Investing in Turkish real estate offers not only a strong financial opportunity but also the chance to obtain Turkish citizenship. By purchasing real estate in Turkey worth at least $400,000 USD, you, your spouse, and your children under 18 can apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment and receive Turkish passports.

Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

In June 2022, the Turkish government revised its Citizenship by Investment Programme, commonly known as the Turkey Golden Visa. This update allows foreign investors to obtain Turkish citizenship and a passport by investing a minimum of $400,000 USD in real estate. This makes it one of the most accessible and appealing citizenship programs globally, attracting thousands of investors. At Integrated Turkey, we have successfully guided many clients through this process.

Once you secure Turkish citizenship, it is permanent and can be passed on to your children born after the acquisition. Turkey also allows dual nationality, so you can maintain your existing citizenships alongside your Turkish one.

Ways to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment

1. Real Estate Investment: Purchase property in Turkey worth at least $400,000 USD. This is the most cost-effective option.
2. Fixed Capital Investment: Invest a minimum of $500,000 USD in Turkey.
3. Bank Deposit: Deposit at least $500,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency into a Turkish bank.
4. Government Bonds: Acquire government bonds worth at least $500,000 USD.
5. Job Creation: Create employment for at least 50 people in Turkey.
6. Investment Funds: Invest at least $500,000 USD in a real estate or venture capital investment fund.

Requirements for the Real Estate Investment Program

• Property Purchase: The investment must be in real estate worth at least $400,000 USD. This can be a single property or multiple units as long as the total value meets the requirement.
• Holding Period: You must hold the property for a minimum of 3 years. This condition must be registered as an annotation on the Title Deed and/or Notarized Sales Contract.
• Valuation Report: The property must undergo an official valuation by an authority approved by the Banking Supervision Board, confirming the value is at least $400,000 USD.
• Payment Process: The purchase price must be paid to the seller via bank transfer, supported by bank receipts to confirm the transaction.
• Declared Value: The declared value of the investment must be at least $400,000 USD at the time of the notarized sales contract or ownership transfer at the Land Registry Office.
• Ownership Restrictions: The property must not be registered under any foreign person’s name, including the applicant’s spouse or children. Properties transferred by the applicant’s spouse or children after January 12, 2017, are not eligible.
• Mortgage Considerations: If the property was purchased using a mortgage, the value of the mortgage will be deducted from the official valuation.
• Application Submission: The application will be submitted through the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, the Land Registry Office, and then forwarded to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, Directorate of Foreigners Department.

How to Obtain a Turkish Passport by Buying Property

1. Get a Tax Registration Number: Obtain this from any tax office in Turkey with your original passport and photos.
2. Open a Turkish Bank Account: You will need a passport, tax registration number, and proof of address.
3. Find the Property: Ensure the property (or properties) has a total value of at least $400,000 USD. It must be completed or near completion with the necessary licenses and title deeds.
4. Buy the Property: Make the purchase via bank transfer and document the transaction. Annotate the Title Deed with a 3-year no-sale commitment.
5. Obtain a Certificate of Conformity: Submit the official valuation and bank transfer receipt to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.
6. Apply for Turkish Residency: Submit the required documents to the Directorate General of Migration Management.
7. Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Finally, apply for citizenship through the Directorate General of Migration Management.

Key Facts about Turkish Citizenship by Investment

• You must retain your investment for at least 3 years.
• After the 3-year period, you are free to sell your property while retaining your citizenship.
• Your spouse and children under 18 will also gain Turkish citizenship.
• You are not required to live in Turkey to benefit from the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
• Your Turkish citizenship is permanent, and your future children will be born Turkish citizens.
• Turkey allows dual citizenship, enabling you to hold multiple passports.

Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

• Birth Certificate: Must be stamped and authenticated or apostilled.
• Certificate of Residence: Proof of address is required, excluding bank statements or utility bills.
• Marital Status Documents: Includes marriage, divorce, or death certificates as applicable.
• Health Insurance
• Biometric Photos: 12 photos total, including 4 biometric photos sized 5x6 cm and 8 regular sized.
• Passport: Copy of your original passport.
• Notarized Turkish Translations: Required for all documents.
• Power of Attorney
• Completed Application Forms

At Integrated Turkey, our in-house legal team will guide you through each step of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment process, ensuring a smooth and successful application. Contact us today to learn more about how you can secure your Turkish citizenship through real estate investment.