Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026: The Complete Guide for Global Investors
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Sep 15
- 8 min read
Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026 is the latest version of Turkey’s globally recognized investment migration program, allowing foreign investors to obtain citizenship through approved investments such as real estate or bank deposits. With updated thresholds and stricter compliance rules introduced for 2026, the program remains one of the most attractive routes for entrepreneurs, investors, and families seeking global mobility and security.
In this article, we explain what Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026 is, the new investment requirements, available options, application process, benefits, and legal considerations. With insights from our English-speaking Istanbul lawyers at Kurucuk & Associates, you’ll gain clarity on how to navigate this opportunity successfully.
What is Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026?
Updated Definition for 2026
The Turkey Citizenship Program 2026 allows qualified investors to acquire Turkish nationality by meeting a government-approved investment threshold. In 2026, the focus is on real estate investment (minimum USD 400,000), bank deposit options (USD 500,000), and other financial instruments, all subject to a three-year holding requirement.
Key Differences from Previous Years
Higher compliance standards: Stricter due diligence and proof of funds.
No YUVAM account eligibility (removed from 2025 onwards).
Mandatory fingerprinting for applicants and spouses in Turkey.
Faster processing timelines (7–9 months in most cases).
Why Turkey Remains a Global Investment Hub
Turkey’s strategic location, strong real estate market, and access to global visa programs such as the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa and long-term Schengen visas make it a top choice for investors worldwide.
How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026
Step 1 – Choose an Investment Option
Investors can select from:
Real estate purchase (minimum USD 400,000).
Bank deposit (minimum USD 500,000 converted to TRY for 3 years).
Other investments like government bonds, venture capital funds, or job creation.
Step 2 – Prepare Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
Passport, birth certificate, civil status documents.
Police clearance certificate (apostilled or consulate attested).
Biometric photos.
Power of Attorney (if appointing a lawyer in Turkey).
Property valuation report (for real estate option).
Step 3 – Application & Approval Timeline
Engagement Letter & PoA
Tax ID & Bank Account Setup
Investment Completion & Conformity Certificate
Residence Permit Application
Citizenship Application & Biometrics Timeline: Typically 7–9 months from investment to Turkish passport issuance.
Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026
Real Estate Investment (Minimum Amount in 2026)
Minimum USD 400,000 property purchase.
Property must pass official valuation report.
Title deed registered with a 3-year no-sale lock.
Bank Deposit Option
USD 500,000 minimum deposit converted into Turkish Lira.
Blocked for 3 years with Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate.
Current TRY interest rates offer 30–40% annual returns (variable).
Other Eligible Investment Routes
Government bonds.
Venture capital funds.
Job creation (50 full-time Turkish employees).
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026
Visa-Free Travel Opportunities
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 110+ countries.
Eligibility for U.S. E-2 Investor Visa.
Long-term Schengen visa access.
Dual Citizenship Rights
Turkey permits dual and multiple citizenships, allowing investors to retain their original nationality.
Business and Real Estate Advantages
Thriving real estate ROI in Istanbul and coastal cities.
Access to Turkey’s strategic economy bridging Europe & Asia.
Tax advantages under double taxation treaties with 80+ countries.
Cost, Requirements & Legal Aspects
Minimum Investment Requirements in 2026
USD 400,000 (real estate).
USD 500,000 (bank deposit or capital investment).
Holding period: 3 years.
Government Fees & Hidden Costs
Property transfer tax: 4%.
Translation & notarization fees.
Application & residence permit fees.
Valuation report (~USD 300).
Role of Turkish Lawyers in the Process
Working with an experienced Istanbul lawyer ensures:
Compliance with Turkish Citizenship Law.
Avoidance of fraud/scams.
Smooth document handling & government submissions.
At Kurucuk & Associates, our team provides end-to-end guidance in English for foreign clients.
Expert Insights on Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026
Case Studies of Successful Applicants
A Middle Eastern family secured citizenship via bank deposit option, earning interest while gaining a Turkish passport.
