Turkish citizenship presents many opportunities for individuals seeking to broaden their horizons and embrace a new chapter in their lives. The Turkish government has established regulations enabling foreign nationals to attain Turkish citizenship, provided they adhere to immigration laws and meet specific criteria. The latest update, effective since June 2022, means that foreigners who purchase real estate worth at least USD400,000 have the right to apply for Turkish citizenship. This right applies to the investor and the legally married spouse, children under 18, and children of any age with disabilities.
REQUIREMENTS
There are different options and requirements to obtain Turkish citizenship:
- Purchase property worth at least USD400,000. The property has to be held for three years.
- Place a cash deposit of USD500,000 in any Turkish bank. The monies must be held for three years.
- Invest USD500,000 in fixed capital, government bonds, or shares. The investments must be held for three years.
- Employ a Turkish workforce of at least 50.
ELIGIBILITY
In order to qualify for the program, the main applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Never have stayed illegally in Turkiye.
- Pay the taxes and costs for the process.
BENEFITS OF TURKISH CITIZENSHIP
Turkiye has so much more to offer than just a resort country where visitors can enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful nature, delicious cuisine, and unbeatable hospitality. Here are some of the key benefits:
- You become a citizen at the same time as your family. Under the terms of the Turkish citizenship program, you can include your spouse, children under 18 years old, and disabled children of any age in your application.
- There are numerous opportunities for investors, whether by way of profitable investments, business development, or purchase of real estate.
- Travel without visas as Turkish passport holders have visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to 114 countries worldwide, including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
- The program provides a shortcut for relocation to the US under the E-2 US Business visa.
- Obtain dual citizenship as investors do not need to give up their native citizenship.
- Turkiye guarantees the welfare of its citizens, and as a Turkish citizen, you are eligible to receive free healthcare and education services.
- The prospect of becoming a citizen of the European Union. Turkiye continues to pursue its entry into the European Union and is negotiating visa-free travel to countries within the Schengen area.
- There is no requirement to declare income or current assets in other countries, and there are no restrictions on the inheritance of real estate and assets.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR TURKISH CITIZENSHIP
Each applicant has different conditions and statuses. This is an overview of the documents required:
- Application form
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport of each applicant
- Four passport-size biometric, colored photos of each family member
- Residence permit of valid Tourist visa on your passport
- All documents necessary to prove your relationship with spouse and/or children if applicable (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Copy the Turkish ID and address of the applicant's relatives in Turkiye, if applicable.
- Tax payment receipt
- Appraisal report
- Bank receipt showing minimum payment of USD400,000
- Title deed or notarised property purchase commitment
- Proof that all applicants have a clean criminal record
- Proof of Health Insurance (valid in Turkiye)
Specialist knowledge and experience is needed to ensure the documents are correctly prepared. It is therefore strongly recommended that legal support is obtained as each applicant has different conditions and statuses.
PROCESS OF OBTAINING TURKISH CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
- Potential buyers and investors who purchase real estate worth at least USD400,000 with a three-year resale limitation can apply for Turkish citizenship.
- Once you have found a suitable property, you must open a bank account in Turkiye to complete the purchase.
- The Turkish land registry and Cadaster of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization must determine the property's value for a certificate of eligibility to be issued.
- Upon being granted the residence permit, you can apply for citizenship. The application is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship with approval and a residence permit.
- To complete the acquisition of citizenship, you will have to visit Turkiye once. The process takes between 2 and 6 months.
- With legal support and the correct guidance of reliable experts, obtaining Turkish citizenship is a fairly straightforward process.
OTHER METHODS OF OBTAINING TURKISH CITIZENSHIP
There are other ways to obtain citizenship. Under the Blu Card system, introduced in 2017, an alternative type of citizenship can be obtained, granting almost full rights. It is open to business executives and investors or those who have skills in economics, technology, culture, arts, and sports. A property owner who has lived in Turkiye for an uninterrupted period of 5 years can also apply for citizenship. It can also be obtained by birth or marriage, subject to certain conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is it possible for my family to obtain Turkish citizenship?
Yes, you and any children under 18 can be eligible for citizenship.
2. Can I sell my property after obtaining Turkish citizenship?
You must own your property for at least three years following your application. After 3 years, you will be able to sell your property while still keeping your Turkish citizenship.
3. Do I have to live in Turkiye to get Turkish citizenship?
No, you do not.
4. Which nationalities are eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship?
All nationalities who are able to buy a property or invest in Turkiye are eligible to apply.
5. Can multiple people own the same property?
Yes, the property can have multiple owners.
