Marriage and Turkish Citizenship by Investment: What You Need to Know
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Oct 28
- 6 min read
For many people around the world, Türkiye has become more than just a place to visit — it’s a place to belong. Whether drawn by Istanbul’s skyline, the country’s thriving economy, or the promise of a new life bridging East and West, many foreigners are choosing to make Turkey their permanent home.
Two main doors lead to Turkish citizenship: Marriage and Turkish Citizenship by Investment. Each path has its own rhythm — one built on love and family, the other on strategic financial growth.
At Kurucuk & Associates, an Istanbul-based international law firm with English-speaking lawyers, we’ve spent years helping clients from every corner of the world build their lives and legacies in Turkey. In this guide, we’ll explain what you need to know about both routes — how they work, what to expect, and how to move forward with confidence.
Understanding Turkish Citizenship Law
The rules governing who can become a Turkish citizen are set out in Law No. 5901, also known as the Turkish Citizenship Law. It defines the conditions for acquiring citizenship by birth, naturalization, marriage, or investment.
The process is handled by two main government bodies:
The Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi) – which manages residence permits and initial applications.
The General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) – which finalizes citizenship and issues ID cards and passports.
You’ll often hear a few key terms during the process:
Tapu – the property title deed that proves ownership.
Due diligence – government background checks to confirm your eligibility and source of funds.
Power of Attorney (PoA) – a document allowing your lawyer to act for you in Turkey.
Because citizenship law touches many administrative layers, having an experienced Turkish lawyer makes all the difference. At Kurucuk & Associates, we handle every form, signature, and meeting on your behalf so the process stays clear and compliant from start to finish.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Overview of the Investment Program
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, sometimes called the Turkey Golden Visa, is one of the fastest and most flexible routes to citizenship anywhere in the world. Applicants can become Turkish citizens in as little as three to six months — with no language exam, no interview, and no long-term residency requirement.
For investors, it opens doors to:
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 110 countries.
Eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, allowing you to live and run a business in America.
Dual citizenship, as Turkey permits holding multiple nationalities.
In short, it’s a smart, secure way to combine investment with global mobility.
Minimum Investment Requirements for 2026
To qualify, investors must choose one of the following options and keep it for at least three years:
Real Estate Investment:
Buy property worth USD 400,000 or more, verified through an official valuation (Ekspertiz Raporu).
Bank Deposit:
Place USD 500,000 (or the equivalent in Turkish Lira) in a Turkish bank account, converting it through the Central Bank system.
Fixed Capital Investment / Government Bonds:
Invest USD 500,000 in approved instruments or Turkish business equity.
Job Creation:
Employ at least 50 Turkish citizens.
Once completed, investors receive a Certificate of Conformity confirming that the investment meets all legal criteria.
Process & Typical Timeline
Engage a Law Firm – Sign a service agreement with your lawyer.
Issue Power of Attorney – So your lawyer can act for you before Turkish authorities.
Get a Tax ID Number – Required for opening bank accounts and transferring funds.
Complete Your Investment – Purchase property or deposit funds, ensuring proper documentation.
Obtain the Certificate of Conformity.
Apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit – Fingerprints and biometrics are taken in Turkey.
Submit the Citizenship Application.
Receive Approval and Passport – Usually within 3–6 months.
The entire process is smoothest when coordinated by a licensed Turkish citizenship lawyer who can manage both the legal and banking requirements on your behalf.
Advantages of the Investment Route
Fast results:
Citizenship in months, not years.
Family coverage:
Spouse and dependent children under 18 are included.
Global reach:
Access to over 110 countries without a visa.
Business mobility:
Eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa.
Real estate growth:
Turkish property values continue to rise, especially in Istanbul.
No residency obligation:
You don’t need to live in Turkey to keep your citizenship.
For investors seeking diversification, a second passport, or a foothold between Europe and Asia, Turkey’s program offers remarkable value.
Legal Considerations & Common Pitfalls
Because of the program’s popularity, scams occasionally surface — promises of guaranteed buy-backs or properties priced below the legal minimum. Avoid any offer that sounds too good to be true.
Legitimate applications must:
Be processed through authorized Turkish banks.
