About
Why Türkiye.
Türkiye sits at the strategic crossroads of Europe and Asia, with a population of 85 million and the world's 17th-largest economy. The citizenship-by-investment program, introduced in 2017 and recalibrated in 2018, has become one of the most-used CBI routes globally.
The defining feature is that the $400,000 minimum is recoverable: invested in real estate rather than donated. After a 3-year hold period, the property can be sold or rented out. That makes Türkiye one of the most capital-preserving CBI programs in the world.
The Turkish passport ranks 44th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index with 113 visa-free destinations including Japan, Singapore, and most of Latin America. South Korea is eTA; Schengen, the UK, and the US still require visas. Crucially, Türkiye is a US E-2 treaty country: after three years as a Turkish citizen, you can apply for the E-2 investor visa to live and operate a business in the United States. Many clients use it as a stepping stone to the US.
The program offers automatic family inclusion (spouse plus children under 18) at no incremental cost, a meaningful difference from Caribbean programs that charge per dependent. A single physical visit to Türkiye is required for biometrics; the rest of the process is handled through power-of-attorney.
Investment routes
How the investment works.
3 routes are available. Pick the one that fits your goals.
Real estate
Real-estate purchase (held for 3 years)
From
$400,000
Purchase of one or more properties with a combined minimum value of $400,000. Valuation is determined by the Land Registry, which requires CBRT-approved appraisal.
- RecoverableProperty must be retained for 3 years; afterwards it can be sold or rented at market rates.
- Hold period3 years minimum
Benefits
What this citizenship gives you.
One of Europe's strongest passports
Türkiye's passport ranks 44th globally with 113 visa-free destinations including Japan, Singapore, and most of Latin America. South Korea is eTA. Schengen, the UK, and the US remain visa-required.
US E-2 investor visa eligibility
After three years of Turkish residency, citizens become eligible for the US E-2 treaty investor visa. Five-year renewable, with US business operation rights.
Strategic location
Türkiye sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with G20 membership and EU customs union access, plus Black Sea and Mediterranean ports.
Real estate is recoverable
Unlike donation-based programs, the $400,000 invested in property remains your asset. After three years it can be sold or rented out.
Family included by default
Spouse and dependent children under 18 are included in the principal application at no incremental investment.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
Main applicant
- ✓At least 18 years old
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✗Not born in: AM, CU, KP, NG, SY
Family members eligible
- ✓Spouse
- ✓Children
Process
How it works, step by step.
Total: ~3–4 months for clean files.
- 1
Engagement and property scouting
2–4 weeksProperty selection or bank-deposit setup, depending on investment route. Power-of-attorney issued to your local representative.
- 2
Investment and currency conversion
1–2 weeksFunds transferred through a Turkish bank with CBRT approval; foreign-currency conversion receipt issued.
- 3
Land Registry and tax number
2 weeksTitle deed registered with the Land Registry; tax number issued at the local tax office.
- 4
Short-term residency application
4 weeksApplication for short-term residence permit filed at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
- 5
Citizenship application
6–8 weeksCitizenship file lodged with the Ministry of Interior; biometrics taken (single visit to Türkiye required).
- 6
Approval and passport
2 weeksCitizenship granted by Presidential Decree; passport issued at any Turkish consulate or domestically.
Documents
What you'll need to prepare.
10 documents required. All must be apostilled and (where applicable) translated.
- 1Notarized passport copy
- 2Birth certificate (apostilled)
- 3Marriage certificate (apostilled)
- 4Children's birth certificates (apostilled)
- 5Police clearance (apostilled, less than 6 months old)
- 6Medical report and biometric photos
- 7Proof of investment (Land Registry deed or bank deposit certificate)
- 8Tax declaration in country of residence
- 9Health insurance valid in Türkiye
- 10Foreign-currency conversion receipt (CBRT confirmation)
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is the $400,000 a donation or do I keep the property?
Do I really only need to visit once?
What is the US E-2 path for Turkish citizens?
How are the children handled?
Can I rent the property after citizenship is granted?
Legal basis
Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, Article 12 (as amended by Regulation 106 of 12 January 2017)
