Your Guide to Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Turkey offers a unique and advantageous pathway to citizenship for foreign investors who invest a minimum of $400,000 USD in real estate. Unlike programs in other countries where you simply pay for a passport, Turkey allows you to combine citizenship benefits with a sound investment in a thriving real estate market. With this program, you commit to holding your investment for just three years, after which you can sell the property at a profit while retaining your Turkish citizenship for life.
Affordable Threshold: Invest as little as $400,000 USD in real estate.
Lifetime Citizenship: Citizenship is permanent, and any future children born to you will also be Turkish citizens.
Dual Citizenship: Turkey allows you to retain your original nationality alongside Turkish citizenship.
Global Mobility: A Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 120 countries.
E‑2 business visa to the USA: Turkish citizens can pursue an E-2 Investor Visa, which grants them and their immediate family the right to reside and be employed in the United States. This visa is obtained by making a significant investment in a new or existing U.S. business. Although there is no legally defined minimum investment amount, a common benchmark for a successful application is an investment of $100,000 or more.
Tourist visa to the USA: Gaining access to the U.S. for business and tourism is a straightforward process for Turkish investors. By applying for a B-1/B-2 visa and completing the required interview at a U.S. consulate in Istanbul or Ankara, you can secure the necessary travel authorisation to pursue your opportunities in the United States.
Profitable Investment: After a 3-year holding period, you can sell your property and retain your citizenship.
Why Choose Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
Pathways to Turkish Citizenship
While real estate is the most popular option, there are several ways to qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment:
Real Estate Investment: Purchase property worth at least $400,000 USD.
Investment Funds: Contribute $500,000 USD to real estate or venture capital funds.
Capital Investment: Invest $500,000 USD in fixed capital.
Bank Deposit: Deposit $500,000 USD or equivalent in Turkish banks.
Government Bonds: Acquire bonds worth $500,000 USD.
Job Creation: Employ 50+ people in Turkey.
Requirements for the Real Estate Investment Program
• Minimum Investment: Purchase property valued at $400,000 USD or more. This can include multiple properties.
• 3-Year Retention: The property must be held for at least 3 years.
• Official Valuation: A certified valuation report must confirm the property’s value meets the threshold.
• Bank Transfer: Payments must be made via bank transfer and documented with receipts.
• Eligibility of Property: Properties must not have been previously owned by a foreigner or transferred within the applicant’s family after January 2017.
Steps to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment
1. Tax Registration Number: Obtain a tax ID at any Turkish tax office.
2. Open a Turkish Bank Account: Required for property transactions.
3. Find the Property: Identify suitable properties meeting program criteria.
4. Make the Purchase: Complete the transaction and annotate the title deed with a 3-year non-sale commitment.
5. Certificate of Conformity: Apply through the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.
6. Residency Permit: Obtain a residency permit as part of the process.
7. Citizenship Application: Submit your application for Turkish citizenship.
Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship
• Birth Certificates: Notarized and translated into Turkish.
• Passports: Original and translated copies for all applicants.
• Proof of Address: Certified residence documents.
• Marital Status Documents: Marriage or divorce certificates.
• Biometric Photos: Passport-size and standard biometric photos.
• Criminal Record Clearance: From your country of residence.
• Health Insurance: Valid in Turkey.
• Power of Attorney: For legal representation during the process.
Why Choose Aveen Capital?
With over 10 years of expertise in the Turkish real estate market, Aveen Capital offers a seamless, end-to-end solution for the Citizenship by Investment program. Our pre-approved property portfolio ensures compliance with citizenship requirements, and our experienced team of consultants and in-house but independent lawyers guide you through every step of the process.
We’ve helped many investors from around the world secure Turkish citizenship while making profitable real estate investments. Partner with us for professional assistance and exclusive benefits, including expert negotiation, favorable payment terms, and personalised investment advice.
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YES. Acquiring citizenship in Turkey through a real estate investment is a viable option, provided the total value of the properties is at least $400,000. Investors can acquire residential or commercial buildings and land; however, shares are not eligible. The property can be sold after a three-year holding period, but the new owner will not be able to use the same property for their own citizenship application.
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The process for obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment typically requires a minimum of eight months. The most time-consuming phase is often the Due Diligence check, which is a thorough review to confirm that all applicants meet the program’s criteria. This stage alone can last between three and four months.
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No company can offer a 100% guarantee that an applicant will receive citizenship by investment. Be wary of any company that makes such a claim, as this may be a sign of a scam. Our firm, for example, has a dedicated Compliance Department that conducts a preliminary review of all applicants. This helps us identify and mitigate potential rejection risks, which in turn leads to a high success rate for our clients.
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The most common method for recovering the investment is through the real estate option. You can sell the property after three years, which returns your capital. In the meantime, you can earn passive income by renting out the property. Some developers estimate an annual rental yield of around 8% in U.S. dollars. Keep in mind that rental income is subject to a progressive capital gains tax.
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The applicants must be in Turkey to submit their citizenship application at a migration service office.
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According to Turkish law, only a licensed program agent is permitted to file the application on behalf of an investor.
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Yes, your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 18 can be included in your application. In some cases, it may also be possible for your parents and adult children to obtain a residence permit. The fee for a residence permit under this program is $5,000 per person. This application can be submitted alongside your own citizenship application or after you have received your Turkish passport.
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Turkey recognizes dual citizenship, allowing you to maintain all your existing nationalities as long as your home country also permits it. There is no requirement to renounce your current citizenship.
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The main investor is exempt from military service. Male children become eligible for conscription at age 18, but they have the option to pay a fee of approximately $6,000 to opt out of full-term military duty in favor of a shortened "paid military service.
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No. The qualifying property must be free of any mortgage, lien, or other financial encumbrance. Purchases funded by a loan secured on the same property are not accepted for the citizenship application.
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Yes. Any child born to at least one Turkish parent automatically receives Turkish citizenship at birth, regardless of where the birth takes place.
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For individuals, residential rental income is tax-exempt up to a certain annual threshold. Above that, a progressive tax rate applies, ranging from 15% to 40%. Companies are subject to a flat 23% tax on rental income.
Frequently asked questions
Contact Aveen Capital today to begin your journey to Turkish citizenship!