Quick answer
You can obtain Turkish citizenship by buying property worth at least USD 400,000 (official valuation) and holding it for three years; the process typically takes three to six months and covers your spouse and children under 18.
Key takeaways
- Invest at least USD 400,000 in property by official valuation.
- Hold the property for a minimum of three years.
- One purchase covers spouse and children under 18.
- Typical timeline is around three to six months; dual citizenship is allowed.
Turkey offers one of the world's most established citizenship-by-investment programs. 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 program 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: USD 400,000
The minimum qualifying real-estate investment is USD 400,000 by official valuation, the figure in force since it was raised in June 2022. You must keep the property for at least three years before selling, a commitment recorded on the title deed. The threshold can be met with one property or several.
Residence permit vs citizenship
Buyers often confuse the two property routes. This table makes the difference clear:
| Residence permit | Citizenship by investment | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum property value | USD 200,000 | USD 400,000 |
| Holding period | While you own it | 3 years minimum |
| What you get | Right to live in Turkey | Turkish passport & full rights |
| Family included | Spouse & children under 18 | Spouse & children under 18 |
| In force since | 16 Oct 2023 | Jun 2022 |
The step-by-step process
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Select & reserve | Choose a citizenship-eligible property; sign a preliminary contract |
| 2. Tax number & bank | Get a Turkish tax number and open a bank account |
| 3. Valuation | Obtain the official SPK appraisal confirming USD 400,000 |
| 4. Title transfer | Register the TAPU in your name with the 3-year commitment noted |
| 5. Citizenship file | Submit the application with documents; residence permit issued first |
| 6. Passport | Approval and Turkish passports, typically in 3-6 months total |
Timeline and costs
From completed purchase to passport typically takes three to six months - far quicker than conventional naturalisation. Beyond the USD 400,000 property, budget for the standard buying costs (the 4% title-deed fee, valuation, legal and translation) and government application fees. One application covers your spouse and children under 18.
Documents you will need
Passport, birth and marriage certificates (translated and apostilled), the title deed, and the valuation report are the core documents. Our legal team prepares and files the complete set, and manages the process to passport.
The benefits of a Turkish passport
A Turkish passport offers wide visa-free and visa-on-arrival travel, the right to live and work in Turkey, access to healthcare and education, and - subject to your home country's rules - the ability to keep dual nationality. The underlying property can also produce rental income and be sold after three years.
How we help
We offer citizenship-eligible projects we have toured on site, confirm eligibility before you commit, and manage the file end to end. See citizenship-eligible projects or start your application.
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.
