According to the Turkish Citizenship Law, Turkish citizenship can be taken;

  • By birth
  • Based on place of birth,
  • Through adoption,
  • With the right to choose,
  • As an exception,
  • As a migrant,
  • Wtih no residency requirement,
  • By meeting residency requirements, or
  • Through marriage.

Turkish Citizenship Requirements

Article 11 of the Turkish Citizenship Code regulates “subsequent acquisition of Turkish citizenship”. A foreigner who wishes to acquire Turkish citizenship must meet the following conditions:

  • Must be an adult and have the power of discernment.
  • Reside in Turkey for 5 years prior to the date of application.
  • Must confirm decision to settle in Turkey through by his/her behavior.
  • Meet general health conditions.
  • Must have good morals.
  • Must speak Turkish sufficiently.
  • Have an income or occupation sufficient to support himself/herself and his/her dependents in Turkey.
  • Must not be an obstacle in terms of national security and public order.

Article 31/1-b of the Law On Foreigners and International Protection lists “having immovable property in Turkey” among the conditions for a short-term residence permit. The foreigner must first apply for a short-term residence permit and reside in Turkey for at least 5 years without interruption. After fulfilling the residence requirement, he/she can apply for Turkish citizenship. If one gets citizenship, his spouse and minor child can also acquire Turkish citizenship.

Buying Property for Turkish Citizenship

In general, 2 conditions are required to get Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate:

  • Real Estate Valuation Report: A minimum value has been stipulated for immovable properties in order for short-term residence permits. Real estates located within the borders of 30 cities, including Istanbul, must be worth at least 75.000 USD. For immovable properties located in other cities, the minimum value is 50,000 USD.
  • The property should not be in a closed area: The region where the real estate to be purchased is located is important. The property must be within the 30 cities determined by the government.

Documents Required for Acquiring Citizenship by Buying Property

Pursuant to Article 22 of the Implementing Regulation of the Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, the documents required for applying are:

  • 4 biometric photographs
  • Passport, extension page, visa or e-visa
  • All processed pages
  • Photocopy of old residence permit (if applicable)
  • Insurance
  • Notarized lease contract (new format)
  • Letter of Undertaking
  • Place of residence of the foreigner giving a letter of commitment (barcoded)
  • Certificate of residence
  • Tourism forms (must be filled in Turkish)
  • Original passport
  • Title Deed Documents
  • Photocopy of title deed
  • Numbering certificate
  • Document showing kinship relationship (approved by the consulate and district governor’s office)
  • Real estate valuation report

Any missing documents are notified to the applicant. Additional information and documents must be completed within 30 days if requested. Otherwise, the application will be cancelled.

How Long Does It Take to Get Turkish Citizenship?

The process for applying for a short-term residence permit by purchasing property takes an average of 3 weeks. Following the application, you will have a card showing the residence permit. This process takes approximately 3 months.

Citizenship Application Inquiry

It is possible to follow up the application at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr within 15 days after the application file is submitted.

Turkish Citizenship Through Investment

Turkish citizenship through investment is listed among the “exceptional circumstances for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship” stipulated in Article 12 of the TCC. One of the special cases in the acquisition of citizenship through investment is the acquisition of citizenship by way of buying a property.

Article 31(j) of the LFIP, to which Article 12/1-b of the TPL refers, recognizes the acquisition of Turkish citizenship by obtaining a short-term residence permit through investment.

Short term residency must be kept for 5 years in order to acquire Turkish citizenship.

USD 250,000 Citizenship Requirements

The value of the investment increased from USD 250,000 to USD 400,000, effective as of June 13, 2022. Foreigners must make an investment of at least USD 400,000 for Turkish citizenship.

The requirements are:

  • Must invest 400,000 USD.
  • Or invest 500,000 USD to employment programmes.
  • Must be an adult and have the power of discernment.
  • Confirm their behavior that they have decided to settle in Turkey.
  • Must meet general health conditions.
  • Must have good morals.
  • Must speak Turkish sufficiently.
  • Have an income or occupation sufficient to support himself/herself and his/her dependents in Turkey.
  • Must not have any situation that would constitute an obstacle in terms of national security and public order.