Can my family be included in the Turkish citizenship application?

Yes, your spouse and dependent children under 18 can be included in the same application, following the same timeline and process without additional processing delays.

Do I need to live in Turkey during the citizenship process?

There is no mandatory long-term residence requirement. However, you and your spouse will need to make a brief physical presence in Turkey to provide biometrics for the residence permit application at the beginning of the process.

How long does the property valuation take for citizenship applications?

A licensed valuation company can typically provide the required official valuation report (Ekspertiz Raporu) within 3-7 business days once the property has been selected and the inspection is scheduled.

What is the slowest part of the Turkish citizenship process?

The government's comprehensive background check and due diligence phase typically takes the longest, as it involves multiple security agencies verifying your personal history and investment details. This phase emphasizes the importance of flawless documentation.

Is the bank deposit option faster than real estate for Turkish citizenship?

The bank deposit option can be slightly faster to initiate as it avoids property selection and valuation. However, the government processing time for the citizenship application itself is generally consistent across all investment routes, typically 3-6 months.

What happens if I sell my property before the 3-year holding period?

The law requires a mandatory 3-year holding period for the investment. Selling the property before this period is completed can lead to the revocation of your Turkish citizenship, as it constitutes a breach of the program requirements.

Do you guarantee the Turkish citizenship processing time?

While no reputable firm can guarantee government processing times, we guarantee meticulous preparation and expert management to achieve the fastest possible timeline for your specific case, based on our extensive experience with successful applications.

How strong is the Turkish passport for global travel?

The Turkish passport offers significant global mobility, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries including Japan, Singapore, Brazil, and South Korea. A key strategic benefit is eligibility for the US E-2 Investor Visa.

Why is legal representation important for the citizenship timeline?

Expert legal representation is crucial as we prevent the documentation errors that cause 90% of delays. We ensure full compliance, manage bureaucratic procedures, and serve as your single point of contact, significantly streamlining the entire journey and reducing processing risks.

How Long Does It Take to Get Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

Q: How long does it take to get Turkish citizenship by investment?

The entire process, from initial investment to receiving your passport, typically takes 7 to 9 months. The core government processing and approval phase usually takes 3 to 6 months for well-prepared applications.

Özgür Kurucuk
Nov 15
4 min read

Timeline for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

For discerning individuals and families evaluating global citizenship options, the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program presents a compelling strategic opportunity. A primary consideration in this decision-making process is understanding the pathway and its associated timeline.

Based on our extensive experience guiding international clients through this process, we can state that a well-structured application typically yields citizenship within a seven to nine-month timeframe. The core government adjudication process itself is notably efficient, often completed within three to six months for properly prepared dossiers.

This guide provides a clear, authoritative perspective on the journey, helping you plan with confidence.

A Strategic Roadmap: From Initiation to Citizenship

A successful application is a phased process, where meticulous preparation in early stages dictates the efficiency of subsequent ones. The following overview outlines the key phases and a realistic timeframe for each.

Phase	Strategic Focus & Key Activities	Projected Timeframe
Phase I: Foundation & Scoping	Investment vehicle selection (real estate vs. capital), legal retainer, and initial due diligence.	2 - 4 weeks
Phase II: Execution & Diligence	Finalizing the qualifying investment and compiling the requisite personal documentation portfolio.	4 - 8 weeks
Phase III: Preliminary Clearance	Securing a Turkish residence permit, requiring a brief physical presence for biometrics.	3 - 4 weeks
Phase IV: Adjudication & Approval	Formal submission, comprehensive background checks, and final approval by the competent authorities.	3 - 6 months
Total Projected Timeline		7 - 9 months

A Detailed Perspective on the Process Milestones

Phase I: Investment Selection and Legal Structuring

The initial phase involves selecting the appropriate investment channel.

The two primary options are:

Real Estate Acquisition: A minimum investment of $400,000 in property. This route necessitates a robust valuation report and clear title due diligence.
Capital Deposit: A minimum deposit of $500,000 into the Turkish financial system, held in Turkish Lira for a mandated period.

Our Advisory Perspective: The choice between these options involves considerations beyond the timeline, including risk profile and investment strategy. Our role is to provide the analytical framework and due diligence to ensure your selected path is both compliant and aligned with your objectives.

Phase II: Document Compilation and Investment Execution

This critical phase runs in parallel with investment execution. It involves the meticulous gathering and preparation of a comprehensive personal documentation portfolio. Essential documents include apostilled birth and marriage certificates, valid passports, and recent police clearance certificates from all relevant jurisdictions.

Precision in this phase is paramount. Incomplete or improperly legalized documentation is the most significant variable causing avoidable delays. Our methodology includes a proactive document review and management system to ensure submission integrity.

Phase III: Securing Residency Status

Prior to the citizenship application, a short-term residence permit is required. A procedural update mandates that the main applicant and spouse provide biometric data in person.

We manage this administrative requirement seamlessly, coordinating the application and appointment to minimize disruption and integrate it into a single, efficient visit.

Phase IV: The Citizenship Adjudication Process

Upon submission, the application enters the formal review stage by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. This involves a multi-layered due diligence process to verify the application's integrity.

The efficiency of this phase is a direct function of the application's quality and completeness. A flawlessly prepared dossier facilitates a swift and predictable review.

Phase V: Completion and Issuance

Following a positive decision, the final steps involve registration and the issuance of the Turkish identification card and passport.

Key Variables Influencing the Timeline

A sophisticated approach anticipates and mitigates factors that can impact processing times.

Potential Friction Points:

Incomplete or non-compliant documentation.
Delays in securing third-party reports (e.g., property valuation).
Complex personal backgrounds requiring additional verification.
Unforeseen regulatory shifts.

Accelerants to the Process:

Engagement of Expert Counsel: The most significant factor in ensuring a streamlined process is partnering with experienced legal advisors. We provide end-to-end management, from strategic structuring to navigating governmental procedures, effectively de-risking the timeline.
Proactive and organized document preparation.
Selecting investment partners with proven experience in the program.

The Strategic Value Proposition

Beyond the passport itself, Turkish citizenship offers a suite of strategic advantages:

Enhanced Global Mobility:
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries.
U.S. Market Access:
Eligibility for the non-immigrant E-2 Investor Visa, a unique advantage for nationals of non-treaty countries.
Dual Citizenship:
Turkey permits dual citizenship, allowing you to retain your current nationality.
Geostrategic Positioning:
Provides a foothold in a dynamic economy at the nexus of Europe and Asia.

How We Facilitate a Seamless and Predictable Journey

At Kurucuk & Associates, we understand that your time is a valuable asset. Our approach is designed to provide clarity, certainty, and efficiency.

We function as your strategic partner, ensuring:

Diligence-Driven Structuring:
We conduct thorough upfront due diligence on your chosen investment to ensure regulatory compliance.
Meticulous Document Governance:
We implement a rigorous process for compiling, reviewing, and legalizing all required documentation, mitigating the primary risk of delay.
Streamlined Process Management:
Our team serves as the single point of contact, managing all communications and submissions with governmental bodies.
Proactive Risk Mitigation:
We anticipate potential challenges and address them proactively, ensuring your application proceeds without unnecessary interruption.