In recent years, the Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment Program has become one of the most attractive options for foreign investors, thanks to its simplified procedures and the wide range of benefits offered by the Turkish government. Purchasing property in Turkey is considered one of the most effective ways to acquire a strong passport that grants the holder freedom of travel, residence, work, and education in one of the most stable and rapidly growing countries.

Turkey allows foreign investors to obtain its citizenship by purchasing real estate with a minimum value of USD 400,000, provided that the property is not sold for at least three years. It is worth noting that the minimum investment threshold was originally set at USD 1,000,000, then reduced to USD 250,000 in 2018, and later revised to USD 400,000 in 2022 due to growing demand.

Everything you need to know about Turkish citizenship is here

Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship Application via Property Purchase

1. Bank Payment Receipt

An official bank transfer receipt, stamped and signed by the bank, proving the transfer of the property value from the investor’s account to the seller’s account.

2. Title Deed (Tapu)

An official copy of the property title deed that has been purchased.

3. Personal Photos and Passports

• Six (6) biometric photos (6×5 cm) of the investor.
• White-background photos of the spouse.
• Six (6) copies of the investor’s passport.

Note: Photos must be recent, with a white background, and can be submitted as colored PDFs.

4. Translation and Notarization of Passports

Passports of the investor, spouse, and children under 18 must be translated into Turkish and notarized.

A professional office can assist with the translations if colored PDF copies are provided.

5. Tax Number

A Turkish tax number issued in the name of the investor, which can be easily obtained inside Turkey.

6. Residence Permit or Entry Stamp

Copy of a valid residence permit in Turkey (if available).

If not, a copy of the most recent entry stamp into Turkey.

7. Marriage Certificate

A copy of the marriage certificate, legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the issuing country, and then attested by the Turkish consulate.

The certificate must clearly state the names of both spouses and the date of marriage.

8. Birth Certificates

Birth certificates of the investor’s spouse and children under 18, legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish consulate.

9. Divorce Certificate (if applicable)

If the investor is divorced, a divorce certificate must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish consulate.

10. Single Status Certificate (if applicable)

If the investor is single, a certificate of single status must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish consulate.

11. Custody Documents for Children from Previous Marriage (if applicable)

In the case of children under 18 from a previous marriage:

• Court-issued custody document proving guardianship.
• Consent letter from the other parent approving the child’s citizenship application, notarized or attested by the Turkish consultant.

12. Power of Attorney

The investor and spouse must provide a notarized or advisory-certified power of attorney to the law firm or authorized consultancy handling the application.

Important Notes:

• Children under 18 do not need to issue a power of attorney.
• It is recommended to issue the POA during the initial legal consultation.

13. Criminal record certificate

A police clearance certificate for the investor, proving no criminal record in the home country within the last six months.

Steps to Apply for Turkish Citizenship via Real Estate

• Choosing the right property: Select a project officially registered and evaluated at or above USD 400,000.
• Opening a bank account and transferring funds: The payment must be transferred through the investor’s personal bank account in Turkey.
• Completing the sale and registering the property: The transaction must be notarized and registered at the Tapu office.
• Obtaining the Compliance Certificate from the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning.
• Applying for a short-term residence permit prior to citizenship application.
• Submitting the citizenship application through the Directorate of Population and Migration, usually with the assistance of a lawyer or authorized firm.
• Processing time: typically between 3 to 6 months after submitting all required documents.

Conclusion

Obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate investment requires accurate preparation of documents and proper legalization. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to work with an experienced law firm or professional consultancy to avoid delays or missing requirements.

By following these steps, investors and their families can secure Turkish citizenship and enjoy its wide range of benefits, from property ownership and residency rights to attractive business and investment opportunities across the country.