Over the past decade, Turkey has become a major destination for global investors seeking a second passport, permanent relocation, or a strategic foothold bridging Europe and the Middle East. The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program offers one of the most accessible and efficient legal frameworks for acquiring citizenship through real estate or financial contributions. However, despite its popularity, the process involves strict documentation, legal formalities, title deed compliance, and Ministry-level evaluation. Without reliable legal support, applicants risk delays, rejections, or worse—permanent ineligibility due to critical missteps.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, we specialize in assisting high-net-worth individuals, families, and international investors through the entire process of Turkish citizenship by investment. Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers provide strategic legal advice, conduct title deed due diligence, coordinate financial clearance, and represent clients directly before the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. Recognized as a best lawyer firm in Turkey for investment citizenship procedures, we combine legal accuracy with immigration foresight to ensure your application is not only submitted—but approved.
Program Overview: What Is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
Turkey officially introduced its citizenship by investment (CBI) program in 2017 as a way to attract foreign capital and real estate investment. Under the most commonly used route—property acquisition—foreign nationals can apply for citizenship by purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 USD (or equivalent in Turkish Lira), provided that the property meets certain legal and registry requirements. Once the investment is registered and the legal steps are complete, the applicant—and their spouse and minor children—become eligible for Turkish citizenship and full passport rights.
What makes this program especially attractive is that it does not require prior residency in Turkey, physical presence during the application process, or knowledge of Turkish language or culture. However, from a legal standpoint, the government imposes a comprehensive verification process to ensure that the investment is real, traceable, and meets public interest thresholds. This is why applicants are strongly advised to retain a Turkish Law Firm with experience in real estate, banking, and citizenship regulations before initiating any steps.
Legal Investment Options to Qualify for Citizenship
As of 2025, there are several legal pathways to qualify for Turkish citizenship through investment. The most popular option remains real estate acquisition, but alternative investment routes are also available for eligible applicants. The current list of legal routes includes:
- Purchasing property worth a minimum of $400,000, with a no-sale undertaking for 3 years
- Depositing at least $500,000 USD (or equivalent) in a Turkish bank with a 3-year lock-in
- Investing $500,000 in Turkish government bonds or approved real estate investment funds
- Creating employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens, verified by the Ministry of Labor
- Establishing a company with at least $500,000 capital investment verified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology
Each investment route requires documentary proof, registration with the relevant ministry, and a compliance certificate prior to submitting the citizenship application itself. Our lawyers manage all these steps from investment structuring to final naturalization.
Title Deed (TAPU) Review and Real Estate Compliance
For those applying through the real estate route, the legal status of the property is critical. Not all properties qualify for the citizenship program—even if they meet the price threshold. The land registry (TAPU) must reflect a clear, marketable, and fully transferable title. In addition, the property must not be subject to legal encumbrances, ongoing litigation, or construction violations. Our Turkish Real Estate Lawyers conduct a full due diligence review including cadastral records, zoning status, title checks, and previous ownership history to eliminate hidden risks. If these details are overlooked, your application may be rejected even after making full payment.
We also ensure the title deed reflects a three-year non-sale annotation, as required by law. This annotation must be processed through the land registry before the citizenship compliance certificate is issued. As a Turkish Law Firm familiar with TAPU procedures and government workflows, we directly coordinate with the Land Registry and General Directorate of Land Titles to ensure fast and accurate filings.
Banking, Currency, and Financial Compliance Rules
Since 2022, Turkey has imposed foreign currency conversion requirements to ensure transparency in the real estate market and prevent artificial inflation. Every property sale involving a foreign buyer must comply with the Central Bank’s “Foreign Currency Purchase Document” procedure. This means the purchase price must be exchanged through a Turkish bank, converted to Lira, and certified with an official document proving the foreign currency originated abroad. Without this document, even a fully paid sale may be deemed legally invalid for citizenship purposes.
Our firm works directly with Turkish banks to ensure the correct format, timing, and documentation of all payments. We also draft purchase agreements that reflect Central Bank compliance, currency exchange records, and tax declarations. In this way, your entire transaction is citizenship-compliant from the first step.
Citizenship Application File: Documents, Timeline, and Approval
Once the investment is completed and verified, our lawyers prepare the full application file to be submitted to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. The file includes:
- Proof of investment (compliance certificate issued by relevant Ministry)
- Original title deed or bank certificate
- Applicant and family biometric passports and translated IDs
- Turkish tax number and residence permit (short-term for application)
- Photographs, notarized forms, and sworn translations
- Signed legal declarations and final attorney petitions
With complete and accurate documentation, most clients receive citizenship approval within 3 to 6 months. As a Turkish citizenship lawyer working with hundreds of international clients, we offer a seamless, full-service process—including tracking, submission, and follow-up with relevant authorities.
Internal Legal Resources for Citizenship Applicants
- Title Deed Check in Turkey
- Real Estate Due Diligence for Foreign Investors
- How to Get a Residence Permit in Turkey
- Why Foreigners Work with Turkish Law Firms
- Legal Support from Turkish Property Lawyers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I apply for Turkish citizenship without coming to Turkey? Yes. With a notarized and apostilled Power of Attorney, our lawyers can handle the entire process on your behalf.
- What if I buy multiple properties to reach $400,000? That is legally acceptable, as long as all properties are registered under your name, citizenship-compliant, and declared together.
- Is it possible to buy jointly with a spouse? Yes, but only one person becomes the principal applicant unless the total value exceeds $800,000 and properties are split legally.
- Can I sell the property after three years? Yes. After the three-year restriction expires, you can sell the property without losing your citizenship.
- Will my children and spouse get citizenship too? Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 qualify automatically once your application is approved.
- Can I rent out the property during the 3-year period? Yes. There is no restriction on leasing, only on resale or transferring the title to another party.
- What are common mistakes that lead to rejection? Buying ineligible properties, not getting a compliance certificate, failing currency conversion steps, or submitting incomplete documents.
- How can a Turkish Law Firm help? We provide legal protection, compliance verification, real estate guidance, and full application preparation from day one.
Start Your Turkish Citizenship Journey with Expert Legal Guidance
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment is a strategic decision with long-term advantages—ranging from visa-free travel to economic mobility, family security, and access to Turkey’s fast-growing real estate and business sectors. However, it is also a process that demands precise legal execution, government-level compliance, and complete documentation from day one.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our team of experienced English Speaking Turkish Citizenship Lawyers is committed to helping international clients achieve a smooth and successful transition. As a leading Turkish Law Firm for foreign investors, we provide complete legal solutions tailored to your goals—whether you're applying alone, with your family, or as part of a larger investment strategy. From title deed to Turkish passport, we’re with you at every step.