An Asian investor bought prime Istanbul property, gaining both citizenship and rental income.
Mistakes to Avoid in 2026 Applications
Choosing properties below the USD 400,000 valuation.
Submitting incomplete documentation.
Relying on unlicensed agencies promising “quick fixes.”
FAQs on Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026
What is the Turkish citizenship by investment program?
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program allows foreign investors to obtain Turkish nationality by making a qualified investment, such as real estate purchase or bank deposit. It provides a fast-track route, usually completed within 7–9 months, without requiring long-term residency.
How much do I need to invest for Turkish citizenship?
In 2026, the minimum threshold is USD 400,000 for property purchase and USD 500,000 for bank deposit or capital investment.
What are the different investment options for Turkish citizenship?
Options include:
Real estate purchase (minimum USD 400,000).
Bank deposit in Turkish Lira (minimum USD 500,000, held for 3 years).
Government bonds or venture capital funds.
Creating 50 jobs for Turkish citizens.
Can I get Turkish citizenship by buying property?
Yes. Buying property worth at least USD 400,000 and registering a 3-year no-sale annotation on the title deed qualifies you.
What is the minimum real estate investment for Turkish citizenship?
The minimum is USD 400,000, verified by an official valuation report from a licensed company.
Can I get citizenship by depositing money in a Turkish bank?
Yes. A USD 500,000 deposit, converted into Turkish Lira and blocked for 3 years, qualifies for citizenship.
Am I eligible for Turkish citizenship by investment?
You are eligible if you can meet the minimum investment, provide clean criminal records, and comply with Turkish citizenship laws.
Can my family be included in the citizenship application?
Yes. Spouses and children under 18 are included in the main applicant’s file.
Which family members can be included in my application?
Spouse
Dependent children under 18Adult children above 18 must apply separately.
Is there a language requirement for the citizenship by investment program?
No, Turkish language knowledge is not required for the investment route.
Do I need to reside in Turkey to get citizenship by investment?
No permanent residency is required. However, applicants and spouses must be in Turkey at least once to give biometrics (fingerprints).
Are there any country restrictions for the program?
No nationality is excluded, but enhanced due diligence applies to certain countries.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Property-Related FAQs
What are the rules for buying property for citizenship in Turkey?
Property value must be at least USD 400,000.
Must pass a valuation report.
Funds must be transferred through a Turkish bank.
A 3-year no-sale annotation must be placed on the deed.
Does the property have to be held for a certain period?
Yes, at least 3 years.
Can I sell the property after getting citizenship?
Yes, but only after the 3-year restriction. Selling earlier may lead to revocation of citizenship.
Can I buy multiple properties to reach the investment threshold?
Yes, multiple properties are allowed if their combined value exceeds USD 400,000.
What is a title deed (tapu) and why is it important?
The tapu is the official ownership certificate for property in Turkey. It must include the 3-year restriction annotation.
Do I need a valuation report for the property?
Yes, an official Ekspertiz Raporu is mandatory to confirm the property’s market value.
What are the steps to get citizenship by buying property?
Engagement letter & Power of Attorney.
Tax ID number & bank account setup.
Property purchase & valuation report.
Title deed registration with 3-year lock.
Certificate of Conformity.
Residence permit & citizenship application.
Are there any restrictions on the type of property I can buy?
Yes. Agricultural land and unregistered properties are generally not eligible. Residential and commercial real estate are preferred.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Capital Investment & Bank Deposit FAQs
How does the capital investment option work for Turkish citizenship?
You must invest at least USD 500,000 in approved financial instruments or capital.
What is the required bank deposit amount for citizenship?
USD 500,000, converted to Turkish Lira and held for 3 years.
How long must the bank deposit be held?
At least 3 years with a blockage letter from the bank.
Can I get citizenship by investing in government bonds?
Yes, purchasing government bonds worth USD 500,000 qualifies.
