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What Is the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program? A Strategic Second Passport for Visionary Investors (2026 Guide)

  • Writer: Özgür Kurucuk
    Özgür Kurucuk
  • 17 hours ago
  • 7 min read
Explore the Turkish citizenship by investment program 2026: real estate, bank deposits, family inclusion, visa-free travel, and US E-2 visa benefits.

Where Europe meets Asia, a city hums with possibility. Ancient streets echo with centuries of trade, markets pulse with opportunity, and skylines of steel and glass stretch toward the sky, a testament to ambition. In this land of contrasts — tradition and modernity, history and innovation — doors open not just to a home, but to a new horizon of freedom, mobility, and security.


The Turkish citizenship by investment program transforms that horizon into reality. For those who command resources, vision, and drive, it is more than paperwork; it is a bridge to the life you have carefully built — and the new chapters yet to come.


High-net-worth individuals, global entrepreneurs, Middle Eastern families seeking cultural connection, Asian investors chasing strategic positioning, and business leaders expanding internationally discover that the Turkish citizenship by investment program is a key to:


  • A second passport granting global mobility

  • Protection and diversification of wealth across borders

  • Access to emerging markets brimming with potential

  • Prime real estate investments in Istanbul, Antalya, or Ankara

  • Eligibility for a US E-2 visa, opening American doors

  • Stability and future opportunities for children’s education and lifestyle


In the Turkish citizenship by investment program, strategy meets aspiration, investment meets legacy, and ambition is transformed into legally secured citizenship — a passport not just to travel, but to a future meticulously designed by you.


What Is the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program?

The Turkish citizenship by investment program is a government-regulated pathway allowing foreign nationals to obtain full Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying investment in Turkey.


Launched in 2017 and refined over time, the Turkish citizenship by investment program has become one of the most competitive and accessible citizenship options globally — especially for investors seeking:


  • Turkish passport by investment

  • Dual citizenship Turkey by investment

  • Turkey Golden Visa requirements

  • Turkey citizenship by investment pros and cons

  • Is Turkish citizenship by investment worth it?


The Turkish citizenship by investment program grants:


  • Full Turkish passport

  • Right to live, work, and establish businesses

  • Eligibility for the US E-2 visa

  • Citizenship for spouse and children under 18

  • No language requirement

  • No interview

  • No long-term physical residency obligation


For investors from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the Turkish citizenship by investment program offers geographic proximity, business opportunity, and cultural familiarity.


How the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program Works (Step-by-Step Legal Framework)

Understanding the Turkish citizenship by investment program begins with its legal foundation.


Step 1: Choose Your Investment Route Under the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program

The most popular pathway is real estate — often searched as:


  • Buy property for Turkish citizenship

  • Turkey real estate citizenship $400,000

  • Turkish citizenship property for sale

  • Apartments for sale in Istanbul with citizenship


Alternative routes within the Turkish citizenship by investment program include:


  • Turkish citizenship by bank deposit

  • Turkey citizenship through government bonds

  • Turkish citizenship by capital investment

  • Turkey citizenship job creation (50 employees)

  • Real estate fund shares Turkey citizenship

  • Sukuk (Islamic bonds) Turkish citizenship


Step 2: Obtain Compliance Certificate

Each investment under the Turkish citizenship by investment program must be verified by the relevant Ministry.


Step 3: Residence Permit (Procedural Step)

A short-term residence permit is issued before final approval. This is not a residency obligation.


Step 4: Submit Citizenship Application

Your lawyer prepares and files:


  • Documents required for Turkey citizenship by investment

  • Power of attorney for Turkey citizenship

  • Official valuation reports

  • Title deed (Tapu) process for citizenship


Step 5: Presidential Approval

After security checks and legal review, approval is granted under the Turkish citizenship by investment program.


Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program Cost in 2026


Turkey Citizenship by Investment Cost Breakdown


Real Estate Route – $400,000 Minimum

Under the Turkish citizenship by investment program, you may:


  • Purchase residential or commercial property

  • Combine multiple properties

  • Invest in off-plan property Turkey citizenship projects


The property must be held for 3 years.


Alternative Routes – $500,000 Minimum

Under the Turkish citizenship by investment program, you may choose:


  • Turkish citizenship by fixed capital investment

  • Bank deposit (3-year holding period)

  • Government bonds

  • Mutual funds

  • Job creation


Compared with Malta or Portugal, the Turkish citizenship by investment program remains cost-efficient and fast.


Real Estate Investment: The Heart of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program

Over 90% of applicants select property investment under the Turkish citizenship by investment program.


Best Cities in Turkey for Investment Citizenship

Prime locations include:


  • Istanbul – commercial and financial hub

  • Antalya – coastal luxury and tourism

  • Ankara – political and administrative center

  • Izmir – Aegean investment growth

  • Bursa – industrial expansion

  • Yalova – emerging residential hotspot


For real estate investors, the Turkish citizenship by investment program transforms property acquisition into a strategic citizenship asset.


Turkish Passport Visa-Free Countries 2026 & Global Mobility

The Turkish citizenship by investment program is particularly attractive for those seeking greater travel freedom.


  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ destinations

  • Business travel flexibility

  • Easier Schengen visa applications

  • Strategic access between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East


For investors facing mobility restrictions, the Turkish citizenship by investment program offers a reliable backup nationality.


US E-2 Visa for Turkish Citizens: A Strategic Advantage

One of the most powerful features of the Turkish citizenship by investment program is eligibility for the:


  • E-2 visa


After receiving citizenship through the Turkish citizenship by investment program, investors can:


  • Establish a US company

  • Relocate with spouse and children

  • Renew E-2 status indefinitely

  • Operate in the US market


For entrepreneurs expanding globally, the Turkish citizenship by investment program becomes a gateway to America.


Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program for Families & Generational Planning

The Turkish citizenship by investment program includes:


  • Spouse

  • Children under 18


Families benefit from:


  • Private and international schools

  • Modern healthcare

  • Long-term stability

  • Secure inheritance rights


Turkey Tax for New Citizens & Economic Considerations

Key concerns investors are curious about:


  • Turkey tax for new citizens

  • Wealth tax Turkey citizenship

  • Turkey inheritance law for foreign citizens

  • Opening a bank account in Turkey for foreigners

  • Cost of living in Turkey for expats


Important clarification:

The Turkish citizenship by investment program does NOT automatically create tax residency. Tax residency depends on physical presence and financial ties.


Turkey:


  • Has no separate wealth tax

  • Maintains competitive corporate tax structure

  • Offers business-friendly environment


Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program vs Other Programs

Investors are good to compare:


  • Turkey vs Portugal Golden Visa

  • Turkey vs Greece citizenship by investment

  • Turkey vs Malta citizenship

  • Turkey vs Caribbean citizenship programs

  • Best citizenship by investment program 2026 (Turkey)


The Turkish citizenship by investment program stands out because of:


  • Fast processing (3–6 months)

  • Affordable threshold

  • Full citizenship (not residency)

  • E-2 treaty access

  • Strong real estate market


FAQs about Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program 2026


What is the Turkish citizenship by investment program and how does it work?

The Turkish citizenship by investment program allows foreign investors to obtain Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying investment.

It works through:

  • Government-approved investment routes

  • Minimum capital thresholds

  • 3-year holding requirement

  • Legal compliance certification

  • Citizenship application submission

  • Presidential approval


What are the requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment?

Under the Turkish citizenship by investment program, requirements include:

  • Minimum $400,000 real estate investment OR $500,000 alternative investment

  • Clean criminal record

  • Valid passport

  • Official property valuation report (real estate route)

  • 3-year investment retention commitment

  • Properly prepared and translated documentation

No:

  • Language test

  • Interview

  • Mandatory long-term residency


How much does it cost to get Turkish citizenship by investment in 2026?

