What You Need to Know About Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Common Questions Answered
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Mar 2
- 5 min read
Is the Turkish citizenship by investment program officially written into law?
Yes — the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program is fully established under Turkish law. It is not a promotional scheme or a temporary policy. The framework is formally embedded in national legislation and published in the Official Gazette, giving investors legal certainty and transparency.
Which government authority oversees and approves the citizenship applications?
Applications are processed by the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs. However, each investment type is first verified by the relevant government authority (such as the land registry, banking regulator, or industry ministry). Final approval is issued at the presidential level, ensuring centralized oversight and compliance.
Has the investment amount changed over time? What was the previous amount?
Yes, the minimum investment threshold has been revised in the past.
From 2018 until mid-2022, the real estate requirement was $250,000.
Since June 2022, the minimum qualifying real estate investment in Turkey is $400,000.
Adjustments like this are part of economic policy updates.
Is the Turkish program a "golden visa" or a direct "citizenship by investment" program?
Turkey offers a direct Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, not a golden visa. Successful applicants receive full Turkish citizenship and a Turkish passport — not just residency rights. There is no long waiting period tied to long-term residence.
What is the official name of the law governing citizenship by investment in Turkey?
The program operates under Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, specifically Article 12, which regulates exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship through investment.
Is the $400,000 investment minimum fixed in USD or Turkish Lira?
The threshold is set at $400,000 USD equivalent. While transactions may be completed in Turkish Lira, the official valuation must equal or exceed the USD requirement at the time of purchase.
Can I combine different investment options to meet the $400,000 requirement? (e.g., property + bank deposit)
No, combining different investment categories is not permitted. You must fully meet the minimum threshold under one approved investment route — such as real estate, bank deposit, capital investment, or fund subscription.
Does the "capital investment" option mean starting a new company or investing in an existing one?
It can mean either. You may:
Establish a new company in Turkey, or
Invest in an existing Turkish company.
In both cases, the minimum fixed capital investment is $500,000 USD equivalent, and the investment must remain for at least three years.
What are the specific criteria for the venture capital fund or real estate investment fund options?
To qualify:
Minimum subscription of $500,000
Fund must be approved and regulated by the Capital Markets Board of Turkey
Investment must be held for at least three years
These options are structured financial investments rather than direct property ownership.
For the fixed capital investment option, do I need to run the company myself?
No, you are not required to personally manage day-to-day operations. You may appoint professional directors or managers. The key requirement is maintaining the qualifying investment for the mandatory three-year holding period.
Are there any nationalities that are banned from applying for the program?
The program is open to most nationalities. However, restrictions may apply in cases involving international sanctions, security concerns, or diplomatic limitations.
Will a criminal record disqualify me from obtaining citizenship?
Applicants undergo background checks. A serious criminal record — particularly involving financial crimes or security risks — can lead to rejection. Each case is assessed individually.
Is there a minimum age requirement for the main applicant?
Yes. The principal applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Do I need to provide a source of funds report?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate a legal source of funds in compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Financial transparency is a core requirement of the Turkish passport by investment process.
Are there any health or medical test requirements for eligibility?
There is no formal medical examination requirement. In most cases, only standard documentation and declarations are required.
Can a legally owned company make the investment on my behalf to get citizenship?
Yes, this is possible if you are the legal owner or shareholder of the company. Ownership must be clearly documented and verifiable.
What is the definition of a "dependent child" for the application?
A dependent child is:
An unmarried child under 18 years old
In certain cases, a financially dependent child with a certified disability (regardless of age)
Is there an age limit for children included in the application?
Yes. Children must be under 18 years old at the time the citizenship application is submitted.
Can I include my newborn child after my application is submitted but before it's approved?
Yes. If the child is born before the final approval decision, you may submit the necessary documentation to include them in your citizenship application.
Can I include my parents or siblings in my application?
No. Only your spouse and dependent children are eligible to be included. Parents and siblings must apply independently if eligible.
Is a marriage certificate required to include a spouse? Does it need to be apostilled?
Yes. A legally recognized marriage certificate is required. It must be apostilled (or legalized) and officially translated into Turkish.
What happens if I get married or have a child after I receive citizenship?
If you marry after obtaining citizenship, your spouse must apply separately.If you have a child after becoming a Turkish citizen, the child automatically qualifies for Turkish citizenship by descent.
Do I need to first get a residence permit before applying for citizenship?
Yes. A short-term residence permit is required. However, it is typically issued quickly and forms part of the overall application process.
Is there any requirement to ever visit or live in Turkey after receiving the passport?
No. There is no mandatory residence requirement either before or after obtaining Turkish citizenship.
Can I apply for citizenship while residing in Turkey on a tourist visa?
Yes, as long as you are legally present in Turkey, you may initiate the investment and citizenship process.
Is a Turkish language test part of the citizenship interview or process?
No Turkish language exam is required. The program does not impose language or cultural integration testing.
Is there a risk of the Turkish government suddenly canceling the program?
While governments always retain the authority to amend policy, the Turkish investment citizenship program has been operating since 2017 under formal legislation. Any changes are officially announced.
What happens to my application and investment if the program rules change after I apply?
Applications are assessed based on the regulations in effect at the time of submission. Once your compliance certificate is issued, your eligibility is generally protected under those rules.
Is the investment amount guaranteed to remain at $400,000, or could it increase?
There is no absolute guarantee that the minimum threshold will remain unchanged. The government may revise the amount depending on economic policy decisions.
How stable is the legal framework for this program?
The program operates under established Turkish nationality law and structured regulatory oversight. Over the years, it has demonstrated consistency and institutional stability, making it one of the more structured citizenship by investment frameworks globally.
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