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Different Investment Routes for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

  • Writer: Özgür Kurucuk
    Özgür Kurucuk
  • Oct 7
  • 5 min read
A flat-design, corporate infographic on a navy-to-sky-blue gradient background titled "Different Investment Routes for Turkish Citizenship by Investment." Four white-line icons are arranged in a semicircle and connected by golden paths leading to a stylized Turkish passport and flag in the center. The icons represent: Real Estate (classic building), Capital Investment (financial chart), Job Creation (factory building), and Government Fund (government bond certificate).

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program — established under Law No. 5901 and its implementing regulation — allows foreign investors to acquire Turkish nationality through approved investment routes. This government-endorsed pathway provides an efficient route to citizenship, typically within 3–6 months, without requiring long-term residency or language proficiency.


There are several investment routes for Turkish citizenship, including real estate purchase, capital or bank deposit, fund participation, and job creation. Each route caters to distinct investor profiles, from property buyers to entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals seeking portfolio diversification and global mobility.


In this comprehensive guide by Kurucuk & Associates, a leading Istanbul-based law firm specializing in immigration and investment law, we explain each route, its requirements, and which one may best align with your financial and residency goals.


Overview of the Investment Routes for Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI)


What is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (TCBI) or Turkey Golden Visa enables qualified foreign nationals to obtain Turkish nationality through financial contribution to the Turkish economy. It operates under Law No. 5901 and the Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Turkish Citizenship, supervised by the Ministry of Interior and the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye.


Minimum Investment Thresholds and 2026 Updates

  • Real Estate Investment: Minimum USD 400,000

  • Capital or Bank Deposit: Minimum USD 500,000

  • Job Creation: Employ 50 Turkish citizens

  • Fund Participation: Minimum USD 500,000

The policy continues to evolve, with periodic adjustments to maintain economic stability and attract sustainable foreign investment.


Key Benefits of Turkish Citizenship

  • 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 nationals to invest and reside in the United States.

  • Dual citizenship permitted — maintain your original nationality while enjoying Turkish rights.

  • Inclusion of family members: spouse and dependent children under 18.

  • Access to quality education, healthcare, and real estate opportunities across Türkiye.


Real Estate Investment Route (Most Popular Option)


Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

The real estate investment pathway remains the most sought-after option for investors seeking tangible assets and long-term returns.

Minimum Investment: USD 400,000Requirements:

  • Purchase residential or commercial property(ies) worth at least USD 400,000.

  • Obtain a Valuation Report (Ekspertiz Raporu) from a licensed valuation company.

  • Register ownership with the Title Deed Office (Tapu) and place a 3-year sale restriction (Tapu Kilidi).

Process:

  1. Secure the property and complete legal due diligence.

  2. Transfer funds in foreign currency, converted to TRY through the Central Bank.

  3. Obtain the Certificate of Conformity from the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.

  4. Apply for a short-term residence permit and subsequently citizenship.

Advantages:

  • Potential for capital appreciation and rental income.

  • Direct asset ownership and legal security.

  • Dual benefit: real estate investment plus Turkish passport eligibility.

Top Locations: Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Ankara — offering vibrant markets and high return potential.


Capital Investment Route


Turkish Citizenship by Capital Investment

Investors may acquire citizenship by investing USD 500,000 in fixed capital or establishing a Turkish company.

Options Include:

  • Purchasing shares in a Turkish enterprise.

  • Establishing a new company employing local citizens.

  • Reinforcing capital in existing Turkish businesses.

Ideal For: Entrepreneurs and business owners aiming to expand into the Turkish market while gaining citizenship.

Benefits:

  • Full control of investment.

  • Potential for long-term business growth.

  • Contribution to Turkey’s industrial and commercial development.


Bank Deposit and Government Bond Route


Turkish Citizenship by Bank Deposit

A straightforward and secure route favored by conservative investors.

Investment Requirement:

  • Deposit USD 500,000 (or equivalent in TRY) in a Turkish bank for at least three years.

  • Funds must be converted through the Central Bank of Türkiye (CBRT).

Optional Alternatives:

  • Investment in government bonds or Treasury bills.

Additional Notes (2026):

  • Average annual TRY interest rates: 30%–40%, depending on the bank.

  • Withholding tax: typically 10–17.5%, depending on maturity.

Benefits:

  • Fixed income returns.

  • Low market risk.

  • Suitable for wealth preservation and predictable gains.


