Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Golden Visa or Direct Passport Program?
- Özgür Kurucuk
- 1 minute ago
- 3 min read
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Golden Visa or Direct Passport Program? question often confuses international investors. Many wonder if Turkey offers a “Golden Visa” like Portugal or Greece, or if it’s a direct passport program. In reality, Turkey stands out by providing a fast-track citizenship pathway without the lengthy residence requirements seen in European Golden Visa programs.
At Kurucuk & Associates, a leading English-speaking law firm in Istanbul, we guide investors, families, and entrepreneurs through every stage of the process—ensuring compliance, due diligence, and successful outcomes. Whether your priority is visa-free travel, family security, or investment opportunities, Turkey’s unique program is worth considering.
What is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
Core Program Names
Turkish Citizenship by Investment (TCBI)
Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program
Turkish Citizenship through Investment
Turkey Investor Citizenship Program
Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment
These terms are often used interchangeably to describe Turkey’s official investor citizenship program.
Investment Options Overview
Investors can qualify through several routes:
Real Estate Investment – Minimum $400,000 (with 3-year no-sale annotation).
Bank Deposit / Capital Investment – Deposit $500,000 in Turkish banks or invest in approved instruments.
Government Bonds & Funds – $500,000 in bonds or investment funds.
Job Creation – Employ at least 50 Turkish citizens.
Key Requirements & Eligibility
Clean criminal record.
Proof of investment compliance (certificate of conformity).
Residence permit (short-term, prior to citizenship filing).
Family inclusion: spouse + children under 18.
No language or prior residency requirement.
Golden Visa vs Direct Passport – What’s the Difference?
Does Turkey Have a Golden Visa?
No—Turkey does not operate a traditional Golden Visa program. Instead, it offers direct citizenship.
Turkey Golden Visa vs Citizenship Explained
Golden Visa (Portugal, Greece, Spain, etc.): Residency permits → live several years → apply for citizenship.
Turkey: Immediate citizenship once investment is verified (3–6 months).
Why Turkey’s Program is “Direct Passport”
Turkey bypasses the residency-first model, allowing investors to obtain a Turkish passport directly after meeting investment conditions.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship
Visa-Free Travel & Passport Strength
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries.
Eligible for a 5-year Schengen visa.
Apply for the US E-2 Investor Visa via Turkey’s treaty with the USA.
Family Inclusion & Dual Citizenship Rules
Citizenship includes spouse and children under 18.
Turkey allows dual and multiple citizenships.
Business Opportunities & US E-2 Visa
Strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Access to Turkey’s growing real estate market and international business network.
E-2 visa offers entry to the US business market.
Process & Timeline for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Step-by-Step Application Process
Engagement & Power of Attorney (via notary or consulate).
Obtain Tax ID Number.
Open Turkish Bank Account.
Deposit investment / register property.
Certificate of Conformity issued by authorities.
Apply for Residence Permit.
Submit Citizenship Application with biometrics.
Required Documents & Due Diligence
Passports, birth certificates, marital status docs.
Police clearance certificate.
Valuation report (for property).
All foreign documents legalized & translated.
How Long Does It Take?
Investment route: 3–6 months.
Property + Residency formalities: 6–9 months.
Investment Options in Detail
Real Estate Investment
Minimum $400,000 property purchase.
3-year no-sale restriction.
Title deed registered at the Land Registry Office (Tapu).
Bank Deposit & Government Bonds
Deposit $500,000 into Turkish banks, converted to TRY.
Blocked for 3 years.
Eligible instruments: bonds, investment funds, or capital investment.
Capital Investment Path
Direct capital infusion of $500,000 into a Turkish company.
Create 50 jobs for Turkish citizens.
Comparisons of Turkish Citizenship by Investment with Other Citizenship Programs
Program | Investment Minimum | Residency Requirement | Timeline for Passport |
Turkey | $400,000–$500,000 | None | 3–6 months |
Portugal Golden Visa | €500,000 (real estate) | 5+ years | 5–7 years |
Greece Golden Visa | €250,000+ | 7 years | 7–9 years |
Who is Applying? Target Groups by Nationality
Middle East & GCC: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar investors seeking safe secondary citizenship.
Iranians, Iraqis, Afghans: Strong demand due to mobility restrictions.
Russians & Ukrainians: Popular since 2022.
Chinese & Indians: Leveraging Turkey for E-2 Visa access to USA.
Pakistanis: Favorable entry due to strong ties with Turkey.
Western applicants (US, UK, Canada): Seeking affordable second passport.
Risks, Challenges & Legal Advice
Program Changes & Risks
Investment thresholds may rise (previously $250k → $400k, future $600k possible).
Citizenship can be revoked if property is sold before 3 years.
Common Mistakes
Incomplete or incorrectly legalized documents.
Relying on unauthorized agents or scams.
Why You Need Professional Legal Help
Kurucuk & Associates ensures:
Full compliance with Turkish law.
Due diligence and fraud protection.
Smooth coordination with banks, land registry, and government agencies.
Start Your Turkish Citizenship by Investment Journey with Experts
Kurucuk & Associates has guided international investors in obtaining Turkish citizenship with legal security and efficiency. Contact us today for tailored advice and step-by-step assistance.
