Minimum Investment Required for Turkish Citizenship Explained – 2026 Guide by Kurucuk & Associates

The Minimum Investment Required for Turkish Citizenship Explained is one of the most asked questions by global investors today. Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has become one of the most attractive options for individuals and families seeking a second passport, secure residency, and global mobility.

At Kurucuk & Associates, a leading Istanbul-based law firm of English-speaking Turkish lawyers, we specialize in guiding clients through every stage of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment process. From selecting the right investment route to ensuring compliance with legal procedures, we provide expert support.

In this guide, we’ll explain the minimum investment thresholds, types of investments, benefits, process, risks, and latest updates, so you can make a well-informed decision about securing Turkish citizenship.

What is the Minimum Investment Required for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program allows foreign investors to obtain citizenship by making a qualifying investment in Turkey.

Current $400,000 Real Estate Threshold for Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

• The most popular route is real estate investment, requiring a minimum of $400,000.

• The property (or combined properties) must be held for 3 years, verified by a valuation report and a no-sale annotation on the title deed.

Alternative Routes (Bank Deposit, Bonds, Capital, Job Creation) for TR Citizenship by Investment

• Bank Deposit: $500,000 (converted into Turkish Lira, held for 3 years).

• Government Bonds: $500,000 in state-approved fixed-income instruments.

• Capital Investment: $500,000 in a Turkish company.

• Job Creation: Employ at least 50 Turkish citizens.

Latest Updates (2024–2026 Changes)

• The real estate threshold increased from $250,000 to $400,000 in 2022.

• Policy discussions suggest possible future increases to $600,000 by 2026.

• The YUVAM account program was removed in 2025 as a qualifying option.

Investment Routes for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Real Estate Investment – Buy Property in Turkey for Citizenship

• Invest at least $400,000 in residential or commercial property.

• Property must be registered with a 3-year no-sale restriction.

• Due diligence ensures no liens, mortgages, or encumbrances.

Bank Deposit Route – $500,000 Deposit Requirements

• Deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank.

• Funds must be converted into TRY and held for 3 years.

• Certificate of Conformity issued by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK).

Capital Investment – Invest in a Turkish Company

• Invest $500,000 in a Turkish company or start-up.

• Supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.

Government Bonds – Buy State Bonds for Turkish Passport

• Purchase $500,000 worth of government bonds.

• Bonds must be held for 3 years.

Job Creation – Employ 50 People in Turkey

• Establish a company that creates 50 full-time jobs for Turkish citizens.

• Verified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Comparing Turkish Citizenship Investment Options

Investment Route	Minimum Amount	Holding Period	Key Advantage	Key Risk
Real Estate	$400,000	3 years	Tangible asset, ROI potential	Property market fluctuation
Bank Deposit	$500,000	3 years	High interest rates	Currency depreciation
Government Bonds	$500,000	3 years	Safe & state-backed	Low returns
Capital Investment	$500,000	3 years	Business ownership	Market risk
Job Creation	50 employees	Ongoing	Long-term business presence	High operational costs

Turkey vs Greece Golden Visa

• Turkey: Direct citizenship in 3–6 months.

• Greece: Residency only; citizenship takes 7+ years.

Turkey vs Portugal Citizenship by Investment

• Turkey: No residency requirement, lower cost.

• Portugal: €500,000 minimum, residency first, then citizenship after 5 years.

Invest in Turkey through the citizenship by investment program with a $400,000 real estate investment or $500,000 bank deposit, securing residency, dual citizenship, and a powerful second passport.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Visa-Free Access to 110+ Countries

• Travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Include Spouse & Children Under 18

• Citizenship covers spouse and dependent children.

E2 Visa Treaty with USA

• Turkish citizens can apply for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, unavailable to many other nationalities.

Strong Turkish Passport

• Ranked among the top global passports, offering mobility and access to business opportunities.

Application Process & Legal Requirements for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Step-by-Step Turkish Citizenship Application Process

1. Sign legal service agreement.

2. Issue Power of Attorney.

3. Obtain Turkish Tax ID.

4. Open a Turkish bank account.

5. Make the qualifying investment.

6. Obtain a Certificate of Conformity.

7. Apply for residency permit (fingerprints required).

8. Submit citizenship application.

9. Approval & issuance of Turkish passport.

Documents Required

• Valid passport

• Birth & marital status certificates

• Criminal record clearance

• Biometric photos

• Proof of investment

Due Diligence and Legal Fees

• Government conducts strict background checks.

• Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the case.

Role of Turkish Lawyers (Kurucuk & Associates)

• Handle PoA, compliance, document preparation, and submission.

• Ensure legal safeguards and protection of client’s rights.

Risks & Considerations for Turkish Citizenship by Investment Application

Property Market Risks

• Real estate values may fluctuate; valuation report is essential.

Turkish Lira Exchange Rate Risk

• Bank deposits and bonds must be held in TRY, exposing investors to currency volatility.

Can Citizenship Be Revoked?

• Yes, if the property is sold or deposit withdrawn before 3 years.

• Fraudulent documents or false declarations also risk revocation.

Expert Insights from Kurucuk & Associates

Common Mistakes Investors Make

• Choosing undervalued properties below $400,000.

• Misunderstanding tax liabilities (e.g., property transfer tax).

• Using unlicensed agents.

How Lawyers Ensure Compliance

• Conduct due diligence on properties.

• Verify all documentation is apostilled, notarized, and translated.

• Ensure investment meets Turkish law requirements.

Real Client Case Study

One of our clients secured Turkish citizenship via the bank deposit route within 6 months. Our firm managed the PoA, opened the bank account, and ensured compliance—delivering citizenship smoothly for the client and their family.

Get Expert Legal Help with Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Kurucuk & Associates, Istanbul’s leading citizenship lawyers, guide you through every step. Contact us today for a consultation.

Contact Us Now

At Kurucuk & Associates, our English-speaking lawyers in Istanbul simplify the entire citizenship by investment process—handling investments, paperwork, and compliance on your behalf. Start your journey today with an initial consultation.