In recent years, more and more people have been considering the following question: is it possible to obtain a second passport not through ancestry, but thanks to investments? This is exactly how the citizenship by investment Turkiye programme works. It has become one of the most popular in the world, since Turkey has a relatively affordable entry threshold for investors, a fast procedure, and a pleasant bonus — a strong passport with the possibility of travelling visa-free to dozens of countries.
But how does it actually work in practice? What is the difference between citizenship and long-term residence? And which investments are suitable: the purchase of an apartment, a bank deposit, or the creation of a business? In this article, we will explain everything step by step: from conditions and options to documents, expenses, and real advantages for the whole family.
The citizenship of Turkey by investment programme has existed for several years and is based on amendments to the Citizenship Law and government regulations. To explain in simple and clear words, this is a legal mechanism: the state openly offers a passport to those who are ready to support its economy.
Why did Turkey decide to go this way? The explanation is quite obvious: the country is actively developing the real estate market, banks, and entrepreneurship. That is why the government has established several “gates” through which foreigners can enter the circle of citizens. These are investments in specific sectors.
Many readers think that this is some temporary campaign. In reality, however, the programme has been in effect for many years, and after 2017, when the minimum amounts were reduced, it only strengthened its position.
And now to the practical side. What does Turkey citizenship through investment actually look like? The scheme is quite simple: you invest in the specified directions — Turkey grants a passport. Everything is logical and simple!
The main options for becoming a participant of this programme can be shown in the following list:
It sounds like a dry list, but behind it there are real-life stories. For example, a family from Europe buys an apartment on the coast, rents it out to tourists, and after a few months already holds Turkish passports in their hands. And this is not an exception, but a widespread scenario, and you can become the main character of such a story as well.
Another important point for you: the procedure of Turkish citizenship through real estate investment does not drag on for years. In most cases, from submission to receiving the passport takes 3–6 months. For many people, this becomes the decisive argument, since in other countries the process stretches for years.
A frequent question among those wishing to become citizens of Turkey is: what is the difference between citizenship and residency? At first glance, these seem like similar statuses, but the difference is fundamental.
Residency gives the right to live in the country and to use basic services. But it is limited in time and requires renewal. Citizenship means something entirely different: a passport, voting rights, freedom to work and to study without additional permits.
To make it even simpler, here is a clear analogy. Residency is like renting: you have the keys, but you cannot fully dispose of the home. Citizenship is ownership. You return whenever you want, and you do not need to confirm anything.
That is why most foreigners who are interested in the investment programme look not at the residence card, but at the full passport. Because it is not just a document, but a completely different level of confidence in one’s rights and in the future in general.
Did you know that not every investor automatically becomes a citizen? There are clear rules written in the legislation. First of all, the applicant must be of legal age, must have a clean reputation, and the funds must have a legal origin. This may sound obvious, but the checks are serious: Turkish authorities monitor for any signs of financial crimes or security risks.
Another criterion is compliance with the minimum investment thresholds. For real estate this is $400,000, and for bank deposits or capital investments — from $500,000. If the contribution is lower, the application will simply not be considered. Therefore, one needs to accumulate funds to become a citizen.
We also draw your attention to another detail: the applicant must confirm that they have not purchased similar assets in the last year. This prevents situations where investors try to “count” old purchases — everything must be fair.
Can the family obtain passports together with me? A question that is extremely popular! The answer is yes, and this is one of the key advantages of the programme.
The application can include a spouse and children under 18 years of age. In the case of older children, if they have disabilities or remain dependent on the parents, inclusion is also possible. In other words, the programme really works as a “family package.”
For many people, this is the decisive factor to get Turkey citizenship by investment. Because it is not only about the new status of the investor but also about the future of the children: education, healthcare, free travel. Thanks to this family logic, the programme has gained popularity among those who plan years or even decades ahead.
