Turkish Citizenship by Investment and Visiting 110 Countries Without a Visa
In 2016, Turkey introduced its Citizenship by Investment Program, also known as the Golden Visa for Turkey, allowing foreign investors to obtain a Turkish passport within just three to six months.
To obtain Turkish citizenship, purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 is the minimum investment option for citizenship.
Other options require a capital investment of $500,000 in assets, government bonds, business ventures, or deposits in a Turkish bank. The registration process and completion of procedures take around 3 to 6 months, and the investment can be recovered within three years.
Turkish citizenship allows you to live continuously in Turkey, apply for an E-2 work visa for the United States, travel visa-free to 110 countries, and in this article, we will explain how to obtain a Turkish passport, who is eligible, and how this program differs from others.
Citizenship by Investment
The Citizenship by Investment program is one of the best immigration programs worldwide, requiring appropriate financial funding. Some foreign investors invest in foreign countries and through this step, they can acquire a new nationality.
The first citizenship by investment program appeared in 1984 with St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship, followed by other countries adopting this program with different ideas and approaches. Each country set its own laws for such programs.
Investment options enabling investors to acquire foreign citizenships varied, with the most famous being real estate investment or donations to the development funds of those countries.
Each country determines the investment value based on its needs and how it can benefit from these investments in its development.
In addition to Turkish citizenship, there are two European countries offering citizenship by investment: Malta and Turkey.
Other countries, especially Caribbean nations, offer excellent options for the citizenship by investment program, with Grenada being one of the most famous.
Let’s learn more about Turkish citizenship and whether it’s worth seeking, as well as the application steps.
How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program started in January 2017 with the goal of attracting foreign direct investment and stimulating growth in Turkey’s real estate sector. The program allows applicants to choose from a range of economic contributions to the Turkish community, thus helping to enhance the country's economy.
Turkey is a transcontinental Eurasian country, where Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosporus Strait. Its strategic location at the crossroads between Europe and Asia has given it significant importance globally.
Advantages of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program
Foreign investors can obtain Turkish citizenship in less than three months. You can apply for Turkish citizenship once you complete your investment, and within three to six months, you will receive a Turkish passport.
Some of the advantages of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program include:
- When applying for the Turkish investment visa, you will be granted permanent residency, allowing you to live in Turkey and begin your investment.
- The Turkish passport allows visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to 110 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, and South Korea. There is also consideration for Turkish citizens to travel visa-free to Schengen countries.
- Turkish citizenship offers you the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, with a Mediterranean climate, stunning nature, and a high standard of living.
- The main applicant will receive full Turkish citizenship, and family members are also eligible to acquire and inherit citizenship later.
- The program makes you eligible for the E-2 investor visa for the United States, which is renewable for five years.
- Turkey is considered one of the most strategically important countries globally due to its geographic location between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making it one of the best investment options in the world.
- As a Turkish citizen, you can use the Ankara Agreement, which allows Turkish citizens to work, establish a business, and relocate permanently to any European Economic Area (EEA) country. Although a visa is required, the application process is simpler compared to other countries.
- Once you obtain a Turkish passport, you can take advantage of a simplified process for setting up a company in the UK and obtaining British permanent residency.
Requirements for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
To be eligible for Turkish citizenship by investment, the main applicant must meet one of the following investment requirements:
- Purchase real estate in Turkey for at least $400,000 USD.
- Invest a minimum of $500,000 USD in capital.
- Deposit at least $500,000 USD in a Turkish bank account, or the equivalent in foreign currency or Turkish lira.
- Invest at least $500,000 USD in government bonds or the equivalent in foreign capital or Turkish lira.
- Invest at least $500,000 USD, or the equivalent in foreign currency or Turkish lira, in a real estate investment fund or a venture capital investment fund.
- Invest at least $500,000 USD or its foreign currency equivalent or Turkish lira in a private pension system for at least three years.
- Create at least 50 job opportunities approved by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services.
In the Turkish Citizenship by Investment application, the main applicant can include their spouse, children under 18 years old, and disabled children of any age. All these family members will receive residency permits and become Turkish citizens.
Real Estate Investment in Turkey for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship
Turkey has one of the best and most active real estate markets in the region. One of the main factors driving foreign interest in real estate investment in Turkey is the large variety of options available, ranging from new luxury constructions, affordable new builds, renovated apartments, villas, to resale properties.
Property Prices in Turkey
Turkish properties can be a highly profitable investment. The nominal value of properties in Istanbul doubles every five to ten years. Property prices in the country often increase by 25% annually.
In Istanbul, the average price of residential property is $130,000, while the average price of residential properties in Ankara is $78,000. In Antalya, the average price of a house is $113,000.
How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship
Here are the steps followed in the Turkish citizenship program through investment:
- After applicants choose their qualifying investment option, a residence visa application will be submitted on their behalf with the help of an accredited agent.
- The main applicant must then open a Turkish bank account.
- Once all application documents are prepared, including applicable certificates and translations, the investment can be completed, and documents will be sent to the government.
- Once the government receives the application, the vetting process begins, and an interview may be required.
- Applications are typically approved within 120 days, after which Turkish citizenship documents are issued.
- Following this, a passport application can be submitted.
Family Members Eligible for Turkish Citizenship Through Investment
If you apply for Turkish citizenship through investment, you can include the following family members:
- Husband or wife
- Children under 18 years old
- Children under 21 years old who are financially dependent
- Elderly dependent parents
All family members included in the application will be eligible for Turkish citizenship.
Other Options to Obtain Turkish Citizenship
In addition to investing in the Turkish economy, there are other different ways to obtain Turkish citizenship, including:
- After three years of marriage to a Turkish citizen.
