Citizenship by Investment

Turkey’s citizenship by investment program has quietly become one of the most practical second passport options in the world. Competitive thresholds, a straightforward legal framework, and a processing timeline measured in months rather than years put it in a category of its own. At Aslan Attorney, we have guided foreign investors through every route this program offers since its inception. This guide covers everything you need to know in 2026.

Legal Notice: This page provides general legal information for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified attorney.

Why Turkish Citizenship Is Worth Considering in 2026

Before diving into the routes, it helps to understand what Turkish citizenship actually delivers. The benefits are broader than most investors initially expect.

Passport and travel access

Turkish passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the majority of Latin America.

Full civil rights from day one

Turkish citizenship is not a tiered or conditional status. Once granted, you have the same rights as any citizen by birth: the right to live, work, study, own property, and vote, without any additional permits or renewals.

Family inclusion at no extra cost

Your spouse and children under 18 are included in your application. No separate investment is required for dependents.

Dual citizenship permitted

Turkey does not require you to renounce your existing nationality. This is explicitly protected under Article 7 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.

No residency requirement

You are not required to live in Turkey before, during, or after your application. The program is genuinely investor-friendly in this regard.

Access to healthcare and education

Turkish citizens are covered by the national health system established under Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510 and may access universities at domestic tuition rates.

Legal Framework

The Turkish citizenship by investment program operates under Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, enacted on May 29, 2009. The specific investment routes and thresholds are defined in Article 20 of the Implementing Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law, as amended by successive Presidential Decisions, most recently Presidential Decision No. 4898 which adjusted the real estate threshold in June 2022.

Applications are processed through the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü), operating under the Ministry of Interior.

The 6 Routes to Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Turkey currently offers six distinct investment pathways. Each one suits a different investor profile. Understanding the differences is the first step toward making the right choice.

Route 1: Citizenship by Real Estate Purchase

Minimum investment: USD 400,000

This is the most popular route and for good reason. You purchase residential or commercial real estate with a minimum appraised value of USD 400,000, hold it for three years, and you qualify.

The legal basis is Article 20(b) of the Implementing Regulation. The property must be purchased from Turkish citizens or Turkish-registered companies. The transaction is registered in the Turkish Land Registry in accordance with Land Registry Law No. 2644, and a citizenship annotation (vatandaşlık şerhi) is placed on the title deed confirming the three-year retention commitment.

The USD 400,000 threshold can be met through a single property or multiple properties combined. Since May 1, 2026, all real estate transactions for citizenship purposes must be processed through Turkey’s Secure Payment System (Güvenli Ödeme Sistemi), which channels payments via the Central Bank of Turkey.

What to consider

Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir offer the most liquid property markets for this purpose. Rental yields on qualifying properties in Istanbul currently range between 4% and 7% annually, meaning your capital continues to work while the three-year clock runs.

Official property valuation is conducted by licensed appraisers approved by the Capital Markets Board (SPK). The appraised value, not the purchase price, is what counts for citizenship eligibility. We strongly recommend obtaining an independent appraisal before committing to a purchase.

At Aslan Attorney, we conduct full title searches and due diligence on every property before any funds move. For real estate searches and property sourcing, we work alongside our partners at Ivyhold Global Real Estate, who operate across Turkey, the UK, UAE, and Europe.

Relevant legislation:

Land Registry Law No. 2644 | Turkish Civil Code No. 4721

Route 2: Citizenship by Bank Deposit

Minimum investment: USD 500,000

For investors who prefer liquidity and simplicity, the bank deposit route is the cleanest option. You deposit a minimum of USD 500,000 in a Turkish bank, hold it for three years, and you qualify.

The deposit can be held in Turkish Lira, US Dollars, Euros, or British Pounds in a dedicated account. Multiple accounts across different Turkish banks can be combined to reach the threshold.

Major participating banks include Ziraat Bank, İş Bank, Akbank, Garanti BBVA, and Yapı Kredi. All are licensed and regulated by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK). Interest accrued during the three-year period belongs to the investor.

Currency considerations

TRY-denominated deposits currently offer significantly higher nominal interest rates, but carry exchange rate risk. USD and EUR deposits offer more predictability. We advise clients to evaluate both options based on their broader financial position and tax situation.

