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Turkish Citizenship by Investment in Turkey (2026 Guide)

  Turkey’s real estate citizenship program remains one of the most popular investment immigration options due to its clear legal framework and fast processing time compared to other countries. To qualify, investors must purchase property worth at least USD 400,000, obtain an official valuation report, complete payment through a Turkish bank, and hold the investment for at least three years. During this period, rental income is allowed, and after citizenship is granted, properties can be sold freely. This transparent and structured approach has made Turkey a top choice for investors seeking global mobility, family inclusion, and long-term stability

Can You Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Purchasing Property?

        The very short answer is “Yes, it is possible” for a foreigner to obtain Turkish Citizenship by buying apartment in Turkey. You can become a Turkish citizen If you fulfill the legal requirements in the relevant laws and regulations. Turkey offers one of the best and most accessible citizenship by Turkish real estate investment programs. Foreign investors can obtain Turkish citizenship within 4–8 months by purchasing real estate worth at least USD 400,000. 

   After the amendment in the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law the rules for obtaining Turkish citizenship have changed in 18.09.2018. Accordingly, persons who make the investments included in the regulation are exceptionally entitled to apply for Turkish Citizenship for their spouses, children under the age of 18.

What Are the Requirements for Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment?

To qualify, investors must:
The property can be:

What is process of Obtaining Turkish Citizenship?

Turkish citizenship property guide infographic

      Step-by-Step Process to Turkish Citizenship by Investment

  • Get a Tax Registry Number

        The tax registration number can be obtained from any tax office with your passport and one photograph. Also you can apply online to get it through Digital Tax Office

  • Find the Appropriate Property

    – Total value of USD 400.000 or its foreign currency equivalent in Turkish Lira 
    – One or more completed or near-completed properties, 
    – License for occupancy has been obtained, 
    – Ready title deed with condominium easement or condominium ownership, 
    – Valuation report obtained from municipality

  • Get the Valuation Report of the Property

      Obtain the official appraisal report via Webtapu. The report must be issued within 3 months before the application. 

  • Take the Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB)

     Sell foreign currency to a Turkish bank for transfer to the Central Bank. Obtain the DAB certificate for the title deed process.

  • Buy the Property 

    Complete payment via bank transfer in Turkish Lira. Register a 3-year non-sale commitment in the title deed.

  • Get the Certificate of Conformity

     Certificate of Conformity is the letter of the Regional Land Registry Directorate stating that the real estate purchased by the foreigner is suitable for the right of residence and citizenship.

  • Apply Short-Term Residency

      As a final step you must apply to the Directorate General of Migration Management for a short-term residence permit under subparagraph J. The foreigner must attend the appointment in person and provide an eye retinal scan and fingerprint.

Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship Application

  1. pasaportPassport & Notarized Translation – Valid passport with certified Turkish translation
  2. Turkish Tax ID Number – Required for all legal transactions
  3. Biometric Photos – 4–6 recent photos
  4. Birth & Marriage Certificates – For yourself and family members included
  5. Title Deed (TAPU) – Shows property ownership
  6. Property Valuation Report – Confirms property value ≥ USD 400,000
  7. Bank Transfer Receipts & Currency Exchange DAB Certificate – Proof of investment
  8. Residence Permit Application Documents – Short-term permit before citizenship
  9. Power of Attorney – If a representative handles your application
  10. Earthquake Insurance & Municipal Property Value Certificate – Mandatory for properties
 

⚠ Tip: Documents issued abroad must be apostilled or certified by the Turkish consulate to be valid. Translation must be done in Turkey.

What is the Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB)?

   The Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB Certificate) is a document issued by a Turkish bank confirming that foreign currency has been sold to the Central Bank before the property transaction.

   DAB certificate must include the buyer’s full name, passport or foreign ID number, the USD amount, its TL equivalent, and a reference to Article 13 of the Capital Movements Circular.

   The DAB certificate must be obtained before the title deed transfer and submitted to the Land Registry Office.

