The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program offers a clear and efficient route to acquire Turkish citizenship through a qualified financial investment. This guide provides a brief overview of obtaining citizenship by investing in Turkey's real estate or other approved economic sectors.
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Overview of Turkish Citizenship by Investment
According to the latest regulations, foreign individuals who meet specific investment criteria can smoothly apply for and obtain Turkish citizenship, including their family members. Launched in 2017, the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program has evolved significantly. Initially requiring a $1 million USD investment in real estate or fixed capital, the threshold was lowered in September 2018 to $250,000, and as of June 2022, the threshold was increased to $400,000.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment program has become a highly sought-after pathway to citizenship for individuals and families seeking:
Fast processing: Acquire citizenship within 3-6 months.
Multiple investment options: Real estate, bank deposits, government bonds, and more.
Competitive investment threshold: Minimum investment starting at $400,000 USD.
No residency requirement: Maintain citizenship without living in Turkey.
Visa-free travel to 118 countries: Explore the world with ease.
High-quality healthcare and education: Access top-tier services for your family.
Favorable tax regime: Benefit from attractive tax incentives for foreign investors.
In the upcoming sections, we'll explore this program more, covering who can apply, the rules, how to apply, investment options, the benefits, and more to give you a complete guide. This guide will provide detailed information about how to get citizenship by investing, ensuring you understand all the options available.
Types of Investments for Turkish Citizenship
Turkish Citizenship by Investment program offers diverse opportunities for global investors seeking citizenship. This guide outlines various investment routes, from real estate to financial and entrepreneurial ventures, each providing a unique path to becoming a Turkish citizen.
These are types of investments for Turkish Citizenship:
Turkish Citizenship by Property Investment
Turkish Citizenship by Bank Deposit
Turkish Citizenship by Fixed Capital Investment
Turkish Citizenship by Investing in Government Bonds
Turkish Citizenship by Investment Funds
Turkish Citizenship by Investing in Private Pension Funds
Turkish Citizenship through Job Creation
Turkish Citizenship by Property Investment
Overview: Explore the pathway to Turkish citizenship through real estate investment. A minimum property investment of $400,000 USD opens the door to this opportunity, offering a secure and profitable route to acquiring citizenship in Turkey.
Key Benefits of Property Investment for Turkish Citizenship:
Clear Pathway: This method is a recognized and straightforward path to Turkish citizenship.
Wide Range of Investment Choices: Investors can select from various property types – houses, apartments, commercial spaces, and lands – in any Turkish province except military forbidden zones and security areas.
Income Generation Potential: Renting out purchased properties provides an additional income stream.
Investment Flexibility: Investing in multiple properties as long as their total value meets or exceeds $400,000 USD is possible.
Investment Requirements and Regulations:
Minimum Investment: $400,000 USD property investment
Holding Period: Property ownership should be retained for at least 3 years.
Legal Checks: The property should be free from any legal issues and qualify for the citizenship application.
One-Time Use for citizenship: A critical point to understand within the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program is that any specific property can be utilized only once to acquire citizenship. This means:
Example Scenario: If an individual, referred to as 'Person A', purchases a property in Turkey and successfully applies for Turkish citizenship based on this property, this particular property becomes ineligible for future citizenship applications. Therefore, if another individual, 'Person B', later purchases the same property from 'Person A', 'Person B' cannot use this property to apply for Turkish citizenship.
Step-by-Step Process for Citizenship via Property Investment:
Property Selection and Research: Identify and thoroughly research potential properties.
Completing the Purchase: Finalize the property purchase and ensure it’s registered in your name.
Eligibility Certification: After the purchase, obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.
Citizenship Application Process: Detailed steps from obtaining a residence permit to applying for citizenship.
Dual Pathways to Citizenship through Property Investment:
The Turkish Citizenship by Property Investment program offers two pathways for acquiring Turkish citizenship through property investment:
Direct Title Transfer: At the Title Registration Office, immediate property transfer occurs.
Promise to Sell Agreement: At the Notary, involving a formal commitment and upfront payment of $400,000 USD. This option allows postponing the title transfer but necessitates proper registration for citizenship eligibility.
Turkish Citizenship by Bank Deposit
Overview: Gain Turkish citizenship by depositing a minimum of $500,000 USD in a Turkish bank for 3 years. This method offers a feasible alternative to property investment, accommodating various currencies and providing financial flexibility.