Another aspect to which you should pay special attention: the programme is open to all foreigners, regardless of country of origin. Turkey does not establish restrictions by nationality. This distinguishes it from some other states where certain citizens can be excluded.
In fact, any investor who meets the basic requirements has the chance to obtain a passport. But keep in mind that the final decision is always made by the state authorities after the security check.
It is also important to understand that Turkish citizenship through investment attracts not only those who want a new passport for travelling. Often these are investors from the Middle East, Europe, or even America who see in Turkey a promising market for business and a convenient “bridge” between the EU and Asia.
The most popular option among foreigners is real estate. And this is not surprising, since Turkey has long been a centre of the international housing market. Villas on the coast, apartments in big cities, commercial premises — all of this can be purchased while also getting closer to receiving a passport.
The minimum threshold here is clear: $400,000. The purchase must be officially registered through the land registry, and the transaction is checked by state authorities. Interestingly, many investors combine two motives: they receive housing for themselves or for rental, and at the same time open the path to citizenship.
This option is most often chosen by families who value time. Combining an investment with a future passive income makes it practical and understandable.
Another way is capital investment in business or the creation of jobs. The minimum amount is $500,000. This can include investments in Turkish companies or opening one’s own enterprise.
The government considers this as a double effect: the investor receives a passport, and the country gains new jobs and economic development. That is why this option is especially interesting for entrepreneurs who are thinking not only about a second passport but also about scaling their business in the Turkish market.
The third option of Turkish citizenship for foreign investors is a bank deposit or other forms of financial instruments approved by the state. The minimum amount here is also $500,000. The money is placed in a Turkish bank for a certain period, and this deposit becomes the basis for applying for citizenship.
At first glance, this may seem the easiest way: no need to search for an apartment or open a business, just transfer the funds. But in practice, this option is less attractive because the deposit does not bring additional income, unlike housing or business.
However, for those who want to minimise risks and not spend time searching for objects, this scenario becomes optimal. It is often chosen by investors who plan to view Turkey more as a backup platform than as a country for active work and life.
The procedure for obtaining Turkish citizenship by real estate investment seems complicated only at first sight. In fact, it is structured and understandable. The applicant chooses the type of investment (real estate, business, deposit), concludes the deal officially, and then submits documents to the relevant state authorities.
Usually the process looks like this:
Does it sound bureaucratic? In reality, in Turkey this process works smoothly and efficiently. In most cases, all stages are completed within a few months.
What papers are needed? Let us emphasise that the list of documents is standard, but it is better to prepare everything in advance. Usually the applicant is required to provide:
All of this must be translated into Turkish and notarised. In practice, this stage requires the most attention, because without a complete package, the documents will simply not be accepted.
The duration of the process usually ranges from three to six months. This is quite fast compared to other programmes in the world.
But the main thing to take into account is the security check (due diligence). Turkish authorities carefully examine the origin of funds, the history of the applicant, and their compliance with the requirements. Sometimes this stage can take a little longer.
Remember that the check is not a formality but a necessary guarantee that new citizens will not create problems for the state. If the documents are in order and the funds have a transparent origin, there are practically no grounds for refusal.
The main argument that attracts most investors is the passport. The Turkish document opens doors to more than 110 countries of the world visa-free or with visa on arrival. This includes states in Asia, Latin America, and the Balkans, which makes travelling much simpler.
Does the Turkish passport give the right to free movement in Europe? The answer is simple — Turkey is not a member of the EU, but simplified entry agreements exist with several countries. This is certainly convenient for businessmen and travellers.
Another important advantage of Turkish citizenship by property investment is full access to life inside the country. Citizenship grants not only the right to live but also to work without special permits. Children of citizens can study in Turkish schools and universities on the same terms as locals.
Compared with a residence card, this is a completely different level of confidence. There is no need to think about renewals every few years or worry about changes in the rules. We explain this as a “status forever” — you are integrated into the system of the country at the level of its citizens.