Relevant legislation:

Banking Law No. 5411

Route 3: Citizenship by Private Pension Fund (BES)

Minimum investment: USD 500,000

Turkey’s Individual Pension System (Bireysel Emeklilik Sistemi) offers a citizenship pathway that doubles as a long-term wealth accumulation vehicle. Investors contribute a minimum of USD 500,000 to approved pension funds and hold the investment for three years.

The BES framework is established under Law No. 4632 on Individual Pension Savings and Investment System and regulated by the Pension Monitoring Center (EGM). The Turkish government provides tax incentives for BES contributions under Income Tax Law No. 193, which can meaningfully enhance net returns.

Licensed pension providers include Anadolu Hayat Emeklilik, Allianz Yaşam ve Emeklilik, Garanti Emeklilik ve Hayat, and AvivaSA Emeklilik ve Hayat. Each offers different fund portfolios with varying risk profiles.

This route suits investors who are comfortable with a longer-term financial product and want their citizenship investment to serve a retirement planning function simultaneously.

Route 4: Citizenship by Government Bonds

Minimum investment: USD 500,000

Purchasing Turkish government bonds worth at least USD 500,000 and holding them for three years qualifies an investor for citizenship under Article 20 of the Implementing Regulation.

Bonds may be Turkish Lira or foreign-currency denominated. They are issued by the Turkish Treasury and Finance Ministry in accordance with Public Debt Management Law No. 4749. Interest earned during the holding period is paid to the investor.

A practical note:

Government bonds are legally valid under Article 20 but are not actively processed through most banks as a primary CBI product. Investors considering this route should consult legal counsel before proceeding, as the operational pathway requires careful navigation. At Aslan Attorney, we advise clients on the most practical approach for this route on a case-by-case basis.

Route 5: Citizenship by Real Estate Investment Fund (REIT)

Minimum investment: USD 500,000

Investors may purchase shares in a Turkish Real Estate Investment Fund (Gayrimenkul Yatırım Fonu) or Real Estate Investment Trust (Gayrimenkul Yatırım Ortaklığı) worth at least USD 500,000 and hold them for three years.

This route offers exposure to Turkey’s real estate market without the operational requirements of direct property ownership. There are no tenant relationships, maintenance obligations, or title deed complexities to manage.

REIT structures in Turkey are regulated by the Capital Markets Board (SPK) under capital markets legislation. This pathway suits investors who want real estate exposure within a professionally managed, regulated fund structure.

Route 6: Citizenship by Job Creation

Requirement: 50 full-time Turkish employees

This route is structurally different from the financial investment pathways. Instead of a minimum deposit or purchase price, the qualifying threshold is employment: the investor must establish a Turkish company that employs at least 50 Turkish citizens on a full-time basis.

The company must be registered under Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102 and employees must be registered in Turkey’s social security system under Social Insurance Law No. 5510. Employment contracts must comply with Labor Law No. 4857. The 50-employee threshold must be maintained throughout the application process and for three years after citizenship is granted.

Manufacturing, technology, tourism, and export-oriented businesses tend to attract the most favorable review from Turkish authorities. This route is best suited for investors who were planning a significant Turkish business operation regardless of citizenship, rather than those pursuing citizenship as the primary objective.

For company formation support, Aslan Attorney handles the full registration process from entity selection through operational launch.

Relevant legislation:

Foreign Direct Investment Law No. 4875

Route Comparison at a Glance

Route	Min. Investment	Asset Type	Liquidity	Best For
Real Estate	USD 400,000	Hard asset	Low	Capital growth + rental income
Bank Deposit	USD 500,000	Cash	High	Capital preservation
Pension Fund (BES)	USD 500,000	Fund units	Medium	Long-term planning
Government Bonds	USD 500,000	Securities	Medium-high	Conservative investors
REIT / Fund	USD 500,000	Fund units	Medium	Real estate without property
Job Creation	50 employees	Business	N/A	Active entrepreneurs

Application Requirements and Process

All citizenship by investment routes share a common application framework established under Law No. 5901.

Required Documents

• Valid passport with certified translations by sworn translators
• Birth certificates for all applicants
• Marriage certificate (if applicable), apostilled or notarized
• Police clearance certificates from countries of current and prior residence
• Health insurance covering Turkish territory
• Proof of qualifying investment
• Recent photographs meeting Ministry of Interior specifications
• Completed application forms in Turkish

Due Diligence and Background Screening

The General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs conducts background checks on all applicants under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection. Source of funds documentation is reviewed in compliance with Law No. 5549 on Prevention of Laundering Proceeds of Crime. Meeting FATF compliance standards from the outset significantly reduces delays.