Include official valuation and exchange certificates.
Comply with AML and KYC (anti-money-laundering / know-your-customer) standards.
Working with Kurucuk & Associates ensures every document is accurate, every transfer traceable, and every step fully compliant with Turkish and international law.
Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
Eligibility & Core Requirements
The second path to becoming a Turkish citizen is through marriage to a Turkish national. Under Article 16 of Law No. 5901, a foreign spouse may apply for citizenship after three years of marriage, provided the marriage is genuine and the couple live together as a family.
Applicants must also:
Show a stable, ongoing relationship.
Pose no threat to public order or national security.
Hold a valid residence permit during the process.
If the Turkish spouse passes away after the three-year period, the surviving partner can still apply — as long as the marriage was real and lawfully registered.
Documents & Application Process
You’ll need:
A valid, notarized passport.
Marriage certificate and proof of shared residence.
Birth certificates and family status documents.
Police clearance from home and residence countries.
Biometric photos and a valid residence permit.
Application steps:
Maintain the marriage for at least three years.
Apply at the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
Complete interviews and background checks.
Receive final approval and your Turkish ID card.
Processing generally takes 12–24 months, depending on the verification period.
Benefits of Citizenship by Marriage
Full rights:
Live, work, and study anywhere in Turkey.
Dual citizenship:
Keep your original nationality if permitted.
Family unity:
Build a shared legal and personal life.
No investment requirement:
You don’t need to purchase property or deposit capital.
This path is ideal for couples genuinely building their life together in Turkey.
Challenges and Mistakes to Avoid
Authorities closely examine marriage-based applications to prevent misuse.
Common reasons for rejection include:
Fake or short-term marriages.
Incomplete or incorrectly legalized documents.
Misrepresentation during interviews.
A skilled citizenship lawyer helps prepare evidence of a genuine relationship and ensures every requirement is met before submission.
Citizenship by Investment vs Citizenship by Marriage: Marriage and Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Criteria | Investment Route | Marriage Route |
Eligibility | Foreign investor meeting legal thresholds | Spouse of a Turkish citizen (3+ years) |
Minimum Requirement | USD 400 k property / USD 500 k deposit | Genuine, legal marriage |
Processing Time | 3–6 months | 1–2 years |
Residency Need | Short-term permit only | Continuous cohabitation |
Cost | High capital outlay | Minimal government fees |
Family Inclusion | Spouse + children < 18 | Applicant only |
Risks | Market & currency changes | Relationship scrutiny |
Best For | Investors, entrepreneurs | Married couples seeking permanence |
Both paths lead to the same destination — Turkish citizenship — but through very different journeys.
Why Work with Kurucuk & Associates
At Kurucuk & Associates, we see every citizenship case as a partnership built on trust. Based in Istanbul, our English-speaking lawyers have years of experience helping international clients secure Turkish citizenship through both investment and marriage.
We guide you through:
Verifying investment eligibility and property due diligence.
Handling residency permits and fingerprints.
Preparing, translating, and notarizing all documents.
Communicating with Turkish ministries and consulates on your behalf.
We believe in transparency, professionalism, and human connection — ensuring that your move to Turkey begins smoothly and securely.
FAQs
How can I get Turkish citizenship by marriage?
After three years of a genuine, ongoing marriage to a Turkish citizen, you may apply through your local Citizenship Affairs Directorate.
What is the minimum investment for Turkish citizenship in 2026?
USD 400,000 in real estate or USD 500,000 in a bank deposit, both held for at least three years.
Is Turkish citizenship by investment really worth it?
Yes. It combines global mobility, property growth, and access to the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa — all without giving up your current nationality.
Can I keep dual citizenship with Turkey?
Absolutely. Turkish law allows dual or multiple nationalities if your home country also permits it.
How long does the process take?
Investment cases take roughly 3–6 months. Marriage cases typically require 12–24 months.
Start Your Turkish Citizenship Journey with Trusted Experts
Reach out to Kurucuk & Associates today for a confidential consultation with our English-speaking lawyers in Istanbul. Whether you’re marrying, investing, or relocating, we’ll help you turn your plans into Turkish citizenship — smoothly, safely, and successfully.