A separate bonus that not everyone knows about: Turkey has a treaty with the USA that allows holders of Turkish passports to apply for the E-2 investor visa. This means that Turkish citizens can legally run businesses in the United States and reside there on the basis of investments.
In fact, investments in Turkey become an indirect path to the American market. For many entrepreneurs this is a key argument: one passport — two markets.
The first thing foreigners pay attention to is the amount from which it is possible to start. The law defines clear minimum thresholds:
Unfortunately, smaller amounts are simply not considered. Even if you buy an apartment for $350,000, it will not give you the right to apply for citizenship. This rule works strictly and without exceptions.
There are also a few important nuances with real estate. First, the property cannot be sold for at least three years after the purchase — otherwise citizenship can be annulled. Second, the housing must be officially registered in the state cadastre, not only based on a private agreement.
As for rental: it does not count as an investment. In other words, merely living in an apartment in Turkey does not grant the right to a passport. There must be a purchase and official registration of ownership.
These requirements may seem strict, but they prevent manipulation and ensure the programme functions honestly.
In addition to the cost of the investment itself, there are also accompanying expenses. This list usually includes:
In general, they are not very large compared to the main investment, but they need to be considered in advance. We recommend planning the budget with a small reserve to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Not everyone is ready to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in real estate or business. For such cases, Turkey offers an alternative — long-term residency. This status allows living in the country almost indefinitely, using healthcare, education, opening bank accounts, and working with a permit.
But there is a nuance: residency needs to be maintained. If you leave the country for a long period, the document can be cancelled. In addition, the residence card does not provide access to voting rights or the full range of social guarantees. Therefore, many consider it only as a temporary option.
In our reviews of programmes in different countries, Turkey is particularly interesting due to the following advantages:
Therefore, if we compare, Turkey occupies a “middle niche”: more expensive than the Caribbean, but faster and simpler than Europe. This balance makes the programme of applying for Turkish citizenship by residency popular among investors who want to combine practicality and prospects.
The citizenship by investment in Turkey programme has become one of the most significant tools in the world for those seeking a second passport. It combines a relatively affordable financial threshold, a fast procedure, and a wide range of benefits — from visa-free travel to the opportunity to study and work within the country.
We see that the main strength of this programme lies in balance. For some it is a new market for business, for others — protection and stability for the family. Moreover, Turkey remains a unique “bridge” between Europe and Asia, which adds strategic value. If you are interested in this opportunity, then check the detailed information on the geteucitizenship.com website.
The minimum amount depends on the chosen option. For real estate purchase, it is $400,000. For a bank deposit or capital investment in business — from $500,000. Smaller amounts do not grant the right to apply.
On average, from the submission of documents to obtaining a passport, it takes from three to six months. The process can take a little longer if it is necessary to check the origin of funds or family documents, but overall Turkey is known for quick processing.
No, real estate is just one of the options. You can also place a deposit in a bank or invest in business. But real estate remains the most popular way, since it provides a double effect: both an asset and citizenship.
Yes, Turkey recognises dual citizenship. This means you can keep your original passport and at the same time receive a Turkish one. But it is important to note that some countries of the world do not allow dual status, so you need to check the rules of your own state.
The minimum amount depends on the chosen option. For real estate purchase, it is $400,000. For a bank deposit or capital investment in business — from $500,000. Smaller amounts do not grant the right to apply.
On average, from the submission of documents to obtaining a passport, it takes from three to six months. The process can take a little longer if it is necessary to check the origin of funds or family documents, but overall Turkey is known for quick processing.
No, real estate is just one of the options. You can also place a deposit in a bank or invest in business. But real estate remains the most popular way, since it provides a double effect: both an asset and citizenship.
Yes, Turkey recognises dual citizenship. This means you can keep your original passport and at the same time receive a Turkish one. But it is important to note that some countries of the world do not allow dual status, so you need to check the rules of your own state.