What is the minimum investment for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

The minimum investment amount depends on the route you choose. The most popular option is a real estate investment with a minimum threshold of $400,000 USD. Alternatively, you can make a capital investment of $500,000 USD via a bank deposit, government bonds, or fund shares. A third option is to create a business that employs at least 50 Turkish citizens.

How long does the Turkish Citizenship by Investment process take?

The Citizenship by Investment program is notably fast. From the start of the investment to the final approval, the entire process typically takes between 3 to 6 months. This is significantly quicker than other pathways like naturalization, which can take years.

Can I include my family in the citizenship application?

Yes. A key benefit of the program is that your immediate family can be included in the same application. This includes your spouse and your dependent children under the age of 18. They will receive citizenship and passports alongside the main applicant.

Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Turkish law explicitly permits dual and multiple citizenship. You are not required to renounce your original nationality when you become a Turkish citizen, provided your home country's laws also allow it.

Is there a language test or interview for the investment route?

No. One of the major advantages of the Citizenship by Investment program is that it waives the standard language proficiency and interview requirements that are mandatory for the naturalization pathway.

What is the 3-year holding period for investments?

To maintain your citizenship, you must keep your investment for a minimum of three years. For real estate, a 'no-sale' annotation is placed on the title deed. For a bank deposit, the funds must remain blocked in the account. The authorities can revoke citizenship if this condition is violated.

What are the benefits of a Turkish passport?

The Turkish passport offers considerable global mobility, including visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries. A significant strategic benefit is that it makes holders eligible for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, which is a valuable opportunity for nationals from non-treaty countries.

What is the most common reason for application rejection?

The most frequent reason is incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Other common reasons include a failed background check, a property valuation that falls below the $400,000 threshold, or incorrect transfer of funds. Working with an experienced legal advisor is crucial to avoid these pitfalls.

What is the difference between permanent residency and citizenship by investment?

Permanent Residency grants the right to live and work in Turkey indefinitely but does not provide a Turkish passport. Citizenship by Investment requires a higher, specific investment amount but grants a full Turkish passport, visa-free travel benefits, and political rights, all while allowing you to keep your original passport through dual citizenship.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship by Investment in Turkey | Kurucuk & Associates

Özgür Kurucuk
Nov 18, 2025
4 min read

Considering Turkish permanent residency or citizenship by investment? This guide clarifies the process, benefits, and how a strategic property purchase can secure your long-term future in Turkey, with insights from legal experts.

Dreaming of waking up to the sound of seagulls over the Bosphorus, or having a quiet coffee in a Cappadocia cave hotel? For many, the dream of living in Turkey is a powerful one. While the path to Turkish citizenship by investment is a well-known fast-track option, securing a Turkish permanent residency permit is a strategic first step for those seeking a stable, long-term life in this beautiful country without immediately changing their passport.

If you've been wondering how to make that dream a solid, legal reality, you're in the right place. Let’s break down your options together, in plain English.

Permanent Residency in Turkey vs. Citizenship by Investment in Turkey: Which Key Fits Your Door?

It's crucial to understand the distinction. A Turkish permanent residency permit is your official right to live, work, and study in Turkey indefinitely, freeing you from the need to renew temporary permits. It's a fantastic goal for those who wish to make Turkey their home while retaining their original nationality.

On the other hand, Turkish citizenship by investment is the ultimate step, granting you a Turkish passport, full political rights, and enhanced global mobility. The most significant difference in the process is the specific, higher investment threshold required for citizenship.

Here’s a simple comparison:

If you want...	Choose Permanent Residency in Turkey	Choose Citizenship by Investment in Turkey
To keep your original passport	Yes	Yes (Turkey permits dual citizenship)
A Turkish passport & visa-free travel	No	Yes (access to 110+ countries)
To live and work in Turkey indefinitely	Yes	Yes
The main requirement	Demonstrating strong ties & financial means	Meeting a specific investment threshold (e.g., $400,000 in real estate)
In a nutshell	Perfect for building a long-term life without changing nationality.	Ideal for those seeking a second passport and its global benefits.

How the Investment Route Works to Obtain Turkish Citizenship

The most direct and popular way to secure your future in Turkey is through a qualifying financial commitment. The government has created clear, regulated pathways for investors.

For Turkish Citizenship by Investment (TCBI), the main options are:

Real Estate Investment:
This is the most sought-after route. The minimum investment required is $400,000 USD. The property must be held for at least three years, and a critical step is obtaining a Certificate of Conformity to verify the value and legality of the transaction.
Bank Deposit:
An alternative is a $500,000 USD fixed capital investment deposited in a Turkish bank, converted to Turkish Lira, and held for a minimum of three years.
Job Creation:
Establishing a business that creates jobs for at least 50 Turkish citizens.

For permanent residency, while there isn't a single fixed number, a substantial Turkish real estate investment is the most powerful way to demonstrate your commitment and financial solvency, which are key criteria for approval.

Okay, I'm Interested. What's the Actual Process to Get Turkish Citizenship?

Let's demystify the process. It’s a structured journey that is much less daunting with professional guidance.

For the citizenship by investment route, it typically follows these steps:

Secure Legal Representation & Power of Attorney (PoA):
The first step is often to engage a qualified law firm in Turkey and grant them a PoA, allowing them to act on your behalf for many of the subsequent steps.
Obtain a Turkish Tax ID & Open a Bank Account:
This is a prerequisite for any financial transaction.
Make the Investment:
Finalize your property purchase or capital transfer, ensuring all funds are correctly processed through a Turkish bank.
Obtain the Certificate of Conformity:
Your legal team will apply to the relevant government body to get this crucial document proving your investment qualifies.
Apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit:
This is a necessary step before the citizenship application can be submitted.
Submit the Citizenship Application:
Your complete dossier is submitted to the authorities for a multi-stage review, including a thorough security and background check.
Receive Approval and Your Documents:
Upon final approval, you will receive your citizenship certificate and can apply for your Turkish national ID card and passport.

The entire process for the investment route is notably fast, typically taking 3 to 6 months, as it is an objective, transaction-based pathway.

You've Got Questions. We've Got Answers.

Can my family be included?

Absolutely. A major advantage of both the residency and citizenship programs is that your spouse and your dependent children under 18 can be included in the application, receiving the same status.

Is there a language test?

For the citizenship by investment program, there is no language proficiency or interview requirement. For long-term naturalization, a basic understanding of Turkish is required.

Your New Chapter in Turkey Awaits

Securing your future in Turkey through investment is about more than just paperwork—it’s about building a foundation for the life you’ve imagined. It’s a powerful, strategic choice that offers stability, opportunity, and the joy of calling Turkey home.

By making a smart Turkish property investment or capital deposit today, you're not just acquiring an asset; you're investing in your family's future.