Job Creation Option: 50 Jobs for Turkish Citizenship Explained
- Özgür Kurucuk
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Kurucuk & Associates — Trusted Turkish Citizenship Lawyers in Istanbul | Your success, our expertise.
The “50 Jobs for Turkish Citizenship” option is one of the most dynamic ways to obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment. Instead of buying real estate or placing a bank deposit, this route rewards investors who create at least 50 full-time jobs for Turkish citizens. It’s a unique opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to expand into Türkiye while contributing directly to its economy.
At Kurucuk & Associates, a leading law firm in Istanbul specializing in citizenship and immigration law, we’ve helped hundreds of international investors successfully secure Turkish citizenship through this program. In this article, our lawyers explain how the process works, what the legal requirements are, and why this option can be a smart alternative to real estate investment.
What Is the 50 Jobs for Turkish Citizenship Option?
Under Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and Article 31 of its Regulation, foreign investors can qualify for Turkish citizenship by creating 50 jobs for Turkish nationals. The rule is designed to promote economic growth and employment, making it a powerful route for investors who want both a strong business presence and a Turkish passport.
This pathway differs from other citizenship by investment options such as real estate or bank deposits. It is monitored by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services, which verifies job creation and ensures compliance with labor standards. The program emphasizes long-term economic engagement—you’re not just investing in Turkey, you’re helping build it.
How to Get Turkish Citizenship by Creating 50 Jobs
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Turkish citizenship through job creation, you must:
Own or establish a Turkish-registered capital company (Ltd. Şti. or A.Ş.).
Employ at least 50 Turkish citizens under full-time contracts.
Keep these employees on the payroll for at least three consecutive years.
Ensure each employee is registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK) and paid at least the national minimum wage.
There are no restrictions on the business sector. Whether it’s manufacturing, hospitality, IT, or services — as long as you create sustainable employment, you may qualify.
Application Process and Required Documents
The process involves several official steps and requires careful documentation.
Here’s an overview:
Set up or acquire a company that operates legally under the Turkish Commercial Code.
Hire 50 Turkish employees and register them under the SGK system.
Apply to the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services for verification.
Receive a Certificate of Conformity, confirming your business meets the job creation requirement.
Apply for short-term residence permits for you and your dependents via the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM).
Submit your citizenship application to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs for final approval.
Supporting documents include:
Valid passport and notarized Turkish translation
Corporate registration documents
SGK employee records
Payroll summaries and tax filings
Proof of sufficient business capital
Power of Attorney (if represented by your lawyer)
Verification by the Ministry and DGMM
Once you’ve applied, the Ministry will conduct an on-site inspection to verify that your business genuinely employs 50 full-time Turkish workers. The employment records are cross-checked with SGK databases and tax filings. After verification, the Ministry issues the Certificate of Conformity, and your file moves through the DGMM and ultimately to the Presidency of Türkiye for the citizenship decision.
Legal Requirements & Compliance
Company Type
Your business must be a registered capital company or commercial enterprise. This ensures transparency and accountability under Turkish law.
Work Permit Exemption
Investors applying under this category may be exempt from standard work permit requirements during the citizenship process, allowing smoother business operations.
Recordkeeping and SGK Reporting
Strict recordkeeping is essential. Employers must:
Submit monthly SGK declarations
Maintain payroll and salary transfer proofs
Pay social security and tax contributions on time
Failing to maintain compliance could lead to the revocation of your job creation certificate.
Benefits of Citizenship by Job Creation
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through job creation offers a wide range of advantages for entrepreneurs and their families:
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries
Eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa and multi-entry Schengen visas
Dual citizenship is allowed under Turkish law
No minimum residence requirement after citizenship
Access to Turkey’s robust healthcare, education, and business infrastructure
An ideal gateway for expanding into Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
This option is particularly attractive to business owners who prefer to reinvest profits rather than tying capital into real estate.
Comparison: Job Creation vs. Real Estate Investment
Factor | Job Creation (50 Employees) | Real Estate Investment ($400,000) |
Minimum Investment | Based on payroll and operating capital | USD 400,000 property purchase |
Legal Basis | Article 31 – Employment Creation | Article 31 – Real Estate Ownership |
Flexibility | High — any business or sector | Limited to property purchase |
Oversight Authority | Ministry of Labour & Social Services | Land Registry Directorate |
Duration | Jobs must be maintained for 3 years | Property held for 3 years |
Economic Impact | Creates employment and revenue | Stimulates real estate market only |
Both routes lead to the same end goal — Turkish citizenship — but the job creation pathway is better suited for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and corporate investors seeking deeper engagement in the Turkish economy.
FAQs About 50 Jobs for Turkish Citizenship
Is creating 50 jobs for citizenship still available in 2026?
Yes. The job creation option remains a valid and approved route under current Turkish Citizenship Law.
How long must the jobs be maintained?
You must maintain the 50 full-time positions for at least three consecutive years.
Can existing employees count toward the total?
Yes, as long as they are registered under SGK and employed after your ownership is established.
What are the SGK reporting obligations?
Employers must submit monthly SGK payroll reports and pay all required contributions.
How long does the process take?
On average, 6 to 9 months, depending on document verification and ministry coordination.
Expert Legal Assistance by Kurucuk & Associates
For more than two decades, Kurucuk & Associates has been assisting foreign investors with Turkish Citizenship by Investment, corporate immigration, and residency planning.
Our Turkish Citizenship Lawyers handle every aspect of the job creation process — from company incorporation and SGK registration to certificate issuance and citizenship filing. We focus on full compliance, ensuring your application stands on solid legal ground.
👉 Contact Kurucuk & Associates today for a personalized assessment of your eligibility under the 50 Jobs for Turkish Citizenship program.
