How To Get a Turkey Passport in 2026

Turkey continues to sit at the centre of many international plans because it physically and commercially connects Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Its citizenship route is established, well used and familiar to banks and regulators. For families and business owners who want a second nationality that’s recognised and usable without ongoing conditions, Turkey is often on the shortlist.

This article looks at how the Turkish passport route works for 2026 and how to approach it in practice, from eligibility through to timing and the issues we see most often.

Background and 2026 outlook

Turkey launched its CBI framework several years ago with a clear goal, to attract foreign capital into the economy, especially property and financial assets. The system has been adjusted over time but the structure has stayed consistent.

Looking ahead to 2026, we expect the framework to stay broadly stable. Thresholds have already been raised in prior years to manage demand and discourage speculative filings. The authorities now focus more on documentation quality, valuation accuracy and source of funds rather than volume

What is the legal basis for Turkish citizenship?

Turkish citizenship is granted under national law and administered through government departments rather than a standalone agency. That means the application moves through several stages, with checks by the land registry, banking authorities and security bodies before final approval.

Once citizenship is granted, applicants receive full nationality with no conditional periods or later reviews tied to the investment, although some investments must be held for a minimum period to comply with the original approval.

What are the Investment routes available ?

Turkey offers several qualifying routes. The most widely used is real estate acquisition, where one or more properties are purchased at or above the qualifying threshold and held for the required period. Valuation reports must be issued by authorised firms and registered with the land registry.

Other routes include capital investment, bank deposits and government bonds. These alternatives appeal to applicants who prefer financial assets over property management. Each route has its own documentation trail and lock in period, so the choice is usually driven by asset preference rather than processing speed.

Real estate is popular because it’s tangible and familiar. That said, financial routes can be simpler where funds are already held in regulated banking channels.

Who the Turkey passport suits

The Turkish passport is often used by applicants who want a functional second nationality with strong regional access and a large domestic economy behind it. We commonly see interest from entrepreneurs with operations in Europe, the Gulf or Central Asia who value flexibility when travelling or opening accounts.

It also suits families who want citizenship that can be passed on to future children without ongoing obligations. It’s less commonly chosen by those whose sole aim is maximum visa free travel, although access continues to improve over time.

Are you able to include family members or dependents?

Turkey allows a main applicant to include a spouse and dependent children under eighteen. Each family member goes through background checks, although the investment itself is made once for the family unit.

Children over eighteen aren’t eligible as dependents under the citizenship route and parents of the main applicant aren’t included and would need to explore separate residence options if relocation is part of the plan.

Because family composition affects documentation but not the investment amount, it’s important to confirm eligibility early so expectations are clear.

Are you subject to due diligence and background checks?

Turkey applies structured due diligence that focuses on identity, criminal history and financial background. Police clearance certificates are required from countries of nationality and residence. Security checks are carried out internally and can take time depending on the applicant’s profile.

Interviews aren’t standard but authorities sometimes request clarification where documents raise questions. In our experience, delays usually come from incomplete records or inconsistent personal history rather than from the checks themselves.

Explaining source of funds

Source of funds is a central part of the review. Applicants must show how the investment money was earned and how it moved into the Turkish banking system.

Employment income is shown through contracts, salary records and tax filings supported by bank statements. Business income is evidenced through company accounts, dividend resolutions and ownership documents. Property or asset sales require sale agreements and proof of proceeds.

What matters is continuity. Funds should move in a clear line from origin to the account used for investment, without unexplained transfers or last minute changes.

How does the property purchase process work in Turkey?

For real estate applications, the purchase must follow a specific sequence. A valuation is obtained first. The sale is then completed at the land registry with a restriction placed on the title preventing sale during the holding period.

Payment must be made through a Turkish bank and recorded properly. Cash payments or informal arrangements aren’t accepted. After registration, a certificate of conformity is issued, which allows the citizenship application to proceed.

What documentation needs to be prepared?

Applicants should expect to provide passports, civil status records and police clearances, along with biometric data during the process. Financial documents support the investment and the source of funds explanation.

Foreign documents usually need notarisation and apostille, then translation into Turkish by a sworn translator. Since these steps can take time depending on jurisdiction, starting early reduces pressure later.

Processing timelines

There’s no guaranteed timeline, but well prepared applications often complete within several months from investment to passport issuance. Property purchases can move quickly, while background checks and interdepartmental reviews take longer.

Files that require clarification may pause until additional information is provided. That’s why accuracy at the start usually leads to smoother progress overall.

What benefits does a Turkish passport offer?

A Turkish passport provides visa free or visa on arrival access to many destinations across Asia, Latin America and parts of Africa, with ongoing discussions around expanded access. It also allows long term residence and work rights within Turkey, a country of over eighty million people with a diverse economy.

There’s no requirement to live in the country to keep citizenship. There’s also no tax liability created simply by holding the passport. Tax residence depends on where you live and operate, not the nationality you hold.

Citizenship can be passed to future children, which many families see as part of longer term planning rather than immediate use.

Practical points before applying

Before applying, you should be clear on your objective. If the goal is relocation, Turkey offers lifestyle and business opportunities that deserve careful review. If the goal is optionality, the passport works best as an added layer rather than a primary identity.

It’s also important to consider how Turkish citizenship interacts with existing compliance obligations. Some banks apply enhanced review when a new nationality is added, especially during the first year.

How The Knightsbridge Group can help

With over ten years advising international businesses and families, The Knightsbridge Group supports clients across the UAE and worldwide. We help clients assess whether a Turkish passport fits their wider planning goals and which investment route makes sense based on their profile.

Our combined legal, tax and immigration expertise means citizenship planning is handled as part of a broader picture. We coordinate with banks, property professionals, trustees, regulators and legal partners so each step follows the correct sequence and documentation standards.

To review your current arrangements or plan new strategies, contact info@kbgroup.ae.