Complete Guide to Türkiye Citizenship by Investment in 2025

Türkiye offers one of the most direct routes to second citizenship through investment. The CBI program allows foreign nationals to obtain a Turkish passport by making an eligible contribution to the economy.

The minimum requirement is a $400,000 real estate purchase or a $500,000 investment through bank deposits, business capital, or government bonds. With approvals typically granted in 6–8 months, it remains one of the fastest programs available in 2025.

This guide explains the program requirements, investment routes, application process, costs, and the main advantages of securing citizenship in Türkiye.

Overview of Türkiye Citizenship by Investment Program

Introduced in January 2017, the Türkiye Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program was designed to attract foreign capital and strengthen the national economy.

Since then, it has become one of the most sought-after programs worldwide, particularly among investors from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

The program allows applicants to secure full citizenship rights for themselves and their families by making a qualifying investment.

Unlike many other programs, Türkiye does not impose residency requirements, investors do not need to live in the country before, during, or after the process.

Key features of the program:

• Minimum investment: $400,000 (real estate) or $500,000 (other routes)

• Processing time: 6–8 months for most applications

• Eligible family members: Spouse and children under 18 included in a single application

• Residency requirements: None (though a residence permit is issued automatically during the process)

• Validity: Citizenship is permanent; passports are valid for 10 years and renewable

• Visa access: Over 130 destinations visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa, plus eligibility for the US E-2 Visa

The program has remained stable in recent years, with only minor updates, most notably the increase of the real estate threshold to $400,000 and the continued requirement to hold investments for a minimum of three years.

Türkiye CBI Program Requirements and Investment Options

To qualify for citizenship, applicants must meet both general requirements and choose one of the approved investment routes.

General Requirements

• Applicant must be at least 18 years old
• Must hold a clean criminal record
• Must prove lawful source of investment funds
• Cannot have overstayed or resided illegally in Türkiye
• Must maintain the qualifying investment for at least three years

Investment Options in 2025

Real Estate Investment Route

The most popular pathway is through property.

• Minimum value: $400,000
• Applicants can purchase one property or multiple units, provided the total meets the threshold
• Property must be officially registered with the Land Registry and supported by a valuation report approved by the Capital Markets Board (CMB)
• Investors must hold the property for at least three years before selling

Bank Deposit Option

• Deposit a minimum of $500,000 in a Turkish bank
• Funds must remain in the account for three years
• Deposit can be in USD, another foreign currency, or Turkish Lira

Capital Investment in Business

• Invest at least $500,000 in fixed capital (e.g., setting up or expanding a Turkish business)
• Must be verified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology

Government Bonds Investment

• Purchase at least $500,000 worth of government bonds
• Must be held for a minimum of three years
• Bonds can be in foreign currency or Turkish Lira

Job Creation Option

• Create 50 full-time jobs for Turkish citizens
• Employment must be confirmed by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services

Note: All investment routes require proper certification from the relevant government body before applying for citizenship.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship

Acquiring citizenship through Türkiye’s investment program provides more than just a second passport. It offers a set of practical, long-term advantages for investors and their families.

Visa-Free Travel Privileges

• A Turkish passport provides visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa access to over 130 destinations, including Japan, Singapore, and much of Latin America.
• Citizens are also eligible to apply for a US E-2 Investor Visa, thanks to the treaty between Türkiye and the United States.

For the full list of destinations available to Turkish passport holders, see our blog Türkiye Visa Free Countries 2025.

Business Opportunities

• Türkiye’s strategic position between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East makes it a hub for international trade.
• Investors gain full rights to establish and operate businesses under the same conditions as local citizens.
• Access to a large domestic market of 85+ million people and growing regional influence

Family Benefits

• Citizenship extends to the spouse and children under 18 within a single application.
• Children gain access to Turkish public schools and universities, which are recognized globally.
• Family members enjoy full healthcare coverage under Türkiye’s national system.

Healthcare and Education Access

• Türkiye offers a universal healthcare system, combining public and private facilities at competitive costs.
• The country also has a strong higher education network, including universities that partner with institutions across Europe and North America.

Application Process for Turkish Citizenship

The Türkiye Citizenship by Investment process is designed to be clear and efficient, typically completed within 6–8 months.

Step 1: Choose Your Investment

Select one of the approved investment routes, such as real estate purchase ($400,000 minimum), bank deposit, capital investment, or other qualifying options.

Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility

Once the investment is made, the relevant Turkish authority (e.g., the Land Registry for real estate) issues a Certificate of Eligibility confirming that the requirement has been met.

Step 3: Apply for a Residence Permit

Applicants and their families must apply for a short-term residence permit in Türkiye. This step is required even though there is no obligation to live in the country.

Step 4: Submit Citizenship Application

With the residence permit and Certificate of Eligibility, the applicant can file a citizenship application with the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship.

Step 5: Security Checks and Review

The application undergoes standard due diligence, including criminal background checks and verification of the investment funds.

Step 6: Approval and Passport Issuance

Once approved by the Presidency, applicants receive their Turkish ID cards and passports. The whole process generally takes 6–8 months from the date of investment.

Cost Analysis of Türkiye CBI Program

Beyond the required investment, applicants should budget for additional fees and transaction costs.

These vary depending on the investment route, number of family members included, and whether real estate is involved.

Investment Minimums

• Real Estate Purchase: $400,000 minimum, must be held for 3 years
• Bank Deposit / Government Bonds / Investment Fund Share / Business Capital: $500,000 minimum
• Job Creation: 50 full-time jobs for Turkish citizens

Government Fees

• Application Fee: around $400 per applicant
• Turkish Passport Fee: approx. $27 per passport (valid for 10 years)
• Residence Permit Fee: roughly $20 per person

Legal and Processing Costs

• Notary & Translation Fees: $1,000 for main applicant, $250 per additional applicant
• Lawyer’s Fees: varies but usually $5,000–$8,000 depending on family size and complexity
• Health Insurance (for residence permit): approx. $700 per person annually

Real Estate Transaction Costs (if applicable)

• Land Registry Fee / Title Deed Transfer: 4% of property value (split between buyer and seller)
• VAT: 1–18% depending on property type (foreign buyers may qualify for VAT exemption)
• Legal Fees for Property Transfer: approx. 1% of property purchase price + 18% VAT

ROI Potential

• Türkiye’s real estate market has seen steady demand from international buyers, particularly in Istanbul, Antalya, and coastal regions.
• Rental yields in prime areas range from 4–6% annually, and resale opportunities open after the mandatory three-year holding period.

Real Estate Investment in Türkiye

The real estate route is the most popular option for applicants, with more than 90% of investors choosing this pathway.

It combines a qualifying investment with the opportunity to own property in one of the most dynamic housing markets in the region.

Eligible Property Types

• Residential property (apartments, villas, houses)
• Commercial property (offices, shops, hotels)
• Land plots (with clear ownership and registered title deed)
• Multiple properties are allowed, as long as the combined value meets the $400,000 threshold

Popular Investment Locations

• Istanbul – The country’s financial and cultural hub, with high rental demand and strong resale potential

• Antalya – Popular with foreign buyers, especially for holiday homes and coastal property investments

• Ankara – The capital city, offering stable long-term property opportunities

• Bodrum and Izmir – Attractive for luxury real estate and lifestyle-driven investments

Property Market Overview

• Türkiye’s property market continues to draw international buyers, particularly from the Middle East, Russia, and Europe

• Rental yields in major cities like Istanbul average between 4–6% annually

• Properties can be rented out during the mandatory three-year holding period, offering a potential return on investment

Legal Considerations

• All purchases must be supported by a Capital Markets Board (CMB)-approved valuation report

• Payments must be made via bank transfer to ensure traceability of funds

• A three-year sale restriction is placed on the property title deed (recorded at the Land Registry)

• Investors may qualify for VAT exemption if purchasing their first property in Türkiye as a foreign buyer

Dual Citizenship and Rights

Becoming a citizen of Türkiye through investment provides full legal rights while allowing investors to maintain ties to their home country.

Maintaining Original Citizenship

• Türkiye permits dual citizenship, meaning applicants do not need to renounce their current nationality

• Whether you can keep both passports depends on the laws of your home country, some jurisdictions do not recognize dual nationality

Turkish Passport Benefits

• A Turkish passport is valid for 10 years and is renewable for life

• Holders gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 130 countries, including Japan, Singapore, much of South America, and several Asian destinations

• Citizens are eligible for the US E-2 Investor Visa, offering an attractive route to live and work in the United States

Inheritance Rights

• Foreign investors who become citizens gain the same inheritance rights as Turkish nationals

• Property and assets in Türkiye can be legally transferred to heirs under Turkish Civil Law

Tax Implications

• Türkiye does not tax income earned abroad unless you become a tax resident (spending more than 6 months per year in the country)

• Domestic income, including rental income from property, is taxed progressively up to 40%

• There is no wealth tax

• Real estate owners must pay an annual property tax ranging from 0.1% to 0.6%, depending on property type and location

Investment Due Diligence

Before finalizing an application, investors must ensure that their chosen investment fully complies with Türkiye’s legal and regulatory framework.

