Turkish Citizenship by
Investment — FAQ

Yes, under the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, your family can obtain Turkish citizenship alongside you. The principal applicant can include their spouse and children under the age of 18 at the time of application.

Once you successfully qualify, your spouse and children below 18 years old are also eligible to receive Turkish citizenship without needing to apply separately.

If your children are above the age of 18, they will not be eligible to obtain Turkish citizenship through your application. However, you and your spouse can still secure Turkish passports, while your adult children have the option to apply for a residency permit.

1. Citizenship for Parents: Both you and your spouse can apply for and receive Turkish citizenship through the investment program.
2. Residency Permits for Adult Children: Children over 18 can apply for a residency permit, allowing them to live, work, or study in Turkey.
3. Further Pathways: Once residing in Turkey, they may explore applying for citizenship on their own after meeting further criteria.

No. Children over 18 are not eligible for Turkish citizenship based on their parent's investment, even if financially dependent. The program strictly defines dependents as children under 18 years of age at the time of application.

1. Age Limit: Once a child turns 18, they are no longer considered a dependent for CBI purposes.
2. Independent Application Required: They must meet investment criteria themselves or pursue other routes.
3. Student Residency Option: If studying in Turkey, they may apply for a student residency permit.

Almost all nationalities are eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship through the investment program, with one notable exception.

1. Broad Eligibility: Citizens from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas can all pursue Turkish citizenship by investment.
2. Exclusion of Syrian Nationals: Syrian nationals are currently excluded due to specific governmental policies.
3. Diverse Opportunities: Turkey's strategic location and robust economy make it attractive to a wide range of international investors.

No, you do not need to learn Turkish to obtain citizenship or a residency permit. The application processes are designed to be accessible to international investors and impose no language requirements.

1. No Language Proficiency Required: Applicants do not need to demonstrate Turkish proficiency.
2. Multilingual Assistance: Legal firms and consultants provide support in multiple languages.
3. Optional but Beneficial: Knowing Turkish enhances your experience if living in Turkey long-term, but it is not a prerequisite at any stage.

No. Unlike many other programs, Turkey does not impose a mandatory residency period before or after obtaining citizenship by investment.

1. Investment-Focused: Your application is evaluated based on the investment made, not time spent in Turkey.
2. Flexibility for Investors: You can manage your investment without relocating to Turkey full-time.
3. Post-Citizenship: After obtaining citizenship, there is no obligation to live in Turkey — your passport grants full travel and access rights whenever you choose.

The process typically takes between 6 to 8 months, though timelines can vary. The key stages are:

1. Buying a Property: Duration depends on your decision-making process and acquisition procedures.
2. Obtaining Title Deed & Residency Permit: Once the property is purchased, this phase typically takes around 45 days.
3. Applying for Citizenship: The citizenship application including due diligence and approvals takes around 6 to 8 months.

1. Checking the Property & Obtaining a Valuation Report: A lawyer ensures the property meets eligibility criteria and requests a valuation report.
2. Depositing the Investment Amounts: Funds are converted to Turkish Lira (TRY) and transferred to the seller's account with an exchange purchase certificate.
3. Finalizing the Sale & Adding a 3-Year Unsold Annotation: A conformity letter from the General Directorate of Land Registry is required; a 3-year annotation is placed on the title deed.
4. Preparation of Required Documents: The lawyer prepares and verifies all documents, stamps, and certifications.
5. Obtaining Turkish PR (Residency Permit): The client must be present in Turkey to apply for a short-term residency permit, typically granted within one month.
6. Submitting the Citizenship Application: After the residency permit, the citizenship application is submitted through the law firm.
7. Submitting Fingerprints (Biometrics): Once approved, the client submits biometrics and receives their Turkish ID card and 10-year passport.

The application process must be handled by a licensed lawyer. Once you have selected a property with a total value of no less than $400,000 USD, your lawyer manages the entire process.

1. Select Your Property: Ensure the property meets the investment requirement, then engage a qualified lawyer.
2. Lawyer Handles the Application: Your lawyer submits all documentation including property purchase, residency permit, and citizenship application.
3. Receive Your Turkish Passport: Upon approval, your lawyer guides you through collecting your Turkish ID and passport from the relevant authorities.

Yes. By granting a power of attorney to your lawyer, you can initiate the application online without traveling to Turkey initially.

1. Online Application: The process allows you to begin your application from abroad.
2. Power of Attorney: You must provide your lawyer with a POA, enabling them to act on your behalf throughout the process.
3. Biometric Visit Required: You will need to visit Turkey to complete the biometrics required for your residency permit — this step is unavoidable.

Ideally, applicants will need to travel to Turkey at least twice:

1. Initial Visit: To complete initial procedures — selecting a property, obtaining the title deed, and starting the residency permit application.
2. Second Visit for Fingerprinting: After citizenship is approved, you must return to submit biometrics and receive your Turkish ID card and passport.
3. Alternative Options: If traveling twice is difficult, we can guide you through the process with minimal physical presence, subject to specific conditions and authorizations.

Yes. Applicants are permitted to change their names and surnames after obtaining Turkish citizenship. However, there is a critical timing requirement.

1. Eligibility: Once you acquire Turkish citizenship, you can adopt new Turkish names and surnames.
2. Timing is Critical: The name change process must be completed before submitting your citizenship application to avoid complications.
3. Legal Process: You must follow Turkish authority procedures and submit an application with relevant supporting documentation.

You can use various currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, or TRY. Foreign currencies are converted to Turkish Lira (TRY) based on the exchange rate provided by the Turkish Central Bank on the transaction date.

