In June 2022 Turkey announced changes to their Turkish Citizenship by Investment program, allowing new buyers to acquire citizenship from spending as little as 400,000 USD – making it one of, if not the most affordable and attractive citizenship by investment programme in the world. When the program was initially launched, the threshold was set at 1,000,000 USD.
Since then, thousands of new buyers have applied for and successfully obtained Turkish Citizenship through investment in real estate in Turkey. This blog will guide you through the process from A-Z including all requirements, official steps, and what are the benefits of having Turkish Citizenship through property investment.
What are the advantages of having Turkish Citizenship?
Citizenship for spouse and children – Spouse of the applicant, as well as any children who are under the age of 18 will also be granted Turkish Citizenship under the scheme. Any children born after will be granted citizenship by birth. Those who are over 18, will have to become a citizen on their own.
Dual Citizenship – Turkey allows Dual Citizenships, meaning that you can keep your current citizenships without having to give anything up in order to apply when you buy real estate.
Visa-free travel – Those who hold an ordinary Turkish Passport can travel to 104 countries without a visa or receive a visa upon arrival. This ranks a Turkish Passport in the top 30 most powerful passports in the world. A Turkish Passport is renewable every 10 years.
You can work in Turkey – Those with citizenship are free to work in Turkey. Previously, a work permit would be needed. Citizenship makes it easier to work in a country that is the gateway between Europe and the Middle East.
Healthcare, insurance, and bureaucratic ease – With citizenship you will have access to cheaper healthcare options and insurance policies in Turkey. You will also be able to vote in national elections. You will also have access to a state pension and can apply for Turkish loans.
No minimum residency required – Citizenship means that you can come and go from Turkey as you wish without losing your citizenship. You do not have to live in Turkey once you have obtained your citizenship.
You can relocate to the UK – As a Turkish national, it is possible to live and work in the United Kingdom with relative ease as you can apply for a Business Person visa and even obtain British citizenship eventually. A huge draw of the investment programme.
Work in the United States – Another option for Turkish nationals is obtaining the E-2 investor visa to help facilitate a move to the USA. If your dream is to live in the US, Turkey is a great option on that path, using the real estate route.
No military service required – Applicants who invest and move to Turkey the investment programme, are exempt from the mandatory military service. Your dependents are also exempt.
Citizenship and Superb inheritance laws – One advantage is that Turkish law fully protects your legal heirs in the unfortunate event of your death. This ensures that your property will pass down smoothly to your children in the future without much red tape to navigate.
How to get Turkish Citizenship by investment in property guide?
Step 1 – Get a Turkish Tax Registration Number
You can receive a Tax Registration Number at any tax office branch in Turkey using your original passport and photos are required.
Step 2 – Open a bank account in Turkey
Passport and Tax Registration Number are required to open a bank account in Turkey. You will also need an official document such as a utility bill showing your current address in the country.
Step 3 – Find a property worth at least 400,000 USD
The property must be worth at least 400,000 USD and can be either a single home or multiple units such as those investing in apartments in Turkey. The residence must be close to being completed or already completed with a Habitation Licence granted and Title Deed or Construction Servitude ready. It must be suitable for an Official Valuation in order to obtain citizenship.
Step 4 – Buy the property in Turkey
Property has to be purchased using a Bank Transfer with document and transaction by receipt. The Title Deed Registry or Notarised Sales Contract has to be annotated to state that the home won’t be sold within the next three years after purchase. After three years is up, you can sell all your investments in Turkey and keep the citizenship forever.
Step 5 – Obtain a Certificate of Conformity
This is done by providing the Official Valuation Survey and submitting the receipt of the Bank Transfer to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation.
Step 6 – Apply for Turkish Residency
Apply for Turkish Residency at the Directorate General of Migration Management after gathering all the required documents needed. A key step on the path to citizenship.
Step 7 – Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment guide
Now you can apply for Turkish Citizenship at the Directorate General of Migration Management after receiving your Turkish Residency and gathering all the necessary documents to do so. You now have Turkish Citizenship. NOTE: Our in-house lawyers are there to help you along every step of the process.
Documents needed for Turkish Citizenship?
– Copy of birth Certificate – Each certificate must be stamped and authenticated from your home country Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Embassy in your home country OR you can Apostille the papers according to the Apostille Convention (Hague Treaty Convention 12)
– Marital Status – This includes Marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or death certificate of spouse if widowed. Each certificate must be stamped and authenticated from your home country Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Embassy OR Apostilled according to the Apostille Convention (Hague Treaty Convention 12)
– Biometric photos – 4 Biometric photos with a white background and sized 5 x 6 for ALL family members applying, as well as 8 more Biometric photos regular sized and on a white background for the main applicant only
– Copy of original Passport
– Power of Attorney granted
– Receipt of Wire Transfers
– Proof of Address / Certificate of Residence – real estate Proof of Address must be provided by governmental institutions. Bank statement or utility bills will NOT be accepted. Each certificate must be stamped and authenticated from your home country Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Embassy OR Apostilled according to the Apostille Convention (Hague Treaty Convention 12)
– All application forms filled in
Other ways to receive Turkish Citizenship by Investing?
