2026 Updated Guide: How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment
What Are the Requirements for Turkish Citizenship with a 400,000 USD Investment?
Below are the main requirements for applying for Turkish citizenship through a real estate investment of 400,000 USD as of 2026:
Legal Basis;
* Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 (Article 12)
* Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law (Article 20)
* Guideline on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law (Published on 01/02/2024)
✅ Main Requirements;
1- Purchase real estate worth at least 400,000 USD and commit not to sell it for 3 years.
2- Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Turkish Citizenship.
3- Remote application is not possible; you must come to Türkiye at least twice to provide fingerprints and complete the application.
4- Clean Criminal Record; no criminal background and no risk in terms of national security or public order.
5- Clear Title Deed Record;
– The property must be eligible for citizenship.
– It must be purchased from a Turkish citizen or a Turkish company.
– The property must not have been previously used by another foreigner for citizenship purposes.
6- The investment application must be submitted personally by the investor.
7- An SPK-licensed valuation report must confirm that the property value exceeds 400,000 USD.
8- Bank Transfer Requirement;
– The sale amount must be paid via bank transfer. Cash payments are not accepted.
– The transfer must include the investor’s passport number, property details, and a note indicating the purchase is for citizenship purposes.
9- A Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate (DAB) must be obtained from the relevant bank.
Institutions Involved in the Application Process
* Purchase transaction at the Land Registry Office (Tapu Müdürlüğü)
* Obtain the “Certificate of Eligibility” from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu Bölge Genel Müdürlüğü)
* Submit fingerprints and residence permit application at the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi)
* Submit citizenship application at the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus Müdürlüğü)
Step-by-Step Application Process
1- Selection of the property
2- Signing a purchase agreement before a notary
3- Money transfer and obtaining the foreign exchange purchase certificate
4- Title deed transfer at the Land Registry Office
5- Obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility
6- Residence permit application and fingerprint submission
7- Filing the citizenship application
Most Common Mistakes in 400,000 USD Citizenship Applications
1️⃣ Overpricing Risk
Purchasing real estate above its actual market value. Foreign investors are often offered prices significantly above comparable market values.
2️⃣ Insufficient Valuation
If the SPK-licensed valuation report determines the property value below 400,000 USD, the application may be rejected.
3️⃣ Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Translation errors, missing apostilles, notary issues, or inaccurate documentation may delay or result in rejection of the application.
4️⃣ Failure to Complete the Process Within Legal Stay Period
If procedures are not completed within visa or visa-free stay duration, the applicant may fall into illegal status and may need to exit and re-enter Türkiye.
5️⃣ Managing the Process Without Professional Support
Lack of coordination between valuation experts, banks, land registry, and migration authorities can cause serious financial and time losses.
Can Family Members Also Obtain Citizenship?
Together with the investor:
*Legally married spouse
*Children under 18 years of age
Parents, siblings, or other relatives are not eligible under the same investment application.
Current Costs and Fees
Title deed fees: Approximately 16,000 USD
Valuation report: Approximately 1,000 USD
Government fees and application expenses: Approximately 1,200 USD
Attorney fees: Please contact us for a quotation.
How Long Does the Application Take?
The process generally takes 6–8 months on average.
You must be physically present in Türkiye twice:
1- First, during the residence permit application
2- Second, during the citizenship application for identity verification and signature procedures
Citizenship applications cannot be completed without coming to Türkiye.
During the evaluation period, the residence permit issued in your name allows you to stay legally in Türkiye or travel abroad and re-enter without visa limitations.
Obligations After Obtaining Citizenship
* The property cannot be sold for 3 years (it may be rented).
* Compliance with Turkish laws.
* Address registration is mandatory.
* Tax obligations apply if income is generated in Türkiye.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the approval of citizenship guaranteed?
If all investment requirements are fulfilled and documents are submitted in full compliance with the legislation, applications are approved at a very high rate.
However, citizenship acquisition is an administrative decision subject to state discretion. Therefore, no administrative process can be legally guaranteed 100%.
Can the invested money be withdrawn?
The property is annotated with a restriction preventing sale for 3 years. It cannot be sold during this period but may be rented.
What Happens If the Application Is Rejected?
If rejected, an administrative lawsuit may be filed before administrative courts requesting annulment of the decision.
However, since citizenship is granted under state discretion, courts may only review the legality of the process, not the discretionary authority itself.
Is It Mandatory to Purchase a Single Property?
No. Multiple properties may be purchased as long as the total value equals at least 400,000 USD.
Is It Mandatory to Live in Türkiye Permanently?
No. There is no residence requirement after obtaining Turkish citizenship.
Why Should You Work with an Attorney?
The Turkish citizenship by investment process is not merely a property purchase; it is a multi-stage legal and administrative procedure conducted before various public institutions.
A minor procedural mistake, missing document, or incorrect strategy may cause serious financial and legal risks.
Working with an attorney:
* Ensures the legal security of your investment,
* Guarantees compliance with legislation,
* Identifies and prevents potential risks,
* Increases the likelihood of a smooth and successful outcome.
In conclusion, obtaining professional legal support is the most effective way to secure both your investment and your citizenship process.
Lawyer Cihat BALTAŞ
Lawyer Cihat BALTAŞ graduated from Police College in 2006, Police Academy in 2010, Yalova Law Faculty in 2016 with a degree and has worked and specialised in foreign law throughout his professional life. Cihat BALTAŞ, who is currently working as a lawyer in Kadıköy, Istanbul, is the founder of BaltaşGlobal law and consultancy office.