Rules for Buying Property for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Nov 4
- 5 min read
If you’ve ever dreamed of living, investing, or doing business in Turkey — or simply owning a home that opens doors to global mobility — the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program is your gateway. And among all available options, buying property for Turkish citizenship stands out as the most rewarding, secure, and straightforward route.
By investing at least USD 400,000 in Turkish real estate, you can obtain citizenship not only for yourself but also for your spouse and children, gaining access to a powerful Turkish passport and a life enriched by cultural depth, strategic location, and economic opportunity.
At Kurucuk & Associates, a respected law firm in Istanbul, our English-speaking lawyers help investors navigate the process with confidence — from selecting the right property to securing your citizenship approval. This guide will walk you through every rule, requirement, and regulation you need to know in 2026 to make your investment both compliant and successful.
Understanding the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program
What is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program allows foreign investors to become Turkish citizens through qualified investments. It is based on Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, specifically Article 31, and is regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change for real estate investments.
Unlike traditional residency-based naturalization, this program fast-tracks citizenship through economic contribution — typically within 6 to 9 months. It’s designed to attract global investors, stimulate Turkey’s economy, and expand international connections through legal, transparent channels.
Why Property Investment is the Most Popular Route
Real estate investment has consistently been the preferred route to citizenship because it combines legal certainty with tangible value.
Owning property in Turkey means:
A stable investment in a growing real estate market.
Potential rental income and capital appreciation.
A faster and more predictable pathway to citizenship.
From seaside apartments in Antalya to luxury residences in Istanbul, investors enjoy both lifestyle benefits and long-term returns — a win-win for those seeking global diversification.
Core Eligibility Rules in 2026
To qualify for Turkish citizenship through property investment in 2026, you must:
Purchase one or more properties totaling at least USD 400,000 (or equivalent in TRY).
Retain ownership for three years — the property cannot be sold or transferred during this period.
Obtain an official Certificate of Conformity confirming the investment meets program criteria.
Register the purchase in the Land Registry (Tapu) with a legal annotation preventing sale for 36 months.
Step-by-Step Rules for Buying Property for Turkish Citizenship
Step 1 – Choose an Eligible Property
Your first step is selecting an eligible property — residential, commercial, or mixed-use. Both newly built and resale properties can qualify if their total value meets the minimum threshold.
You can invest in multiple units, provided each purchase is registered under your name and collectively reaches the required amount.
Step 2 – Legal Due Diligence and Valuation
Before purchasing, it’s essential to ensure that the property is free of debt, mortgage, or other encumbrances. A licensed valuation company registered with the Central Registry of Valuers (CRV) will issue an official property valuation report confirming the property’s market value meets the USD 400,000 requirement.
At Kurucuk & Associates, we carry out full legal due diligence — reviewing land registry records, municipal approvals, and ownership details — to protect our clients from potential risks or ineligible transactions.
Step 3 – Purchase and Tapu Registration
Once the property and valuation are approved:
Transfer funds from your personal bank account directly to the seller’s account.
Obtain a Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate confirming the conversion of funds into Turkish Lira through the Central Bank of Turkey (CBRT).
Register the Tapu (Title Deed) at the Land Registry Office, including the “no sale for 3 years” annotation.
This title deed (Tapu) is the legal foundation of your ownership and your eligibility for citizenship.
Step 4 – Apply for Citizenship by Investment
After completing the purchase and registration, the next step involves:
Applying for a short-term residence permit (required before citizenship).
Filing your citizenship application through the Provincial Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs.
Once submitted, your file undergoes a multi-stage verification — background checks, Ministry approvals, and security clearances. Successful applicants receive their citizenship certificate, after which they can apply for their Turkish passport and national ID.
Legal Framework and Regulations
Key Laws Governing Property Purchase
The process is guided by clear legal provisions:
Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 (Article 31)
Land Registry Law (Tapu Law)
Official circulars by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre
These laws ensure that each application is processed transparently and in accordance with state regulations.
Compliance Requirements
Applicants must comply with key procedural requirements, including:
Granting a Power of Attorney (PoA) for representation by your lawyer.
Providing proof of legitimate funds.
Submitting a CRV-compliant valuation report.
Completing biometric registration and fingerprints during residence and citizenship applications.
Holding and Sale Restrictions
The 3-year hold period is a mandatory legal requirement. Selling your property before this term voids your eligibility and may lead to revocation of citizenship.
After three years, you may sell the property freely. If you hold it longer than five years, potential capital gains tax exemptions may apply.
Financial Aspects and Property Valuation
Required Investment Amount
The official threshold remains USD 400,000, payable via bank transfer only. The transaction must pass through Turkey’s official banking and foreign exchange channels, and an exchange certificate must verify the transaction’s authenticity.
Valuation and Tapu Certification
Your property’s valuation report is not a formality — it’s one of the most crucial documents in the process. The Tapu office checks this valuation, confirms compliance, and records the property in the land registry with a no-sale annotation.
Additional Costs and Fees
Investors should also consider:
Title deed tax (Tapu Harcı): 4% of the declared property value
Notary and translation fees
Legal representation and government filing costs
Kurucuk & Associates provides a full cost breakdown upfront, ensuring complete transparency.
Expert Guidance from Kurucuk & Associates
Why Legal Assistance Matters
While the citizenship process is well-structured, it involves multiple government layers and sensitive documentation. Without proper legal guidance, applicants risk delays, ineligible investments, or even rejection.
Our Role in the Process
At Kurucuk & Associates, our team provides end-to-end assistance — from property selection to passport issuance.
We:
Draft the Engagement Agreement and Power of Attorney
Handle property due diligence and valuation coordination
Manage residence and citizenship applications
Liaise with government authorities on your behalf
Keep clients updated at every stage
Real-World Insight
Our firm has successfully represented clients from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia — helping families secure Turkish citizenship through property investments in Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir. We pride ourselves on delivering precision, speed, and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include my family in the application?
Yes, your spouse and children under 18 can be included in one application.
Can I rent out the property during the 3-year period?
Yes, you may rent your property, provided ownership remains under your name.
What happens if I sell the property early?
Selling before the 3-year mark cancels your citizenship eligibility and may result in revocation.
Do I need to live in Turkey?
No, there is no residency requirement to maintain citizenship.
Is Turkish citizenship permanent?
Yes, once granted, Turkish citizenship is permanent and inheritable.
How can I avoid property scams?
Work exclusively with licensed law firms like Kurucuk & Associates, verify title deeds, and ensure valuation reports are CRV-approved.
Get Expert Legal Help for Your Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Kurucuk & Associates, an English-speaking law firm based in Istanbul, offers complete legal support for buying property and securing Turkish citizenship by investment.
Contact us today to begin your trusted path to Turkish citizenship.
