Turkish Citizenship for Families: Benefits Beyond the Passport
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
Turkish Citizenship for Families has become one of the most sought-after pathways for international families seeking both opportunity and security. Beyond the well-known travel advantages of holding a Turkish passport, families benefit from access to world-class healthcare, quality education, favorable inheritance rights, and attractive real estate investment opportunities. Whether through property purchase or bank deposit, the Turkey citizenship by Investment program offers an efficient and family-friendly route that provides peace of mind for generations.
What is Turkish Citizenship for Families?
Legal framework and investment routes
Turkish nationality law is primarily based on Jus Sanguinis (citizenship by descent) but has expanded significantly with the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program. Families can qualify through two main routes:
Property Purchase (minimum USD 400,000 real estate investment, held for three years with title deed lock and valuation report).
Bank Deposit Option (USD 500,000 deposit converted into Turkish Lira, blocked for three years, verified with a Certificate of Conformity).
Eligibility criteria for families
Applicants must present valid passports, birth and marriage certificates, criminal clearance, and biometric photos. Spouses and dependent children (typically under 18) can be included in the same application. As per Knowledge 2, both the main applicant and spouse must attend biometric appointments for residence permits and citizenship submission.
Why Turkey is a top choice
Families are drawn to Turkey due to its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, a strong real estate market, access to the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, and no requirement to renounce existing nationality (Turkey allows dual citizenship).
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship for Families
Visa-free travel and global mobility
A Turkish passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries. Families also benefit from Schengen visas and the unique ability to apply for the U.S. E-2 Visa, opening pathways to business opportunities abroad.
Access to healthcare and education
Families enjoy full access to Turkey’s high-quality yet affordable healthcare system and a range of international schools and universities, making Turkey an attractive destination for raising children.
Financial advantages and real estate opportunities
Investing in Turkish real estate offers both citizenship eligibility and long-term ROI. Families can benefit from rising property values in Istanbul and major cities, while also protecting wealth through inheritance-friendly Turkish laws.
Family-Friendly Aspects of Turkish Citizenship
Citizenship coverage for spouse and children
Spouses and children under 18 are directly included in the application. Children born after citizenship approval automatically acquire Turkish nationality.
Inheritance rights and long-term security
Under Turkish law, assets are distributed according to civil inheritance rules, giving priority to spouses and children. Turkish citizenship ensures smoother estate planning and asset protection.
Cultural integration and lifestyle benefits
Turkey offers families a welcoming cultural environment, Mediterranean lifestyle, and the ability to live in a country that balances tradition with modern living.
Process of Applying for Turkish Citizenship as a Family
Step 1 – Choosing the investment route
Decide between property purchase or bank deposit. Legal advisors will perform due diligence, prepare contracts, and secure compliance documents (valuation report, blockage letters, etc.).
Step 2 – Documentation and legal process
Required documents include notarized passports, birth and marriage certificates, proof of clean criminal record, and biometric photos. As retained in Knowledge 2, documents must be apostilled or consular-certified.
Step 3 – Approval timeline
From investment to citizenship approval, the process generally takes 7–9 months for families, depending on document preparation and due diligence checks.
Expert Insights on Turkish Citizenship for Families
Common mistakes to avoid
Selecting property below the USD 400,000 threshold.
Not converting funds properly through the CBRT system.
Submitting incomplete or incorrectly legalized documents.
Role of professional legal assistance
Working with Kurucuk & Associates, English-speaking lawyers in Istanbul, ensures compliance with investment, banking, and legal requirements. Our team handles everything from Power of Attorney drafting to residence permit and citizenship applications, saving families time and avoiding costly mistakes.
Case studies or real family experiences
Several families have successfully secured Turkish citizenship through our guidance. From managing inheritance planning to enrolling children in international schools, Turkish citizenship has provided both practical benefits and peace of mind.
FAQs about Turkish Citizenship by Investment for Families
Can my family be included in the citizenship application?
Yes, spouses and dependent children under 18 can be included.
Which family members can be included in my application?
Spouses and children. Parents and siblings are not eligible.
What is the definition of a "dependent child" for the application?
Children under 18 years of age.
Is there an age limit for children included in the application?
Yes, only children under 18 qualify as dependents.
Can I include my newborn child after my application is submitted but before it's approved?
Yes, newborns can be added during the process.
Can I include my parents or siblings in my application?
No, only spouse and dependent children are included.
Is a marriage certificate required to include a spouse? Does it need to be apostilled?
Yes, an apostilled or consular-certified marriage certificate is mandatory.
What happens if I get married or have a child after I receive citizenship?
Your new spouse or child will not be automatically included. A separate application may be required.
What documents are needed for included family members (spouse, children)?
Birth certificates, passports, biometric photos, police clearance (for spouse), all duly translated and legalized.
How does Turkish citizenship affect my will and estate planning?
It ensures Turkish inheritance law applies to assets within Turkey, offering clarity for family estate planning.
How are assets in Turkey treated in terms of inheritance law?
They are distributed according to Turkish civil law, prioritizing spouse and children.
If I get divorced after obtaining citizenship, how does Turkish family law apply?
Divorce does not revoke citizenship; both parties remain Turkish citizens.
Which program is most suitable for a family with young children?
The real estate option is often preferred as it combines investment with family-friendly housing opportunities.
Secure Your Family’s Future with Turkish Citizenship
Turkish Citizenship for Families is more than a passport—it’s a long-term investment in security, education, healthcare, and lifestyle. By choosing the right investment route and working with experienced Turkish Citizenship by Investment lawyers, families can ensure a smooth and successful application.
📌 Ready to begin? Contact Kurucuk & Associates, your trusted English-speaking law firm in Istanbul, for tailored guidance today.
