While most investors pursuing Turkish citizenship focus on real estate purchases or bank deposits, Turkish law offers an advanced and strategically flexible route to citizenship through corporate investment. This method is particularly suited for foreign business owners, entrepreneurs, and company shareholders who want to both expand their business in Turkey and obtain citizenship rights based on productive economic contribution.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, we advise multinational companies, foreign entrepreneurs, and international investors on how to acquire Turkish citizenship through company formation and capital investment. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for commercial immigration, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers handle every legal and corporate element of the process, from company structuring and trade registration to investment certification and citizenship application strategy.
What Is Corporate Investment for Turkish Citizenship?
According to the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law (Article 20), one of the official investment routes that entitle a foreigner to apply for Turkish citizenship is:
“Making a fixed capital investment of at least 500,000 USD or equivalent in Turkish Lira, as attested by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.”
This means a company—whether newly established or acquired—must make a demonstrable and audited capital injection into the Turkish economy. This can be done through:
- Founding a limited or joint stock company with registered capital above the legal threshold
- Expanding existing business operations through factory setup or machinery investment
- Purchasing equity in a Turkish company in a way that increases overall capital
- Entering into joint ventures that lead to capital formation certified by the Ministry
Our Turkish Law Firm drafts Articles of Association, shareholder agreements, and corporate resolutions in compliance with the investment law, and works with auditors and the Ministry to obtain the necessary Investment Eligibility Certificate.
Choosing the Right Company Type for Citizenship-Oriented Investment
Not all company structures are equally suitable for use in corporate-based citizenship applications in Turkey. To qualify under the law, the company must not only be legally registered, but also actively operational, well-documented, and supported by capital entries that can be traced through official accounting and banking channels. The main company types used in such applications are:
- Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti.): Favored for flexibility and ease of management, requires a minimum capital of 10,000 TRY but investment must far exceed this to meet citizenship criteria.
- Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.): More formal structure, preferred for larger ventures and better aligned with high-value fixed capital investments. Requires a minimum capital of 250,000 TRY.
- Branch of a Foreign Company: While not an independent legal person, a registered Turkish branch can still be used to make investment contributions, but additional structuring may be needed.
Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers assess your business model, legal goals, and operational needs to determine the most efficient legal entity for corporate investment-based Turkish citizenship. We also ensure compliance with the Turkish Commercial Code (TTK) and Ministry of Industry certification processes.
Legal Requirements for Capital Investment Certification
To apply for citizenship, the investment must be verified and certified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. The process includes:
- Providing accounting records proving the capital has been paid into the company account
- Verifying bank transfer history (must originate from abroad in the investor’s name)
- Producing financial statements and balance sheets prepared by licensed Turkish CPAs
- Securing site visit or project analysis by Ministry inspectors (in physical investments)
- Obtaining an “Investment Eligibility Certificate” signed and stamped by the Ministry
Our Turkish Law Firm manages the full process, including drafting bilingual accounting memos, preparing corporate structure documentation, and coordinating directly with auditors and Ministry staff to ensure compliance and timely certification.
What Kinds of Activities Qualify as Fixed Capital Investment?
Unlike real estate, which is a passive investment route, corporate investment for Turkish citizenship requires demonstrable economic activity. Acceptable categories include:
- Purchasing advanced machinery or production lines
- Opening a factory or manufacturing plant in Turkey
- Building infrastructure for IT, logistics, or export services
- Establishing energy projects or innovation hubs
- Developing R&D-based platforms or high-tech facilities
In all cases, the investor must remain as the shareholder for at least 3 years, as verified by trade registry and investment tracking systems. Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers draft shareholder lock-in agreements and perform ongoing compliance reviews during the 3-year holding period.
Real-Life Scenarios: Corporate Citizenship in Practice
In our experience as a leading Turkish Law Firm handling dozens of corporate citizenship files annually, we have guided clients through various real-world cases, including:
- Textile factory investment: A European investor established a new LLC in Bursa with a $750,000 machinery import; obtained certification and full family citizenship in 7 months.
- Tech startup structure: A U.S. software group expanded its Turkish branch and injected $600,000 in capital via R&D investment, structured with exit rights post-holding period.
- Acquisition strategy: A Gulf-based family office acquired 40% shares in a Turkish logistics firm, structured the acquisition as capital increase; successfully certified within 3 months.
Each case was meticulously designed to comply with both Turkish Citizenship Law and commercial regulations, while preserving the long-term economic goals of the foreign shareholders.
Full Step-by-Step Process: From Investment to Passport
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the application journey:
- Company formation, capital registration, bank setup
- Injection of funds and notarization of shareholder decisions
- Ministry inspection and fixed capital certification
- Issuance of Investment Eligibility Certificate
- Preparation of citizenship application dossier
- Submission to Nüfus Müdürlüğü and Ministry of Interior
- Background check and security clearance
- Approval and final passport issuance (with family)
Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers accompany clients through every milestone, ensuring not only legal success but also financial and operational security throughout the corporate citizenship process.
FAQ: Corporate Investment-Based Citizenship in Turkey
- Q1: Can a foreign company obtain Turkish citizenship?
No, but its shareholder—if making a qualified capital investment—may personally apply. - Q2: What is the minimum investment amount?
At least $500,000 in fixed capital, certified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. - Q3: How long must I hold the investment?
A minimum of 3 years without reducing shareholding or withdrawing funds. - Q4: Can I include my spouse and children?
Yes, your spouse and dependent children under 18 are included in your citizenship application. - Q5: Is real estate required?
No. Corporate citizenship is a separate route that does not require real estate purchase. - Q6: Do I have to hire Turkish employees?
Not mandatory, but helpful for demonstrating economic benefit and eligibility during site visits. - Q7: Can I get citizenship through a company already operating?
Yes, if you invest through capital increase and meet certification standards. - Q8: Will I need to live in Turkey?
No. Physical residence is not required, although maintaining a legal address helps smooth processing. - Q9: Can I sell the company after citizenship?
Only after 3 years. Early sale or share transfer invalidates your legal status and may revoke citizenship. - Q10: How can a Turkish Law Firm assist?
From company formation and licensing to application filing and appeals, we provide full-cycle legal support for business-based immigration.
Invest in Turkey and Secure Citizenship with Legal Guidance
Choosing the corporate investment path for Turkish citizenship is not only a matter of capital—it’s a decision that impacts your legal status, business future, and family security. With the right legal counsel, this complex process becomes a structured opportunity that offers both economic and personal rewards.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, we design investment citizenship strategies for companies and entrepreneurs worldwide. Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers integrate commercial structuring, regulatory compliance, and immigration planning into a seamless legal journey. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for investment immigration, we make your business success the foundation of your citizenship.