Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program – Full Details (2025)

Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, launched in 2017, provides a pathway for foreign nationals to obtain Turkish citizenship through significant economic contribution. It has become one of the most popular citizenship programs globally due to its relatively low investment threshold, fast processing, and access to a strategic Eurasian country with a strong passport.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Turkish citizenship through investment, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Investment Requirement:
   • Real Estate: Purchase real estate worth at least $400,000 USD (as of 2022 revision). The property must not be sold for at least 3 years.
   • Bank Deposit: Deposit a minimum of $500,000 USD in a Turkish bank, to be held for 3 years.
   • Government Bonds: Buy government bonds worth $500,000 USD, with a 3-year holding period.
   • Business Investment: Invest at least $500,000 USD in a Turkish company or create jobs for at least 50 Turkish citizens.
   • Venture Capital or REITs: Invest a minimum of $500,000 USD in Turkish investment funds or real estate investment trusts.
2. Additional Requirements:
   • No criminal record.
   • Legal entry into Turkey.
   • Proof of source of investment funds.
   • Health insurance (for the residence permit stage).
   • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Spouses and children under 18 can also obtain citizenship under the main applicant’s approval.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship

1. Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access to Over 110 Countries, including Japan, South Korea, and much of Latin America.
2. Fast Processing: Citizenship is granted typically within 3 to 6 months.
3. No Residency Requirement: Applicants are not required to live in Turkey before or after obtaining citizenship.
4. Dual Citizenship Allowed: Turkey permits dual or multiple citizenships.
5. Pathway to U.S. E-2 Visa: Turkish citizens can apply for the U.S. E-2 investor visa, enabling residency in the U.S.
6. Access to Turkish Education and Healthcare: Citizens benefit from free or low-cost healthcare and education.
7. Political and Economic Stability: Turkey offers a dynamic economy and a central location between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Application Procedure

1. Choose Investment Type: Decide on the suitable investment route (e.g., real estate, deposit, business).
2. Secure Investment: Make the full investment and obtain a valuation report in the case of property purchases.
3. Apply for Turkish Residence Permit: Apply for a short-term permit based on the investment (usually granted within 1–2 weeks).
4. Citizenship Application: Submit citizenship application with required documents to the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship.
5. Background Check and Review: Turkish authorities conduct due diligence and verify the investment.
6. Approval and Passport Issuance: Once approved, applicants receive a Turkish passport within a few weeks.