Key Benefits of Bank Deposit for Turkish Citizenship:
Flexibility in Currency: Allows deposit in any convertible currency equivalent to $500,000 USD.
Multiple Account: Diversify your investment across different Turkish bank accounts.
Interest Benefits: Investors can benefit from interest or similar returns on the deposit, provided the amount remains above the required threshold.
Investment Requirements:
Minimum Investment: $500,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency.
Holding Period: Maintain the deposit for 3 years.
Bank Procedures: The investment can be made in any major Turkish bank, with specific documentation needed to prove the deposit.
Step-by-Step Process for Citizenship via Bank Deposit:
Account Opening: Open a deposit account in a Turkish bank for citizenship through a $500,000 USD deposit.
Eligibility Certification: A commitment to keep the funds for 3 years and relevant paperwork must be completed. Obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency.
Citizenship Application Process: Detailed steps from obtaining a residence permit to applying for citizenship.
Key Points:
Currency Conversion: Conversion to Turkish Lira is a must.
Withdrawal Post Period: After 3 years, full access to funds is granted.
Turkish Citizenship by Fixed Capital Investment
Overview: Embark on a journey towards Turkish citizenship with a fixed capital investment of $500,000 USD or its equivalent.
Key Benefits of Fixed Capital Investment for Turkish Citizenship:
Broad Investment Scope: Your investment can take various forms, from full ownership of a private entity to substantial shareholding.
Official Recognition: Gain credibility with the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology endorsement.
Flexibility in Currency: Investments can be made in various convertible currencies.
Investment Requirements:
Minimum Investment: $500,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency.
Holding Period: A commitment to hold the investment for 3 years.
Government Validation: Receive confirmation of your investment's validity from the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
Step-by-Step Process for Citizenship via Fixed Capital Investment:
Financial Documentation: Compile comprehensive financial documents, including an accountant's report and detailed investment information.
Eligibility Certification: Obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Ministry of Industry and Technology, endorsing your investment as eligible.
Citizenship Application Process: Detailed steps from obtaining a residence permit to applying for citizenship.
Key Points:
Operational Investment: Investments should be directly linked to the core activities of your chosen business venture. Assets like real estate or vehicles not integral to company operations are not counted towards the fixed capital amount.
Share Transfer Restriction: Shares or ownership must not be transferred for 3 years, starting from the issuance of the certificate of eligibility.
Turkish Citizenship by Investing in Government Bonds
Overview: Government bonds are financial instruments issued by the government to secure periodic funding for one year or more from the date of issuance. Investing in Government Bonds is a key avenue for obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment. This method involves a secure, government-backed investment of $500,000 USD in various Turkish Government Bonds.
Key Benefits of Government Bond Investment for Turkish Citizenship:
Government Assurance: Benefit from the stability and assurance of investing in government-backed securities.
Earning Potential: Eligibility to receive interest or returns over the 3-year investment period.
Choice of Bonds: Flexibility in selecting from diverse government debt instruments.
Remote Process: It is feasible to apply for Turkish citizenship remotely without needing to be physically present in Turkey.
Investment Requirements:
Minimum Investment: $500,000 USD or its equivalent investment in government bonds.
Holding Period: Commit to a 3-year bond holding period.
Government Validation: Receive confirmation of your investment's validity from the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.
Step-by-Step Process for Citizenship via Government Bond Investment:
Opening an Investment Account: Guidance on opening an investment account in a Turkish bank.
Bond Purchase: Purchasing and blocking government bonds for the required period.
Eligibility Certification: After the investment, obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.
Citizenship Application Process: Detailed steps from obtaining a residence permit to applying for citizenship.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment Funds
Overview: Purchasing $500,000 USD or equivalent shares in a Turkish Real Estate Investment Funds or Venture Capital Investment Funds is an established method to gain Turkish citizenship.
Key Benefits of Investment Funds for Turkish Citizenship:
Diverse Investment Options: Opportunity to invest in various real estate or venture capital projects.
Potential for Returns: Possibility of earning returns on the investment through fund performance.
Stability of Investment: Fluctuations in the exchange rate that might reduce the value below $500,000 USD do not affect citizenship status.
Legal Security: The investment process is regulated and secure, ensuring the funds' safety.
