Do You Need to Live in Turkey to Qualify for Citizenship by Investment?
- Özgür Kurucuk
- 10 hours ago
- 6 min read
Do you need to live in Turkey to qualify for citizenship by investment?
The short — and welcome — answer is no, you don’t. Turkey’s investment citizenship program gives you the freedom to become a Turkish citizen without relocating or meeting any minimum stay requirement.
Through the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, investors from around the world can acquire citizenship in as little as six months — no language test, no interview, and no need to reside in the country.
At Kurucuk & Associates, a trusted Istanbul-based law firm, our English-speaking lawyers have helped hundreds of investors secure Turkish citizenship through strategic investments. In this guide, we explain in plain language how the process works, why residency isn’t mandatory, and what makes Turkey’s program one of the most appealing citizenship options globally.
What is Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program was launched to attract global capital and position Turkey as a bridge between Europe and Asia for investors. The program is governed by Law No. 5901 and allows foreign nationals to acquire Turkish citizenship through one of several government-approved investments — without the obligation to live in Turkey.
Investment Routes You Can Choose
There are three main pathways to qualify:
1. Real Estate Investment
Minimum purchase: USD 400,000
Property must be held for at least three years
A Certificate of Conformity is issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change
2. Bank Deposit Option
Deposit at least USD 500,000 (converted to Turkish Lira)
Must remain in a Turkish bank for three years
Verified by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA)
3. Capital Investment or Job Creation
Invest USD 500,000 in fixed capital or
Create 50 full-time jobs for Turkish citizens
Each of these routes offers a fast-track to citizenship, typically completed within 3 to 6 months, and governed under Article 31 of the Turkish Citizenship Law.
Is Residency Required for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
The Short Answer: Absolutely Not
Unlike traditional naturalization processes that demand years of residency, the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program is designed for investors who value time and flexibility.
You don’t need to:
Live in Turkey
Rent or buy a home beyond your investment
Maintain a local address or employment
Spend a single day in Turkey (except for procedural visits if you wish)
This is a no-residency, no-stay, no-interview program. Everything can be handled remotely through a Power of Attorney, and our firm routinely manages entire applications for clients who have never visited Turkey.
In essence:
🏠 No residency or stay obligation
📄 Permanent, inheritable citizenship
💼 Full rights to live, work, and invest in Turkey — if you ever choose to
🌍 Dual citizenship permitted under Turkish law
This makes Turkey’s CBI program one of the most flexible citizenship options worldwide.
Why Turkey’s No-Residency Rule Appeals to Global Investors
1. True Global Freedom
Investors today seek a second citizenship for mobility, financial diversification, and opportunity — not relocation headaches. Turkey’s system offers precisely that freedom: the ability to gain citizenship without uprooting your life.
2. Dual Citizenship and Legal Security
Turkey’s liberal stance on dual citizenship means you don’t have to renounce your original nationality. This ensures continuity of your global assets, inheritance rights, and business operations.
3. Strong Passport and Travel Privileges
With visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, Turkish citizens enjoy a passport that opens doors to Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Turkey also has an E-2 Treaty with the United States, allowing Turkish nationals to apply for a U.S. Investor Visa — a key advantage for citizens of non-treaty countries like India or China.
4. Dynamic Investment Market
Turkey’s economy continues to grow despite global shifts. From Istanbul’s booming real estate market to high-yield Lira deposit rates (around 30–40% annually), investors find both profitability and stability here.
5. Family-Friendly Benefits
Your spouse and children under 18 can obtain Turkish citizenship alongside you. They gain the same rights — education, healthcare, and work opportunities — from day one.
Turkey vs Other Citizenship & Golden Visa Programs
To truly appreciate Turkey’s advantage, it helps to compare. While most Golden Visa programs require years of residence before citizenship, Turkey offers immediate nationality upon investment approval.
Program | Minimum Investment | Residency Requirement | Processing Time | Result |
Turkey | $400,000 (real estate) | ❌ None | 3–6 months | Direct citizenship |
Portugal Golden Visa | €500,000 | ✅ Stay 7 days/year | 5–6 years | Citizenship via residency |
Greece Golden Visa | €250,000 | ✅ Maintain residence | 7 years | Citizenship via residency |
Malta | €750,000 (donation) | ✅ Required | 1–3 years | Citizenship |
St. Kitts & Nevis | $250,000 (donation) | ❌ None | 4–6 months | Citizenship |
Turkey sits at the sweet spot: a major economy offering direct citizenship — not just residence — and no relocation burden.
