Must Property Be Held for 3 Years for Turkey Citizenship?
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Dec 27, 2025
- 5 min read
If you are considering Turkish citizenship by property investment, it is completely natural to feel uncertain about long-term obligations—especially when a rule involves holding a valuable asset for several years. Many investors worry about flexibility, exit options, and legal consequences.
This guide is designed to answer those concerns calmly and clearly, while also giving you a precise legal explanation of whether property must be held for 3 years for Turkey citizenship, what the law requires, and how to protect yourself from costly mistakes.
Is There a 3-Year Holding Period for Turkish Citizenship by Property?
Yes. Under Turkey’s citizenship by real estate investment program, a 3-year property holding period is mandatory.
This is not a policy preference or administrative habit—it is a legal obligation. When you purchase property for citizenship purposes, a non-sale annotation is placed on the Tapu (title deed), formally recording your commitment to retain ownership for three years.
In simple terms:
You must keep the property for at least 3 years
You cannot sell, transfer, or gift it during this time
The restriction is legally enforceable
For anyone asking, “Do you have to keep property for 3 years to get Turkish citizenship?” — the answer is clearly and consistently yes.
Turkish Citizenship Property Investment: 3-Year Rule Explained
Minimum Holding Period for Property – Turkey Citizenship Program
The minimum holding period for property under the Turkey citizenship program is exactly three years, no more and no less.
This rule applies equally to:
Residential apartments or villas
Commercial properties
Multiple properties combined to reach eligibility
Importantly, this is not a flexible or negotiable requirement. Once the citizenship route is chosen through real estate, the 3-year rule becomes binding.
When Does the 3-Year Holding Period Start?
This is one of the most misunderstood—and most important—questions.
The 3-year holding period starts on the Tapu registration date, when:
Ownership is officially recorded
The non-sale annotation is placed on the title deed
It does not begin:
On payment date
On reservation date
On signing a sales promise contract
Understanding this distinction helps investors accurately plan their Turkey citizenship process timeline with the 3-year holding rule and avoid premature assumptions about resale eligibility.
Apply for Citizenship After Property Purchase or Wait 3 Years?
This is a common concern, and the answer is reassuring.
You do not need to wait 3 years before applying for Turkish citizenship.
The correct process is:
Purchase eligible property
Register the 3-year non-sale annotation
Apply for citizenship immediately
Obtain citizenship within months
Continue holding the property until the 3-year period is completed
This approach allows investors to secure citizenship quickly, while fulfilling the holding obligation afterward.
Can You Sell Property After 3 Years and Keep Turkish Citizenship?
Yes—once the full 3-year property ownership requirement is completed, your rights are clear.
After three years:
The annotation can be lifted
The property may be sold freely
Your Turkish citizenship remains permanent and unaffected
This is why many investors see the holding period as a temporary compliance step, not a long-term restriction.
Official Law & Legal Proof of the 3-Year Holding Requirement
Is the 3-Year Holding Period Mandatory by Law in Turkey?
Yes. The requirement is based on:
Turkish Citizenship Law
Implementing regulations
Administrative directives, including Regulation 2022/1
The Tapu annotation itself is the legal proof of the obligation. Authorities rely on this record directly, leaving no room for interpretation or informal arrangements.
What Happens If You Sell Property Before 3 Years?
This is where the risk becomes serious.
If a property is sold before completing the 3-year holding period:
Citizenship applications may be rejected
Granted citizenship may be revoked
Passports and IDs can be cancelled
Family members’ citizenship may also be affected
There is no fine, waiver, or workaround once the rule is breached. This is why early legal guidance is critical.
Are There Exceptions to the 3-Year Property Rule for Turkish Citizenship?
In practice, there are no general exceptions.
Only extremely rare situations—such as government expropriation or court-enforced sales not caused by the investor—may be reviewed administratively. Even then, official approval and documentation are required.
Voluntary sale, transfer to family members, or restructuring ownership does not qualify as an exception.
Can I Buy Multiple Properties to Meet the 3-Year Requirement?
Yes. Multiple properties can be used, provided that:
The total value meets the eligibility threshold
Each property carries the 3-year annotation
None are sold during the holding period
This approach is often used strategically, but it must be structured carefully.
Does Commercial Property Have the Same 3-Year Hold?
Yes. Commercial and residential properties are treated the same under the 3-year holding rule. The law does not distinguish between property types.
Risks of Holding Property for 3 Years for Turkish Passport
Some investors question whether this rule is a disadvantage.
In reality:
The holding period is shorter than many comparable programs
Citizenship is granted well before the holding period ends
Properties can generate rental income during the 3 years
When viewed objectively, Turkey remains one of the most balanced and efficient citizenship-by-investment options available.
Alternatives to Property Investment With No Holding Period
Other citizenship routes exist, such as:
Bank deposits
Capital investment
Job creation
However, these often require higher capital, stricter controls, and less flexibility. For most investors, real estate remains the fastest and most practical route.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you get Turkish citizenship without holding property for 3 years?
No. If citizenship is obtained through real estate investment, the 3-year holding period is mandatory by law.
What are the exceptions to the 3-year property holding rule for Turkish citizenship?
Only rare, government-approved or court-mandated situations may apply. Voluntary sale or transfer is not an exception.
Is there a minimum investment amount for Turkish citizenship by property without the 3-year wait?
No. All property-based citizenship applications require the 3-year holding commitment regardless of investment amount.
Can you sell the property after getting Turkish citizenship and before 3 years?
No. Selling before completing 3 years can lead to revocation of citizenship.
What is the fastest way to get Turkish citizenship by real estate investment?
Purchasing eligible property, placing the annotation immediately, and applying without delay is the fastest lawful route.
Does the property need to be held for 3 years if bought before the citizenship law changed?
If citizenship is applied under the current regime, the 3-year rule applies regardless of purchase date.
Can a mortgage property be used for Turkish citizenship without holding for 3 years?
Mortgaged property is generally not eligible unless mortgage conditions fully comply with citizenship regulations.
What happens if I sell the property before 3 years for Turkish citizenship?
The application may be denied or approved citizenship revoked, with serious legal consequences.
Are there any conditions to sell the property after getting Turkish citizenship?
Yes. The full 3-year holding period must be completed before selling.
What are the legal consequences of not holding the property for 3 years for Turkish citizenship?
Loss of citizenship rights, cancellation of passport, and invalidation of family applications.
Why Legal Guidance Matters in the 3-Year Rule
Most citizenship problems do not arise from bad intentions—but from misunderstanding the rules. A single mistake with annotations, timing, or resale can permanently damage an application.
Protect Your Investment. Protect Your Citizenship.
Kurucuk & Associates provides clear, lawyer-led guidance for Turkish citizenship by real estate investment, ensuring:
Full compliance with the 3-year holding rule
Correct Tapu annotations
Secure application structuring
Long-term protection of your citizenship rights
Speak with Kurucuk & Associates today to move forward with confidence, clarity, and legal certainty.