Investment Requirements:
Minimum Investment: $500,000 USD or equivalent investment in real estate or venture capital investment funds.
Holding Period: Maintain the investment for 3 years.
Government Validation: Receive confirmation of your investment's validity from the Capital Markets Board.
Step-by-Step Process for Citizenship via Investment Funds:
Choose Investment: Select a Real Estate Investment Fund or a Venture Capital Investment Fund and invest a minimum of $500,000 USD.
Eligibility Certification: Obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Capital Markets Board of Turkey for the investment.
Citizenship Application Process: Detailed steps from obtaining a residence permit to applying for citizenship.
Turkish Citizenship by Investing in Private Pension Funds
Overview: Investing a minimum of $500,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency into designated funds by the Turkish Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency offers a pathway to Turkish citizenship.
Key Benefits of Investing in Private Pension Funds for Turkish Citizenship:
Stability of Investment: Fluctuations in the exchange rate that might reduce the value below $500,000 USD do not affect citizenship status.
Legal Security: The investment is regulated and overseen by the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency, ensuring legal security and compliance.
Investment Requirements:
Minimum Investment: $500,000 USD or equivalent investment in approved private pension funds.
Holding Period: A commitment to maintain the investment for 3 years.
Government Validation: Receive confirmation of your investment's validity from the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency.
Step-by-Step Process for Citizenship via Investing in Private Pension Funds:
Choose Investment: Select an approved private pension fund and invest a minimum of $500,000 USD.
Eligibility Certification: Obtain the certificate of eligibility from the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency.
Citizenship Application Process: Detailed steps from obtaining a residence permit to applying for citizenship.
Turkish Citizenship through Job Creation
Overview: Acquiring Turkish citizenship through job creation is a significant avenue for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. This method involves establishing or expanding a business in Turkey and creating employment opportunities for Turkish citizens, showcasing a commitment to Turkey's economic growth.
Key Benefits of Job Creation for Turkish Citizenship:
Business Growth: Offers investors the opportunity to expand their business footprint in Turkey.
Long-term Investment: Establish a permanent business entity in Turkey, opening doors to further investment and growth opportunities.
Essential Requirements:
Job Creation: Mandatory creation of jobs for at least 50 Turkish citizens.
Official Employment Verification: Employment must be officially confirmed by Turkey’s Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services.
Step-by-Step Process for Citizenship via Job Creation:
Business Establishment or Expansion: Begin a new entrepreneurial venture or extend your existing business within Turkey.
Recruitment: Employ a minimum of 50 Turkish citizens in your business operations.
Eligibility Certification: Obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services.
Citizenship Application Process: Detailed steps from obtaining a residence permit to applying for citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
In order to apply for Turkish Citizenship by investment, the primary applicant must fulfill one of the program’s investment requirements and meet the following criteria:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a legal capacity
Application Process for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Obtaining a Turkish Tax ID Number
Initiate your journey by acquiring a Tax ID Number in Turkey, easily accessible through the tax office or with the support of a legal representative. To learn how to obtain a tax ID number, click here.
Opening a Bank Account
Following this, applicants must establish a bank account in Turkey, a crucial step for securely depositing the necessary investment funds. To learn how to open a bank account, click here.
Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility
For every investment-based citizenship option, a distinct government authority oversees the issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility. The details of each option and its corresponding governing authority are outlined below for your reference.
Turkish Citizenship by Property Investment: Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change
Turkish Citizenship by Bank Deposit: Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency
Turkish Citizenship by Fixed Capital Investment: Ministry of Industry and Technology
Turkish Citizenship by Investing in Government Bonds: Ministry of Treasury and Finance
Turkish Citizenship by Investment Funds: Capital Markets Board
Turkish Citizenship by Investing in Private Pension Funds: Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency
Turkish Citizenship through Job Creation: Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services
Obtaining a Residence Permit
To acquire a residence permit, investors must initiate the application process by applying to the Provincial Directorate of Immigration Administration specific to their residence location.
Application for Citizenship
To complete the citizenship acquisition process, investors must formally apply to the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship in their residing settlement.
Fingerprints (Biometrics)
As part of the biometric data collection process, applicants must provide their fingerprints. Furthermore, individuals can submit their biometrics at Turkish Consulates located abroad.
