How to Become a Turkish Citizen? Page

How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship and What Are the Procedures?

Turkey House Real Estate will help you with all the procedures needed for obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment.

 The Republic of Turkiye will grant citizenship to those who buy a property worth 400,000 US Dollars or the equivalent in a different currency. 

We will help you to understand the process with the answers of the following questions:

How to get a Turkish citizenship by investment?

Potential buyers and investors who buy a real estate, worth minimum of $400,000 with a title deed restriction on its resale for at least three years, can apply for Turkish citizenship. The application will be sent to the Ministry of Environment and Urban Affairs where the value of the real estate will be checked. With the approval and residence permit, the application is sent to the Directorate General for Population and Citizenship. Investor will have to visit Turkiye once during the process to complete the acquisition of Turkish Citizenship.

Should I buy one property above $400,000 or can it be more properties in this value?

You can buy several properties which have a total value of more than $400,000 or its equivalent in other currency. You need to apply at the same time for all properties. The Tapu Office accepts citizenship applications if the declared values are above $400,000 for all.

Will my my family get Turkish citizenship too?

Yes. You, your spouse and the children under the age of 18 can get citizenship.

How should I calculate the exchange rate of USD?

The Tapu Office calculates the value from the Turkish Central Bank selling rate on the application date.

How long does the process of getting Turkish citizenship take?

The government has opened a special Citizenship office to reduce time, it takes approximately 2 months.

I already own a property in Turkey, am I eligible to get Turkish citizenship?

The day of real estate ownership (acquiring the title deed) must be after 19.9.2018.

Can more than one person own one apartment?

Yes, the apartment can be owned by more than one person but it must be completed on the original TAPU documents.

Can I sell the property after the application for Turkish citizenship?

Yes, you can sell your property 3 years after your application and can still keep your Turkish citizenship.

Can I buy commercial property with rental income and still apply for citizenship?

Yes, any property you buy is counted (residential and office units, buildings and land)

Can I pay $400,000 for the property in installments?

No, the investment must be done in a one-off payment.

Will I get some assistance with the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship?

Turkey House Real Estate will help you with all documents and guide you through the process of getting your Turkish citizenship.

Will my citizenship automatically be granted when I fulfill the conditions?

No, you need first the verification from archive records that you are no threat to the national security of Turkey.

Can I get Turkish citizenship without coming personally?

Yes, Turkey House can help you if you send the power of attorney, we will follow up all the whole process from the begin until the end for you.

Which nationalities may apply for Turkish passport?

All nationalities who are able to buy property or invest in Turkey may apply for Turkish citizenship.

Does the Turkish law allow dual or multiple citizenships?

Yes, the Turkish law allows dual or multiple citizenships when you become a Turkish citizen. You must check with the consulate of your original nationality, some countries do not allow to have dual citizenship and have other restrictions.

Is it mandatory to live in Turkey to obtain Citizenship?

No. You do not need to live in Turkey.

Until the citizenship process will be finalized, can I get a residence permit?

Yes, you can get a residence permit in Turkey for you and you family members.

How many people can apply for citizenship on one Title Deed?

Only one person and his or her closest family (spouse, children under 18 years) may apply for citizenship.

Is there a different way to obtain Turkish Citizenship?

Yes, if your budget is not enough for applying for Turkish citizenship by investment, you may try the Turquoise Card. It gives its owner the same rights as are the rights of Turkish citizen, except for the right to vote and mandantory military service. We will explain more about the card further below.

Should I be careful about some points while applying?

The Ministry will have to make sure that the value of real estate is a minumun of  $400,000. Property valuation companies verify the correct price in order to prevent price fraud. We, at Turkey House, guarantee you the right price of the property on you appraisal report.

Citizenship by investment: According to the new laws foreigners can apply for Turkish citizenship after purchasing a property worth a minimum of $400,000. The second option is to deposit at least $500,000 in any Turkish bank account. Both these options need to be valid for 3 years. The other options require fixed investment capital of $500,000 or as a business you must employ at least 50 Turkish citizens.

Turquoise Card: This system from 2017 allows people who have attributes and skills in technology, economics, arts, sports, culture, also business executives or investors to apply for a Turquoise Card. It guarantees almost the same rights as normal Turkish citizenship.

Property and residence permit holders: Property owners and uninterrupted residence permit holders that stayed legally in Turkey for at least 5 years without interruption at the time of application and must not have left Turkey for longer than 6 months.

Citizenship by marriage: Foreigners married to a Turkish citizen may apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage. There are few conditions that must be fulfilled in order to successfully get Turkish citizenship (living together, refraining from behaviour that could damage marital union or not to be a threat to national security).

Citizenship by birth: This type is the easiest way of becoming a Turkish citizen. According to law, citizens born to one or both Turkish nationals have the right to get a citizenship. Also, if a mother or father are successful in their Turkish citizenship application, it is extended on their children too.

Required Documents for Application for Turkish Citizenship by Investment:

- application form

- valid passport

- 4 passport-size photos of each member of your family

- birth certificate

- residence permit or valid touristic visa on your passport

- if applicable marriage license, birth certificate of children

- if applicable Turkish ID copy and address of applicant relatives in Turkey

- application tax payment receipt

- appraisal report

- title deed

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship:

When becoming a Turkish citizen, you will have the same rights as any other Turkish person, the right to vote, work and get a health and pension benefits.

Your spouse and your children under the age of 18 can obtain the citizenship at the same time as you.

You do not need to declare your assets or income that you currently have in other countries.

You can continue living abroad and apply for citizenship as soon as you get the residence permit.

Turkey House will provide you with further information once you decide to apply for Turkish citizenship.