Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Routes, Requirements and Practical Considerations for Foreign Investors

Introduction

Türkiye has established an investment-based route through which eligible foreign investors may acquire Turkish citizenship by meeting specified investment criteria and completing the relevant administrative procedures.

The Turkish citizenship by investment program is particularly relevant to international entrepreneurs, business owners, property investors and high-net-worth individuals who are considering Türkiye as a base for investment, business operations or long-term residence.

The program should not, however, be viewed simply as a property-purchase scheme. Depending on the investor’s objectives, several different investment routes may be available, each involving different authorities, documentation and compliance requirements.

For foreign investors, the most important consideration is therefore not only the amount invested, but also whether the investment structure, documentation and subsequent administrative procedures satisfy the applicable Turkish citizenship legislation.

Legal Framework for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

The investment-based acquisition of Turkish citizenship is based on Article 12 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and the relevant provisions of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law.

Under the current framework, qualifying foreign investors may acquire Turkish citizenship by exceptional procedures if they satisfy one of the prescribed investment criteria and are approved through the applicable process.

The Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye currently identifies several qualifying investment routes. These include real estate acquisition, fixed capital investment, employment creation, bank deposits, government bonds, qualifying investment funds and certain private pension investments.

Meeting an investment threshold alone does not mean that citizenship is automatically granted. The investment must be properly completed and documented, the relevant eligibility or conformity certificate must be obtained where required, and the citizenship application must subsequently be processed by the competent authorities.

Main Investment Routes for Turkish Citizenship

1. Real Estate Investment

Real estate remains one of the principal routes considered by foreign investors.

A foreign national may qualify by acquiring real estate with a minimum value of USD 400,000, subject to the applicable requirements and a restriction preventing the property from being sold for at least three years. The relevant conditions must be properly recorded and confirmed through the applicable land registry procedures.

Investors should not rely solely on the property’s advertised purchase price. Property valuation, payment documentation, title deed records and the property’s previous transaction history can all be relevant when determining whether the investment qualifies.

2. Fixed Capital Investment

Foreign investors may also qualify by making a minimum USD 500,000 fixed capital investment, subject to confirmation by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.

This route can be particularly relevant for entrepreneurs who intend to establish or expand an operating business in Türkiye.

An investor pursuing this option should evaluate the proposed company structure, capital contribution, business activity, employment requirements, accounting obligations and tax position before committing the investment.

Foreign entrepreneurs considering this route can also review A&M Consulting Co.‘s guide to company registration in Turkey for an overview of the incorporation process and corporate requirements.

3. Employment Creation

Another route involves creating employment for at least 50 people, subject to confirmation by the competent authority.

This route may be relevant to investors establishing businesses with significant employment requirements, including companies operating in manufacturing, technology, tourism, healthcare, logistics and other sectors.

Employment-based investment also requires careful attention to payroll, Social Security and employment compliance. Investors establishing a workforce in Türkiye should therefore consider the ongoing obligations associated with payroll and Social Security in Turkey as part of the overall investment structure.

4. Bank Deposit

A foreign investor may qualify by depositing at least USD 500,000, or the equivalent amount in another qualifying currency, in a bank operating in Türkiye, subject to the applicable three-year holding requirement and confirmation by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency.

This route requires appropriate banking documentation and evidence that the qualifying investment has been maintained in accordance with the applicable rules.

5. Government Bonds

Another qualifying route involves purchasing at least USD 500,000 in government bonds, subject to the applicable three-year holding requirement and confirmation by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.

6. Investment Funds

Foreign investors may also qualify by acquiring at least USD 500,000 in qualifying real estate investment fund shares or venture capital investment fund shares, subject to the applicable three-year holding requirement and confirmation by the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye.

7. Private Pension Investment

The investment framework also provides a route involving a minimum USD 500,000 contribution to qualifying private pension funds, subject to the applicable conditions and minimum holding period.

Who Can Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

The program is designed for foreign nationals who satisfy one of the qualifying investment criteria and meet the other legal requirements.

Investors may include:

• International entrepreneurs
• Business owners
• Property investors
• Corporate investors
• High-net-worth individuals
• Foreign professionals and executives
• International families seeking a long-term connection with Türkiye

The investment itself should be evaluated together with the applicant’s broader objectives.

For example, an entrepreneur intending to establish a Turkish company may need to consider not only citizenship eligibility but also company formation, taxation, accounting, banking, employment and corporate compliance.

