Turkish citizenship by investment

Turkey offers a citizenship-by-investment program, commonly known as the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program. To obtain citizenship by investment in Turkey, you typically need to follow a series of steps.

How to obtain citizenship by investment in Turkey

Under the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program, foreign individuals could become Turkish citizens by making a significant investment in the country. The specific investment options and requirements may vary, but some common routes for obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment included:

1. Real Estate Investment. Investing a certain amount of money in Turkish real estate, such as purchasing properties or land. The minimum investment amount for purchasing residential or commercial properties in Turkey is set at USD 250,000. This investment must be confirmed by an official valuation report and maintained for at least three years.
2. Capital Investment. Making a fixed capital investment in Turkey, such as establishing a business, purchasing government bonds, or investing in a Turkish company. You can make a minimum fixed capital investment of USD 500,000, such as investing in a Turkish company or making a capital deposit in a Turkish bank.
3. Government Bonds or Treasury Bills: The minimum investment amount for purchasing government bonds or treasury bills is USD 500,000. These investments must be held for at least three years.
4. Job Creation. By creating employment opportunities for Turkish citizens, you may be eligible for citizenship. This option requires creating a minimum of 50 jobs verified by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services.
5. Bank Deposit. The minimum required bank deposit amount for Turkish citizenship by investment is set at USD 500,000. This deposit must be held in Turkish banks for at least three years. It’s important to note that the deposited amount should be kept in the account without any withdrawal during the specified period.

Application and Supporting Documents

Here is a general overview of the application process and the commonly requested documents:

1. Initial Consultation. Guidance from a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant who specializes in Turkish citizenship by investment is necessary to understand the details of the program’s requirements, investment options, and documentation.
2. Investment Selection. Choose the investment option that best suits your preferences and financial capabilities, such as real estate investment, capital investment, job creation, or bank deposit.
3. Investment and Financial Proof. Prepare the necessary documentation to demonstrate your investment or financial capability. This may include:
   • For real estate investment. Purchase agreements, title deeds, valuation reports, and proof of payment.
   • For capital investment. Documentation related to your investment in Turkish companies, government bonds, or establishment of a business.
   • For job creation. Employee contracts, payroll records, and other evidence of employing a certain number of Turkish citizens.
   • For bank deposit. Proof of deposit in a Turkish bank in the required amount.
4. Personal Documents. Gather the following personal documents for the application:
   • Valid passport and copies of all pages.
   • Birth certificate.
   • Marriage certificate (if applicable).
   • Criminal record clearance or police clearance certificate from your home country.
   • Health insurance coverage for Turkey.
   • Photos (passport-sized) as per the specified requirements.
5. Residence Permit. Obtain a valid residence permit in Turkey before applying for citizenship. The residence permit should be valid throughout the application process.
6. Application Submission.: Submit your application and supporting documents to the relevant Turkish authorities, such as the Ministry of Interior, Directorate General of Migration Management, or another designated institution.

Dual Nationality

Turkey allowed dual citizenship, which means that individuals can acquire Turkish citizenship through the citizenship by investment program without being required to renounce their existing citizenship.