In the context of an increasingly globalized economy, states confer citizenship rights upon investors as a means to sustain economic growth and attract foreign capital. Consistent with this international practice, Turkey has codified the framework for acquiring Turkish citizenship through investment to channel financial resources into the national economy and enhance the availability of a skilled workforce. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed examination of the legal foundation, eligibility criteria, requisite documentation, and procedural timelines for obtaining citizenship under the exceptional provisions set forth in the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 (‘’TVK’’).
1. What is Exceptional Citizenship through Investment and What are its Legal Foundations?
Citizenship is the legal and political bond that ties an individual to a state. Based on their exclusive sovereign powers, states determine through their own legislation who shall be admitted to citizenship. In Turkish law, the primary legal basis for acquiring exceptional citizenship through investment is Article 12, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph (b) of the TVK. Pursuant to the relevant law and associated regulations, foreigners who invest in Turkey within specified limits, Turquoise Card holders, and their foreign spouses and minor children may exceptionally acquire Turkish citizenship by a Presidential decree. It is important to note that the granting of citizenship is a sovereign right of the state. Fulfilling the investment requirements to the letter does not provide the individual with an "absolute right" to acquire citizenship. The administration holds broad discretionary power, and the final decision-making authority rests with the Presidency.
Requirements for Citizenship by Investment as of 2026
To apply for Turkish citizenship under exceptional circumstances, at least one of the investment types determined within the scope of the "Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law" must be fully met. As of 2026, the minimum investment limits and types are as follows:
A. Citizenship via Real Estate (Immovable Property) Acquisition
This is the most preferred method by foreign investors. Immovable property worth at least $400,000 USD (or equivalent foreign currency/TRY) must be purchased, provided that a notation is placed on the title deed records stating it shall not be sold for three years. This status is verified by the General Directorate of the Land Registry and Cadastre operating under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.
B. Citizenship via Fixed Capital and Financial Investments
• Fixed Capital Investment: Making a fixed capital investment of at least $500,000 USD. It is important to note that his status is verified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
• Bank Deposit: Depositing at least $500,000 USD in banks operating in Turkey is mandatory, provided it is not withdrawn for three (3) years. It is important to note that his status is verified by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (“BRSA”)
• Government Debt Instruments: Purchasing at least $500,000 USD worth of government debt instruments, provided they are held for three (3) years. This matter is determined by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.
• Investment Funds: Purchasing at least $500,000 USD worth of real estate investment fund (REIF/GYF) or venture capital investment fund (VCIF) shares, provided they are held for at least three (3) years. This status is verified by the Capital Markets Board (“CMB”). These shares are blocked in the "Citizenship Blockage Sub-Account" at the Central Securities Depository (“CSD”).
C. Citizenship via Employment Creation
Foreign investors who create employment for at least fifty (50) people in Turkey, (provided that this is verified by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services) may apply for exceptional citizenship.
Important: For all financial and real estate investments, it is a legal requirement per Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (“CBRT”) instructions to sell the foreign currency to a bank in Turkey to convert it into Turkish Lira before the transaction and to submit the "Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate" obtained from the bank.
III. Process and Stages of Citizenship by Investment
The process follows a specific bureaucratic and administrative sequence, consisting of three (3) main stages:Stage 1: Realization of Investment and Certificate of Conformity
The first step is the completion of the chosen investment type in accordance with the legislation. For instance, in real estate, the process must be initiated via the Webtapu system. At this stage, it is mandatory to obtain a "Real Estate Valuation Report". Once the investment transaction is duly completed (including the annotation that it cannot be sold or withdrawn for three (3) years), a "Certificate of Conformity" verifying the investment is issued by the relevant Ministry.
Stage 2: Short-Term Residence Permit (LFIP Article 31/j) Application
Upon receiving the Certificate of Conformity, the investor applies for a special "Short-Term Residence Permit" under Article 31, Subparagraph (j) of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) No. 6458. Applications are made through the e-Residence system, and fingerprinting at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management is mandatory before the application.
How long does it take? This special residence application usually takes about 1-2 weeks to finalize.
Stage 3: Citizenship Application and Presidential Decree (National Security Investigation)
The investor (and their family, if applicable) applies to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs with the "VAT-4 Application Form", either in person or via a proxy (provided the applicants are present). After the file is submitted in full, a detailed archive search and security investigation are conducted by the General Directorate of Security and the National Intelligence Organization (MİT).
