As of the 22nd of June 2022, the regulations for acquiring Turkish citizenship for foreigners has been significantly revised. Now, foreigners can obtain Turkish citizenship by investing a minimum of $400,000 USD in real estate within Turkey.
Investing in Real Estate for Citizenship:
To qualify for citizenship through real estate investment, an individual must purchase property in Turkey valued at or above $400,000 USD. This can be a single property or multiple properties cumulatively reaching the required value. The initial step involves applying to the Tapu Office (Title Deeds Office), which is part of the Cadastre and General Directorate of Land Registry. The Tapu Office is responsible for verifying all paperwork and bank transfer documents to confirm everything is compliant.
After approval by the Tapu Office, which generally takes about 7 working days, the next step is to obtain a temporary residency permit from the Immigration Office. This is quickly followed by applying for citizenship through the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship, potentially on the same day, eliminating the need for an appointment. The entire citizenship process, conducted at Citizenship Information Offices in Ankara or Istanbul, can take up to 60 days.
Family Inclusion in Citizenship:
Turkish citizenship obtained through investment extends to the investor’s spouse and any children under 18 years of age. This provides an appealing opportunity for families looking to relocate or secure a second nationality.
Multiple Property Investments:
Investors are not restricted to a single property and may purchase multiple properties as long as the total investment meets or exceeds the $400,000 USD threshold. This flexibility allows investors to diversify their holdings, perhaps choosing one property to reside in and others to generate rental income.
Role of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation:
This ministry plays a crucial role by ensuring the property values stated on the Tapu are accurate and meet the required investment amount. It relies on sworn appraisers to confirm the valuation, and all transactions must be completed via bank transfer to ensure a verifiable financial trail.
Currency and Exchange Rates:
On the date of application, the most current exchange rate from USD to Turkish Lira (TL), provided by the Turkish Central Bank, is used to determine the equivalent amount in TL that the investor needs to spend.
Timescale for Citizenship Process:
The streamlined process now benefits from dedicated citizenship offices which aim to reduce waiting times significantly, typically between 45 to 60 days from the application to approval.
Eligibility Beyond Financial Investment:
Investing the requisite amount does not automatically guarantee citizenship; applicants must not pose a threat to national security, as verified by national security agencies.
Options Beyond Residential Properties:
Investors are not limited to residential properties and may opt to purchase commercial properties with the potential for rental income, which also qualify for citizenship by investment.
Application Assistance and Remote Applications:
Professional services such as those provided by a solicitor, or an expert in this field; for those unable to travel to Turkey, can be granted power of attorney to a trusted entity like Spot Blue can facilitate the application process remotely.
Application Eligibility:
The application for citizenship can be initiated as soon as the property transaction is completed post-22nd June 2022. Other pathways to citizenship include significant investments in Turkish banks or employment creation strategies.
Additional Considerations:
Men over 22 years old should inquire about military service obligations at the time of application. Dual citizenship is permitted, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality alongside Turkish citizenship. However, it’s crucial to verify with embassies as some countries have restrictions on dual nationality.
Advantages of Turkish Citizenship:
Turkish citizenship offers numerous benefits, including the ability to live, work, and enjoy the cultural richness of Turkey without relinquishing one’s original nationality. It also facilitates easier travel to many countries, enhancing personal and professional mobility.
This comprehensive revision of the citizenship regulations reflects Turkey’s ongoing commitment to attracting foreign investment and enriching its cultural and economic landscape.
When applying for Turkish citizenship through investment, the following documents are necessary:
Application Form: A completed and signed form specific to citizenship by investment.
Birth Certificate.
Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the application date.
Passport Size Photos: Four recent photographs of each person applying for citizenship.
Residency Permit or Valid Tourist Visa
Marriage Certificate (if joint application) and Children’s Birth Certificates (if family application): For applicants applying with their family.
Turkish ID and Proof of Address: A copy of your Turkish identification card and a document confirming your address in Turkey.
Tax Payment Receipt: Evidence of tax payment related to your investment.
Application Process:
If you are applying for citizenship through other means, please contact the local Governor’s Office in Turkey or your home country’s consulate to understand the specific documents required for your circumstances.
During the application process, you will also need to attend an interview, typically conducted in Turkish, to discuss your application in detail. The duration of the application process can vary depending on individual circumstances. You can ask for updates from the Ministry, who can advise you of any updates of your application process. We recommend that you use a solicitor, or expert in this field to assist you with your application, who will guide you and provide you with expert advice.
Advantages of Turkish Citizenship:
Turkish citizenship offers a plethora of advantages for you and your family:
Immediate Family Inclusion: Children under the age of 18 are included in your citizenship application.
No Disclosure of Financials: There is no need to declare assets or income from other countries.
Flexibility in Residency: You are not required to live permanently in Turkey; you can reside as per your convenience.
Visa-Free Travel: Turkish citizenship allows for visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries, including extended stays of 30 to 90 days in many jurisdictions.
Schengen Area Access: Continued efforts under the Visa Liberalization Dialogue aim to expand visa-free access to include Schengen countries, significantly broadening travel opportunities for Turkish citizens.
Additional Information
For further details or to start your application process, please visit the Turkish Government’s official website, or use a solicitor, or an expert in this field. Spot Blue provide expert guidance and information to acquiring Turkish citizenship. Explore our Guide of Turkey to discover ideal locations for your property investment.
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Contact Us:
For more information on properties for sale across Turkey, or to start your investment journey, do not hesitate to reach out. Contact us via telephone at +44 (0) 208 339 6036 or email us here.