1 – Provide employment for at least 50 people in Turkey
2 – Fixed Capital Investment of at least 500,000 USD
3 – Purchase State Dept Instruments worth 500,000 USD
4 – Deposit at least 500,000 USD into a Turkish Bank
5 – Venture Capital Investment Fund worth 500,000 USD
Please note that all of these options listed above cost more than double the price of acquiring citizenship by investing in real estate.
Why invest in Turkey?
Superb climate – Some cities in Turkey offer more than 300 days of sunny weather year round. Buying a property in Bodrum to meet citizenship requirements also provides a wonderful lifestyle for those seeking glitz and glamour. Antalya offers a year round working atmosphere, along with beaches, mountains, and even skiing. Real estate in Fethiye is a favourite amongst British buyers and home to the beautiful Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz.
Between East and West – Turkey is the bridge between the East and West, and as such, offers unparalleled business opportunities and travel opportunities. Buying a property in Istanbul is your entrance into Turkey’s metropolis gateway.
Safe for the family – Turks are known to be very hospitable and welcoming to foreigners and expats alike. Those who live in Turkey or buy real estate can do so in a safe and happy environment with some of the best international schools for your children, branded shopping malls full of stores, and facilities available.
Turkish food – Turkish food is some of the best around the world. Known for its incredible flavours and delights, Turkish cuisine will have you coming back to Turkey time and time again to sample a kebab or indulge in fresh vegetables and colourful food, whether you are eating street food in Istanbul or indulging in gourmet meals at a seaside restaurant.
Turkish healthcare – Offering affordable and excellent healthcare services, Turkey is fast rising as one of the worlds leading destinations for healthcare and private medical tourism with 5-star hospitals throughout the country as tourists regularly travel for surgeries at a fraction of the cost in their home countries.
Regional powerhouse – Turkey is at the front of developed countries in the region. As a EU Candidate Country and G20, NATO Member, things are only looking positive for Turkey going forward.
Value for money – Due to the depreciation of the Turkish Lira, now is the perfect time to purchase real estate in Turkey at excellent prices. You can easily pick up a three or four bedroom villa in some of the most desirable locations in the country to meet the 400,000 USD requirement. Value for money also runs countrywide, whether that is real estate, lifestyle costs, or day-to-day expenses.
Help to get Turkish Citizenship by Investment guide?
With more than 15 years of experience, Immo Kemer is an industry leader when it comes to all things involving real estate in Turkey. We have carefully selected a range of properties that have been pre-approved for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program and offer the widest number of real estate throughout the country in various different regions and cities. Using our bargaining power and in-house lawyers to secure you favourable prices, we are happy to assist you from A-Z in applying for and successfully obtaining citizenship in a matter of months. For more information, please call or contact us to start your application today.
Turkish Passport by investment FAQ
How long does it take to obtain Turkish Citizenship by investment?
By using IMMO Kemer as your agent, it usually takes around 2-4 months to complete the process and obtain your citizenship in Turkey – far quicker than other countries around the world. For more information, please call us or enquire today to speak with one of our team members.
Do I need to live in Turkey to keep my citizenship or Turkish passport?
No. You are not required to stay in Turkey a certain number or minimum number of days per year after you have completed your process.
Do I have to give up my original citizenship to become a Turkish citizen?
No. You can keep your original citizenship and passport as Turkey allows its citizens to have dual nationality.
Will my citizenship expire in the future?
No. Once you have purchased a property and kept it for a minimum of three years, your citizenship will be guaranteed indefinitely, as it will be for your spouse and any children who were included in your original application.
Do I need to learn Turkish in order to obtain a Turkish passport?
No. Unlike some citizenship programs around the world, you are not required to learn the Turkish language in order to apply. However, if you are choosing to live in Turkey on a permanent basis, learning the basics of the language is highly recommended for an easier integration into life in Turkey.
Can I obtain citizenship for my children and dependents?
Yes. By investing in Turkey in a property worth at least 400,000 USD, you can obtain a passport for yourself, your spouse, and any children under the age of 18. Children who are over the age of 18 will have to apply by purchasing a property in their name worth at least 400,000 USD.
How many countries can I travel to with a Turkish passport?
The Turkish passport is incredibly strong. Currently you can travel visa-free to well over 100 countries around the world, including Japan, South Korea, South American countries, and lots more. Being a Turkish Citizen also makes it relatively easy to access the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU.
Do I have to declare my wealth to the Turkish authorities?
No, you do not. The Turkish tax authorities do not require or ask you questions regarding your financial status or existing assets.
Are there any tax implications I should be aware of?
Turkey has double taxation agreements with most countries in the developed world as of 2021. Therefore, if you have paid relevant taxes on income earned outside of Turkey, you are unlikely to be taxed by the Turkish government. Contact us today to speak with a Turkish tax specialist who can answer any questions you might have.
Are there nationals who cannot apply?
Under Turkish law, citizens of certain countries are currently prohibited from applying for Turkish Citizenship. These are presently nationals of: Armenia, Cuba, Nigeria, North Korea, and Syria.
Can I pay in a currency other than Lira?
Yes. The amounts specified are in US Dollars, however, you can pay in any currency of your choosing. It is important to note currency fluctuations and exchange rates when paying in a different currency.