TURKISH CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT THROUGH REAL ESTATE

Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) has become one of the most attractive investment-based citizenship programs for international investors seeking access to Türkiye, its growing economy and strategic location between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Among the available investment routes, Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment is one of the most popular options for foreign investors.

Under the current regulations, eligible foreign investors can apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment by purchasing qualifying real estate in Türkiye with a minimum total value of USD 400,000 and undertaking not to sell or transfer the property for at least three years.

One of the most significant advantages of the program is that the investor does not need to live in Türkiye for a minimum period in order to obtain citizenship through the real estate investment route. Furthermore, subject to the applicable legislation, the purchased property can generally be rented out, allowing the investor to potentially generate rental income while maintaining the investment.

What Is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a legal investment program that enables eligible foreign investors to apply for Turkish citizenship by fulfilling one of the investment criteria established under Turkish law.

The Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment route is particularly attractive because it combines a qualifying real estate investment with the opportunity to obtain Turkish citizenship.

The minimum qualifying real estate investment is currently USD 400,000. The investor must undertake not to sell or transfer the qualifying property for at least three years. The relevant requirements, documentation and official verification procedures must be completed in accordance with Turkish legislation.

The investment may, subject to the applicable rules, consist of one or more qualifying properties, provided that the required investment threshold and all other legal requirements are satisfied.

Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment: Main Requirements

The principal requirements for Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment include:

• Purchasing qualifying real estate with a minimum value of USD 400,000 or its equivalent;
• Registering the required three-year restriction on the sale or transfer of the property;
• Completing the applicable foreign currency purchase procedures;
• Obtaining the required Real Estate Appraisal Report;
• Completing the relevant title deed and land registry procedures;
• Obtaining the required Certificate of Eligibility;
• Preparing and submitting the citizenship application and supporting documents to the competent authorities.

The investment amount and eligibility of the property are subject to official verification. Therefore, professional legal due diligence before purchasing the property is an important part of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment process.

No Minimum Stay Requirement in Türkiye

One of the major advantages of Turkish Citizenship by Investment is that an investor applying through the real estate investment route does not have to live in Türkiye for a minimum period to qualify for citizenship.

In other words, there is no requirement to maintain continuous residence in Türkiye or to spend a specific number of days per year in the country as a condition of obtaining citizenship through this investment route.

This makes the Turkish CBI program particularly attractive to international investors, entrepreneurs, business owners and families who wish to obtain Turkish citizenship while continuing to live and conduct their business activities abroad.

Therefore, investors can make a qualifying real estate investment in Türkiye without having to relocate their primary residence to the country.

Can the Property Be Rented Out?

Yes. A qualifying property purchased for Turkish Citizenship by Investment can generally be rented out, subject to the applicable Turkish laws and the specific characteristics of the property.

The investor does not necessarily have to keep the property vacant during the required three-year holding period. The property may potentially generate rental income in Türkiye, provided that the investor continues to comply with the citizenship investment requirements and does not sell or transfer the property in breach of the three-year restriction.

This creates an important advantage for investors who wish to combine Turkish citizenship, real estate investment and potential rental income.

An investor may therefore:

• Purchase qualifying real estate for at least USD 400,000;
• Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment;
• Rent out the property and potentially generate rental income;
• Maintain ownership of the property for the required three-year period;
• Continue holding the property as a long-term investment after the three-year period.

The possibility of generating rental income makes Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment particularly attractive to investors who are looking for both citizenship and an income-generating asset.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship by Investment

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program offers international investors a combination of citizenship, investment and business opportunities.

Depending on the investor’s individual circumstances, the key advantages may include:

1. Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate

Foreign investors can obtain Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying real estate investment of at least USD 400,000, subject to the applicable legal requirements.

2. No Minimum Residence Requirement

Investors using the real estate investment route are not required to live in Türkiye for a minimum number of days to obtain citizenship.

3. Potential Rental Income

The qualifying property can generally be rented out, subject to applicable legislation, allowing the investor to potentially generate rental income while maintaining the required investment.

4. Real Estate Investment in Türkiye

The program allows investors to combine their citizenship application with a tangible real estate investment in Türkiye.

5. Family Citizenship

Subject to Turkish citizenship legislation, eligible family members may be included in the application.

6. Access to the Turkish Market

Turkish citizenship can provide international investors and entrepreneurs with opportunities to establish businesses and develop commercial activities in Türkiye.

7. Strategic Location

Türkiye’s geographical position provides a unique connection between Europe, Asia, the Middle East and other international markets.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment for the Whole Family

Another important advantage of Turkish Citizenship by Investment is the possibility of including eligible family members in the application.

