Including Your Spouse and Children in Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Complete Family Guide (2026 Update)
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Oct 22
- 6 min read
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (TCBI) program has become one of the most family-friendly citizenship programs in the world, giving global investors a chance to secure not only a powerful second passport but also a better future for their loved ones. One of its strongest advantages is that you can include your spouse and children in the same application — ensuring that your entire family gains the rights, benefits, and security of Turkish nationality together.
At Kurucuk & Associates, a leading law firm based in Istanbul, our English-speaking lawyers have guided countless families through this journey — from choosing the right investment route to receiving their Turkish passports.
In this updated 2026 guide, we explain everything you need to know about including your spouse and children in your Turkish Citizenship by Investment application — from eligibility and required documents to step-by-step procedures and long-term benefits.
Understanding the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program — often called the Turkey Golden Visa — allows foreign investors to acquire citizenship by meeting specific investment criteria. It was introduced under Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and its implementing Article 31, offering a streamlined path without language tests or residency requirements.
Main Investment Options (2026)
Real Estate Investment – Purchase property worth at least $400,000 USD (or its equivalent in Turkish Lira). The property can be residential or commercial, and must carry a three-year no-sale restriction on the title deed (Tapu).
Bank Deposit Option – Deposit $500,000 USD (converted into Turkish Lira) in a Turkish bank and maintain it for three years. This route provides flexibility and predictable returns based on current Turkish Lira interest rates.
Capital or Employment Investment – Invest $500,000 USD in a Turkish company or create at least 50 jobs for Turkish citizens.
These routes are monitored by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK), the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, and the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, ensuring full compliance with national law.
Can You Include Your Spouse and Children in Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
Absolutely. The Turkish program is designed to encourage family unity. The main applicant can include their spouse and all unmarried children under 18 years of age in one combined application.
This means your spouse and children receive citizenship, national ID cards, and 10-year passports alongside you — all within the same approval timeline. They enjoy full rights to live, study, work, and access public healthcare in Turkey.
Who Qualifies as Dependents?
Spouse: The legally married partner of the main applicant.
Children: Unmarried children under 18 years old at the time of application.
Exceptional Cases: Adult children with disabilities who are financially dependent may also qualify with proper documentation.
Eligibility Criteria for Spouse and Children
To include your family members, the following conditions must be met:
For Spouse
Marriage must be legally recognized and valid under Turkish law.
The relationship must be genuine — not a marriage of convenience.
Marriage certificate must be legalized through Apostille or attested by a Turkish Consulate.
For Children
Must be under 18 at the time of application.
Must be unmarried and financially dependent on the parents.
Adopted children are eligible if adoption is legally recognized.
Documents Required for Family Members
Each dependent must provide documentation to confirm identity and family relationship. Below is an overview:
Applicant | Required Documents |
Spouse | Passport copy, marriage certificate (Apostilled or attested), biometric photos, police clearance certificate, and power of attorney. |
Children (under 18) | Birth certificate (Apostilled or attested), passport copy, biometric photos, and proof of parentage. |
All Applicants | Translated and notarized passports, legalized criminal records, recent biometric photos, and proof of valid residence permits. |
Documents from countries outside the Apostille Convention (e.g., UAE, Iraq, Iran) must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then certified by the Turkish Consulate.
Step-by-Step Process for Including Spouse and Children
The citizenship process for families follows a precise and transparent legal pathway. With expert guidance from Kurucuk & Associates, families typically complete the full journey — from investment to passport — in about 6 to 9 months.
Step 1: Legal Engagement
A formal Legal Service Agreement is signed with Kurucuk & Associates, outlining services, confidentiality, and fees.
Step 2: Power of Attorney (PoA)
This allows your lawyer to represent you in Turkey. The PoA can be issued at a Turkish notary or a Turkish consulate abroad.
Step 3: Tax ID and Bank Account
A Turkish Tax Identification Number is obtained for each applicant, followed by the opening of a Turkish bank account.
Step 4: Make the Investment
You can choose between:
$400,000 real estate purchase, or
$500,000 bank deposit or capital investment.
Funds are converted into Turkish Lira through the Central Bank (CBRT), and an Exchange Purchase Certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi) is issued to confirm compliance.
Step 5: Obtain the Certificate of Conformity
This certificate, issued by the relevant government body, verifies that your investment meets the program’s legal standards.
Step 6: Residence Permit Application
Before applying for citizenship, the main applicant and spouse must visit Turkey for fingerprinting and submit a short-term residence permit application.
Step 7: Citizenship Application
Once residence permits are issued, the citizenship file — including all dependents — is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs.
Step 8: Security Review & Presidential Approval
The government conducts background checks and due diligence before final approval by the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey.
Step 9: Citizenship and Passport Issuance
Approved applicants receive Turkish citizenship certificates, ID cards, and 10-year passports.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship for Families
Including your spouse and children in your Turkish Citizenship by Investment application brings both immediate and long-term advantages.
Global Mobility
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
Eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, allowing Turkish citizens to live and do business in the United States.
Lifestyle and Education
Access to world-class healthcare and international schools in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
No requirement to reside in Turkey to maintain citizenship.
Children can study in top Turkish universities or benefit from exchange programs across Europe.
Financial and Legal Security
Dual citizenship is allowed — you can keep your original nationality.
Inheritance protection under Turkish law ensures smooth succession of assets.
Stable property market and strong return on investment in real estate.
Common Questions About Family Inclusion
Can I include my newborn child after receiving citizenship?
Yes. Newborns automatically qualify for Turkish citizenship through their Turkish parent.
Is there an age limit for dependent children?
Yes. Only unmarried children under 18 can be included in the main application.
Can I add my spouse after I become a citizen?
Yes. Your spouse can apply through citizenship by marriage, provided the marriage is genuine and has lasted for at least three years.
Do dependents need to travel to Turkey?
Yes. The main applicant and spouse must visit Turkey to give fingerprints for residence and citizenship processing.
What’s the total processing time for families in 2026?
Typically 6–9 months, depending on documentation readiness and government workload.
Legal Guidance from Kurucuk & Associates
Applying for Turkish Citizenship by Investment as a family requires a high level of legal and procedural accuracy. At Kurucuk & Associates, our lawyers handle every stage — from structuring your investment to submitting your complete family file — ensuring compliance with all Turkish legal standards.
Our firm provides:
Preparation of all PoA and documentation.
Liaison with banks, valuation firms, and government authorities.
Coordination of Apostille/legalization for foreign documents.
Full legal representation until your family receives their Turkish passports.
With deep experience in family inclusion under the Turkish CBI program, we simplify the process for investors, ensuring confidence, compliance, and peace of mind.
Why Families Trust Kurucuk & Associates
Families worldwide — from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia — rely on Kurucuk & Associates for a transparent and personalized experience.
What Sets Us Apart
Decades of combined expertise in Turkish investment and immigration law.
Proven record of successfully obtaining citizenship for entire families.
Multilingual support in English, Arabic, and Turkish.
Emphasis on due diligence, integrity, and lawful investment practices.
Our philosophy is simple: your family’s citizenship journey deserves precision, protection, and trust.
Start Your Family’s Turkish Citizenship Journey
Secure passports for your spouse and children with expert legal guidance. Contact Kurucuk & Associates in Istanbul today for a confidential consultation and step-by-step support.
