Citizenship by investment is one of the fastest and most straightforward methods for foreigners to acquire Turkish citizenship. This route is regulated under the “exceptional acquisition of citizenship” provisions of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and grants eligible foreign investors the right to apply for citizenship upon meeting specific investment criteria.
In recent years, this method has become highly preferred, as it allows not only the investor but also their family members to obtain a secure and permanent status in Turkey without the long-term residence requirements applicable under the general route.
Which legal framework governs this method, and what types of investments qualify?
Investment-Based Routes to Acquire Turkish Citizenship
Citizenship by investment is classified under the “exceptional acquisition of citizenship” category. The eligible investment categories are set out in Article 20 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law.
Under this provision, a foreign national may qualify for Turkish citizenship by fulfilling one of the following criteria:
• Making a fixed capital investment of at least USD 500,000 (subject to verification by the Ministry of Industry and Technology).
• Purchasing real estate worth at least USD 400,000 and placing a three-year no-sale restriction on the title deed; or acquiring a condominium, easement right, or preliminary sales agreement with a notarized undertaking not to transfer or cancel for three years (to be verified by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change).
• Depositing USD 500,000 or equivalent foreign currency into a Turkish bank, with a commitment not to withdraw the funds for three years (verified by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency).
• Creating employment for at least 50 people (verified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security).
• Purchasing government debt instruments worth at least USD 500,000 and holding them for three years (verified by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance).
• Purchasing real estate investment fund shares or venture capital investment fund shares worth at least USD 500,000 and holding them for three years (verified by the Capital Markets Board).
A foreign national who satisfies any of these criteria may acquire Turkish citizenship by a decision of the President. Applications are first reviewed by the relevant ministry. If the applicant fails to meet the criteria, the application is rejected. Applications from individuals deemed to pose a threat to national security or public order will also be rejected.
If no issues arise during the administrative review, the file is forwarded to the Presidency, and the foreign national may acquire Turkish citizenship by Presidential approval.
The Most Preferred Investment Route: Real Estate Purchase
In practice, the most commonly chosen method is the purchase of real estate valued at a minimum of USD 400,000. The reasons for its popularity include:
•Clear and predictable investment requirements,
•Faster eligibility verification compared to other investment routes,
•The ability to sell the property freely after the three-year restriction period ends.
The most critical aspects of the process are ensuring that the three-year no-sale restriction is properly registered on the title deed and that the property value is confirmed by a SPK-licensed (Capital Markets Board licensed) real estate valuation expert.