cost of legal services for property transactions and citizenship processing varies depending on the complexity and scope of work.

All amounts indicated are approximate. The exact cost should be confirmed directly with service providers such as notaries, lawyers, appraisers, translators, and government authorities.

Turkish Citizenship for Family Members

Turkish citizenship for family members is one of the key advantages of the investment program. Under a single application, citizenship is granted simultaneously to the main applicant, their spouse, and children under 18. No additional investment is required to include family members.

Adult children and parents of the main applicant are not included in the program. Adult children may apply for a separate residence permit in Turkey based on family reunification if they are unmarried and live with their parents. If a child has a confirmed disability, they may be included in the application regardless of age in accordance with program rules.

Citizenship is particularly relevant for those planning to relocate to Turkey, arrange education for their children in Turkish or international institutions, or ensure access to the national healthcare system and social benefits.

Potential Risks and Reasons for Refusal

Despite the transparency of the procedure and the relatively high approval rate, there are several reasons why an applicant may be denied citizenship. The key grounds for rejection based on current regulations and practice include:

• Failure to meet investment requirements. If the investment does not meet the minimum threshold (400,000 USD for real estate) or other program conditions, the application will inevitably be rejected. If the investment is withdrawn before the required three-year period, an already issued passport may be revoked.
• Incorrect or incomplete documentation. One of the most common technical reasons for refusal, which can be avoided by working with an experienced lawyer.
• Submission of unverified or forged documents. This is a serious violation that leads to immediate refusal and possible prohibition of reapplication.
• Criminal record or national security concerns. Foreign nationals with outstanding criminal convictions — especially for crimes related to terrorism, money laundering, or human trafficking — are denied citizenship in accordance with the Law on Turkish Citizenship No. 5901.
• Real estate that does not meet program requirements. If the property valuation is below 400,000 USD or the property has already been used by another investor under the CBI program, the application will be rejected.
• Citizenship of restricted countries. In practice, citizens of Armenia, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, and Nigeria face significant limitations when participating in the program.

Comparison with Other Citizenship by Investment Programs

The cost and conditions of Turkish citizenship distinguish the program favorably from most alternatives. In 2026, along with Turkey, several other countries offer programs that grant citizenship or residency in exchange for investment.

Comparison table of citizenship by investment programs:

In 2026, alongside Turkey, a number of countries offer their own attractive programs that grant citizenship or residency rights in exchange for capital investment:

Greece

As part of a government initiative to attract foreign investment, Greece offers one of the most accessible residence permit programs in Europe — the so-called Golden Visa. A residence permit is granted for the purchase of property starting from 250,000 USD. After 7 years of legal residence under this permit and subject to passing a language exam, the investor may apply for naturalization.

Egypt

Egypt’s economic citizenship initiative includes several investment options. The entry threshold is 200,000 USD, which must be transferred as a non-refundable contribution to a special government-controlled account. Alternative options are also available:

• a bank deposit of at least 500,000 USD in the Central Bank of Egypt;
• the purchase of residential property worth at least 300,000 USD;
• capital investments in approved business projects starting from 300,000 USD.

However, the most attractive destinations in this context are the countries of the Caribbean. They offer an accelerated route to a second passport — typically within 3 to 6 months — with no requirements for residence in the country or knowledge of the national language:

Saint Kitts and Nevis

The program, which has been operating since 1984, is considered one of the oldest and most reputable. Investors may choose between a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (starting from 250,000 USD) or purchasing real estate from an approved developer (from 325,000 USD). The minimum mandatory holding period for the asset is 7 years. The passport of this country provides visa-free access to more than 150 countries, including EU states and the United Kingdom.

Antigua and Barbuda

Applicants can choose between three options:

• a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund starting from 230,000 USD;
• the purchase of property from 300,000 USD;
• investment in approved business projects starting from 400,000 USD.

The program is particularly attractive for families, as it allows the inclusion of spouses, children, and parents. A mandatory requirement is a minimum stay in the country of 5 days within the first 5 years. Real estate may be sold after 5 years without risking the loss of citizenship. The passport provides visa-free access to more than 150 countries worldwide.

Saint Lucia

Applicants may choose from several investment routes, including a contribution to the National Economic Fund starting from 240,000 USD, the purchase of property for 300,000 USD, or investment in government bonds.

The processing time for citizenship ranges from 3 to 9 months. Permanent residence and language proficiency are not required. A Saint Lucian passport provides access to more than 140 visa-free destinations, including the United Kingdom and the Schengen Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Turkish citizenship cost?

The base investment amount when choosing real estate is 400,000 USD according to the cadastral valuation. Additional costs include the property transfer tax (4%), government fees, notary services, translation, and legal support.

Can the property be sold after obtaining the passport?

No, not immediately. The law establishes a mandatory holding period of three years from the date of registration of ownership. After this period, the investor may freely sell the property without risking the loss of citizenship. This is why the investment is considered recoverable.

Is it necessary to live in Turkey?

No. The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program does not impose any residence requirements either before or after obtaining the passport.

How long does the process take?

If documents are prepared correctly, the process typically takes between 4 and 6 months. This is one of the fastest timelines among existing citizenship by investment programs worldwide.

Can the first citizenship be retained?

Yes. Turkish law allows dual citizenship, so there is no need to renounce the original passport. However, applicants should verify the requirements of their home country.

Can Turkish citizenship be obtained remotely?

Partially. Some stages — such as property search, preliminary document verification, and negotiations — can be handled remotely through a lawyer under notarized power of attorney. However, personal presence is required for biometric data submission and the final stages of the process.

Is dual citizenship allowed in Turkey?

Yes, the Turkish legal system permits holding a second passport. A foreign national may retain their original citizenship if it does not contradict the laws of their home country.

Can you buy property in Turkey and obtain citizenship?

Yes. Foreign investors may apply for citizenship if they purchase one or more properties with a total cadastral value of at least 400,000 USD.

Is there a “Golden Visa” in Turkey?

There is no classic “Golden Visa” format in Turkey. However, the Turkish citizenship by investment program allows applicants to first obtain a residence permit and then full citizenship. In essence, it is a more advantageous alternative to a golden visa, as the investor ultimately receives a passport rather than just residency.