This is why investment planning should generally take place before the qualifying investment is completed rather than after the transaction has already been made.

Can Family Members Obtain Turkish Citizenship?

The investment-based citizenship framework can also extend to qualifying family members.

The investor’s spouse and the investor’s or spouse’s minor or dependent children may be included subject to the applicable legal requirements.

Family applications require appropriate civil-status documentation, which may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, apostilles or legalizations and certified Turkish translations.

The documentation requirements should be reviewed before the application is submitted because missing or improperly prepared documents can create additional administrative steps.

Turkish Citizenship Application Process

Although the exact procedure can vary according to the investment route, the process generally involves several stages.

Step 1: Select the Investment Route

The investor first determines which qualifying route best corresponds with the investment strategy.

Step 2: Complete the Investment

The investment is completed in accordance with the relevant legal and financial requirements.

Step 3: Obtain the Relevant Eligibility or Conformity Document

Depending on the investment type, the competent Turkish authority confirms that the investment satisfies the applicable criteria.

Step 4: Complete the Residence Procedure

Investment-based applicants may need to complete the relevant residence procedure before proceeding with the citizenship application.

Step 5: Submit the Citizenship Application

The investor and eligible family members submit the required application and supporting documentation.

Step 6: Administrative Review

The application is reviewed by the relevant authorities. Additional documentation may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Step 7: Citizenship Decision

Once the relevant procedures are completed and the legal requirements are satisfied, the citizenship application is subject to the applicable decision process.

Foreign investors should avoid relying on a guaranteed processing period because the timing can depend on the investment route, documentation, administrative review and individual circumstances.

Business and Tax Considerations for Foreign Investors

For investors choosing a business-related investment route, Turkish citizenship planning should be integrated with the broader corporate structure.

Establishing a Turkish company can involve:

• Company incorporation
• Capital contribution
• Tax registration
• Accounting and bookkeeping
• Corporate bank account procedures
• Payroll and Social Security
• E-invoicing and electronic accounting
• Corporate tax compliance
• Ongoing statutory obligations

Foreign investors can review A&M Consulting’s taxation in Turkey guide for an overview of the Turkish tax system.

Investors requiring ongoing professional support can also review Turkish CPA and accounting services for accounting, tax and compliance assistance.

Where an investment qualifies for a government incentive, investors should also evaluate the available tax incentives in Turkey before finalizing their investment structure.

Turkish Citizenship and Work Authorization

Citizenship, residence and work authorization should be considered separately during the investment planning process.

Before Turkish citizenship is granted, a foreign entrepreneur who intends to work in Türkiye may need an applicable work permit.

The official Investment Office states that foreign nationals generally require a work permit to work legally in Türkiye unless a specific exemption applies.

Therefore, an investor establishing and personally managing a Turkish company should consider both the investment citizenship process and the applicable work permit requirements in Turkey.

Why Professional Planning Matters

Turkish citizenship by investment involves more than meeting a financial threshold.

A properly structured investment should take into account:

Investment eligibility → documentation → banking → taxation → corporate structure → family eligibility → residence procedures → citizenship application → ongoing compliance

For example, an investor purchasing property should verify the property’s eligibility before completing the transaction. An entrepreneur making a business investment should establish the appropriate corporate structure and ensure that capital, accounting and tax documentation are consistent with the investment.

This integrated approach can help foreign investors reduce administrative risks and ensure that their investment is aligned with their wider business objectives.

Conclusion

Turkish citizenship by investment provides several routes for eligible foreign investors, including real estate investment of at least USD 400,000, fixed capital investment and several other qualifying investments of at least USD 500,000, as well as the employment route requiring the creation of at least 50 jobs.

The appropriate route depends on the investor’s objectives, investment structure, family circumstances and long-term plans in Türkiye.

For foreign entrepreneurs, citizenship planning can also be closely connected with company formation, taxation, accounting, banking, payroll and corporate compliance.

Professional advice before the investment is completed can help ensure that the selected structure and supporting documentation are consistent with the applicable Turkish citizenship and investment requirements.

About A&M Consulting Co.

A&M Consulting Co. provides business, tax, accounting and corporate compliance services to foreign investors and international companies operating in Türkiye.

Our services include company registration in Turkey, taxation, accounting, payroll, banking support, work permit-related corporate procedures and investment advisory services.