Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment – Your Ultimate 2026 Guide
What is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program enables international investors to obtain full citizenship in Türkiye — including passports and identity cards for the investor, spouse, and dependent children — by meeting specific financial criteria. Offerings under this program are legally backed by the Government of Turkey, and Turkey remains one of the fastest, most accessible citizenship programs globally, particularly for real estate investors.
This pathway is especially attractive to investors who seek:
High-growth real estate markets
Family mobility and education access
Tax and lifestyle advantages
A strategic geographic base between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
Why Real Estate Investment is the Most Popular Route
Among the qualifying options (which include bank deposits, capital investments, government bonds, or job creation), real estate investment remains the preferred route for most applicants. It combines clear legal requirements with tangible asset ownership and the potential for strong capital appreciation.
Minimum Investment Threshold
As of 2026, the minimum real estate investment requirement to qualify for Turkish citizenship is USD 400,000. This must be:
1 - Verified by an official valuation report
2 - Fully paid through a Turkish bank transfer
3 - Registered with a three-year “no-sale restriction” noted on the title deed (Tapu)
This restriction ensures that the property cannot be sold or transferred for three years, after which the investor may freely dispose of the asset without affecting citizenship status.
Eligible Property Types
Investors have flexibility in property selection, and eligible options commonly include:
Residential apartments
Villas and townhouses
Mixed-use developments
Commercial units (offices, shops)
Multiple properties totaling the minimum value requirement
Properties must be fully legal, free of encumbrances, and have an official Turkish title deed recorded in the investor’s name. Off-plan or under-construction properties are only eligible if a valid title deed exists at the time of purchase.
The Citizenship Application Process: Step by Step
Investors seeking Turkish citizenship typically follow this structured process:
1. Property Search & Legal Due Diligence
Conduct comprehensive property checks, ensuring clean title deeds, no debts, and full compliance with program criteria.
2. Official Valuation
Engage a government-licensed appraisal company to confirm the property value meets or exceeds USD 400,000.
3. Title Deed Registration (Tapu)
Complete the purchase, register the property in your name, and apply the official three-year restriction.
4. Certificate of Eligibility
The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization or relevant authority issues a certificate confirming the investment qualifies.
5. Residence Permit Application
A procedural, short-term residence permit is obtained — not a residency requirement.
6. Citizenship Submission
Submit the final citizenship file to the Turkish Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
7. Passport & ID Issuance
Upon approval, investors and their eligible family members receive Turkish passports and citizenship documentation.
Typical processing time ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on document completeness and administrative schedules.
Who Can Be Included in the Citizenship Application?
The program automatically extends citizenship eligibility to:
1 - Spouse of the main investor
2 - Children under 18 years of age
All are included without additional investment requirements, making this route highly advantageous for families seeking long-term stability and mobility.
Key Benefits of Turkish Citizenship
1 - Visa-Free Global Mobility
Turkish citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 110 countries, with ongoing expansion.
2 - Dual Citizenship Allowed
Türkiye permits multiple citizenships, enabling investors to retain their original nationality alongside Turkish citizenship.
3 - No Residency Requirement
There’s no minimum stay requirement before or after obtaining citizenship. You can acquire and maintain citizenship without living in Türkiye.
4 - Family Access to Services
Citizens benefit from access to public healthcare, international education options, and social infrastructure.
5 - Strategic Geographic Position
Türkiye’s location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East offers business, travel, and lifestyle advantages unmatched by most other CBI programs.
Financial & Legal Considerations
Investors should plan for associated costs beyond the minimum investment threshold, which typically include:
Title deed transfer tax (around 4%)
Notary and legal fees
Property valuation costs
Translation and administrative expenses
While these represent relatively modest additional expenditures compared to global programs, accurate budgeting is essential for a smooth application process. Professional legal representation helps mitigate risks, ensures compliance, and protects your investment.
Why Real Estate is a Smart Investment Beyond Citizenship
Real estate in Türkiye — particularly in cities like Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Ankara — continues to attract strong domestic and international demand. The market offers:
✔ Competitive pricing relative to Europe and GCC markets
✔ Rental yield potential in urban and coastal destinations
✔ Capital appreciation tied to ongoing urban growth and infrastructure projects
Purchasing property for citizenship can also serve as a dual-purpose asset: providing a lifestyle base, rental income, or future resale value once the three-year restriction expires.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a successful citizenship application, avoid these pitfalls:
- Using unofficial valuation reports
- Purchasing property without a clean title deed
- Buying property previously used for citizenship
- Ignoring the official holding requirement
- Working without a qualified legal advisor
Professional support not only streamlines the process but also protects you from compliance issues that could delay or jeopardize your application.
Conclusion – Opportunity Meets Strategy
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program remains one of the most efficient and investor-friendly pathways to secure a second citizenship with real estate. With a clear legal framework, broad family inclusion, global mobility benefits, and strong real estate fundamentals, Türkiye continues to rank highly among global citizenship options.
At Binaa Investment, we specialize in guiding international investors through every step — from property selection and due diligence to legal compliance and citizenship approval.
Contact our expert team today to explore eligible property options and begin your Turkish citizenship journey.
