Türkiye’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program has become one of the world’s most attractive residency and citizenship schemes for international investors. Introduced in 2017, the program enables eligible foreign nationals to obtain Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying investment in the country.
The most popular pathway is the purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 400,000, although several alternative investment options are also available. Once the investment requirements have been satisfied and the application is approved, investors and their eligible family members can obtain Turkish passports without the need to fulfill a long-term residency requirement.
With its strategic location between Europe and Asia, growing economy, modern infrastructure, and favorable investment environment, Türkiye continues to attract entrepreneurs, business owners, retirees, and property investors from around the world.
Why Choose Turkish Citizenship?
Turkish citizenship offers more than simply obtaining a second passport. It provides access to a dynamic economy, a high standard of living, and the opportunity to live, work, study, and invest in one of the region’s most strategically located countries.
Key advantages include:
- No minimum residency requirement before citizenship is granted.
- The right to live, work, and establish a business anywhere in Türkiye.
- Citizenship for qualifying family members.
- Permission to hold dual citizenship where allowed by the applicant’s home country.
- Access to Türkiye’s healthcare and education systems.
- Opportunity to invest in one of the world’s most active real estate markets.
- Eligibility to apply for the U.S. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, subject to meeting U.S. immigration requirements.
- A straightforward investment process with relatively fast application processing.
Investment Options
Applicants may qualify for citizenship through several approved investment routes established by the Turkish government.
1. Real Estate Investment (Minimum USD 400,000)
The real estate option is by far the most popular pathway.
Applicants may purchase one or multiple residential, commercial, or land properties, provided that the combined purchase value is at least USD 400,000.
Important conditions include:
- The property must be officially valued and registered.
- The investment must be retained for a minimum of three years.
- The property cannot be sold during the mandatory holding period.
- The purchase must comply with current government regulations governing the Citizenship by Investment Program.
Many investors choose this option because it combines the possibility of obtaining citizenship with the potential for rental income and long-term capital appreciation.
2. Bank Deposit (Minimum USD 500,000)
Applicants may deposit at least USD 500,000, or the equivalent in another accepted foreign currency or Turkish lira, into a Turkish bank.
The funds must remain on deposit for at least three years.
This option is particularly suitable for investors seeking a lower-maintenance alternative to property ownership.
3. Fixed Capital Investment (Minimum USD 500,000)
Foreign investors may qualify by making a qualifying fixed capital investment in a Turkish business or commercial enterprise.
The investment must receive approval from the relevant government authority and remain in place for the required holding period.
This pathway is often selected by entrepreneurs planning to establish or expand business operations in Türkiye.
4. Government Bonds and Investment Funds (Minimum USD 500,000)
Applicants may also qualify by investing in:
- Turkish government bonds
- Real Estate Investment Fund (REIF) shares
- Venture Capital Investment Fund (VCIF) shares
These investments must be maintained for at least three years and comply with current regulatory requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for Turkish citizenship through investment, applicants generally must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Hold a valid passport.
- Demonstrate that investment funds originate from lawful sources.
- Have no serious criminal record that would affect eligibility.
- Complete all required legal documentation.
- Satisfy the investment requirements established by Turkish authorities.
Additional documentation may be requested depending on the applicant’s nationality and investment type.
Family Members Included
One of the program’s major advantages is that citizenship extends beyond the principal investor.
Eligible family members generally include:
- The applicant’s spouse.
- Children under the age of 18.
- Children of any age who qualify as legally dependent due to disability, subject to applicable regulations.
Each family member receives full Turkish citizenship upon approval of the application.
Application Process
Although every application is unique, the process generally follows these steps:
- Select the preferred investment option.
- Complete the qualifying investment.
- Obtain the required government certificates confirming eligibility.
- Apply for a residence permit associated with the investment.
- Submit the citizenship application with all supporting documents.
- Undergo government review and security checks.
- Receive approval and obtain Turkish identity cards and passports.
Working with experienced legal and investment professionals can help ensure that documentation is complete and the application proceeds smoothly.
Processing Time
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program is widely regarded as one of the faster citizenship programs available.
Most applications are processed within approximately 4 to 8 months, although processing times may vary depending on:
- Government workload.
- Document preparation.
- Security and background checks.
- Individual case complexity.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship
Successful applicants enjoy the same legal rights as other Turkish citizens.
Benefits include:
- Lifetime Turkish citizenship.
- A Turkish passport.
- The right to vote and own property.
- Freedom to live and work anywhere in Türkiye.
- Access to public healthcare.
- Access to educational institutions.
- Business and investment opportunities.
- Inheritance rights under Turkish law.
- Eligibility to pass citizenship to future generations in accordance with Turkish nationality legislation.
International Travel
The Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous destinations worldwide.
The exact number of accessible countries changes periodically as international visa agreements are updated. Prospective applicants should verify the latest travel privileges before making decisions based solely on passport mobility.
U.S. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Opportunity
One frequently cited advantage of Turkish citizenship is that Türkiye maintains a treaty relationship with the United States that allows eligible Turkish citizens to apply for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.
Approval is not automatic. Applicants must independently satisfy all U.S. immigration requirements, including making a qualifying investment in a U.S. business.
Can the Investment Be Sold?
Yes.
After the mandatory three-year holding period, investors are generally free to sell their qualifying investment while retaining their Turkish citizenship, provided all legal requirements were met during the application process.
This flexibility makes the program particularly attractive compared with some citizenship schemes that require longer investment commitments.
Is Dual Citizenship Allowed?
Türkiye generally permits dual or multiple citizenship.
However, applicants should also verify whether their own country of citizenship allows dual nationality, as regulations differ from one country to another.
Important Considerations
Before making any investment, prospective applicants should:
- Conduct independent legal and financial due diligence.
- Verify that the chosen investment qualifies under current regulations.
- Use licensed professionals, including lawyers, tax advisers, and real estate experts.
- Confirm the latest investment thresholds and procedural requirements, as government regulations may change.
Professional guidance can significantly reduce the risk of delays or administrative complications during the application process.
Final Thoughts
Türkiye’s Citizenship by Investment Program continues to be one of the most attractive options for investors seeking a second citizenship through a relatively straightforward investment process. With multiple qualifying investment routes, family inclusion, no mandatory long-term residency requirement, and the opportunity to recover the investment after three years, the program appeals to entrepreneurs, international families, and global investors alike.
As of 2026, the minimum qualifying investment for the real estate option remains USD 400,000, while most other approved investment categories require a minimum investment of USD 500,000. Because immigration and investment regulations may be amended over time, applicants should always seek professional legal advice and verify the latest official requirements before proceeding.
