Property & citizenship

Turkish citizenship by investment in 2026: options and timeline

Last updated September 2026 2 min read By Level International
Short answer Foreigners can obtain Turkish citizenship for themselves, their spouse and children under 18 by making one qualifying investment — most often real estate worth at least USD 400,000 or a USD 500,000 bank deposit, bond, fund or capital investment — and keeping it for at least three years. Türkiye allows dual citizenship, so most applicants keep their original passport.

The seven investment options

Option Minimum Main condition
Real estate USD 400,000 Title deed annotated not to sell for 3 years
Fixed capital investment USD 500,000 Confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Technology
Bank deposit USD 500,000 Kept in a Turkish bank for 3 years
Government bonds USD 500,000 Held for 3 years
Real estate or venture capital fund shares USD 500,000 Held for 3 years
Private pension system USD 500,000 Held for 3 years
Job creation 50 employees Confirmed by the Ministry of Labour

Thresholds and conditions are set by regulation and change from time to time, so confirm the current rules before committing funds.

  • The property (or several properties) must be worth at least USD 400,000 according to a licensed valuation report.

  • Payment must go through a Turkish bank, which documents the foreign-currency inflow.

  • The title deed is annotated with a 3-year no-sale commitment.

  • The property must meet the programme's eligibility rules, which your adviser should check before you sign.

The usual property checks still apply: land registry search for mortgages and liens, confirmation that the property is not in a military or special security zone, and a review of the sales contract.

The process step by step

  1. Choose the investment and check eligibility.

  2. Obtain a Turkish tax number and open a bank account.

  3. Make the investment and obtain the certificate of conformity from the relevant authority.

  4. Apply for a short-term residence permit based on the investment.

  5. Submit the citizenship application with family documents (birth and marriage certificates, apostilled and translated).

  6. Security and background checks by the authorities.

  7. Decision and Turkish ID cards and passports for the family.

Timeline

The investment and certificate stage depends mainly on how quickly the purchase or deposit is completed. After the application is filed, the review can take several months. Well-prepared family documents are the easiest way to avoid delays.

Who is included

  • The main applicant

  • Spouse

  • Children under 18 (and dependent adult children in some cases)

Tax points to plan for

  • A 4% title deed fee on property purchases, usually split between buyer and seller.

  • Annual property tax, and extra tax on high-value residences.

  • Becoming a citizen does not by itself make you a Turkish tax resident; residence depends on where you live and how long you stay.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to live in Türkiye?

No. There is no minimum stay requirement for citizenship by investment.

Can I sell the property after three years?

Yes. After the holding period the annotation can be removed. A gain on a sale within five years of purchase may be subject to income tax.

Can I combine several properties?

Yes, several properties can be combined to reach the threshold, subject to the programme rules.

Planning for citizenship?

Our citizenship team checks eligibility, reviews the property or investment and manages the application for your family.

Book a free consultation

This page provides general information and is not legal or tax advice. Every situation is different; talk to us before you act.

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