What types of government bonds qualify for citizenship?
Approved bonds under the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA).
Can I get citizenship by investing in a Turkish business or venture capital fund?
Yes, investment in authorized venture capital or real estate funds qualifies.
How many jobs must I create to qualify for citizenship?
At least 50 full-time jobs for Turkish citizens.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment Application Process FAQs
What is the process for applying for Turkish citizenship by investment?
It involves: PoA → Tax ID → Bank account → Investment → Certificate of Conformity → Residence permit → Citizenship application & biometrics.
How long does it take to get Turkish citizenship by investment?
Typically 7–9 months after investment.
What documents are needed for the application?
Passports, birth & marital certificates, police clearance, biometric photos, PoA, valuation report (for property).
Do I need to hire a lawyer for the citizenship process?
Yes, strongly recommended. Lawyers ensure compliance, draft PoA, manage due diligence, and prevent fraud.
What is the role of the investment broker or consultant?
Only licensed lawyers can represent you. Brokers may assist with property selection but cannot manage legal filings.
Do I need to be in Turkey during the application process?
Only for fingerprints and biometrics. Most steps can be handled via Power of Attorney.
What happens after my application is approved?
You receive your citizenship certificate, then your Turkish ID and 10-year passport.
Do I need to take an oath of citizenship?
Yes, but it is a simple formality before receiving your citizenship certificate.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment Costs & Taxes FAQs
What are the total costs involved, beyond the investment amount?
Government fees, notary fees, translations, residence permit fees, and property transfer tax (4%).
Are there any taxes on buying property in Turkey?
Yes, property transfer tax of 4%. Usually split, but in practice buyers often pay the full amount.
What are the ongoing tax implications of being a Turkish citizen?
Citizens pay taxes on income earned in Turkey. International tax implications depend on double taxation treaties.
Does Turkey have a worldwide income tax?
Yes, but exemptions and treaties reduce double taxation risks.
How does Turkish citizenship affect my current citizenship?
Turkey allows dual citizenship. Whether you can keep your existing nationality depends on your home country’s law.
Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
Yes.
Will my home country allow me to have dual citizenship with Turkey?
It depends on your country’s laws—some may require renunciation.
What are the risks of the investment citizenship process?
Currency fluctuation risks.
Fraudulent real estate offers.
Rejection if documents are incomplete or inaccurate.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment Benefits FAQs
What are the benefits of Turkish citizenship?
Visa-free travel.
Strong passport.
Family inclusion.
Business, healthcare & education access.
What is the power of a Turkish passport?
It allows visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries and eligibility for the U.S. E-2 visa.
How many countries can I visit visa-free with a Turkish passport?
Over 110 countries.
Does Turkish citizenship give me access to the USA E-2 visa?
Yes, as Turkey has a treaty with the U.S.
Can I live and work in Turkey with this citizenship?
Yes, freely.
What are the healthcare and education benefits?
Access to affordable healthcare, international schools, and universities.
Is Turkey a good place to live and invest?
Yes. With rising real estate values, a strategic location, and a growing economy, Turkey remains highly attractive.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment Comparison FAQs
How does Turkish citizenship by investment compare to other countries?
It is faster and more cost-effective than most European programs.
Is Turkish citizenship better than Grenadian or Portuguese Golden Visa?
Yes, Turkey offers direct citizenship, whereas Portugal’s Golden Visa requires years of residency.
What is the cheapest citizenship by investment program?
Some Caribbean programs are cheaper (starting at USD 100,000), but Turkey offers stronger mobility and economic opportunities.
What is the fastest citizenship by investment program?
Turkey’s program is among the fastest, granting citizenship in 7–9 months.
Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment 2026 with Expert Legal Guidance
Our experienced Turkish lawyers in Istanbul at Kurucuk & Associates can simplify the process for you. We provide legal representation, property due diligence, and full application management to ensure success.
👉 Contact us today for a consultation and secure your future in Turkey.
