Turkey offers one of the world's most established citizenship-by-investment programmes. By purchasing qualifying real estate, foreign investors - and their families - can obtain a Turkish passport in a matter of months, without giving up their existing nationality. This guide explains the current requirements, the step-by-step process, timelines and costs, based on how we handle these files for clients every week.
What is Turkish citizenship by investment?
Introduced in 2017 and refined since, the programme grants Turkish citizenship to foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in Turkey. Real estate is by far the most popular route because the asset is tangible, can generate rental income, and can be sold after the holding period. Turkey permits dual citizenship, so in most cases you do not need to renounce your current passport.
The main requirement: a USD 400,000 property investment
To qualify through real estate you must:
- Purchase property with an official appraised value of at least USD 400,000 (or the equivalent in Turkish lira);
- Obtain an official valuation report from a government-authorised appraiser;
- Transfer the funds through the Turkish banking system so the payment is documented;
- Commit to hold the property for at least three years - this is annotated on the title deed (TAPU).
The USD 400,000 threshold can be met with a single property or a combination of properties. Many of our clients choose new-development projects in Istanbul that also deliver strong rental yields during the three-year hold.
Who can be included?
A single qualifying investment covers the main applicant, their spouse, and children under 18. That means one property purchase can secure Turkish citizenship for your whole immediate family.
The step-by-step process
1. Property selection and due diligence
We shortlist eligible, correctly valued properties, verify the title is clean, and confirm the developer's track record. See our current projects or read our step-by-step buying guide.
2. Tax number and bank account
You obtain a Turkish tax number and open a local bank account - both of which we arrange, often remotely.
3. Valuation and purchase
An authorised appraiser issues the valuation report. Funds are transferred through the bank, and the title deed is transferred to your name at the land registry with the three-year sale restriction noted.
4. Citizenship application
With the purchase complete, we file the residence permit and citizenship applications together with your valuation report, receipts and documents. Our legal partners manage the file end to end.
How long does it take?
From completed purchase to passport, the process typically takes around three to six months, depending on document readiness and current processing times.
Costs and taxes to budget for
- Title deed (TAPU) transfer fee: 4% of the declared value (often shared or negotiated).
- VAT: may apply on new builds, though exemptions exist for foreign buyers who bring in foreign currency and hold the property.
- Valuation, notary, translation and application fees: relatively modest, but should be budgeted.
We give every client a transparent, written cost breakdown before they commit.
The benefits of Turkish citizenship
- A second passport with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries;
- Full property ownership and the right to live, work and study in Turkey;
- Dual citizenship permitted;
- A tangible, income-producing asset in a large, growing economy that bridges Europe and Asia.
How Bosphorus Brokers helps
We are a licensed Turkish brokerage (licence no. 3408704). We handle eligible property selection, valuation, the purchase and the citizenship file end to end, in your language. Book a free consultation to start.
Programme rules and thresholds can change. We confirm the current requirements for your specific case before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
- How much do I need to invest for Turkish citizenship?
- At least USD 400,000 in real estate by official appraised value, held for a minimum of three years. The threshold can be met with one or several properties.
- Can I sell the property afterwards?
- Yes, after the three-year holding period noted on the title deed. Many investors choose income-producing projects so the asset earns rent during that time.
- Are my family members included?
- Yes. A single qualifying investment covers the main applicant, spouse and children under 18.
- Do I have to live in Turkey to keep the citizenship?
- No. There is no residency requirement to obtain or retain citizenship through the investment route.
- Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
- Yes. In most cases you can keep your existing nationality alongside your Turkish passport.
