Turkey’s citizenship by investment program continues to attract high-net-worth individuals from across the globe. Offering a second passport through strategic economic contribution, this program has become a leading route to dual nationality in Europe and Asia. In 2025, the threshold for property-based investment remains at $400,000, making it one of the most cost-effective citizenship programs worldwide. Whether through real estate, capital deposit, or job creation, foreigners can obtain Turkish nationality in as little as 3 to 6 months—with full access to healthcare, education, and business privileges. At Istanbul Law Firm, our English speaking lawyers in Turkey manage the entire process—starting from investment planning to passport delivery.
Unlike many other jurisdictions, Turkey allows full family inclusion in the application (spouse and children under 18), does not require physical residence, and grants immediate eligibility for permanent residence. There are no language tests or military service obligations, and dual citizenship is permitted. However, navigating the process without legal guidance can result in procedural delays or rejection. Our team of Turkish Lawyers specializes in investment-based citizenship law—advising clients on eligible properties, tax efficiency, bank transfer procedures, and documentation standards that meet the criteria set by the Ministry of Interior and Land Registry Authority.
This guide explains the full legal structure of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program in 2025, including application stages, eligible investment types, required documents, legal risks, and post-citizenship obligations. Whether you are a Gulf investor seeking mobility, a European entrepreneur looking for tax optimization, or a retiree seeking lifestyle flexibility, Turkish Law Firm ensures your citizenship application is legally valid, strategically structured, and successfully concluded. Related: Property Due Diligence Before Applying for Citizenship, Tax Benefits and Obligations of New Turkish Citizens
Why Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program Attracts Global Investors
Turkey offers one of the world’s most accessible and efficient citizenship programs for investors, combining legal flexibility with strategic geographic positioning. With visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries and an E-2 treaty with the United States, Turkish citizenship opens the door to global mobility. For Middle Eastern clients, it provides regional business access and visa relief. For Europeans and Asians, it offers lifestyle advantages, real estate appreciation, and geopolitical diversification. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey assist clients from more than 40 countries in securing citizenship while maintaining compliance with both Turkish and international laws.
Another reason for the program’s appeal is the relative simplicity and speed of the process. Unlike EU golden visas or North American programs, Turkey does not impose language, residency, or cultural knowledge tests. The investment can be liquid after 3 years, and the entire process is managed under the oversight of the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. As a licensed Turkish Law Firm, we interface with all state bodies on your behalf, including banks, appraisers, notaries, and immigration offices. We offer POA-based representation, allowing clients to complete the process without visiting Turkey.
Additionally, the real estate market in Turkey—especially in Istanbul, Antalya, and İzmir—offers investment-grade properties that meet both lifestyle and citizenship criteria. Many clients choose to earn rental income during the 3-year holding period or combine citizenship with family relocation or business expansion. Our Turkish Lawyers not only handle the citizenship application, but also provide long-term legal advisory for property management, residency renewals, and eventual resale or inheritance planning. Related: Best Cities to Buy for Citizenship in 2025, Business Investment as a Route to Turkish Citizenship
Types of Eligible Investments for Turkish Citizenship in 2025
As of 2025, the Turkish government recognizes five main categories of investment for foreigners seeking citizenship under the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (TCBI) program. The most popular option remains real estate investment—purchasing one or more immovable properties with a combined value of at least $400,000 USD. The property must be registered under the buyer’s name, not sold for at least 3 years, and supported by an SPK-licensed valuation report and official bank transfer proof. At Istanbul Law Firm, our Turkish real estate lawyers guide clients through title deed registration, compliance filing, and annotation requirements to ensure the investment qualifies without legal risk.
In addition to real estate, eligible investments include (1) depositing a minimum of $500,000 USD into a Turkish bank for 3 years; (2) purchasing $500,000 USD worth of Turkish government bonds or investment fund shares; (3) making a fixed capital investment of $500,000 USD as confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Technology; or (4) employing at least 50 Turkish citizens as certified by the Ministry of Labor. Each route has different documentation and audit requirements. Our Turkish Lawyers coordinate with licensed financial institutions, ministries, and regulatory boards to certify eligibility, trace funding origin, and secure required confirmation letters from public authorities.
While all routes lead to the same citizenship outcome, real estate remains the most straightforward and popular, especially for clients seeking passive investment and residency in Turkey. However, we advise based on the client’s risk profile, liquidity preference, and strategic goals. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey assist clients in selecting the optimal investment type, structuring asset ownership, and avoiding dual-taxation pitfalls. Related: Property Requirements Before Applying for Citizenship, How Investment Type Affects Tax Status After Citizenship
Legal Procedure for Applying for Turkish Citizenship Through Investment
The legal process for acquiring Turkish Citizenship by Investment is administered by multiple government bodies, including the Land Registry, Immigration Directorate, Ministry of Interior, and the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. The process begins with executing the qualifying investment—whether it’s property, deposit, or capital—and securing official confirmation from the relevant public institution. For example, in real estate purchases, the tapu must include a 3-year no-sale annotation, and the valuation report and transfer records must be certified. At Istanbul Law Firm, our Turkish Lawyers coordinate each filing to prevent rejection due to missing or noncompliant documents.
