Real Estate Citizenship, Residence, Investment, and Housing Services

Obtaining Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate Investment

Basic Details

  • Required Value: Purchase of properties worth at least $400,000 USD.
  • Beneficiaries: The investor, spouse, and children under 18 years old.
  • Available Property Types: All properties except land plots.
  • Processing Time: 6 to 12 months.
  • Key Condition: The property cannot be sold for 3 years.

Amendments to Citizenship Laws

In 2018, the Turkish government revised the conditions for obtaining citizenship to encourage foreign investment. One of the most notable changes was: – Real Estate Investment: It requires the purchase of a property or properties with a total value of no less than $400,000 USD. This amendment followed a reduction in the minimum threshold from $1 million to $250,000, which was later raised to $400,000 in 2022.

Steps and Procedures to Obtain Turkish Citizenship

  1. Choosing the Right Property:
    • The investor visits Turkey or authorizes a trusted person to select a property that meets the required conditions.
  2. Obtaining a Property Valuation Report:
    • After selecting the property, an official valuation report determining the actual property value is requested.
    • Note: Some companies do not require valuation reports (e.g., GYO).
  3. Completing the Purchase:
    • Once the property value is confirmed to be $400,000 USD or more, a purchase contract is signed, and the payment is transferred to the seller through a USD bank account.
  4. Applying for Citizenship:
    • After registering the property in the land registry (Tapu), the citizenship application can be submitted.
  5. Obtaining Investor Residency:
    • An investor residency is granted to the investor and their family, allowing them to stay in Turkey until the citizenship process is completed.
  6. Property Lock for 3 Years:
    • A restriction is placed on the property to prevent its sale for 3 years, as a mandatory condition.
  7. Receiving Citizenship:
    • After reviewing the application and ensuring all conditions are met, the investor and their family (spouse and children under 18 years old) receive Turkish citizenship within 6 to 12 months.

Required Documents for Application

  • Power of Attorney for the Spouses:
    • A power of attorney for following up on citizenship procedures, issued either in Turkey or at the Turkish consulate in the country of residence.
  • Passports:
    • Valid passports for all family members, translated and notarized in Turkey or at the Turkish consulate.
  • Birth Certificates:
    • Translated and notarized birth certificates for all family members.
  • Marriage Certificate:
    • Translated into Turkish and notarized at the Turkish consulate.
  • Personal Photos:
    • Recent personal photos of all family members.
  • Parental Consent:
    • If one parent does not wish to obtain Turkish citizenship, consent must be provided for children under 18 to obtain citizenship.
  • Turkish Residence Permit:
    • If a previous residence permit exists.

Additional Notes

  • All financial transactions must be conducted via bank transfers only, and receipts must be kept for submission to government authorities.
  • When purchasing multiple properties through a notary agreement, the citizenship application must be made through one real estate project. However, properties in different locations can be purchased through the land registry.
  • Egyptian Citizenship Exception:
    • Children under 21 years old (instead of 18) can obtain Turkish citizenship.
  • Citizenship applications cannot be made for more than one investor based on a single property purchase worth $800,000 or more.

Important Tips Before Making a Decision

  • Legal Consultation: It is recommended to hire a lawyer or legal advisor to ensure the process runs smoothly and to avoid legal issues.
  • Verify the Property: Ensure the property is free of any legal issues such as mortgages or ownership disputes.
  • Invest in Promising Areas: It is advisable to choose properties in economically growing areas to guarantee an increase in property value in the future.