Eligibility Requirements for Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Your Complete 2026 Guide
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Oct 20
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 25
If you’ve ever wondered “Am I eligible for Turkish Citizenship through Investment?” — you’re in the right place. The Eligibility Requirements for Turkish Citizenship by Investment can seem complex at first glance, but with the right legal guidance, the process is remarkably straightforward.
At Kurucuk & Associates, a leading English-speaking law firm based in Istanbul, we’ve helped hundreds of global investors navigate the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program with confidence and compliance. In this 2026 expert guide, we’ll walk you through who qualifies, what the legal and financial requirements are, and how to ensure your investment fully meets Turkish government criteria for citizenship approval.
Understanding the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program — often called the Turkey Golden Visa — is one of the most efficient and investor-friendly citizenship routes in the world. Established under Law No. 5901 and its Implementation Regulation, the program allows foreign investors to obtain full Turkish nationality in return for qualifying investments that support the country’s economy.
Unlike many similar programs in Europe, Turkey’s version offers direct citizenship rather than just residency. You can hold dual citizenship, pass it to your children, and enjoy the rights of a Turkish national within months.
Key Investment Routes
The program provides multiple investment pathways, giving applicants flexibility based on their goals and risk appetite:
Real Estate Investment: Purchase property worth at least USD 400,000, either as a single unit or multiple units.
Bank Deposit: Deposit USD 500,000 (or the equivalent in Turkish Lira) into a Turkish bank and keep it for three years.
Fixed Capital Investment: Invest USD 500,000 in a Turkish company or manufacturing venture.
Government Bonds or Venture Capital Funds: Buy USD 500,000 worth of approved financial instruments or fund shares.
Job Creation: Employ at least 50 Turkish citizens in your business.
Each option must be verified by a Certificate of Conformity issued by the relevant authority — such as the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) or the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change — confirming that all requirements are met.
Eligibility Requirements for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Main Applicant Eligibility Criteria
To qualify as a main applicant in 2026, you must:
Be 18 years or older.
Complete one of the qualifying investment types listed above.
Provide evidence of a clean criminal record and pass a background check.
Prove the legitimate origin of your funds.
Maintain valid health insurance covering Turkey.
Hold a residence permit (short-term is sufficient) before applying for citizenship.
You are not required to live in Turkey permanently, but a brief visit is necessary for biometrics and document verification.
Clean Criminal Record & Due Diligence
All applicants undergo a government-led due diligence process. Turkish authorities collaborate with international databases and security networks to verify that investors have no criminal history or pending investigations. Providing accurate information is crucial — discrepancies or falsified records can result in rejection or later revocation of citizenship.
Proof of Funds and Investment Legitimacy
Your investment funds must be proven lawful and traceable. Every transfer should occur through regulated banking channels under the Central Bank of Turkey (CBRT) system. A Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate and Blockage Letter from the bank confirm that funds were converted into Turkish Lira and will remain blocked for the required term.
Health Insurance & Residency Requirement
Before filing for citizenship, investors must obtain a short-term residence permit (valid for one year). This step is relatively quick — usually taking 3–4 weeks — and requires in-person fingerprinting. Health insurance is mandatory to complete this stage. Kurucuk & Associates facilitates the entire process, ensuring no administrative step is overlooked.
Family and Dependent Eligibility
The program allows you to include your immediate family in one application:
Your spouse (legally married partner).
Children under 18 years (biological or adopted).
Each family member must meet basic documentation and background requirements, but no additional investment is required for dependents. Adult children and parents may apply separately under residency options.
Investment Options That Qualify You for Citizenship
Real Estate Investment — The $400,000 Pathway
Real estate is by far the most popular and secure route to Turkish citizenship. To qualify:
Purchase one or more properties with a total value of at least USD 400,000.
Obtain an official Property Valuation Report (Ekspertiz Raporu) verifying the property’s market value.
Ensure the property is registered with a Title Deed (Tapu) under your name.
Record a 3-year no-sale restriction (Title Deed Block / Tapu Kilidi) in the registry.
All payments must pass through a Turkish bank, and currency conversion must occur officially via the CBRT. Many investors combine residential and commercial units to reach the threshold.
Bank Deposit — The $500,000 Route
Under the bank deposit option, investors place USD 500,000 (converted to TRY) in a Turkish bank account and agree not to withdraw it for at least three years. Interest rates remain attractive in 2026, typically ranging from 30–40% annually depending on bank and term type.
The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency certifies this investment via the Certificate of Conformity, confirming eligibility for citizenship.
Capital Investment, Bonds, and Job Creation
Other qualifying investments include:
Capital Investment: Minimum USD 500,000 in Turkish business operations or manufacturing.
Government Bonds or Venture Capital Funds: Purchase of approved instruments totaling USD 500,000.
Job Creation: Establish a business employing at least 50 Turkish citizens, verified by the Ministry of Labor.
Each route serves a different investor profile — from entrepreneurs seeking operational control to financiers looking for passive returns.
Application Process and Timeline
The process is structured, transparent, and can be completed efficiently with proper legal representation.
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment application typically involves the following stages:
Engagement Letter & Power of Attorney – Legal authorization for your lawyer to represent you in all formalities.
Tax ID & Bank Account Setup – Essential for investment and residency steps.
Investment Completion – Purchase property or complete a financial investment.
Certificate of Conformity – Issued by the relevant ministry confirming compliance.
Residence Permit Application – Required before filing for citizenship.
Citizenship Application Submission – Filed at the Population and Citizenship Affairs Directorate.
Due Diligence & Security Screening – Conducted by Turkish authorities.
Final Approval & Passport Issuance – Upon approval, you receive your Turkish ID and passport.
Estimated Timeline (2026):
3–6 months for standard cases.
7–9 months for larger family applications or complex portfolios.
Key Legal Authorities Involved
The process involves coordination among several Turkish government entities:
Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change – Supervises real estate transactions and approvals.
General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre – Registers property ownership and the 3-year lock annotation.
Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) – Oversees bank and capital-based investments.
Population and Citizenship Affairs Directorate (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü) – Handles citizenship registration and passport issuance.
Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) – Processes residence permits and biometric requirements.
Working with a qualified Turkish lawyer ensures that each government step is properly managed and documented to prevent application delays.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Acquiring Turkish citizenship offers a world of advantages, both personal and financial:
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 110 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
Eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, enabling residency and business in the United States.
Dual citizenship recognition, allowing you to retain your original nationality.
Right to live, work, and study anywhere in Turkey without restriction.
Access to affordable, high-quality healthcare and world-class educational institutions.
Strong real estate market with increasing international demand and high rental yields.
For investors seeking a second passport that combines lifestyle appeal, geopolitical strength, and business opportunity, the Turkish passport stands out in 2026 as a smart and sustainable choice.
Common Questions About Eligibility
Can I get Turkish citizenship by buying a house?
Yes. Purchasing property worth at least USD 400,000 qualifies you for citizenship, provided the property is held for three years.
Is the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program still open in 2026?
Yes, the program remains active. However, eligibility thresholds may change, so early applications are advisable.
Do I need to live in Turkey?
No permanent residence is required, but you must visit Turkey for biometrics and certain formalities.
What is the minimum investment for citizenship?
USD 400,000 for real estate or USD 500,000 for capital, deposits, or government bonds.
Can I include my family?
Yes, your spouse and children under 18 can be included in the same application.
Begin Your Turkish Citizenship Journey Today
Secure your future with a trusted legal team. Kurucuk & Associates provides complete legal assistance for investors applying under the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program. Speak with our Istanbul-based lawyers for personalized advice and a seamless application experience.