After investment completion, the client applies for a short-term residence permit (up to 1 year), which is a prerequisite for citizenship application. This permit is issued by the Provincial Immigration Directorate based on the investor’s ownership or deposit documents. Once granted, the applicant submits a citizenship file that includes: passport copies, birth and marriage records, biometric photos, tax ID, bank records, and the Certificate of Eligibility. We prepare and translate every document and file the application directly with the Ministry of Interior. In most cases, the entire process is managed via Power of Attorney, and the client is not required to be present in Turkey.
Final approval is granted after background checks and application review. No language test or interview is required, and dual citizenship is allowed for most nationalities. Processing time ranges from 3 to 6 months. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey maintain regular communication with authorities, update clients weekly, and ensure that any procedural request is handled within 24 hours. Related: Full Timeline for Citizenship by Investment in 2025, How Language Impacts Citizenship Applications
Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship by Investment Applications in 2025
One of the most critical aspects of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment process is the completeness and accuracy of documentation. Missing, untranslated, or incorrectly formatted documents can delay or jeopardize the entire application. The core documents include: (1) valid passport for each family member, (2) notarized and SPK-certified real estate valuation report, (3) official title deed (tapu) or investment certificate, (4) Turkish tax number, (5) proof of full bank transfer for the investment, (6) residence permit approval, and (7) biometric photos. At Istanbul Law Firm, our Turkish Lawyers review, prepare, and submit every document in full legal compliance.
In addition, personal documents must be translated into Turkish and notarized. These include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and sometimes proof of address or clean criminal record from the home country. Documents issued abroad must be apostilled or legalized depending on bilateral treaty status. We handle the full translation, notarization, and consulate verification process—whether through Turkish notaries or Turkish consulates abroad. Our team ensures that the translated documents align with application templates used by the Ministry of Interior and Immigration Directorate.
Clients also need to provide declarations and forms such as consent for background checks, dual citizenship confirmation, and an application petition. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey walk clients through each document, providing explanations and translations for all legal forms before submission. This ensures clarity, accuracy, and applicant confidence. Related: Why Tapu Format Matters in Citizenship Files, Tax Filings Required After Citizenship Approval
Common Mistakes in Turkish Citizenship by Investment Applications (and How to Avoid Them)
Despite the relative simplicity of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program, many applications are delayed—or even denied—due to avoidable mistakes. One of the most frequent errors is failing to meet the minimum investment threshold after currency conversion. Since property values are often quoted in Turkish Lira, fluctuations in the exchange rate can lead to a valuation below $400,000 USD. Without a certified SPK valuation that reflects the minimum threshold, the application is invalid. At Istanbul Law Firm, our Turkish Lawyers cross-check appraisal reports, ensure valuation compliance, and monitor transfer receipts to prevent this issue before the application is filed.
Another common mistake is purchasing property that is not eligible for citizenship—such as property bought from a foreign national, or already pledged under another citizenship application. Clients often rely on developers or agents who lack legal knowledge, leading to contracts that fail to meet registration or annotation requirements. Our Turkish real estate lawyers perform full due diligence, verify the title’s history, and confirm compliance with the Land Registry’s annotation rules. We also draft and review sale agreements to ensure they align with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change regulations.
Administrative errors are also common—like missing apostilles, mistranslated documents, or unclear family information. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey prevent these mistakes by managing every step of document preparation, verification, and translation. We maintain internal checklists and government-issued templates to ensure compliance with the latest policy updates. Related: How Invalid Tapu Delays Citizenship Approvals, Real Estate Compliance Tips for Citizenship Applicants
Why Istanbul Law Firm Is the Strategic Legal Partner for Citizenship by Investment
Securing Turkish Citizenship by Investment is not just a bureaucratic process—it’s a multi-step legal operation that requires planning, precision, and policy-level communication. At Istanbul Law Firm, we offer foreign investors a full-spectrum legal strategy that goes beyond document collection. We begin with investment planning—advising on eligible properties, purchase structure, and tax alignment. We then coordinate with appraisers, banks, and notaries to execute the transaction in compliance with both financial and legal requirements. Our Turkish Lawyers manage every step from property reservation to tapu registration and SPK valuation certification.
We also streamline the immigration and citizenship process itself—preparing bilingual application files, scheduling consular appointments, and ensuring correct document authentication. Unlike many intermediaries or consultants, we are a licensed Turkish Law Firm with courtroom and notary authority, allowing us to act directly on behalf of the client under Power of Attorney. This saves time, eliminates procedural risk, and provides legal accountability. Clients working with our English speaking lawyers in Turkey receive detailed reports at every stage—no hidden steps, no legal gaps, and no language confusion.
