Bank Deposit Route for Turkish Citizenship by Investment (2026 Update)
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
For many international investors, Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) offers a powerful combination of opportunity, stability, and mobility.
While property investment often gets the spotlight, there’s another, more flexible route that’s quickly gaining attention — the Bank Deposit Route.
This path allows foreign investors to obtain Turkish citizenship by placing USD 500,000 (or its equivalent in Turkish Lira) in a local bank for at least three years.
At Kurucuk & Associates, a leading Istanbul-based English-speaking law firm, we help clients navigate this process with clarity, compliance, and complete peace of mind.
What Is the Bank Deposit Route for Turkish Citizenship?
The bank deposit route is one of the official investment options under Article 12 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law.
It allows investors to acquire Turkish citizenship by maintaining a fixed deposit of at least USD 500,000 in a CMB- and BRSA-approved Turkish bank for a minimum of three years.
It’s a non-real-estate, capital-preserving investment—meaning you don’t need to buy property or manage assets. Once the term ends, the funds are fully accessible again.
This route is often preferred by those who value liquidity, predictable returns, and a straightforward process compared to property-based investments.
How to Get Turkish Citizenship by Bank Deposit (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1 – Choose a Licensed Turkish Bank
The first step is selecting a reputable, CMB-regulated bank.
Interest rates in Turkish Lira are currently high — often between 30% and 40% annually — and may be fixed or adjusted periodically.
(Note: Interest rates and terms vary by bank and may change over time.)
Step 2 – Open a Turkish Bank Account
To open a bank account, you’ll need a Turkish Tax Identification Number (TIN).Our firm can obtain this number and assist in opening the account either in person or through a Power of Attorney (PoA) if you’re abroad.
Step 3 – Deposit USD 500,000 or TRY Equivalent
Funds must be transferred from your personal account, converted into Turkish Lira via the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT), and kept for at least three years.
You’ll receive two key documents:
Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi)
Blockage Letter confirming the holding period
Step 4 – Obtain the Certificate of Conformity
After the deposit is verified, we apply to the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) to issue the Certificate of Conformity — the document that officially confirms your eligibility for citizenship through investment.
Step 5 – Apply for Turkish Citizenship
Once the certificate is issued, we’ll assist in:
Securing a short-term residence permit (required before the citizenship filing), and
Submitting the citizenship application to the Provincial Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs.
The entire process typically takes 3 to 6 months.
Legal Framework and Compliance
This process is governed by:
Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, and
Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law (Article 12).
The BRSA and Capital Markets Board (CMB) supervise all qualifying deposits.
Applicants must also satisfy anti–money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) checks.
At Kurucuk & Associates, we ensure every stage — from fund verification to citizenship approval — fully complies with Turkish law and international due diligence standards.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship via Bank Deposit
1. Capital Preservation
Your funds remain yours. After three years, you can freely withdraw or transfer them, making this one of the most secure and liquid CBI options available.
2. Simpler and Faster Process
Unlike real estate investments, there’s no need for valuations, title deeds, or municipal registrations — cutting both time and complexity.
3. Family Coverage
Your spouse and children under 18 are automatically included in your application, providing your entire family with Turkish citizenship and its associated privileges.
Comparison — Bank Deposit vs Real Estate Route (2026)
Criteria | Bank Deposit Route | Real Estate Route |
Minimum Investment | USD 500,000 | USD 400,000 |
Liquidity | Fully liquid after 3 years | Illiquid (must hold property) |
Risk Level | Low | Medium |
Management Required | None | Yes (rental, taxes, maintenance) |
Processing Time | 3–6 months | 6–9 months |
For investors prioritizing security and simplicity, the bank deposit route remains the more efficient choice.
Timeline and Duration
Here’s what the timeline generally looks like:
Bank account & deposit: 1–2 weeks
Certificate of Conformity: 2–3 weeks
Residence permit & citizenship filing: 4–8 weeks
Citizenship approval & passport: 3–6 months
So, from deposit to passport, most cases complete in under 6 months.
Tax, Interest & Financial Aspects
Depositors can earn interest income in Turkish Lira, typically ranging between 30%–40% per annum depending on the bank’s policy.
The withholding tax rate is usually 10% for three-year deposits.
After the three-year period, you can withdraw your funds or reinvest without any penalty.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to all nationalities. Our clients include investors from:
Pakistan and India
Iran and the Gulf region
Russia and CIS countries
Europe and East Asia
Applicants must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, and provide proof of legitimate investment funds.
Expert Legal Support by Kurucuk & Associates
At Kurucuk & Associates, we’ve guided hundreds of investors through the Turkish citizenship process — including many who’ve chosen the bank deposit route for its simplicity and security.
Our Istanbul-based lawyers manage the entire process:
Preparing legal agreements and the Power of Attorney
Coordinating with CMB-regulated banks
Securing residence permits and filing citizenship applications
Handling translations, notarizations, and document legalization
Our clients benefit from a transparent, step-by-step service backed by real legal experience in Turkish immigration and investment law.
Frequently Asked Questions for Bank Deposit Route for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Is Turkish Citizenship by Investment still available in 2026?
Yes. The program remains active under Article 12, with ongoing oversight by the BRSA and CMB.
Which banks qualify for the deposit route?
Only banks licensed by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) and the Capital Markets Board (CMB) are eligible. We help clients identify suitable options.
Can I withdraw my money once I get citizenship?
You can withdraw the deposit after the three-year holding period without affecting your citizenship.
What documents are required?
You’ll need a valid passport, birth certificate, marital status certificate, clean criminal record, and biometric photos. All documents must be translated and legalized.
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
Minimum deposit: USD 500,000 (TRY equivalent)
Holding period: 3 years
Processing time: 3–6 months
Family coverage: Yes (spouse + children)
Legal compliance: Fully regulated under Turkish law
If you’re seeking a stable, low-risk route to Turkish citizenship, the bank deposit option offers unmatched simplicity and peace of mind.
Get Legal Assistance for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Kurucuk & Associates provides end-to-end legal support for investors pursuing Turkish citizenship through the $500,000 bank deposit route.
Whether you’re applying from Pakistan, India, China, Iran, the Gulf, or Europe, our Istanbul-based Immigration team ensures every step is handled professionally and transparently.
