Türkiye Introduces Same-Day Biometrics for CBI Applicants

Türkiye has introduced a new priority biometrics procedure for citizenship by investment (CBI) applicants, allowing qualifying investors in Istanbul to complete both residence permit approval and citizenship application submission within a single day.

The development was reported by official sources from the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

Previously, investors were required to attend the Cevizlibağ Population Directorate in Istanbul to submit biometrics for their residence permit.

They then had to wait five to ten business days for approval before returning to submit the citizenship application.

For many applicants, this meant either staying in Türkiye for up to two weeks or making two separate international trips.

New Fast-Track Biometrics Process

Under the new procedure, applicants submit documentation by email in advance and receive a priority appointment within one to two days.

During the appointment, applicants:

• bypass public queues
• provide fingerprints in a designated fast-track section
• receive same-day residence permit approval, provided the application file is complete

Once the residence permit is approved, the citizenship application can be submitted later the same day or the following morning.

The service costs:

• TRY 44,000 (+ VAT) for the main applicant
• TRY 22,000 (+ VAT) per family member

Investment thresholds, holding periods, and all other eligibility criteria remain unchanged.

Türkiye Speeds Up Investor Processing

Since the investment threshold was reduced in 2018, more than 13,000 investors and their families have obtained Turkish citizenship through the program.

The introduction of same-day biometrics suggests authorities are continuing to improve processing efficiency as competition increases among global citizenship programs.