Can Parents or Siblings Be Included in Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
- Özgür Kurucuk
- 1 minute ago
- 5 min read
One of the most common questions we receive from families exploring the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program is:
“Can parents or siblings be included in Turkish Citizenship by Investment?”
It’s an understandable concern—many investors dream of securing not only a powerful passport but also a second home where their entire family can thrive.
At Kurucuk & Associates, a leading English-speaking law firm in Istanbul, we guide clients through every step of this process with clarity and care. Below, we explain what Turkish law actually allows, what it doesn’t, and the best legal alternatives for keeping your family together in Türkiye.
Understanding the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program (Türkiye Yatırım Yoluyla Vatandaşlık) allows foreign investors to acquire Turkish nationality through qualified investments. It was established under Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and detailed in the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law.
This program has become one of the world’s most sought-after CBI routes—offering investors fast-track citizenship, visa-free travel to over 110 countries, and access to a dynamic economy bridging Europe and Asia.
The Main Investment Options
Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Holding Requirement | Supervising Authority |
Real Estate Investment | USD 400,000 | 3 years (no-sale annotation on title deed) | Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation & Climate Change |
Bank Deposit | USD 500,000 | 3 years (in TRY) | Banking Regulation & Supervision Agency (BDDK) |
Capital or Fund Investment | USD 500,000 | 3 years | Ministry of Industry & Technology |
Government Bonds | USD 500,000 | 3 years | Ministry of Treasury & Finance |
The process is efficient—citizenship approval often arrives within 6–9 months, provided the application is complete and all due diligence requirements are met.
Who Can Be Included in a Turkish CBI Application?
Turkish law defines “dependents” in a clear and narrow way. The main applicant, spouse, and children under 18 (or those over 18 who are disabled and financially dependent) can be included in a single citizenship application.
Eligible Family Members
Spouse: Legally married partner.
Children:
Under 18 years of age, or
Over 18 but dependent due to a disability.
Not Eligible for Inclusion
Parents
Siblings
This limitation reflects Turkey’s focus on the nuclear family model—prioritizing the immediate household of the investor.
Can Parents Be Included in a Turkish Citizenship Application?
The Short Answer: Not Directly
Under Law No. 5901, parents cannot be added to a Turkish Citizenship by Investment file. The government limits inclusion to spouses and children.
However, this doesn’t mean your parents can’t join you in Türkiye. They can still live legally in the country under a residency permit.
Residency Options for Parents
There are two main legal routes for parents:
Family Residence Permit
For parents who are financially dependent on the main applicant. Proof of dependency—such as financial transfers or medical documentation—is required.
Short-Term Residence Permit
Suitable for independent parents who wish to live in Türkiye, often based on property ownership, rental agreements, or proof of sufficient income.
Permit Type | Who Qualifies | Duration | Key Requirements |
Family Residence Permit | Dependent parents | 1–2 years (renewable) | Financial support documents |
Short-Term Residence Permit | Independent parents | 1 year (renewable) | Property or income proof |
Kurucuk & Associates assists clients in securing these residence permits, ensuring that your parents can enjoy life in Türkiye—close to family—while staying fully compliant with Turkish law.
Can Siblings Be Included Under Turkish CBI?
The Legal Reality
Siblings, regardless of age or dependency, are not eligible under Turkey’s citizenship by investment framework. The regulation does not extend beyond the immediate family circle.
Alternative Options for Siblings
Your siblings can still build their path to Türkiye through:
Independent Investment:
They may apply separately under the same CBI program by meeting the investment threshold.
Residency Permits:
They can obtain a short-term residence permit by purchasing property (minimum USD 200,000).
Work or Study Visas:
For those seeking to live in Türkiye temporarily or long-term through employment or education.
While siblings cannot be included in your citizenship file, Turkey’s residency pathways make it possible for them to join your family in the country.
How Turkey Compares to Other Programs
Country | Who Can Be Included | Parents | Siblings | Minimum Investment |
Turkey | Spouse, children under 18 | Residency only | Not included | USD 400,000 |
Portugal | Spouse, dependent children & parents | Included | Not included | EUR 500,000 |
Greece | Spouse, children under 21, parents | Included | Not included | EUR 250,000 |
St. Kitts & Nevis | Spouse, children, parents, siblings | Included | Included (unmarried, under 25) | USD 250,000 |
Malta | Spouse, children, parents, grandparents | Included | Not included | EUR 750,000 |
Turkey offers one of the fastest and most straightforward programs, though its family inclusion scope is narrower than some Caribbean models. The trade-off? A larger and more stable economy, exceptional healthcare, and a real home base in both Europe and Asia.
Proving Dependency for Parents
If your parents rely on you financially, you can demonstrate this when applying for their family residence permit.
Typical documents include:
Bank statements or remittance proofs showing financial support.
Medical reports confirming health-related dependency.
Notarized birth certificates proving family ties.
Apostilled civil status certificates.
Criminal record certificates and translated passports.
Our legal team ensures all documents are correctly translated, notarized, and legalized, preventing technical rejections or delays.
Legal Guidance and Next Steps
The process of acquiring Turkish Citizenship by Investment—and planning for family inclusion—requires more than just meeting the investment threshold. It demands expert navigation of the country’s administrative system, documentation rules, and immigration regulations.
At Kurucuk & Associates, we offer:
Strategic legal advice on the best investment route (real estate, bank deposit, or capital investment).
Preparation of Power of Attorney, tax numbers, and bank accounts.
Step-by-step assistance for residency permits and citizenship applications.
Reliable representation before Turkish ministries and directorates.
Tailored family strategies ensuring parents and siblings can legally reside in Türkiye.
We take pride in making complex legal processes smooth, transparent, and family-focused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can parents be included in the same citizenship application?
No. They must apply separately for a residence permit.
Can parents later apply for citizenship?
Yes. After living legally in Türkiye for five consecutive years, they may apply for citizenship by naturalization.
Are siblings allowed in the Turkish CBI application?
No. Siblings are not covered under the definition of dependents.
What is the age limit for dependent children?
Children under 18, or older if disabled and dependent.
Can Kurucuk & Associates help with residence permits for parents?
Yes. Our team assists with every step—from proving dependency to securing residence cards.
Ready to begin your Turkish citizenship journey?
Contact Kurucuk & Associates, Istanbul’s trusted English-speaking law firm, for expert guidance on Turkish Citizenship by Investment and tailored legal solutions for your family.
