Obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate investment is a popular option among many foreign investors. It offers numerous benefits, including permanent residency in Turkey and the ability to travel freely to many countries. However, after acquiring Turkish citizenship, many individuals may wonder whether they can sell the property they purchased, and what legal obligations are involved in doing so.

Can You Sell the Property After Obtaining Turkish Citizenship?

Yes, Turkish citizens — including those who acquired citizenship through investment — can sell the property they purchased. In fact, there are no legal restrictions preventing a new Turkish citizen from selling the real estate used to qualify for citizenship. However, certain conditions must be taken into account.

Conditions for Selling the Property After Obtaining Turkish Citizenship

• Required Holding Period:

According to Turkish law, the property must be held for a minimum of three years from the date of purchase in order to sell it without affecting your citizenship status. This applies to properties purchased under the real estate investment citizenship program.

• Citizenship-Related Conditions:

If the property is sold before the required three-year period, the seller may face legal consequences with the Turkish authorities. Early sale may lead to revocation of citizenship or other legal repercussions, and could impact the investor’s ability to enjoy the full benefits granted by Turkish citizenship.

• Taxes on the Sale:

As with any Turkish citizen, the property owner is subject to applicable taxes upon sale. These may include capital gains tax, which is calculated based on the difference between the purchase and selling price, and VAT (Value Added Tax) if applicable to the property.

• Legal Documentation and Procedures:

The sale must be conducted through authorized legal channels in Turkey. This includes the registration and notarization of the sales contract with the Land Registry Office (Tapu Office). All procedures must comply with the official legal regulations.

Legal Obligations to Consider Before Selling the Property

• Taxes:

When selling the property, the seller must be aware of potential tax obligations, such as income tax on capital gains.

• Compliance with Legal Requirements:

Sellers must comply with all legal requirements, including notifying the relevant authorities and ensuring the sales contract is signed according to Turkish law.

• Legal Disputes or Claims:

It is essential to confirm that the property is free of any legal disputes, debts, or third-party claims before initiating the sale.

Conclusion

Selling a property after acquiring Turkish citizenship is legally permitted, provided that the mandatory three-year holding period is respected. It is also important to understand the associated legal obligations, including tax liabilities and compliance with the appropriate sale procedures.

It is highly recommended to consult with a specialized legal advisor before proceeding with the sale, to ensure full compliance with Turkish laws and avoid any potential complications in the future.

In this article, we’ve also highlighted the common mistakes that can invalidate your Turkish citizenship application and how to avoid them step by step.

Requirements for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate Investment:

• Purchase a residential or commercial property worth at least $400.000 USD.
• Register the property in the investor’s name in the Land Registry (Tapu).
• Commit not to sell the property for three years (recorded as a legal pledge in the land registry).
• Payment must be made from a bank account in Turkey under the investor’s name.
• The property must be evaluated by an officially certified valuation company.
• The investor must not have a criminal record internationally.
• The property must have a valid valuation report dated no more than 3 months prior to application.
• The property must not have been used previously in another investor's citizenship application.

For more information about Turkish citizenship, please refer to our detailed article explaining every step of the program: Understanding Turkish Citizenship by Investment in 2025