C'est La Vie

Mar 254 min read

Citizenship by Investment

Turkey is a remarkable country with its rich history, cultural diversity and strategic location. Many people prefer Turkey not only for vacationing but also for living and working. For those who want to obtain citizenship through investment in Turkey, there is a certain process and conditions. In this article, we explain what to do for those who want to obtain citizenship through investment.

Brief Information on the Citizenship by Investment Program

Turkish Citizenship will be granted to the applicant, the applicant's spouse and children under the age of 18.
Your citizenship will last for life and children born later will become Turkish citizens.
You do not need to live in Turkey to apply or to retain Turkish Citizenship afterwards.
Turkey allows multiple citizenships, so you can keep the Citizenship you already have.
Holding a Turkish passport gives visa-free access to more than 100 countries worldwide. Some of these countries include: Japan, South Korea, South America and more. Someone with a Turkish passport can also travel relatively easily to the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and European Union countries.
You are free to sell your property after holding your investments for 3 years.
Obtaining Turkish Citizenship under this program normally takes between 2 to 4 months.
As a Turkish citizen, you can apply for a Business Person visa to live and eventually obtain British citizenship. You can also apply for an E-2 Investor Visa to help you move to the USA. If your dream is to live in the UK or the US, Turkish Citizenship can be a bridge.
Turkish tax authorities will not ask you any questions about your current financial situation or existing assets.

What are the requirements for the Citizenship by Investment Program?

The applicant is required to purchase a property worth at least $400,000 (one or more units may be together).
The official value declared at the time of land registration cannot be lower than this amount.
The result of the mandatory Official Valuation Survey conducted by the authorities must be worth at least $400,000.
A commitment to hold the real estate for at least 3 years (Notarized declaration).
Payment must be made by bank transfer with bank receipts as proof.
The property must be registered in the name of the natural person of the applicant.
In case of a mortgage loan, the mortgage value will be deducted from the value stated in the Official Valuation Survey.
The application must be submitted to the Ministry of Interior, General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, Department of Foreigners through the Land Registry Directorate of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.
The applicant's spouse and children under the age of 18 can be included in a single application. Note: According to Turkish law, there are citizens of some countries who are not allowed to apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment. This applies to the following countries: Armenia, Cuba, North Korea and Syria.

What are the Steps to Follow for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program?

Step 1 - Get a Tax Registration Number

Tax Registration number can be obtained from any tax office in Turkey.

Passport and Photos are required.

Step 2 - Open a Turkish Bank Account

Documentation of the transactions at the time of purchase will be required.

Passport and Tax Registration Number and an Official Document showing your current address are required.

Step 3 - Find the Property

Total Value must be USD 400,000 or equivalent in Turkish Lira (can be single or multiple units). The Properties must be Completed or Near Completion, have a Certificate of Occupancy issued and a Condominium Easement or Title Deed in place. Must be eligible for a Formal Valuation Survey.

Step 4 - Buy the Property

Use Bank Transfer and document the transaction with a receipt. Get the Land Registry and/or Notarized Sales Contract as part of the condition with the annotation "Cannot be Sold for 3 Years". After three years, you can sell your property investment in Turkey as your citizenship is guaranteed forever.

Step 5 - Get a Certificate of Conformity

Provide the Official Valuation Survey and submit the Bank Transfer Receipt. Contact the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.

Step 6 - Applying for Residence in Turkey

Collect the necessary Documents before applying for your residence permit. Apply to the Directorate General of Migration Management. A residence permit is an important step to obtain your citizenship and eventual passport.

Step 7 - Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Collect the necessary documents before applying for citizenship. Apply to the Directorate General of Migration Management.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply?

Birth Certificate

Copy of birth certificates of all Family members involved in the application. Each copy must be stamped and certified or sealed with Apostille.

Certificate of residence

Proof of address must be provided and stamped and certified with Apostille.

Marital Status

A Register showing all family members as husband, wife and children, Marriage Certificate, Divorce Certificate (if widowed, Death Certificate of the spouse). Each certificate needs to be sealed and certified or stamped with Apostille.

Health Insurance

12 Biometric Photos

For all applicants, 4 5×6 biometric photographs taken on a white background are required. The main applicant is required to submit 8 normal size biometric photographs taken on a white background.