- By birth: When a child is born to at least one Turkish parent, they can obtain Turkish citizenship.
- Through work: After five years of contractual employment in Turkey.
- By naturalization: After residing in Turkey for five years, with the additional condition that you cannot leave the country for more than six months during this period. You must also prove knowledge of the Turkish language or have a suitable job or sufficient financial resources.
Purchasing any property is the simplest way to obtain a preliminary tourist residence permit. Another option is to buy properties worth $100,000 for a permanent residence visa, which will be issued for two years with the possibility of extending it for an additional three years.
Does Turkey Allow Dual Citizenship?
Turkey allows dual citizenship and does not require any investor applying for Turkish citizenship through investment to renounce their original nationality. No nationality is excluded from applying.
However, foreign citizens who acquire Turkish citizenship through investment will be excluded from some local services, such as mandatory military service.
But it is essential to verify before applying whether your nationality prevents you from applying for Turkish citizenship.
How to Obtain Citizenship in Turkey Without Investment
Best and Easiest Way to Obtain Turkish Citizenship
As we have discussed in the previous sections, Turkish citizenship is one of the best nationalities to obtain globally, for many reasons, which we have explored in more detail earlier in this topic.
For this reason, many people are eager to seize this opportunity and not miss or overlook it. We are here to present to you the easiest way to obtain Turkish citizenship through investment.
Obtaining assistance from specialized institutions and agencies will save you a lot of time, effort, and expenses that investors may bear when applying for Turkish citizenship.
Therefore, immigration lawyers at Zajel will assist you in obtaining Turkish citizenship with the least costs and steps and in the correct legal manner.
To benefit from this service, you can download the Zajel app, request the service, learn about our service pricing plans, and communicate with one of our legal representatives to get a consultation through WhatsApp. Click here.
In conclusion, if you have the financial means, don’t miss the opportunity to obtain Turkish citizenship. If you are still unsure about the required resources, feel free to contact us.
FAQ
What amount do I need to invest to obtain Turkish citizenship?
To obtain a Turkish passport, you will need to purchase real estate worth at least $400,000. There are other investment options starting from $500,000, which include depositing capital in a Turkish bank account, purchasing government bonds, or creating job opportunities. After making the required investment, you can expect to receive Turkish citizenship within three to four months after the review of your application by the Capital Markets Board and the Turkish Ministry.
Can I obtain Turkish citizenship by buying a house?
Yes, you can become a Turkish citizen by purchasing a house, which is one of the most popular routes available through the Turkish citizenship by investment program. The property must be worth at least $400,000 to be eligible, and you will also need to obtain a certificate of eligibility from the relevant authorities.
Is Turkish citizenship for sale?
Turkey, like most Golden Visa countries, grants citizenship in exchange for investment. As a result, this can be considered as Turkish citizenship by investment. Eligible investors can begin the process by choosing their preferred investment route, after which the procedures to obtain Turkish citizenship can be completed in less than six months.
Is it easy to obtain Turkish citizenship?
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment is relatively simple if done correctly. The process is clear and straightforward, and it can be completed within three to four months if you have the required documents and make the necessary investment. Professional assistance will make the process smoother.
Is the Turkish passport reliable?
The Turkish passport is considered strong as it allows visa-free travel to more than 110 countries. Many Asian countries do not require a visa if you hold a Turkish passport, including Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Furthermore, many South American countries, including Argentina and Venezuela, accept Turkish passport holders without a visa. There are also ongoing discussions to allow Turkish citizens to enter Schengen countries without a visa, but there is no update on this yet.
Is it necessary to speak Turkish to obtain Turkish citizenship through investment?
Not at all. Obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment does not require any prior knowledge of the Turkish language.
What documents are required to apply for an investor visa in Turkey?
- Passport
- Proof of your required investment
- Turkish tax identification number
- Documents proving that you have not been in Turkey illegally before
- Proof of payment of all taxes and fees required for the investor visa application
- Criminal record
- Birth certificate
- Passport-sized photographs
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce certificate
- Death certificate
- Proof of valid health insurance in Turkey
What are the benefits of obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment?
When you apply for a Turkish investor visa, you will be granted a permanent residence permit that allows you to live in Turkey and start your investment. The Turkish passport grants you visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to 110 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, and South Korea. There is also consideration for allowing Turkish citizens to travel visa-free to Schengen countries. Obtaining Turkish citizenship gives you the opportunity to live in one of Europe's most beautiful countries, with a Mediterranean climate, stunning natural areas, and a high standard of living. The main applicant will receive full Turkish citizenship, and family members are also eligible for citizenship and inheritance rights. The Turkish citizenship by investment program makes you eligible for an E-2 Investor Visa in the United States, renewable for five years. Turkey is one of the most strategically important countries in the world due to its geographical location between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making it one of the top investment options globally. As a Turkish citizen, you can use the Ankara Agreement, which allows Turkish citizens to work, start a business, and move permanently to any European Economic Area country. While a visa is required, the application process is simpler compared to other countries. Once you obtain a Turkish passport, you can benefit from a simplified process to establish a company in the UK and obtain permanent residency in the UK.
Does obtaining Turkish citizenship require a certain period of residence in Turkey?
There are no residency requirements in Turkey, so you can travel outside the country and return without restrictions.
What are the property prices in Turkey?
Turkish properties can be a highly profitable investment. The nominal value of properties in Istanbul doubles every five to ten years. Property prices in the country often increase by 25% annually.
In Istanbul, the average price of residential property is $130,000, while the average price of residential properties in Ankara is $78,000. In Antalya, the average price of a house is $113,000.