This ensures transparency and a level playing field for all investors. Exchange rates can fluctuate, so it's advisable to monitor rates and consult your financial advisor before timing your investment.

Yes. You can apply for Turkish citizenship using a property purchased via an installment plan, subject to specific conditions:

1. Minimum Investment: Total payments must reach at least $400,000 USD before you can initiate the citizenship application.
2. Proof of Payment: You must present bank receipts and documentation verifying the payments made.
3. Starting the Application: Once you have met the payment requirement, the application process can begin — a qualified lawyer is strongly recommended.

Yes. Various types of real estate qualify for the CBI program:

1. Commercial Properties: Office buildings, retail spaces, or warehouses all qualify and can generate rental income.
2. Residential Properties: Apartments and villas are the most popular option and can serve as homes or rental investments.
3. Land: Purchasing land — whether for development or agricultural purposes — is also eligible.

Regardless of property type, the total investment must reach at least $400,000 USD.

Yes. You can purchase one or multiple properties — their combined value must equal or exceed the $400,000 USD threshold.

1. Flexible Strategy: Mix residential, commercial, or land properties to reach the minimum requirement.
2. Income Generation: Multiple properties can provide rental income from several sources.
3. Diversification: Different property types and locations spread risk and increase potential returns.
4. Professional Guidance: A legal expert or real estate consultant can help navigate documentation for multiple properties.

No. The Turkish government requires that the property be paid for in full with cash from foreign sources. Any funds used must originate outside Turkey and cannot be financed through local bank loans or mortgages.

1. Cash Purchase Requirement: Full payment from foreign funds is mandatory.
2. Purpose of the Regulation: Ensures the investment contributes directly to the Turkish economy without debt encumbrance.
3. Consult Professionals: Legal experts and financial advisors specializing in Turkish real estate can clarify your financing options while ensuring compliance.

No. You must retain your investment property for a minimum of three years after acquisition. Selling before this period can result in the loss of your citizenship application or revocation of granted citizenship.

1. Three-Year Holding Requirement: This condition is embedded in the title deed (Tapu) as part of the citizenship application — a formal unsold annotation is placed on the deed.
2. Legal Implications: Early sale constitutes a breach of the program's conditions and carries serious legal consequences.
3. Long-Term Value: Many investors find that holding for three years provides valuable opportunities for property appreciation and rental income.

A single title deed can be registered under the name of only one individual for citizenship purposes. However, that primary applicant can include their spouse and children under 18 under the same application.

While purchasing a qualifying property is a significant step, it does not automatically guarantee a Turkish passport. However, if you meet the conditions, approval is very likely.

1. Clean Criminal Record: The primary factor. Turkish authorities conduct background checks — no criminal history means a very high probability of approval.
2. Meeting All Legal Requirements: All documentation must be correctly submitted and the investment must be proven legitimate.
3. Application Review: Once submitted, authorities review everything — if all criteria are met and your record is clean, a favorable outcome is expected.

For the Main Applicant

1. Biometric Photos: Eight copies, 50×60mm, white background, machine-readable format
2. Single Status Document: Legal proof of single status
3. Birth Certificate: Official copy
4. Passport Copy: Notarized and translated ID information page
5. Power of Attorney: Draft provided by your law firm
6. Police Clearance Document: Verifying no criminal record

For Spouse

1. Biometric Photos: Two copies, 50×60mm
2. Marriage Certificate: Official copy
3. Birth Certificate: Copy or birth letter
4. Passport Translation
5. Police Clearance Certificate
6. Power of Attorney: Draft from your law firm

For Children Under 18

1. Birth Certificate: Copy or birth letter
2. Passport Translation

No. You must declare an official passport from your home country. Travel documents do not meet the criteria set by the Turkish government for citizenship applications.

1. Official Passport Required: Your passport serves as primary identification and proof of nationality.
2. Passport Declaration: You will need to provide passport number, issuance date, and expiration date during the application.
3. Consult Legal Experts: If you have questions about documentation eligibility, a legal expert can clarify your situation.

1. Free Services Offered by Some Developers: Some real estate projects include complimentary legal services for the citizenship application as part of their offering.
2. Personal Lawyer Costs: If you prefer independent legal representation, expect a minimum fee of $3,000 USD, covering advice, document preparation, and application representation.
3. Additional Costs: Notarization, translations, and other administrative fees may apply depending on your specific requirements.

1. Lifetime Validity: Your Turkish passport is valid for a lifetime — no frequent renewals required.
2. Fast Processing: Receive your passport in approximately 6 to 9 months.
3. No Minimum Residency: No mandatory residency requirement after obtaining citizenship.
4. Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to full medical assistance including government hospitals.
5. Pension Program: Turkish citizens are eligible for a state pension program.
6. Free Education: Access to free government schools and universities.
7. Visa-Free Travel: Access to 127+ countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.
8. Investment Opportunities: Full rights to own property and conduct business in Turkey.
9. Easy EU Visa Access: Turkish passport holders have easier access to EU countries for travel and business.

Yes. Turkish citizenship obtained through investment is granted for a lifetime, with the same rights and privileges as Turkish citizens by birth.

1. Permanent Legal Status: No limitations on your stay — unlike temporary residency permits, citizenship does not require renewal.
2. Family Inclusion: Your spouse and children under 18 also obtain lifelong citizenship through your application.
3. Full Rights: The right to vote, access government healthcare, enroll in public education, and pursue business ventures.
4. Dual Citizenship Allowed: Turkey permits dual citizenship — you can retain your original nationality while enjoying all benefits of Turkish citizenship.