Collection of Turkish ID Cards & Passports
After successful approval of the application, the applicant and their family members will be issued new Turkish Passports valid for 10 years and Turkish ID Cards.
It's important to highlight that obtaining official Turkish Citizenship typically takes 3-6 months.
Required Documents for the Citizenship Application
Application Form
2 biometric photos
Passport with notarized Turkish translation
A document such as a birth certificate or population registration sample that shows the individual's identity information, and if married, a population registration sample or similar document proving the family ties of the spouse and children.
Marital status certificate and, if married, marriage certificate; if divorced, divorce certificate; if widowed, spouse's death certificate.
If the Turkish citizen has first or second-degree relatives, a population registration sample obtained from the system by the relevant authorities for these individuals
Fee payment receipt
Advantages of Turkish Citizenship
Visa-Free Travel
Turkish citizens enjoy convenient travel access to 118 countries, with 72 nations offering visa-free entry. This extensive list includes popular destinations such as Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Additionally, Turkish passport holders can explore 41 countries by obtaining a visa on arrival and benefit from electronic travel authorization in 5 nations. The Turkish passport holds a respectable global ranking, securing the 48th position worldwide. This remarkable travel flexibility is a testament to Turkey's diplomatic relations and international standing, making it easier for Turkish citizens to explore diverse destinations around the globe hassle-free.
United States of America E2 Visa
Tailored for investors, the E2 visa facilitates investment in and residence in the USA. This unique visa extends its benefits to the investor's family, allowing the spouse and children to join them in the U.S. for both residence and educational pursuits. However, it's important to note that the E2 visa is exclusively available to citizens of countries with specific agreements with the USA. Fortunately, Turkish citizens meet this criterion, making them eligible to apply for the E2 visa.
No Residency Obligations
Turkish citizenship offers a unique advantage by eliminating the need for mandatory minimum residency, affording individuals the flexibility to maintain their lifestyle and manage business activities outside the borders of Turkey. Even during the application process, investors are not obligated to reside in Turkey, ensuring a simplified and flexible experience.
Dual Citizenship is Allowed
Turkey acknowledges and permits dual and multiple citizenship, offering individuals the opportunity to uphold their current citizenship alongside the privileges of Turkish citizenship. However, it is imperative for investors to diligently confirm the acceptance of dual citizenship with their country of origin before proceeding with the process.
Healthcare and Education Opportunities
Turkey is distinguished by its robust healthcare and education systems, known for their cost-effectiveness and noteworthy achievements. The healthcare system is not only economically efficient but also highly successful, ensuring accessibility to quality care. In addition, the country's public universities, offered tuition-free, consistently demonstrate exceptional success, providing students with a superior education without financial burden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What the minimum investment is required to obtain Turkish citizenship through the investment program?
The minimum investment amount to secure Turkish citizenship through real estate purchases is $400,000 USD. Notably, this investment threshold was $250,000 USD until 2022. For alternative investment routes, the amounts begin at $500,000 USD.
Has there been any reduction in the real estate investment threshold for Turkish citizenship?
Initially established at $1 million USD, the real estate investment amount underwent a significant reduction in September 2018, plummeting to $250,000 USD. Due to a surge in demand, Turkey emerged as one of the leading citizenship by investment programs globally. Subsequently, in June 2022, the government increased the investment amount to $400,000 USD.
Is there a language requirement for Turkish citizenship through the investment route?
Can Syrian citizens pursue Turkish citizenship through the investment route?
Absolutely! Syrian citizens have the opportunity to apply for Turkish citizenship through investment. However, it's crucial to be aware that, due to restrictions, they cannot engage in the real estate option involving property acquisition. Syrians are restricted from purchasing property in Turkey, but they have the flexibility to explore alternative investment paths, such as bank deposits, capital investments, and more, to meet the criteria for Turkish citizenship.
Do I need to fulfill tax obligations in Turkey after acquiring citizenship?
Generally, individuals who spend less than six months in Turkey are not obligated to pay taxes on income earned abroad. However, if you generate income within Turkey, such as rental gains, you will be subject to Turkish taxes on that specific income.
Which family members of the investor are eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship?
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program allows the following family members to be added to the same application:
Spouse of the main applicant
Dependent children under the age of 18 of the main applicant and/or spouse
Dependent children over the age of 18 of the main applicant and/or spouse, only if they have a disability or need care.