How to Get Turkish Citizenship with $400,000 Property (2026 Guide)
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Dec 5, 2025
- 5 min read
If you’re planning to get a Turkish passport by investing in property, the current requirement is simple: buy real estate worth at least $400,000 USD, and you and your family can become Turkish citizens—without living in Turkey, without language tests, and without complicated interviews.
This option has quickly become one of the most practical and valuable citizenship-by-investment routes in the world, especially for people looking to relocate, expand globally, or simply have a second passport for travel flexibility. In this friendly guide, we’ll walk you through everything step-by-step: legal rules, eligible properties, valuation requirements, approved projects, timeline, and common mistakes to avoid.
Let’s make your journey to owning property and getting a Turkish passport as clear and simple as possible.
Turkey citizenship $400,000 property investment 2026
Is $400,000 still the minimum investment for Turkey citizenship?
Yes! As of 2026, Turkey’s citizenship program still requires a minimum of $400,000 USD in property investment. Anything below this amount no longer qualifies, even if the market price seems favorable.
Does the investment need to be in USD or Turkish Lira?
You can pay in Turkish Lira or any currency, but what matters legally is that the official valuation at the time of purchase equals $400,000 USD or more.
Do bank fees or extra charges count toward $400,000?
No. Only the actual sale price of the property is counted. Fees such as taxes, bank charges, notary costs, or translation services are not included in the $400,000 total.
Buy property in Turkey get citizenship 2026 requirements
Document checklist for Turkish citizenship by real estate 2026
To move smoothly through the process, here’s what you’ll need:
Turkish Tax ID (very easy to obtain)
Turkish bank account
Passports and biometric photos
Proof of property payment (bank transfer slip)
Property valuation report
Tapu (Title Deed)
Power of Attorney (if working with a lawyer)
Eligibility conditions for property purchase for Turkish citizenship
Your chosen property must:
Be owned by a Turkish citizen or registered company
Be free of mortgages, disputes, and liens
Have a title that can legally be transferred to a foreign national
Turkey citizenship real estate investment minimum amount
Why is the threshold $400,000 for Turkish Citizenship?
The old $250,000 rule made Turkish property extremely popular internationally. To protect the real estate market and maintain quality standards, Turkey raised the amount to $400,000, encouraging stronger, long-term investors.
Can I buy commercial property for Turkish citizenship?
Absolutely! You are free to choose:
Residential apartments or villas
Offices and shops
Hotels, warehouses, or commercial units
You can invest like a future resident or as an income-generating investor—it’s flexible.
Can I buy multiple properties for Turkish citizenship?
Can multiple apartments be combined to reach $400,000?
Yes, you can buy more than one property and combine their values. Many investors buy two apartments (one to live in, one to rent out), as long as the total valuation reaches $400,000.
Are land purchases eligible?
Land can qualify only when:
It has a valid building permit
It is not restricted for foreign buyers
Plain land without building authorization is not eligible.
Minimum property value for Turkish citizenship 2026
Can I buy a resale property?
Yes, resale properties are fully eligible in 2026. The only important condition is that the same property must not have been used by another person to gain citizenship in the past.
Are off-plan / construction projects allowed?
Yes, you can buy off-plan or under-construction projects if:
The contract is notarized
Payments are traceable through bank transfers
The project is government-approved for citizenship
This is a popular choice for investors looking for appreciation potential.
How to prove property valuation for Turkish citizenship
What is the valuation report?
It’s an official property appraisal report prepared by a specially licensed company to confirm the property’s true market value. This ensures that the investment genuinely meets the $400,000 threshold.
Approved valuation companies for Turkey citizenship
The valuation must come from an SPK-licensed (Capital Markets Board of Turkey) appraisal firm — not just any real estate agent or private assessor.
Does the valuation need to match the sale price?
It must show at least $400,000 at the official exchange rate on the purchase date. Even if your bank transfer is higher, the valuation amount is what counts legally.
Must property be held for 3 years Turkey citizenship
When does the 3-year rule start?
The clock begins as soon as the Tapu is issued and the citizenship annotation is officially recorded.
Can I sell after 3 years?
Yes. After 3 years, you are free to sell your property to anyone (including foreigners), and your citizenship remains permanent.
Can I rent the property during the 3 years?
Absolutely! You can earn rental income from day one. Many investors cover their yearly maintenance costs through rentals.
Resale property eligible for Turkish citizenship
Conditions for resale property
A resale property is eligible if:
It has not been previously used to obtain citizenship
It is free from title disputes, liens, or mortgages
How do I check if a property was used for citizenship?
Your lawyer can check the Tapu (Land Registry) to confirm whether a property has a citizenship usage history, saving you from a costly mistake.
Turkey citizenship by investment real estate process step by step
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Get a Turkish Tax ID
Quick and easy; can be done in person or online.
Step 2: Open a Turkish bank account
This is required for property payments and valuation.
Step 3: Select eligible property
Your lawyer verifies whether the property meets all legal requirements.
Step 4: Purchase the property via bank transfer
Cash payments are not accepted for citizenship applications.
Step 5: Get residence permit (temporary)
You’ll receive a short-term residence card while your citizenship file is processed.
Step 6: Apply for Turkish citizenship
Your spouse and children under 18 are included automatically.
Approved real estate projects for Turkish citizenship Istanbul
Best areas in Istanbul for citizenship investment 2026
Common high-demand districts include:
Başakşehir (modern family living)
Beylikdüzü (affordable + coastal)
Kağıthane (central & developing)
Basin Express / Güneşli (business hub)
Zeytinburnu (luxury by the sea)
Government-approved projects for passport investment
Choose projects with:
ISKAN (habitation certificate)
Construction completion guarantee
Official citizenship approval
New construction vs resale for Turkey citizenship
New Construction | Resale Property |
Modern amenities | Lower purchase cost |
Strong rental demand | Faster transfer |
Developer guarantees | Must verify prior citizenship use |
$400,000 property investment Turkey citizenship timeline
Average timeline from purchase to passport
Stage | Estimated Time |
Property Purchase + Title Deed | 1–2 weeks |
Residence Permit | 3–6 weeks |
Citizenship Approval | 2–6 months |
Total Duration | 3–9 months |
Most investors receive citizenship within 6 months on average.
Difference between $250,000 and $400,000 property investment Turkey
Feature | Old $250,000 Rule | Current $400,000 Rule |
Status | Ended | Active for 2026 |
Market Impact | Over-demand, fast growth | Balanced and stable |
Property Eligibility | Broad | More selective |
Government Objective | Attract fast capital | Encourage strong investors |
Need a Trusted Turkish Citizenship Lawyer?
At Kurucuk & Associates, we help international investors secure Turkish citizenship through real estate with complete legal protection. From verifying eligible properties, conducting due diligence, and preparing SPK valuation reports to filing your family’s citizenship application—we manage the entire process from start to passport.
🔐 Your investment stays safe. Your citizenship stays guaranteed.
📞 Request a consultation: Contact our Turkish Citizenship & Real Estate Law Team Today