Subject to the requirements of Turkish citizenship legislation, the main applicant may apply together with their spouse and eligible children.

For many international investors, this makes the Turkish CBI program an attractive family investment and citizenship solution.

Why Legal Due Diligence Is Important

Purchasing property for Turkish Citizenship by Investment is not simply a conventional real estate transaction.

Before completing the investment, investors should carefully verify:

• Whether the property is eligible for the Turkish CBI program;
• The property’s title deed and ownership status;
• Existing mortgages, liens, annotations or other restrictions;
• The official valuation of the property;
• Whether the purchase price satisfies the required investment threshold;
• Whether the payment structure complies with applicable regulations;
• Whether the property has previously been used for a citizenship application;
• Whether all required documentation can be properly submitted to the competent authorities.

A comprehensive legal due diligence process can help international investors avoid costly mistakes and reduce the risk of delays or problems during the citizenship application.

Turkish Citizenship Lawyer in Türkiye

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment process involves several governmental authorities and requires coordination between real estate, banking, land registry, immigration and citizenship procedures.

Working with an experienced Turkish Citizenship Lawyer in Türkiye can help investors manage the entire process, from the initial property assessment through to the final citizenship and passport procedures.

At ONGUR & Partners International Law Office, we provide comprehensive legal assistance to international investors seeking Turkish Citizenship by Investment and Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment.

Our legal services include:

• Property legal due diligence;
• Verification of CBI eligibility;
• Review of title deed and property records;
• Real estate transaction assistance;
• Coordination of the official valuation process;
• Foreign currency purchase and payment documentation;
• Title deed and land registry procedures;
• Preparation of powers of attorney and legal documents;
• Residence permit procedures where applicable;
• Certificate of Eligibility procedures;
• Preparation and submission of the Turkish citizenship application;
• Follow-up before the relevant governmental authorities;
• Citizenship and passport procedures.

Why Choose ONGUR & Partners for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

Choosing the right Turkish Citizenship Lawyer is an important part of a secure and properly structured investment process.

ONGUR & Partners International Law Office assists foreign investors, entrepreneurs and international families with legal matters relating to Turkish Citizenship by Investment, real estate investment, foreign direct investment, immigration and international business law.

Our team provides legal assistance throughout the investment process, from property due diligence and acquisition to citizenship application and passport procedures.

Our objective is to provide international investors with a secure, transparent and legally compliant Turkish Citizenship by Investment process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Citizenship by Investment

How much do I need to invest for Turkish citizenship through real estate?

The minimum qualifying real estate investment is currently USD 400,000, subject to the applicable legal requirements and official verification.

Do I have to live in Türkiye to obtain Turkish citizenship by investment?

No. There is no minimum residence requirement in Türkiye for the real estate-based Turkish Citizenship by Investment route.

An investor is not required to continuously live in Türkiye or spend a specific number of days per year in the country to qualify for citizenship through this investment route.

Can I rent out the property after purchasing it?

Yes. The qualifying property can generally be rented out, subject to applicable Turkish laws and the specific requirements relating to the property.

The investor may potentially generate rental income in Türkiye while maintaining the property for the required three-year period.

How long must I keep the property?

The investor must undertake not to sell or transfer the qualifying property for at least three years.

Can I purchase more than one property?

Yes. Subject to the applicable rules, an investor may acquire more than one qualifying property, provided that the total qualifying investment meets the required threshold and all legal conditions are satisfied.

Can my family obtain Turkish citizenship?

Eligible family members may be included in the citizenship application, subject to the requirements of Turkish citizenship legislation.

Do I need a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer?

While applicants may complete certain procedures themselves, professional legal assistance can help coordinate the property due diligence, title deed procedures, valuation, banking documentation and citizenship application process.

An experienced Turkish Citizenship Lawyer in Türkiye can also help identify potential legal risks before the investment is completed.

Start Your Turkish Citizenship by Investment Process

If you are considering Turkish Citizenship by Investment through real estate, the first step is to determine whether your proposed investment and property satisfy the current legal requirements.

At ONGUR & Partners International Law Office, we assist international investors with the legal due diligence of their investment, real estate acquisition, citizenship application and related procedures.

Whether you are looking to buy property in Türkiye and obtain Turkish citizenship, generate potential rental income in Türkiye, or secure Turkish citizenship for your family, our legal team can assist you throughout the process.

Contact ONGUR & Partners International Law Office for professional legal assistance with your Turkish Citizenship by Investment application in Türkiye.