Turkey offers international investors the opportunity to acquire Turkish citizenship through investment. Investors can apply for Turkish citizenship and take advantage of the process to establish a permanent residence in Turkey through various investment options. In this article, we will explore the general requirements for acquiring Turkish citizenship through investment, the different types of investments available, and especially the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate investment in detail. Our aim is to provide comprehensive information to help investors make informed decisions. As a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer, we will enlighten you about the Turkish citizenship application process and legal procedures.
Investment Types for Turkish Citizenship
There are several options available to acquire Turkish citizenship through investment:
- Real Estate Investment:
- To acquire Turkish citizenship, a minimum investment of 400,000 USD in real estate is required. This investment can be in a single property or a combination of properties.
- Company Formation or Investment:
- By establishing a new company in Turkey with a minimum capital of 500,000 USD or by investing in an existing company, you can acquire Turkish citizenship. The company must have sustainable operations and contribute to the local workforce.
- Bank Deposit:
- You can apply for Turkish citizenship by depositing a minimum of 500,000 USD in a Turkish bank. The deposited amount must be held in Turkey for a specified period.
- Government Bonds or Public Debt Instruments:
- Investing a minimum of 500,000 USD in Turkish government bonds or public debt instruments allows you to acquire Turkish citizenship. The terms and conditions of this investment must comply with the regulations set by the government.
Acquiring Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment
Real Estate Investment for Turkish Citizenship:
Investment Requirements:
- Investment Amount:
- To acquire Turkish citizenship, you must purchase real estate with a minimum value of 400,000 USD. This can be a single property or the combined value of multiple properties. The value of the property must not be below the specified minimum amount.
- Sale Restriction:
- The purchased real estate must not be sold for a period of 3 years. During this time, no changes should be made to the property. This rule ensures the sustainability and long-term value of the investment. For the continuation of Turkish citizenship, the duration of this restriction may vary based on current regulations and the evaluation conditions of the application.
- Eligibility Certificate:
- An eligibility certificate for the real estate purchase must be approved by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. This certificate is required to prove the property’s value and compliance with investment requirements.
Application Process:
- Selecting and Purchasing Real Estate:
- Location: Investing in major cities and developing areas in Turkey can increase the property’s value. Cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are prominent options.
- Valuation: The property’s value must be accurately determined, and market research should be conducted. The value should meet or exceed the 400,000 USD requirement.
- Legal Status: A thorough examination of the property’s title deeds and legal status is necessary.
- Preparing Documents:
- It is crucial to prepare the necessary documents completely and correctly. These documents include the title deed, proof of bank transfer, identity and passport copies, and the eligibility certificate. Proper and complete documentation facilitates a favorable outcome of the application.
- Turkish Citizenship Application:
- The application for Turkish citizenship is submitted to the relevant authorities by a Turkish citizenship lawyer, accompanied by the necessary information and documents. During the application process, all required documents, including the property’s title deed, bank transfers, identity documents, and the eligibility certificate, must be submitted.
- Evaluation and Approval:
- Application Review: The Ministry of Interior reviews the application thoroughly and verifies the authenticity of the documents. This process generally takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the workload of government offices.
- Citizenship Approval: Upon favorable review, Turkish citizenship is granted. Approved applicants receive a Turkish citizenship ID card and Turkish passport.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
- How Long Does It Take for the Turkish Citizenship Application to Be Processed?
- The processing time for the application may vary depending on the workload of government offices. Generally, it takes between 3 to 6 months. The duration may change based on the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documents.
- Can Family Members Also Benefit from Turkish Citizenship through Real Estate Investment?
- Yes, when applying for Turkish citizenship through real estate investment, the spouse and children under the age of 18 of the main applicant are also eligible for Turkish citizenship.
- How Long Must the Real Estate Be Held Before It Can Be Sold?
- The purchased real estate must be held for a minimum of 3 years. During this period, no changes should be made to the property. The duration of this restriction may vary based on current regulations and application review conditions.
- Does Turkey Allow Multiple Citizenship?
- Yes, Turkey supports multiple citizenships. Existing citizenships remain unchanged upon acquiring Turkish citizenship.
The process of acquiring Turkish citizenship by investment requires detailed knowledge and careful management. Real estate investment for Turkish citizenship can offer significant advantages if done correctly. We are here to guide you through every step of this process, providing professional consultancy services. From selecting real estate to navigating the application process, our expert lawyers are ready to assist you in overcoming legal and administrative challenges. For establishing permanent residency in Turkey and taking advantage of investment opportunities, please contact our Turkish Citizenship Lawyer.
