The Legal Framework Governing Turkish Citizenship by Investment
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Oct 6
- 6 min read
The Legal Framework Governing Turkish Citizenship by Investment establishes the foundation for one of the world’s most dynamic citizenship programs. Rooted in Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law, this framework outlines how qualified foreign investors can acquire Turkish citizenship by investment through real estate purchases, bank deposits, or business ventures.
At Kurucuk & Associates, a leading English-speaking law firm in Istanbul, we provide comprehensive legal guidance to investors and families navigating the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Our firm ensures compliance with all statutory requirements — from investment verification to document legalization — offering a secure pathway to Turkish nationality.
Understanding the Legal Foundation of the Turkish CBI Program
Overview of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901
Law No. 5901, enacted on 12 June 2009, governs the acquisition and loss of Turkish citizenship. Its principles are anchored in Article 66 of the Turkish Constitution, which defines citizenship as a legal bond between the individual and the state. The law primarily operates on the jus sanguinis (citizenship by blood) principle while allowing jus soli (citizenship by birth within the territory) in limited cases to prevent statelessness.
A distinguishing feature of Turkish nationality law is its acceptance of dual and multiple citizenship, allowing investors to retain their existing nationalities while obtaining Turkish citizenship — a flexibility that significantly enhances global mobility.
Regulation on the Implementation of Turkish Citizenship Law
The Regulation on Implementation sets forth the administrative procedures, criteria, and competent authorities for processing applications. The Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, oversees the approval process, while the Directorate General of Migration Management manages residence permits and preliminary checks.
All applications, whether initiated in Turkey or through Turkish consulates abroad, undergo rigorous documentation review, security clearance, and final decision-making at the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey.
Key Amendments and Presidential Decrees Defining Investment Routes
Over time, several presidential decrees have refined the investment thresholds and eligibility criteria. The most notable amendment, enacted in May 2022, increased the minimum real estate investment threshold from USD 250,000 to USD 400,000. Similarly, bank deposits and capital investments must now meet a USD 500,000 minimum. These changes reflect Turkey’s ongoing efforts to align foreign investment incentives with macroeconomic stability.
Core Authorities Governing Citizenship by Investment in Turkey
Presidency of the Republic of Turkey Directorate of Investment Office
This office plays a central role in coordinating investment strategies, promoting the citizenship program globally, and ensuring compliance with national economic goals. It acts as the key liaison for international investors seeking direct investment opportunities.
Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change
This ministry supervises the real estate investment component of the program, confirming property eligibility and overseeing the issuance of the Certificate of Conformity. It ensures that the valuation report and title deed transfer comply with national regulations.
General Directorate of Land Registry (Tapu) and Title Deed Lock Rules
The Tapu office registers ownership transfers and enforces the three-year no-sale annotation (title deed lock), a crucial compliance requirement ensuring that investors hold the property for the mandated period to maintain citizenship eligibility.
Role of the Turkish Immigration Authority (Göç İdaresi)
The Turkish Immigration Authority manages residence permits and biometric procedures. Both the main applicant and spouse must be physically present in Turkey for fingerprint submission, a mandatory step prior to the final citizenship approval.
Investment Routes Under Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Real Estate Investment — $400,000 Minimum
Real estate investment remains the most popular route to Turkish citizenship. Investors must purchase property valued at a minimum of USD 400,000, verified by an official valuation report from a licensed firm. A 3-year no-sale annotation is placed on the title deed to ensure compliance. Investors must also pay the Tapu Harcı (title deed tax), typically 4% of the property value.
Capital or Bank Deposit Investment — $500,000 Threshold
Under this route, investors must deposit USD 500,000 (or equivalent) in a Turkish bank account, convert it into Turkish Lira, and maintain the deposit for three years. The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) issues the Certificate of Conformity confirming eligibility. Current interest rates can range between 30%–40% annually, depending on bank policies.
