Obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment is one of the ways to acquire Turkish citizenship. The investment amount in 2023 is USD400,000. For this, one must fulfil the requirements and apply through the Ministry of Interior.

Obtaining Turkish citizenship can be quite complex and time-consuming. It’s recommended that you seek the advice of a lawyer or immigration consultant to ensure that your application is complete and meets all of the requirements.

How To Get Turkish Citizenship?

There are several ways to acquire Turkish citizenship:

  • Birth: A person born in Turkey is automatically a Turkish citizen, regardless of their parents’ nationality.
  • Marriage: A person who marries a Turkish citizen can apply for Turkish citizenship after three years of marriage.
  • Residency: A person who has legally lived in Turkey for at least five years can apply for Turkish citizenship.
  • By Investment: A person who makes a significant investment in Turkey, such as purchasing property or starting a business, can apply for Turkish citizenship.
  • Naturalization: A person who has served in the Turkish military or has rendered exceptional service to Turkey may be eligible for naturalization.

The Turkish government has the right to accept or reject the application. This applies even if all requirements are met. The process can take several months to complete.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment

The requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment are:

  • Investing at least $400,000 in real estate or Turkish government bonds.
  • Keeping the investment for at least three years.
  • Not having any criminal record.
  • Being able to prove that the applicant can support themselves financially.
  • Having a valid passport.
  • Meeting the language requirements.
  • Completing the application process through the Ministry of Interior

Residence for 5 years is not required for Turkish citizenship by investment.

The types of investment to get Turkish citizenship are:

  • Making a fixed capital investment of at least 500.000 USD.
  • Creating employment for at least 50 people.
  • Buying real estate worth at least USD 400,000 with a 3-year no-sale annotation on the title deed.
  • Deposit at least USD 500,000 in banks in Turkey with the condition of keeping it for 3 years.
  • To buy government bond instruments amounting to at least USD 500,000 for 3 years.
  • To buy real estate investment fund participation shares and venture capital investment fund participation shares with a minimum amount of USD 500,000, provided that they are held for 3 years.

Turkish Citizenship by Marriage

Another way to acquire Turkish citizenship is through marriage. The requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship through marriage are:

  1. Being legally married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years.
  2. Residing in Turkey for at least two years before applying.
  3. Not having any criminal record.
  4. Being able to prove that the applicant can support themselves financially.
  5. Having a valid passport.
  6. Meeting the language and residency requirements.
  7. Completing the application process through the Ministry of Interior.

The marriage should be a valid one and not a sham marriage. The Turkish government may investigate whether the marriage is a real one, and if they find out that the marriage is not valid, the application will be rejected.

How long does it take to get Turkish citizenship?

The process of obtaining Turkish citizenship can take several months to complete, depending on the method of acquisition, and the specific circumstances of the applicant.

For example, if you’re applying for Turkish citizenship through investment, the process may take longer if the real estate purchase needs to be completed first, or if there are delays in the paperwork.

If you’re applying for Turkish citizenship through marriage, the process may take longer if the marriage needs to be registered first or if there are any issues with the documentation provided.

The Turkish government has the right to accept or reject the application, even if all requirements have been met. Therefore, the process can take longer if the application is rejected, and the applicant needs to reapply or appeal the decision.

Turkish Permanent Residency By Investment

The requirements for obtaining Turkish Permanent Residency (PR) through investment are:

  1. Investing at least $500,000 in Turkish real estate or Turkish government bonds
  2. Not having any criminal record
  3. Being able to prove that the applicant can support themselves financially
  4. Having a valid passport
  5. Meeting the language requirements.
  6. Completing the application process through the Ministry of Interior.

Permanent Residency in Turkey gives the right to live in Turkey and not to work or study. Foreigners with a long-term residence permit or a legal work permit for at least eight years can apply for an indefinite work permit.

Permanent Residency holders can enter and exit Turkey without a visa, and they can stay in Turkey for an unlimited period of time.

Property Turkey

Turkey has a growing property market with a high demand for both residential and commercial properties. Some of the most popular areas for property investment in Turkey include:

  • Istanbul: Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and economic center, with a large population and a growing economy. It offers a wide range of property options, from affordable apartments to luxury villas.
  • Antalya: Antalya is a popular coastal city in the southwest of Turkey, known for its beaches, marinas, and luxury resorts. It’s a popular destination for tourists and retirees and offers a wide range of property options, from apartments to villas.
  • Bodrum: Bodrum is a coastal town in the Aegean region, known for its nightlife, beaches, and luxury resorts. It’s a popular destination for tourists and retirees and offers a wide range of property options, from apartments to villas.
  • Bursa: Bursa is an industrial city located in the northwest of Turkey, known for its historical sites and natural beauty. It’s a popular destination for tourists and retirees and offers a wide range of property options, from apartments to villas.
  • Yalova: Yalova is a coastal city located in the northwest of Turkey, known for its thermal baths and natural beauty. It’s a popular destination for tourists and retirees and offers a wide range of property options, from apartments to villas.

Property market in Turkey can be complex, and it’s recommended that you seek the advice of a real estate lawyer. Additionally, it is best to conduct a thorough research and due diligence before making any property purchase decisions.

Turkish Immigration Law

The Turkish immigration law regulates the entry, exit, and residence of foreign nationals in Turkey. The main legislation governing immigration in Turkey is the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Law No. 6458) (2013). The law sets out the requirements and procedures for obtaining various types of residence permits, including work, student, and family permits, and lays out the rights and obligations of foreigners living in Turkey.

The law also regulates the conditions under which a foreign national can be expelled from Turkey and lays out the grounds for denying entry to Turkey.

The law also provides for the establishment of an “e-Government Portal” which allows individuals to apply for residence permits and other immigration-related services online.

The Ministry of Interior is the main government agency responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the immigration law in Turkey.

Turkish Citizenship Database

The Turkish government maintains a database of citizens known as the “Citizenship Information System” (Nüfus Bilgi Sistemi in Turkish). This database contains information such as the name, birthdate, place of birth, and citizenship status of all Turkish citizens. The database is managed by the Ministry of Interior, and it’s used to verify citizenship status and to issue identity documents such as ID cards and passports.

The citizenship database is also used to keep track of changes in citizenship status, such as naturalization, renunciation of citizenship, and loss of citizenship.

The database is not publicly accessible, and only authorized personnel from the Ministry of Interior and other government agencies have access to it. However, Turkish citizens can check their own information in the database by visiting the nearest population office or by making a request through the e-Government portal.

Any changes to the personal information in the database should be reported to the nearest population office as soon as possible, to avoid any issues with official documents or other government services.

Turkish Citizenship Lawyer

A Turkish citizenship lawyer, also known as an immigration lawyer, is a professional who specializes in helping individuals navigate the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship. They can advise you on the requirements, help you gather and prepare the necessary documentation, and guide you through the application process.

A Turkish citizenship lawyer can also help you if you encounter any issues or challenges during the application process, such as a rejected application or a request for additional documentation. They can also assist you in the event that you need to appeal a decision of the Turkish government.

Not all lawyers are specialized in Turkish citizenship law. So it’s recommended that you find a lawyer or an immigration consultant who has experience and knowledge in this area.

You can find a Turkish citizenship lawyer by searching online or asking for recommendations from friends or family. You can also check professional organizations such as the Turkish Bar Association or other legal professional organizations.

Keep in mind that hiring a lawyer or an immigration consultant increases the chances of getting your citizenship application approved, but it doesn’t guarantee it.