Turkey Citizenship by Investment Real Estate Process Step by Step 2026 Guide
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Dec 29, 2025
- 5 min read
For many investors and families, pursuing a second citizenship is not just a financial decision—it’s a deeply personal one tied to security, stability, and long-term planning. If you are considering Turkey citizenship by investment through real estate in 2026, it is natural to have questions, concerns, and a desire for clarity before committing such a significant investment.
This guide is designed to walk you clearly through the Turkey citizenship by investment real estate process step by step, explaining what to expect, what to avoid, and how to proceed with confidence under the current legal framework.
Why Real Estate Is the Preferred Route for Turkey Citizenship by Investment
Real estate remains the most trusted and widely used pathway within the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Investors often prefer property-based citizenship because it combines legal certainty with asset ownership and long-term value.
From a legal perspective, the real estate route offers:
A clearly defined minimum investment threshold
Government-controlled valuation and registration systems
Eligibility for immediate family members
No residency or physical stay obligations
In 2026, this structure continues to make Turkey’s program one of the most transparent and enforceable among global citizenship-by-investment options.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment Requirements 2026 (Real Estate Route)
To qualify for Turkish citizenship through real estate investment, the law requires strict compliance with several non-negotiable conditions.
You must:
Invest a minimum of USD 400,000 in eligible real estate
Obtain an official independent valuation report
Register the property with a 3-year sale restriction on the title deed
Transfer funds through Turkish banks with full traceability
Submit a complete and accurate citizenship application file
Meeting the investment amount alone is not enough. The procedural correctness of each step is what ultimately determines approval.
Step-by-Step Turkey Citizenship by Investment Real Estate Process (2026)
Step 1: Obtain a Turkish Tax ID Number
The process begins with obtaining a Turkish tax identification number. This is a straightforward administrative step, but it is legally essential for banking, property registration, and all citizenship-related filings.
Step 2: Open a Turkish Bank Account
A Turkish bank account is required to ensure that investment funds are transferred lawfully and transparently. Turkish authorities closely examine banking records to confirm the legitimacy and source of funds.
Step 3: Choose Eligible Property for Turkish Citizenship
Not every property in Turkey qualifies for citizenship purposes. Selecting the right property is one of the most critical decisions in the process.
Eligible options may include:
Residential apartments or villas
Commercial properties
Multiple properties whose combined value meets the threshold
New construction or resale properties
Certain land-and-construction projects
A careful legal review at this stage prevents costly mistakes later.
Step 4: Independent Property Valuation Report
An independent valuation report, issued by a government-authorized valuation company, determines whether the property meets the USD 400,000 minimum.
This report is binding. If the valuation falls even slightly below the threshold, the citizenship application will not proceed, regardless of the purchase price stated in the contract.
Step 5: Title Deed (Tapu) Transfer & Sale Restriction
Once the property is approved, ownership is officially registered at the Land Registry (Tapu Office). At this stage, a mandatory 3-year no-sale annotation is placed on the title deed.
This annotation is a legal safeguard. Selling the property before the restriction period ends results in loss of citizenship.
Step 6: Bank Letter of Conformity
The bank issues a letter confirming that:
The investment amount was transferred correctly
The transaction complies with citizenship regulations
The funds entered Turkey through lawful banking channels
This document is a cornerstone of the citizenship file.
Step 7: Residence Permit Application
A short-term residence permit is obtained as part of the citizenship process. This does not require long-term residence or physical stay in Turkey, but it is a formal procedural step that cannot be skipped.
Step 8: Citizenship Application Submission
Once all documentation is complete, the citizenship application is formally submitted to the relevant authorities. Accuracy and consistency across documents are essential at this stage to avoid delays or rejection.
Step 9: Biometrics & Interview Appointment
Applicants attend a biometrics appointment at the Population Directorate, where fingerprints and photographs are recorded. This is usually brief and procedural.
Step 10: Approval, Turkish ID (Kimlik) & Passport
Following approval:
A Turkish ID card (Kimlik) is issued
The Turkish passport application is completed
At this point, citizenship rights are fully granted.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take in 2026?
In most well-prepared applications:
Property acquisition and compliance take 2–4 weeks
Citizenship processing takes approximately 3–5 months
The overall timeline typically falls between 4 and 6 months in 2026.
Can You Sell the Property After Getting Turkish Citizenship?
Yes, but only after the mandatory 3-year holding period. Once this period ends, the property may be sold freely without affecting your Turkish citizenship status.
Legal Procedures & Due Diligence (Why Lawyers Matter)
Many application issues arise not from the investment amount, but from overlooked legal risks—such as liens, zoning problems, or non-compliant valuation reports.
Professional legal due diligence protects you from:
Ineligible or problematic properties
Incomplete or inconsistent filings
Delays caused by procedural errors
In citizenship-by-investment cases, prevention is always more effective than correction.
Do You Need to Live in Turkey?
No. Turkey does not impose any minimum residence or physical stay requirement before or after citizenship approval under the real estate investment route.
Documents Required for Turkey Citizenship by Investment (Real Estate)
Commonly required documents include:
Passports and birth certificates
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Property title deed (Tapu)
Independent valuation report
Bank transfer receipts
Criminal record certificate
Health insurance policy
All foreign documents must be properly notarized and, where required, apostilled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the requirements for Turkey citizenship by investment in real estate?
A minimum USD 400,000 property investment, official valuation, title deed registration with a 3-year sale restriction, and full procedural compliance.
How much do I need to invest in real estate for Turkish citizenship?
The minimum required investment remains USD 400,000 in 2026.
What is the step-by-step process for getting Turkish citizenship through real estate investment?
It includes obtaining a tax ID, purchasing eligible property, valuation, Tapu registration, residence permit, citizenship application, biometrics, and passport issuance.
Which properties are eligible for the Turkish citizenship by investment program?
Residential, commercial, multiple-property portfolios, and certain land-plus-construction projects that meet legal criteria.
How long does it take to get Turkish citizenship by buying property in Turkey?
Most applicants receive citizenship within 4–6 months in 2026.
Can I get Turkish citizenship by buying any property in Turkey?
No. Only properties that meet valuation, zoning, and legal eligibility requirements qualify.
What are the legal procedures for obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate?
They include legal due diligence, valuation approval, bank conformity, residence permit issuance, and formal citizenship filing.
Do I need to live in Turkey to get citizenship by real estate investment?
No residence or physical stay is required.
What documents are required for Turkish citizenship by property investment?
Passports, Tapu, valuation report, bank receipts, criminal record, health insurance, and civil status documents.
Can I sell the property after getting Turkish citizenship through investment?
Yes, after the 3-year holding period ends.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment Real Estate – Step-by-Step Legal Guidance
Kurucuk & Associates provides comprehensive legal support for Turkey citizenship by investment through real estate, from property due diligence to passport issuance.
Our services cover:
Citizenship-compliant property selection
Legal and financial risk assessment
Title deed and valuation control
Family-inclusive citizenship applications
Post-citizenship exit strategy planning
If you are planning to get Turkish citizenship by buying property in 2026, our citizenship legal team ensures your investment is secure, compliant, and processed with clarity and confidence.
