Can You Combine Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship in 2026? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Özgür Kurucuk
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
In the landscape of global mobility and economic migration, Turkish Citizenship by Investment remains one of the most dynamic and sought-after programs. Investors often ask: Can you combine investment options for Turkish citizenship? While diversification might seem practical, Turkish law does not permit combining investment types—such as mixing a real estate purchase with a bank deposit or capital investment. The law is explicit: each investment route must independently satisfy its own threshold. However, multiple real estate properties can be combined if their total value reaches USD 400,000 or more, making this the only legally acceptable “combination.”
Understanding Turkish Citizenship by Investment (Overview)
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is governed by Law No. 5901, Article 12, and administratively regulated by the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs under the Ministry of Interior. It allows eligible foreign investors to acquire citizenship through one of several independent routes, including:
Investment Type | Minimum Amount (USD) | Holding Period |
Real Estate Purchase | $400,000 | 3 years |
Bank Deposit | $500,000 | 3 years |
Fixed Capital Investment | $500,000 | 3 years |
Job Creation | Business creating at least 50 Turkish jobs | 3 years |
Each route is evaluated separately, following due diligence, source-of-funds verification, and compliance with Turkish Citizenship by Investment Law and immigration regulations.
Can You Combine Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship?
Legally, no combination between different investment categories is permitted. This means that an applicant cannot combine a real estate purchase with a bank deposit, government bond purchase, or capital investment to reach the minimum investment requirement.
The Turkish government requires a clear, traceable investment under one qualifying category to ensure legal transparency and prevent fund manipulation.
Example of Allowed Combination – Multiple Properties Only
The only permissible combination is within the same investment category, specifically real estate. Investors may purchase multiple residential or commercial properties whose combined appraised value equals or exceeds USD 400,000.
Example:
Apartment 1: $150,000
Apartment 2: $150,000
Apartment 3: $100,000
Total: $400,000 → Eligible for Turkish Citizenship by Investment.
However, all transactions must:
Be registered under the applicant’s name.
Be supported by a valuation report (Ekspertiz Raporu).
Be processed through a Turkish bank with a Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT).
Include a 3-year title deed lock (Tapu Kilidi) preventing sale before maturity.
Why Combination Is Restricted – Legal and Policy Perspective
The prohibition on mixing investment types arises from Turkey’s policy of transparency and fiscal traceability.
Each investment route falls under the jurisdiction of different governmental bodies:
Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change oversees real estate.
Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) supervises deposits.
Ministry of Industry and Technology handles fixed capital investments.
Allowing mixed investments would complicate verification, hinder due diligence, and risk AML (Anti-Money Laundering) non-compliance. Therefore, the single-route rule ensures:
Simplified audit trails.
Clear asset verification.
Uniform application of the three-year holding requirement.
Eligible Investment Options Explained
Real Estate Investment for Turkish Citizenship
Minimum value: $400,000
May include multiple properties.
Requires official valuation and title deed registration.
Must maintain ownership for three years.
Provides a straightforward, fast-track route with property appreciation potential and rental income.
Bank Deposit Option ($500,000)
Deposit must be made in Turkish Lira via CBRT conversion.
Must be held for at least three years.
Investors earn local interest rates (currently among the highest globally).
Monitored by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK).
Capital Investment and Job Creation Route
Fixed capital investment: Minimum of $500,000 in an approved business venture.
Job creation route: Establish a company employing 50 Turkish citizens.
Evaluated and certified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
Each route functions independently, and combining them invalidates eligibility.
Common Misconceptions About Mixing Investments
Many online sources incorrectly suggest that investors can “mix” options—like combining real estate and bank deposits or real estate and venture funds—to qualify for citizenship. These claims are legally inaccurate.
Key clarifications:
Real Estate + Bank Deposit = Not allowed
Government Bonds + Property = Not allowed
Job Creation + Capital Investment = Not allowed
Multiple Real Estate Units (same investor) = Allowed
Applicants attempting to blend categories risk application rejection or loss of eligibility under Turkish Immigration Law.
Legal Guidance for Investors – Kurucuk & Associates Insight
At Kurucuk & Associates, our English-speaking lawyers in Istanbul, Turkey, guide international investors through every step of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program—from preparing the Power of Attorney and Tax ID Number to bank account setup, valuation reports, and citizenship submission.
As Ozgur Kurucuk, Partner at the firm, explains:
“Each investment path under the Turkish Citizenship Law operates within its own regulatory framework. Attempting to merge categories may delay or invalidate your application. The safest approach is to choose one qualifying route and execute it precisely in compliance with Turkish regulations.”
With extensive experience advising high-net-worth investors, our firm ensures compliance, due diligence clearance, and smooth coordination with relevant ministries and consular offices.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Combining investment options (e.g., property + bank deposit) is not permitted.
Multiple real estate units can be combined if their total official value equals $400,000 or more.
Every investment route requires a 3-year holding period and traceable funds.
Legal representation ensures accuracy, timely filings, and protection from policy errors.