Costs and Additional Expenses

Expense TypeDescriptionEstimated Cost
Title Deed Transfer Tax (2%)Mandatory property transfer tax paid to the Land Registry$8,000
Property Valuation ReportOfficial appraisal required for citizenship application$500 – $800
Residence Permit Card FeeShort-term residence permit before citizenship application$150 – $300
Citizenship Application FeesGovernment processing & document fees$500 – $1,000
Legal Fees (Optional but Recommended)Lawyer firm handling the full process$4,000 – $10,000
TOTAL $14.000– $20.000

Which Properties are not Eligible for Turkish Citizenship?

         Not every property qualifies for Turkish Citizenship by Property. So, for securing the Certificate of Conformity, the property must meet all the legal critera. You must be careful that buying the wrong asset can lead to an immediate rejection of your application. 

      Key restrictions to keep in mind:
  • Previous Foreign Ownership: You cannot buy the property from another foreign national. To qualify, the seller must be a Turkish citizen or a Turkish company.
  • Repurchased Properties: A property that has already been used to grant citizenship to a previous investor cannot be used for the program again.
  • Self-Owned Entities: You cannot purchase property from a company where you, your spouse, or your children are partners or managers.
  • Restricted Zones: Properties located in military forbidden zones, strategic security areas, or certain agricultural lands are strictly ineligible.
  • Valuation Discrepancy: If the official SPK-licensed appraisal report values the property below $400,000, the purchase will not qualify—even if you paid a higher price.

Important Things To Know Before Applying

  • In case the real estate is purchased with a mortgage loan or is subject to mortgage, the mortgage value will be deducted from the total value of the real estate given in the valuation report and the remaining amount will be valid.
  • The value of the real estate(s) will be determined through an official assessment by the valuation companies announced by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA).
  • The foreign currency must be exchanged before the title deed transactions and the foreign currency purchase certificate must be submitted to the title deed directorate before the sale
  • The sales price of the real estate(s) will be paid to the seller via bank transfer.
  • You can sell your property after you are granted as Turkish citizenship and 3 years.
  • The building of the real estate must be completed or close to completion.
  • Habitation license must be granted for the real estate.
  • In accordance with Article (13) of the Capital Movements Circular of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, foreign currency must be exchanged for the full amount of the sale price.

Other Investment Options for Turkish Citizenship

  • Depositing 500.000 USD or equivalent foreign currency into the deposit account of banks operating in Turkey, provided that they do not withdraw it for 3 years,
  • Employing 50 or more workers,
  • Making 500.000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency a fixed capital investment.
  • Purchasing USD 500.000 or its equivalent in foreign currency government debt instruments on condition that they are held for 3 years,
  • USD 500.000 or equivalent foreign currency amount of real estate investment fund units or venture capital investment fund units, provided that they are held for at least 3 years.

     Getting Turkish citizenship via buying real estate is easy but there are lots of details that you must follow to get it. If you want me to do all procedure for you or further questions contact me.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Citizenship by Investment

1- Can I sell the property before getting citizenship?
No. The property must be held for at least 3 years under Turkish law. Selling it earlier cancels your eligibility. After the 3-year period, you may sell or rent the property without restriction.
2- Do my spouse and children automatically get citizenship?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 are included in the same application. Other dependents require separate eligibility assessment.
3- Do I need to live in Turkey to apply?
No. There is no minimum stay requirement. You can obtain Turkish citizenship without residing in Turkey.
4- Can I combine multiple properties to meet the USD 400,000 requirement?
Yes. You may purchase multiple properties as long as the total investment equals or exceeds USD 400,000. Each property must be legally eligible and free of mortgages or disputes.
5- How long does the process take?
The process typically takes 4–8 months from property purchase to citizenship approval, depending on documentation and administrative procedures.
6- Does buying property guarantee citizenship?
Citizenship is granted once all legal requirements are fulfilled, including proper fund transfer, valuation report, and a 3-year non-sale commitment.
7- Can I pay in cash?
No. Payment must be made via bank transfer in Turkish Lira. Cash payments or exchange-office transactions are not accepted for citizenship applications.
8- Can I rent the property while waiting?
Yes. There is no restriction on renting the property during the 3-year holding period.

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