Fund Investment & Venture Capital Route


Turkish Citizenship by Fund Investment

Applicants may invest a minimum of USD 500,000 in government-approved venture capital funds or real estate investment funds.

Requirements:

  • Investment must be maintained for at least three years.

  • The fund must be registered and supervised by the Capital Markets Board (CMB) of Türkiye.

Advantages:

  • Professional fund management.

  • Portfolio diversification across real estate and private equity.

  • Potential for high-yield returns in dynamic Turkish markets.

Best For:Investors seeking a passive, diversified, and compliant path to Turkish nationality.


Job Creation Route


Create 50 Jobs for Turkish Citizenship

Foreign investors can qualify for citizenship by employing at least 50 Turkish citizens.

Requirements:

  • Verified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

  • Demonstrate sustainable business operations.

Ideal For: Industrialists and large-scale entrepreneurs focused on Turkey’s economic development.

Benefits:

  • Long-term business establishment.

  • Contribution to the Turkish economy.

  • Potential for multiple tax incentives and labor benefits.


A timeline infographic showing the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program (2024–2026+). The timeline highlights four main steps/routes leading to an arrow pointing toward a passport icon: 1. Real Estate Purchase (Min. $400,000, Tangible Asset). 2. Bank Deposit (Min. $500,000, Stable Returns). 3. Fund Investment / Job Creation (Min. $500,000 / 50 Jobs, Portfolio Diversification). 4. Key Benefits (Fast-Track to Turkish citizenship in 3-6 months, E-2 US Visa, Dual Citizenship, Family Inclusion)
Infographic timeline for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program (2024–2026+), detailing four primary steps: 1. Purchase of Real Estate (Minimum $400,000), 2. Bank Deposit (Minimum $500,000), 3. Investment in Funds/Job Creation (Minimum $500,000/50 Jobs). This process offers significant advantages: expedited citizenship within 3-6 months, eligibility for an E-2 US Visa, dual citizenship, and inclusion of family members.

Comparative Summary — Which Route Is Best?

Investment Route

Minimum Amount

Risk Level

Approval Speed

Family Inclusion

Key Benefit

Real Estate

$400,000

Moderate

3–6 months

Yes

Tangible asset + ROI

Bank Deposit

$500,000

Low

3–6 months

Yes

Stable, low-risk returns

Capital Investment

$500,000

Variable

6–9 months

Yes

Business control

Fund Investment

$500,000

Moderate

4–6 months

Yes

Diversified portfolio

Job Creation

Employ 50 citizens

High

6–12 months

Yes

Economic contribution

Common Queries:

  • Which is the best investment route for Turkish citizenship? — Real estate remains the most balanced option.

  • Can I get my money back after citizenship? — Yes, after maintaining the investment for three years.

  • How long does it take to get a Turkish passport by investment? — Typically 3–6 months, depending on documentation and due diligence.


Application Process and Legal Requirements


Documents, Timelines, and Due Diligence

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Engagement & PoA: Sign legal service agreement and issue Power of Attorney.

  2. Tax ID & Bank Account: Obtain Turkish Tax Number and open a bank account.

  3. Investment Completion: Execute property purchase or deposit transfer.

  4. Certificate of Conformity: Obtain verification from the relevant ministry.

  5. Residence Permit Application: Short-term residency required before citizenship.

  6. Citizenship Application: File through the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.

  7. Approval & Passport: Issued within 3–6 months following due diligence.

Documents Required:

  • Valid passport, birth and marriage certificates, clean criminal record, biometric photos, and proof of investment.

Due Diligence:

Thorough compliance and background checks ensure legitimacy and adherence to Turkish and international AML standards.


Expert Legal Guidance — Why Work with Kurucuk & Associates

With extensive experience in Turkish immigration, investment, and nationality law, Kurucuk & Associates offers end-to-end legal services for investors pursuing Turkish citizenship.


Our services include:

  • Legal representation and compliance review.

  • Property and investment due diligence.

  • Family inclusion and documentation management.

  • Transparent, secure, and efficient processing.

Located in Istanbul, our English-speaking lawyers provide tailored guidance for global investors seeking lawful and strategic entry into Türkiye’s citizenship framework.

Consult Kurucuk & Associates — your trusted partner for Turkish Citizenship by Investment.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment best lawyer in Istanbul Turkey
Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Offering Pathways to Your Future with Kurucuk & Associates.

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