This step safeguards both the applicant and the integrity of the Citizenship by Investment program.

Property Valuation

• For real estate, an official valuation report is mandatory

• Reports must be prepared by a firm licensed by the Capital Markets Board (CMB)

• This ensures the declared property value meets or exceeds the $400,000 threshold

Legal Verification

• Purchases must be registered with the Land Registry

• The title deed must clearly state ownership and include the three-year sale restriction required for citizenship eligibility

• Investors are advised to work with a local lawyer to review contracts, confirm there are no debts or liens on the property, and handle translations and notarizations

Investment Security

• Payments must be made via traceable bank transfers (cash transactions are not accepted)

• Funds must originate from a lawful source, and applicants must provide supporting documentation for anti–money laundering checks

• For financial routes (bank deposits, government bonds, capital contributions), the respective Turkish authorities issue a Certificate of Eligibility verifying compliance

Due diligence is essential, as errors in valuation or incomplete documentation can delay or even block the application.

Working with an accredited advisor or legal firm minimizes risks and ensures investments are correctly structured.

Living in Türkiye as a New Citizen

For many investors, citizenship is not just about a second passport but also about the option to build a life in Türkiye.

The country offers a mix of modern infrastructure, cultural richness, and affordable living standards.

Healthcare System

• Türkiye operates a universal healthcare system, supported by both public and private providers

• Citizens can access public healthcare at minimal cost and choose from a wide range of private hospitals at competitive prices

• The system has gained global recognition, particularly in fields such as cardiology, oncology, and cosmetic surgery

Education Opportunities

• Public schools are free for citizens, while private and international schools are widely available in major cities

• Türkiye is home to more than 200 universities, many of which are internationally ranked

• Increasing numbers of programs are offered in English, particularly in fields such as engineering, medicine, and business

Business Environment

• As a G20 economy, Türkiye offers investors access to a domestic market of 85+ million people

• The country serves as a natural bridge for trade between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East

• New citizens can own businesses, access local credit facilities, and participate in public tenders under the same conditions as Turkish nationals

Cultural Integration

• Türkiye is known for its hospitality and cultural diversity

• Major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are cosmopolitan, with established expat communities

• While Turkish is the official language, English is widely spoken in business and urban environments, making integration easier for newcomers

Your Path to Citizenship in Türkiye

Savory & Partners is an officially authorized agent for the Türkiye CBI program.

With years of experience guiding families and investors worldwide, our experts handle the process from start to finish, ensuring compliance, minimizing delays, and making your path to citizenship as seamless as possible.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can secure Turkish citizenship through investment and start your application with the guidance of our experts.

FAQs on Türkiye CBI

1. How much do I need to invest in Türkiye to get citizenship?

The minimum investment is $400,000 in real estate. Other options, such as bank deposits, government bonds, or capital investment, require a minimum of $500,000.

2. How long does it take to get Turkish citizenship by investment?

The process usually takes 6–8 months from the time you complete your investment and submit your application.

3. Can I include my family in the application?

Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 are included in one application. Adult children who are financially dependent or have disabilities may also qualify.

4. Does Türkiye allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Türkiye permits dual nationality, meaning you do not need to give up your original citizenship, provided your home country also allows it.

5. Do I need to live in Türkiye to keep my citizenship?

No. There are no residency requirements before or after obtaining citizenship. You only need to hold your qualifying investment for at least three years.

References

Directorate General of Migration Management. (2025). Citizenship by Investment in Türkiye – Official Guidelines. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Interior. Retrieved from https://www.goc.gov.tr

Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. (2025). Foreigners Acquiring Real Estate in Türkiye. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www.tkgm.gov.tr

Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye. (2025). Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. Official Gazette of the Republic of Türkiye. Retrieved from https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr

Turkish Statistical Institute. (2025). Foreign Direct Investment and Real Estate Market Data. Republic of Türkiye. Retrieved from https://www.tuik.gov.tr