Is There a Turkish Language Test for Citizenship by Investment?
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Oct 31
- 5 min read
If you’re planning to apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment, one question probably comes up right away: Do I need to pass a Turkish language test?
It’s an understandable concern. Many countries make language proficiency a key part of their citizenship process — but Turkey’s investor program is designed differently. It’s built for global entrepreneurs, professionals, and families who want to invest, not necessarily to relocate or learn a new language.
So, is there a language test for citizenship by investment? The short answer is no — but the reasons behind that are worth understanding.
Written by Kurucuk & Associates, a leading Istanbul law firm specializing in Turkish Citizenship by Investment and immigration law, this guide explains the rules clearly and confidently — backed by law, not assumptions.
Let’s break down what’s required, what’s not, and how investors can secure Turkish citizenship smoothly — without any language exam.
Overview of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (TCBI) program — also known internationally as the Turkey Golden Visa — was established under Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law.
It allows foreign investors to become Turkish citizens through a qualified investment — without the need to reside in Turkey or pass any cultural or language test.
Who Oversees the Program
The program is managed by:
The Ministry of Interior
The General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs
The Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey
Each institution plays a role in verifying, approving, and formalizing the investor’s application.
Investment Options
To qualify, applicants must choose one of the following approved routes:
Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Key Requirement |
Real Estate Investment | USD 400,000 | Property must be held for at least 3 years (registered with a no-sale annotation) |
Bank Deposit or Capital Investment | USD 500,000 | Funds converted to Turkish Lira and maintained for 3 years |
Government Bonds / Fund Shares | USD 500,000 | Retained for at least 3 years |
Job Creation | Employ 50 Turkish citizens | Verified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security |
Among these, real estate investment remains the most popular — offering a tangible, value-retaining asset along with citizenship.
The entire process typically takes 3 to 6 months and is known for its efficiency compared to other global programs.
Does the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program Require a Language Test?
No, it doesn’t.
There is no Turkish language test for citizenship by investment, and applicants are not required to speak or understand Turkish at any point in the process.
This exemption is confirmed under the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law. Unlike the naturalization pathway, the investment program focuses entirely on economic contribution, not cultural integration.
Here’s what this means for you:
✅ No written or oral exam
✅ No interview to test Turkish speaking ability
✅ No TÖMER certificate or any language documentation
The Ministry of Interior and the Directorate General of Migration Management handle the process as an administrative, document-based evaluation — not an integration test.
Understanding Language Requirements in Standard Citizenship Routes
For comparison, it helps to understand when Turkish language skills are required — and why that doesn’t apply to investors.
The Ordinary Naturalization Route
Under Article 11 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, applicants seeking citizenship through long-term residency (not investment) must:
Have lived legally in Turkey for at least 5 years,
Demonstrate basic proficiency in the Turkish language, and
Show a genuine intent to settle permanently.
This is often assessed through:
A TÖMER certificate (from Ankara University’s Turkish Language Center), or
An integration interview, sometimes called Türkiye Bütünleşme Sınavı.
These checks help authorities ensure that residents are socially and linguistically integrated into Turkish society.
The Investment Pathway Difference
By contrast, the Citizenship by Investment route — governed by Article 12 of the same law — is an entirely different category. It’s designed to attract capital, not to assess cultural adaptation. Hence, no Turkish language proficiency is required or even evaluated.
Why Investors Are Exempt from the Language Test
The Turkish government’s goal is simple: attract international investors, strengthen the economy, and create jobs — not to measure fluency or integration.
The Policy Logic Behind the Exemption
Economic Contribution First:
The program is based on measurable economic value — such as property ownership, bank deposits, or capital investment — not cultural participation.
Global Competitiveness:
Removing language barriers makes Turkey’s program more attractive than European golden visa schemes that require language proficiency for permanent citizenship.
Administrative Simplicity:
Citizenship by investment is meant to be fast and transparent. Introducing a language test would slow down processing and undermine the program’s purpose.
So, while learning Turkish is encouraged for personal convenience, it’s not a legal or administrative requirement for investors.
What Documents and Criteria Replace the Language Test
Instead of proving Turkish fluency, investors must meet documentary and financial compliance requirements.
The Key Documents Include:
Valid Passport (translated and notarized)
Birth Certificate (apostilled or attested)
Marriage or Civil Status Certificates
Police Clearance Certificate (clean criminal record)
Proof of Investment (real estate purchase deed, bank confirmation letter, or Certificate of Conformity)
Short-Term Residence Permit (a formality completed before citizenship submission)
The Process in Summary
Sign Legal Services Agreement with your lawyer.
Issue Power of Attorney (PoA) — locally or abroad (with Apostille).
Obtain Tax ID and open a Turkish bank account.
Make your qualifying investment.
Secure Certificate of Conformity from the relevant authority.
Apply for Short-Term Residence Permit.
Submit Citizenship Application to the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
Each document replaces the need for any linguistic evaluation — making the process efficient, predictable, and secure.
Comparisons with Other Countries’ Golden Visa Programs
Country | Language Requirement | Minimum Investment | Residency Requirement | Processing Time |
Turkey | ❌ None | USD 400K–500K | Not required | 3–6 months |
Portugal | ✅ A2 Portuguese | €500K | 5 years | 5–7 years |
Greece | ❌ None for residency (required for citizenship) | €250K | 7 years | 7–8 years |
Malta | ✅ English + Interview | €750K+ | 1 year | 12–18 months |
Dominica / St. Kitts | ❌ None | USD 100K–250K | None | 3–4 months |
Turkey’s program is one of the most accessible and investor-friendly globally — no residency, no interviews, and no language barrier.
Expert Legal Insights — Kurucuk & Associates’ Guidance
At Kurucuk & Associates, we’ve helped countless investors from the Gulf, Europe, Asia, and beyond acquire Turkish citizenship efficiently and with full legal compliance.
Our Legal Process Covers:
Drafting and notarizing Power of Attorney documents
Opening bank accounts and coordinating currency exchange
Preparing and verifying investment documentation
Managing residence permits and citizenship filings
Ensuring timely communication with the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs
We make sure each client’s journey is transparent, compliant, and stress-free.
“Our clients appreciate that Turkish Citizenship by Investment requires no language test — it’s a process based on financial credibility and legal precision, not cultural evaluation.”
With experienced English-speaking lawyers in Istanbul, we handle every stage — from investment verification to final passport delivery.
FAQs
Do I need to learn Turkish for citizenship by investment?
No, you do not. The investment route is fully exempt from language requirements.
Is the Turkish language test mandatory for foreign investors?
No. Only long-term residents applying for naturalization need to demonstrate Turkish proficiency.
What documents replace the need for a language exam?
Proof of investment, clean criminal record, personal documents, and biometric data.
Can I apply for Turkish citizenship without living in Turkey?
Yes. Residency is not mandatory; a short-term residence permit is only procedural.
Get Expert Help with Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Contact Kurucuk & Associates, a leading English-speaking law firm in Istanbul, for complete, professional guidance on Turkish Citizenship by Investment.
Our legal team ensures your application is compliant, efficient, and fully documented — with no language exam required.
Start your journey toward Turkish citizenship confidently — with Kurucuk & Associates by your side.
