Is Turkish Citizenship by Investment Officially Written into Law?
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
Is Turkish Citizenship by Investment Officially written into law? The short answer is yes. The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (TCBI) program is not only real but also firmly grounded in legislation, specifically Law No. 5901, subsequent Presidential Decrees, and the Official Gazette. This ensures that the program is an officially recognized pathway for foreign nationals to acquire Turkish nationality.
The law sets out multiple investment pathways such as real estate, fixed capital, government bonds, bank deposits, and job creation. Each is regulated by official state authorities, making Turkish Citizenship by Investment one of the most transparent and legally sound economic citizenship programs globally.
This article explains the legal basis, official investment options, procedural steps, and strategic benefits—bringing clarity to a topic often clouded by misinformation.
Understanding Turkish Citizenship by Investment (TCBI) Officially
What Is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (TCBI) program, sometimes called the Turkey CBI Program, is a government-backed investment route that allows foreigners to acquire citizenship without meeting traditional residency or naturalization requirements. Applicants can invest in real estate, make a bank deposit, purchase government bonds, or create jobs for Turkish citizens.
Türkiye Citizenship by Investment vs. Turkey CBI Programme
Both terms describe the same program. “Türkiye Citizenship by Investment” is the official state-preferred terminology, while “Turkey CBI Program” is more commonly used internationally within the global citizenship by investment industry.
Common Misconceptions
Golden Visa vs. CBI: The Turkish program is not a “Golden Visa.” A Golden Visa grants residency rights, while Turkey’s CBI directly grants citizenship.
Residency Requirement: No mandatory long-term residency is required to maintain citizenship.
Dual Citizenship: Turkish law allows dual nationality, meaning investors do not need to renounce their home citizenship.
Is It Written into Law? The Legal Basis
Law on Turkish Citizenship (Law No. 5901)
The foundation lies in Law No. 5901, enacted in 2009, which governs acquisition and loss of Turkish nationality.
Article 12 of Law No. 5901 (Exceptional Services)
Article 12 authorizes citizenship for those who bring exceptional economic contributions—this is the legal anchor of the investment program.
Regulation on the Implementation of the Law & Amendments
Detailed regulations, including investment thresholds, are published in the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law, which is updated periodically.
Presidential Decree & Official Gazette Publication
Every amendment—such as the real estate minimum rising from $250,000 to $400,000 in 2022—is enacted by Presidential Decree and published in the Official Gazette, confirming official legal status.
Official Investment Pathways to Citizenship
Investment Option | Minimum Amount | Holding Period | Key Requirement |
Real Estate Investment | $400,000 | 3 years | Title Deed, Valuation Report, Tapu Lock |
Fixed Capital Investment | $500,000 | 3 years | Verified by Ministry of Industry & Technology |
Bank Deposit | $500,000 | 3 years | Converted into TRY, blocked for 3 years |
Government Bonds | $500,000 | 3 years | Through Treasury instruments |
Employment Generation | 50 Jobs | Ongoing | Certified by Ministry of Labor |
Real Estate Investment
The most popular route: property worth at least $400,000, verified by an official valuation report and secured with a 3-year no-sale annotation on the title deed.
Fixed Capital Investment
An option for investors placing at least $500,000 into Turkish enterprises.
Bank Deposit in Turkey
Requires a $500,000 bank deposit, converted into Turkish Lira, held for three years.
Government Bond Purchase
Investors may buy government bonds valued at a minimum of $500,000.
Employment Generation
Creating at least 50 full-time jobs for Turkish citizens is another qualifying path.
The Application Process & Government Authorities
Application Process Step-by-Step
Engagement with a licensed lawyer experienced in Turkish Citizenship by Investment.
Power of Attorney issuance.
Turkish Tax Identification Number obtained.
Opening a Turkish bank account.
Investment completed and certified.
Residence permit application (short-term).
Citizenship application filed with biometrics.
Review, due diligence, and final approval.
Role of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change
Oversees real estate investments.
Role of the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship
Handles citizenship files and final registration.
Due Diligence & Conditional Citizenship Grant
Every application undergoes security checks, background verification, and document validation before approval.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Turkish Passport Visa-Free Travel
Holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
E-2 Visa Treaty with USA
Turkish citizens are eligible to apply for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, a major attraction for non-treaty countries like India or China.
Turkish Citizenship for Family
Citizenship extends to the spouse and dependent children under 18.
Right to Live, Work, and Invest in Turkey
Grants access to healthcare, education, and property markets in a strategically located economy.
Comparisons & Alternatives
Turkey CBI vs. Caribbean CBI
Caribbean programs (e.g., St. Kitts, Dominica) are cheaper but offer smaller economies.
Turkey offers both citizenship and the ability to live in a G20 economy bridging Europe and Asia.
Turkey CBI vs. “Golden Visa” Residency Programs
Unlike Portugal or Greece’s Golden Visa, Turkey grants citizenship directly without lengthy residency periods.
Why Turkey Is Unique
Competitive investment thresholds.
Access to U.S. E-2 Visa.
Large, dynamic real estate market.
No requirement to permanently reside.
FAQs – Official Status & Legality
Is Turkish Citizenship by Investment legal?
Yes. It is legally grounded in Law No. 5901, Presidential Decrees, and the Official Gazette.
Where is it officially published?
In the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, which records every regulation and decree.
Can investment rules change?
Yes. For example, real estate minimums changed from $1,000,000 → $250,000 → $400,000. Future changes are possible.
Does the program apply to families?
Yes, spouses and children under 18 are included.
Get Expert Help with Turkish Citizenship by Investment
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