Legal and Practical Steps to Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
At Kurucuk & Associates, we provide an end-to-end service ensuring every stage is legally compliant and stress-free. Here’s how the process unfolds:
Step 1: Engagement & Power of Attorney
We prepare a Legal Services Agreement outlining scope and confidentiality. You issue a Power of Attorney (PoA) — either at a Turkish consulate or local notary — allowing us to represent you.
Step 2: Obtain a Turkish Tax ID
Every investor needs a Turkish Tax Identification Number to open a bank account and register investments.
Step 3: Open a Turkish Bank Account
We open your account under PoA or in person. Funds remain fully in your control.
Step 4: Make the Investment
Choose your preferred route — real estate, bank deposit, or capital investment.
Real estate purchases must reach $400,000 in value and include an official valuation report (Ekspertiz Raporu).
Bank deposits require $500,000 converted to Lira and held for three years.
Step 5: Obtain the Certificate of Conformity
Each investment must be validated by the relevant ministry to ensure legal compliance.
Step 6: Apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit
A residence permit is a procedural formality before citizenship. It usually takes about 3–4 weeks to issue.
Step 7: Submit the Citizenship Application
We file your application with the Provincial Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs.
After due diligence and background checks, you’ll receive approval and your Turkish ID and passport within 3–6 months.
Common Questions About Residency and Eligibility
Can I get Turkish citizenship without visiting the country?
Yes. You can complete almost everything remotely through your legal representative. Only biometric fingerprinting might require a brief in-person visit.
What is the minimum stay required for Turkey investment citizenship?
None. Turkey does not require you to reside or even visit regularly for citizenship eligibility.
Do I need to learn Turkish for citizenship by investment?
No. The language requirement applies to naturalization, not investment-based applications.
Can my family get citizenship with me through the investment program?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 are automatically included in your application.
Is the Turkish citizenship by investment program still open in 2026?
Yes. The program remains active and continues to attract global investors with updated safeguards and a $400,000 minimum property investment.
Get expert, one-on-one guidance from Kurucuk & Associates, a leading law firm in Istanbul.
We handle applications for real estate, bank deposits, and capital investments — ensuring full legal compliance and a smooth pathway to Turkish citizenship.
The Value of Expert Legal Guidance
Even with its simplicity, the Turkish citizenship process demands precision. Incorrect property valuations, non-compliant fund transfers, or missing certifications can delay or jeopardize an application.
At Kurucuk & Associates, we navigate these legal complexities for you — coordinating with banks, ministries, and notaries to ensure each step meets Turkish legal standards.
“Citizenship is a legal status for life. Every document must be accurate from day one. Our job is to make that process seamless and fully compliant.”— Kurucuk & Associates, Istanbul
Our multilingual legal team provides:
Comprehensive citizenship representation
Property due diligence and title verification
Banking, taxation, and compliance guidance
Family inclusion and dual citizenship advice
Comparison: Residency Requirements at a Glance
Country | Investment | Residency Required | Processing Time | Main Advantage |
Turkey | $400,000 | ❌ No | 3–6 months | Direct citizenship |
Portugal | €500,000 | ✅ Yes | 5–6 years | EU access |
Greece | €250,000 | ✅ Yes | 7 years | EU residence |
Malta | €750,000 | ✅ Yes | 1–3 years | EU passport |
St. Kitts & Nevis | $250,000 | ❌ No | 4–6 months | Visa-free to 150+ countries |
Quick Facts Summary
Question | Answer |
Do I need to live in Turkey for citizenship by investment? | No, there’s no residency requirement. |
What’s the minimum investment amount? | $400,000 (property) or $500,000 (bank deposit). |
How long does the process take? | Usually 3–6 months. |
Can my family apply with me? | Yes — spouse and children under 18. |
Is the program still active in 2026? | Yes, fully operational. |
Speak with a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer Today
Get expert, one-on-one guidance from Kurucuk & Associates, a leading law firm in Istanbul.
We handle applications for real estate, bank deposits, and capital investments — ensuring full legal compliance and a smooth pathway to Turkish citizenship.
