Turkish Citizenship by Investment: How It Works

The Turkish citizenship by investment program has been active since 2017 and is rightly considered one of the largest in the world in terms of volume and number of applications. Since its launch, about 40,000 applications have been submitted, over 35,000 investors have successfully received their passports, and the total amount of attracted funds has exceeded $15 billion. The primary driver of demand consistently remains real estate investment.

Below is an expert breakdown of the program’s conditions and the step-by-step application procedure based on current market practice.

Why Turkey remains a strong jurisdiction

The interest in Turkish citizenship is not driven solely by the «passport» logic. Turkey is a major economy with a population of over 85 million people, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The country is actively investing in infrastructure, urbanization, transport hubs, and major government projects.

For many applicants, this is the perfect combination: access to a large, vibrant economy, convenient logistics, and completely transparent migration program rules.

Who the program is for

In practice, a Turkish passport is most often sought by those who:

• Want a «Plan B» and a second passport as a reliable strategic tool;
• Plan to relocate with their family or want the ability to live comfortably in the country if necessary;
• Expect free access to the Turkish banking system;
• Are building a long-term migration strategy and considering other programs in the future;
• Want to expand their freedom of travel (visa-free access to approximately 110 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong);
• Are considering the US E-2 business visa, for which Turkish citizenship can act as an excellent stepping stone.

Key advantages of Turkish citizenship

The program stands out from competitors due to several strong points:

• No residency requirements. You do not need to permanently reside in the country, making the process highly flexible.
• Dual citizenship allowed. The program permits you to keep your current passport.
• No language exam. Ideal for those using the passport for mobility rather than deep cultural integration.
• Family inclusion. The main applicant’s spouse and children under 18 can be included in a single application.
• Social benefits. Access to quality, international-level healthcare and education.
• Heritage. Citizenship can be passed down to future generations without restrictions.

Three investment options: what to choose

The program offers several equal pathways. Real estate here is not an alternative to funds, but a distinct, fully-fledged route. Choose what best meets your goals:

1. Real estate from $400,000 You can purchase any type of property: residential or commercial. Buying multiple properties is allowed, as long as their total value reaches the required threshold. The mandatory condition is to hold the property for at least 3 years. This option is ideal for those who want to combine obtaining a passport with owning a tangible, hard asset.

2. Investments from $500,000 This category includes:

• Purchasing shares in an investment fund;
• Making a deposit in a Turkish bank;
• Investing in the fixed capital of a Turkish company. The mandatory condition is to maintain the investment for a minimum of 3 years. This path is favored by investors who prioritize financial capital structure over physical square meters.

3. Company creation and 50 jobs A scenario for active entrepreneurs: you establish a company registered in Turkey and provide employment for at least 50 people for a period of 3 years or more.

What to consider in advance

There are a few practical nuances that directly affect the speed and success of the procedure:

• Highly accurate preparation of documents and notarized translations;
• Strict compliance with the 3-year investment holding period;
• Proper execution of banking documentation, especially currency exchange certificates;
• Biometrics submission: you need to plan a visit to Turkey or an appointment at a consulate in your country in advance.

Summary

Turkish citizenship by investment is a flexible tool with several scenarios: buying real estate (residential or commercial), making a bank deposit, investing in funds or company capital, or starting a business. In all cases, the main rule is meeting the investment threshold and holding the assets for 3 years.

If you want to navigate the procedure without mistakes, we support clients at every stage: from choosing the optimal investment scenario and preparing documents to interacting with banks and lawyers, and submitting the application in Turkey.

Contact us for a personal consultation: nevestate.com