What sets us apart is our proactive communication with government authorities. We maintain direct contacts within the Ministry of Interior, Immigration Directorate, Land Registry, and the Ministry of Environment. This allows us to resolve file issues, expedite approvals, and adapt to policy changes faster than other firms. Our strategic approach to citizenship law, combined with our deep legal expertise and multilingual service, has made Istanbul Law Firm a preferred choice among global investors. Related: Legal Representation for Business-Based Citizenship Investors, Why Legal English Matters in Immigration and Property Law
Tax Implications of Becoming a Turkish Citizen Through Investment
Obtaining Turkish Citizenship by Investment brings not only residency and mobility advantages, but also new tax considerations. Fortunately, Turkey does not impose global income tax on its citizens unless they become tax residents—which occurs if they reside in Turkey more than 183 days in a calendar year. Thus, newly naturalized citizens who reside abroad often retain their primary tax residency elsewhere. However, income earned within Turkey—such as rental income from citizenship-linked property—is fully taxable. At Istanbul Law Firm, our Turkish Lawyers advise clients on how to structure their assets for tax efficiency both before and after acquiring citizenship.
One of the key advantages of Turkish citizenship is access to local tax incentives. Property transactions involving newly acquired citizens may be subject to reduced deed fees or VAT exemptions, depending on the transaction history. We help clients qualify for these benefits and prevent double taxation by coordinating with their home country tax advisors. Turkey has tax treaties with over 80 countries, and we frequently prepare residency status declarations, income reports, and cross-border asset declarations for clients holding dual nationality. Our legal team ensures all required filings—such as annual property tax, income tax, and wealth declarations—are submitted correctly and on time.
We also provide long-term legal monitoring for tax compliance, helping new Turkish citizens maintain audit readiness and minimize exposure to future penalties. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey work closely with accountants and tax consultants to ensure full legal protection for real estate owners, business investors, and high-net-worth individuals. Related: Full Guide to Tax Law for Turkish Citizens and Residents, Tax-Efficient Property Strategies for Citizenship Applicants
How Dual Citizenship Works for Foreigners Acquiring Turkish Nationality
One of the most attractive features of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program is that Turkey allows dual citizenship. This means that foreign nationals who acquire Turkish citizenship are not required to renounce their original nationality, provided their home country also permits dual status. This flexibility makes the program ideal for investors, retirees, and global citizens who want to maintain business and family connections in multiple countries. At Istanbul Law Firm, our English speaking lawyers in Turkey advise clients on how to lawfully hold and use both passports, and how to avoid any conflict of laws between jurisdictions.
However, dual citizenship must be managed strategically. Some countries restrict access to government positions or impose tax duties on dual citizens. It is important to inform both governments transparently and ensure that any foreign income, asset transfers, or tax declarations are handled in accordance with bilateral treaties. Our Turkish Lawyers help clients understand reporting obligations in both countries and prepare documents for consulates, tax offices, and financial institutions. We also provide legal coordination for children born to dual citizens and assist in registering marriages and property holdings across borders.
Finally, dual citizenship creates inheritance and residency benefits. Children can inherit Turkish assets without restrictions, and travel to and from Turkey is simplified. However, immigration officials in other countries may request proof of identity alignment, especially if the names differ across documents. We prepare harmonized legal identities, issue multilingual power of attorneys, and track global regulatory changes affecting dual citizens. As a Turkish Law Firm with cross-border legal expertise, Istanbul Law Firm offers long-term legal strategy to help clients maximize the benefits of dual citizenship while staying fully compliant. Related: Inheritance Law for Dual Citizens in Turkey, Owning a Turkish Company as a Dual National
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the minimum investment required for Turkish citizenship? $400,000 USD in real estate or $500,000 in bank deposit, capital, or fund purchase.
- Can I buy multiple properties to reach the threshold? Yes, as long as they are purchased on the same day and properly declared together.
- Do I need to live in Turkey to apply? No. Turkish Citizenship by Investment does not require residence or physical stay in Turkey.
- Can I include my family in the application? Yes. Spouse and children under 18 are eligible in the same file.
- What documents are needed? Passport, tapu or bank record, SPK valuation, tax number, residence permit, biometric photos, and personal civil records.
- How long does the process take? 3 to 6 months on average with proper documentation and legal guidance.
- Will I lose my original citizenship? No. Turkey allows dual citizenship if your home country also permits it.
- Can I apply from abroad? Yes. With a POA, we handle the entire process on your behalf remotely.
- Can I sell the property after getting citizenship? After 3 years. A no-sale annotation is required for this duration.
- Are there tax implications after I become a citizen? Only if you become a tax resident. Otherwise, Turkey taxes income from local sources only.
- What are the risks of rejection? Non-compliant property, invalid valuation, or missing documents. We eliminate these with full legal oversight.
- Which is the best law firm for Turkish Citizenship by Investment? Istanbul Law Firm—experienced, bilingual, and legally strategic in every step of your citizenship journey.
Contact Our Turkish Citizenship Lawyers
Ready to secure Turkish citizenship through investment? Istanbul Law Firm provides full legal services for property-based and capital-based applications. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey guide you through each step—from investment verification to passport delivery.