Timeline

From the date of completed application submission, standard processing runs 3 to 6 months. The real estate route tends to process at the faster end of this range. Applications with complex fund sourcing documentation or multi-jurisdictional backgrounds may run longer.

Tax Considerations

Turkish citizenship does not automatically make you a Turkish tax resident. Tax residency under Article 3 of Income Tax Law No. 193 applies if you spend more than six consecutive months in Turkey in a calendar year. Investors who obtain citizenship without relocating generally do not trigger Turkish tax residency.

For investors who do become Turkish tax residents, Turkey maintains double taxation treaties with over 80 countries. The network includes most of the GCC states, EU member states, the UK, Russia, and China.

Real estate investors should be aware that annual property tax is levied under Real Estate Tax Law No. 1319. Capital gains tax applies to property sold within five years of acquisition under Article 80 of Income Tax Law No. 193, though the three-year CBI retention requirement provides a natural alignment with longer-term holding strategy.

Business investors face standard corporate tax obligations under Corporate Tax Law No. 5520, alongside access to Turkey’s investment incentive programs.

We advise every investor to integrate tax planning into their citizenship strategy from the beginning. The route you choose affects your tax exposure, and the structuring decisions made at the investment stage can significantly impact your position over the following years.

Common Questions

How long does the process take?

Most applications complete within 3 to 6 months of full submission. Real estate applications tend to be faster. Applications with documentation from multiple jurisdictions or complex fund structures may take longer.

Can my family be included?

Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 are included in your application at no additional investment requirement, under Article 16 of the Implementing Regulation. Adult children over 18 must apply separately with their own qualifying investment.

Do I need to live in Turkey?

No. There is no residency requirement before, during, or after the application. You may obtain Turkish citizenship while continuing to live in your home country.

What happens if I sell my property before three years?

Selling before the three-year holding period expires can lead to citizenship revocation under Article 20 of the Implementing Regulation. Any disposal, even a partial transfer, should be reviewed by legal counsel before proceeding. In limited circumstances, government-approved property exchanges may be possible.

Do I need to speak Turkish?

No Turkish language requirement exists for citizenship by investment applicants. That said, basic Turkish helps considerably in daily life if you plan to spend meaningful time in the country.

Can I work in Turkey with citizenship?

Full employment rights apply from the moment citizenship is granted, under Article 49 of the Turkish Constitution and Labor Law No. 4857. This includes employment, self-employment, and company directorship without any work permit requirements.

Which countries can I visit visa-free?

Over 110 countries currently grant Turkish passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. This includes most of Latin America, Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea. The United States, Canada, Australia, and the Schengen area require advance visa applications from Turkish citizens.

Recent Updates: What Changed in 2026

Secure Payment System (Güvenli Ödeme Sistemi)

Effective July 1, 2026, all real estate purchase payments must route through Turkey’s Secure Payment System, per the regulation published in the Official Gazette (Resmî Gazete) No. 33238, dated April 29, 2026. The system works as an escrow: buyer funds are blocked in a secure account and released to the seller only after the title deed transfer is confirmed at the Land Registry. Cash payments and direct bank transfers between buyer and seller are no longer permitted. The Ministry of Trade may extend the deadline by up to three months. Buyers should ensure their legal counsel is familiar with this process before any funds are committed.

Due diligence requirements

In line with FATF guidance and Law No. 5549, source of funds documentation requirements have been strengthened. Investors with complex ownership structures or funds originating from multiple jurisdictions should prepare documentation thoroughly before beginning the process.

Threshold stability

No threshold changes have been announced for 2026. The USD 400,000 real estate minimum and USD 500,000 thresholds for financial investment routes remain in effect as of the date of this publication.

Working With Aslan Attorney

Aslan Attorney is an Istanbul-based international law firm registered with the Istanbul Bar Association. We focus exclusively on matters affecting foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and families operating in or through Turkey: citizenship and immigration, real estate, company formation, startup and venture law, crypto and fintech regulation, and tax.

On citizenship by investment, our work covers route selection and strategy, property due diligence and title verification, investment structuring and documentation, full application preparation and government liaison, family member inclusion, and post-citizenship support.

For real estate transactions, we work in close coordination with Ivyhold Global Real Estate, a property advisory operating across Turkey, the UK, UAE, and Europe. The combination of legal and property expertise in a single coordinated process is something few other firms can offer.

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