Business Investment and Job Creation
Citizenship can also be obtained by establishing a company that creates at least 50 full-time jobs for Turkish nationals. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security verifies job creation through official audits.
Government Bonds and Fixed Capital Investment
Investors may alternatively purchase government bonds, real estate funds, or venture capital shares worth at least USD 500,000, maintaining them for a minimum of three years. This route is monitored by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance and the Capital Markets Board.
Application Process & Compliance Requirements
Step-by-Step Citizenship Application Process
The citizenship application follows a structured seven-stage process:
Initial registration and document submission
File transfer to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs
Preliminary review for completeness
Comprehensive background check
Ministry of Interior evaluation
Presidential approval
Issuance of citizenship certificate and passport
The typical timeline ranges from 3 to 9 months, depending on the investment route.
Key Documents Required
Applicants must provide:
Valid passport and notarized Turkish translation
Birth and marital certificates
Clean criminal record
Biometric photographs
Turkish Tax ID
Residence permit
Investment verification documents (Certificate of Conformity, valuation report, exchange certificate)
Due Diligence & Background Check Procedures
The Turkish government conducts strict due diligence through AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) checks. Applications can be rejected if the investment source is unverifiable or if documentation is incomplete.
Role of Turkish Consulate or Embassy
Applicants abroad may issue the Power of Attorney or authenticate documents via Turkish embassies or consulates. Documents from non-apostille countries must be legalized by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Consulate.
Legal Safeguards and Rights Under the Turkish Citizenship Law
Dual Citizenship in Turkey
Turkey allows its citizens to hold multiple nationalities, making it one of the most flexible CBI programs globally. There is no requirement to renounce existing citizenships.
Rights of Spouse and Children
The main applicant’s spouse and children under 18 automatically qualify for citizenship under the same investment. This inclusive policy extends full legal rights to family members.
Property Ownership and Residency Rights
New citizens can freely own property, reside, work, and study in Turkey. They gain full access to public education, healthcare, and social security systems.
Access to E-2 Visa Treaty and Global Mobility Benefits
Turkish citizens can apply for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, enabling business establishment and residency in the United States. Additionally, Turkish passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as long-term Schengen visas.
Looking Ahead — Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026 and Beyond
Expected Legal Amendments and Threshold Changes
Economic shifts and currency fluctuations may lead to further threshold adjustments — potentially raising the real estate requirement to USD 600,000 by 2026. Investors are encouraged to act promptly before new regulations take effect.
Economic Impact and Policy Outlook
The program has significantly contributed to Turkey’s foreign capital inflow, real estate development, and lira stabilization. Ongoing reforms aim to strengthen transparency and compliance.
Comparative Perspective — Turkey vs. Other CBI Programs
Compared to Portugal’s Golden Visa or Caribbean citizenship schemes, Turkey’s program offers faster processing times (3–6 months), lower investment thresholds, and no residency requirement, making it a preferred option among high-net-worth investors.
Why Legal Counsel Matters
Role of a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer in Application Success
Professional legal representation ensures proper documentation, compliance with Turkish law, and a smooth approval process. A specialized lawyer coordinates with government agencies and oversees each procedural stage.
Avoiding Legal Pitfalls and Fraudulent Intermediaries
Applicants must avoid unlicensed intermediaries and misleading “buyback guarantee” schemes, which are explicitly prohibited. Legal supervision protects investors from potential fraud and rejection.
Why Choose Kurucuk & Associates — Trusted Turkish Citizenship Experts
Kurucuk & Associates, based in Istanbul, with a top-tier team of Turkish Citizenship by Investment Lawyers, provides end-to-end legal support in Turkish citizenship, residency, and real estate investment. The firm’s deep understanding of Law No. 5901, regulatory procedures, and international due diligence standards ensures that each client’s application is legally sound and efficiently processed.
Get Expert Legal Advice on Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Kurucuk & Associates provides expert legal support to investors seeking Turkish Citizenship. Contact our Istanbul office for tailored assistance today.