The most fundamental requirement for exceptional citizenship is that the individual poses no obstacle in terms of national security and public order. Files with positive investigation results are submitted for Presidential approval via the proposal of the Ministry of Interior.
How long does it take? Due to in-depth security investigations and bureaucratic reviews, the citizenship application takes an average of one (1) year to be decided.
IV. Required Documents
For the Residence Permit:
• Certificate of Conformity,
• Signed Residence Permit Application Form,
• Notarized Turkish translation of the passport,
• Criminal Record (from the home country or Turkey, apostilled and translated),
• Valid Health Insurance policy,
• Address registration document and biometric photographs.
For the Citizenship Application:
• VAT-4 Application Form,
• Original passport and notarized Turkish translation,
• Marital status certificate (Marriage certificate, or divorce certificate if applicable),
• Birth certificate and Full Extract of Population Register proving family ties,
• Criminal Record (Original and notarized translation),
• 2 Biometric photographs (50x60 mm),
• Certificate of Conformity,
• Bank receipt showing payment of the service fee.
V. Citizenship Status of Family Members (Spouses and Children)
The investor's acquisition of citizenship does not automatically affect the spouse's citizenship; however, the Law grants a significant right. Pursuant to Article 12/1-b of the TVK, the investor’s foreign spouse and their minor (under 18) or dependent foreign children may apply for exceptional Turkish citizenship within the same file. In the case of polygamy, according to Turkish public order, only one of the investor's spouses may benefit from the citizenship right.
VI. Important Legal Details and Judicial Rulings
• Freedom of Contract and Valuation Reports: In real estate investments, the valuation report only serves to verify that the minimum limit ($400,000) is met. According to Council of State rulings, this report does not bind the parties regarding the actual sales price or the tax base; parties may freely determine the purchase price within the scope of freedom of contract.
• False Declaration and Forgery: Using forged documents during the application process carries a prison sentence of two (2) to five (5) years under Article 204 of the Turkish Penal Code. Furthermore, if it is later determined that material facts were concealed, the citizenship decision is revoked (canceled) per TVK Articles 31 and 40.
• Misleading Advertisements: Citizenship is a sovereign power. The Ministry of Commerce Advertising Board penalizes firms using phrases like "Guaranteed Citizenship in 60 Days" as misleading to consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the citizenship by investment application process take?
Can the property purchased for $400,000 be sold?
Will I lose my original citizenship if I become a Turkish citizen through investment?
Can my entire family obtain Turkish citizenship with me?
Am I required to adopt a Turkish name after becoming a Turkish citizen?
The process is divided into two main stages. The first stage, the application for a Short-Term Residence Permit, is typically completed within approximately one (1) or two (2) weeks once all documents are prepared. However, the main citizenship application takes around one (1) year on average due to detailed security investigations conducted by the National Intelligence Organization (“MIT”) and law enforcement authorities.
No. One of the fundamental requirements for acquiring citizenship through investment is that the purchased real estate or financial assets must not be sold or transferred for a period of three (3) years. A restriction to this effect is officially registered in the land registry.
No. Turkish citizenship law allows dual or multiple citizenship (Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law). From Turkey’s perspective, you are not required to renounce your existing citizenship. However, you should verify whether your home country permits dual citizenship.
Yes. Under the relevant regulations, the main applicant may include their only one spouse and children under the age of 18 (or dependent children) in the citizenship application. Parents and siblings are not eligible under this provision.
No. You are not required to adopt a Turkish first name or surname. You may retain your original name, which will be officially registered in accordance with the Turkish alphabet.
Conclusion and Recommendations
This procedure, spanning an average of one (1) year, is not merely an investment transaction but also a comprehensive security and eligibility audit conducted under the state's sovereign authority. As this complex bureaucratic process involves intricate legal and technical details, expert legal consultancy is of vital importance to complete the process flawlessly and to ensure the investment culminates in the right to citizenship. To receive legal support throughout this entire process, you may contact NPartners, experts in the field.
This guide has been prepared for informational purposes. Since the citizenship process involves complex legal and technical details, you can contact NPartners, experts in the field, for legal support.
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