Total cost under the Turkish citizenship by investment program includes:

  • $400,000 minimum real estate investment OR

  • $500,000 alternative investment

  • Legal representation fees

  • Government application fees

  • Notary, translation, and valuation expenses

  • Residence permit issuance costs


Can I buy real estate in Turkey to obtain citizenship and what is the minimum investment?

Yes. The Turkish citizenship by investment program allows property purchase of:

  • Minimum $400,000

  • Residential apartments

  • Commercial property Turkey citizenship

  • Multiple units combined

  • Off-plan property Turkey citizenship

Property must be:

  • Officially valued

  • Registered with citizenship annotation

  • Held for 3 years


What is the processing time for Turkish citizenship by investment applications?

The Turkish citizenship by investment program processing time is:

  • Typically 3–6 months

  • Faster when documentation is professionally prepared

  • Dependent on security clearance and file completeness


Does Turkish citizenship by investment require a language test or residency?

No. The Turkish citizenship by investment program does NOT require:

  • Turkish language exam

  • Physical stay in Turkey

  • Citizenship interview

  • Cultural integration test


What are the benefits of holding a Turkish passport for visa-free travel?

Through the Turkish citizenship by investment program, passport holders receive:

  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries

  • Simplified Schengen visa procedures

  • Access to E-2 treaty visa pathway

  • Increased global mobility

  • Strategic geographic access


Can my family also obtain Turkish citizenship through my investment?

Yes. The Turkish citizenship by investment program includes:

  • Spouse

  • Children under 18

They receive:

  • Full citizenship rights

  • Passport eligibility

  • Education access

  • Healthcare access


What are the different investment options besides real estate for Turkish citizenship?

Under the Turkish citizenship by investment program, alternatives include:

  • Turkish citizenship by bank deposit

  • Turkey citizenship through government bonds

  • Turkish citizenship by fixed capital investment

  • Real estate investment fund shares

  • Sukuk (Islamic bonds) Turkish citizenship

  • Job creation (50 employees)


Is it possible to get a US E-2 visa after becoming a Turkish citizen by investment?

Yes.

After completing the Turkish citizenship by investment program, you may apply for:

  • US E-2 treaty investor visa

  • Establish and operate a US business

  • Relocate with spouse and children

  • Renew E-2 status indefinitely


Why Work with a Law Firm for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program?

For high-net-worth investors, legal compliance is non-negotiable.


The Turkish citizenship by investment program requires:


  • Property due diligence

  • Secure fund transfer documentation

  • Ministry compliance approval

  • Accurate legal translations

  • Risk mitigation strategy

  • Confidential handling of personal data


Professional legal management ensures:


  • Transparent process

  • Full regulatory compliance

  • No hidden risks

  • Secure asset structuring

  • End-to-end representation


Secure Your Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program with Kurucuk & Associates


Lawyer-Managed, Fully Compliant Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program

At Kurucuk & Associates, we provide:


  • Complete legal management of the Turkish citizenship by investment program

  • Real estate due diligence in Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, and Yalova

  • Assistance with Turkish citizenship by bank deposit and capital investment routes

  • Government bond and Sukuk compliance support

  • Family inclusion documentation

  • Turkish passport visa-free countries advisory

  • US E-2 visa strategic pathway consultation

  • Tax and inheritance structuring guidance

  • Power of attorney representation

  • Confidential, transparent, end-to-end legal support


Whether you are a high-net-worth entrepreneur, Middle Eastern investor, Asian business leader, global family planner, or property investor seeking Turkish citizenship property for sale — we ensure your Turkish citizenship by investment program is secure, compliant, and strategically structured.


Contact Kurucuk & Associates today and begin your Turkish citizenship by investment program with legal certainty and professional confidence.


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