What Is the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program? A Complete 2026 Guide
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program (often called the Turkey CBI Program or Turkish Golden Visa) is one of the world’s most attractive fast-track investor immigration options. It allows foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and their families to obtain Turkish nationality by making a qualifying investment—such as real estate, capital investment, bank deposit, or job creation—without the lengthy residency requirements seen in other countries.
For those asking “What is the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program?” the answer is simple: it’s a legal pathway under the Turkish Citizenship Law (Article 31) that grants full Turkish nationality, a powerful passport, and access to Türkiye’s strategic economic and social opportunities.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
Investment routes (real estate, capital, deposits, job creation).
Requirements, costs, and documents.
Benefits of Turkish citizenship (visa-free travel, E-2 Visa with the USA, family inclusion).
Step-by-step process and timeline.
Comparisons with other CBI programs (Caribbean, Portugal).
What Is the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program?
Official Definition under Turkish Citizenship Law
The program is regulated under the Law on Turkish Citizenship (No. 5901), specifically Article 31, which provides the legal basis for granting nationality through economic contribution. Unlike residency-based naturalization, this route allows qualified investors to obtain citizenship within 3–9 months.
When & Why the Program Was Introduced
First launched in 2017, the program was designed to:
Attract foreign investment into Türkiye.
Strengthen the economy and support the real estate market.
Offer a competitive alternative to Caribbean and European Golden Visa programs.
Who Is Eligible?
Foreign investors making qualifying investments.
High-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs seeking diversification.
Families (spouse + children under 18).
Nationals from countries including Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Russia, Afghanistan, China, and more.
Investment Routes for Turkish Citizenship
There are four primary routes under the program:
Real Estate Investment
Minimum purchase of $400,000 USD (single or multiple properties).
Must obtain a Real Estate Valuation Report from licensed firms.
A 3-year “no-sale” annotation is placed on the title deed (Tapu).
Property transfer tax of 4%, usually borne by the buyer.
Popular Search: “How can I get Turkish citizenship by buying property?”
Fixed Capital Investment / Job Creation
Minimum $500,000 USD fixed capital investment or
Creation of 50 jobs for Turkish citizens.
Bank Deposit & Government Bonds
Deposit $500,000 USD (converted to Turkish Lira via CBRT).
Must remain in a Turkish bank for 3 years.
Alternatively, invest in government bonds or fund shares.
Investment Route Comparison Table
Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Holding Period | Notes |
Real Estate Purchase | $400,000 | 3 years | Must obtain valuation report & Tapu annotation |
Bank Deposit | $500,000 | 3 years | Converted to TRY, interest rates 30–40% |
Government Bonds | $500,000 | 3 years | Must be approved instruments |
Job Creation | 50 jobs | N/A | Must employ Turkish citizens |
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Turkish Passport Power
Visa-free / visa-on-arrival to 113–137 countries (Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Brazil).
5-year Schengen visa eligibility.
E-2 Visa Treaty with USA
Turkish citizens qualify for the E-2 Investor Visa to live and operate businesses in the US.
Major advantage over Caribbean programs (not all have E-2 access).
Family Inclusion & Inheritance Rights
Spouse and children under 18 included.
Turkish law recognizes inheritance rights for family members.
Living & Doing Business in Turkey
Access to a growing economy at the crossroads of Europe & Asia.
Double taxation treaties with 80+ countries.
Affordable healthcare, education, and property ownership.
Process, Timeline & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
Make the required investment (real estate, deposit, capital, jobs).
Clean criminal record.
Proof of funds (due diligence checks).
Documents Required
Valid passport.
Real Estate Valuation Report (for property option).
Birth & marriage certificates.
Criminal record clearance.
Biometric photos.
Power of Attorney (if lawyer represents you).
Processing Time
Fast-track route: 3–6 months (CBI).
Real estate or bank deposit: 6–9 months.
Naturalization: 5+ years.
Fees & Costs
Property transfer tax: 4%.
Legal fees (varies).
Government application fees.
Step-by-Step Process
Engagement letter with lawyer.
Issue Power of Attorney.
Obtain Tax ID Number.
Open Turkish bank account.
Make the investment (property or deposit).
Obtain Certificate of Conformity.
Apply for short-term residence permit.
Submit citizenship application.
Give fingerprints.
Receive passport & ID (within 6–9 months).
Turkish Citizenship vs Other CBI Programs
Turkey vs Grenada
Turkey offers E-2 Visa to USA, Grenada also qualifies.
Turkey requires $400K real estate vs Grenada’s $220K donation option.
Turkey vs Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal requires 5+ years residency before citizenship.
Turkey grants citizenship in months, not years.
Turkey vs Caribbean Citizenship
Caribbean is cheaper ($100K+), but weaker passports.
Turkey offers bigger market, business advantages, and E-2 Visa access.
Is Turkish Citizenship Worth It in 2026?
Yes—especially for entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and families seeking:
Strong global mobility.
Investment diversification.
A strategic base in Europe-Asia.
Expert Insights & Common Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum investment for Turkish citizenship in 2026?
$400,000 real estate or $500,000 deposit/capital investment.
Can I include my children?
Yes, children under 18 are included.
Do I need to speak Turkish?
No, language proficiency is not required for investment route.
How long does it take?
Typically 3–9 months, depending on the route.
Is Turkish citizenship permanent?
Yes, it is granted for life and passed to descendants.
Secure Your Turkish Citizenship Today
Partner with Kurucuk & Associates, Istanbul’s leading English-speaking law firm, to guide you through every step of your Turkish Citizenship by Investment application. Contact us now for expert consultation.
