Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

Türkiye Citizenship by Investment Through Real Estate

Foreign investors can acquire Turkish citizenship by exception through approved real estate investments (Articles 12 and 20 of Law No. 5901). The Official Government Investment Office, operating under the President, attracts and assists foreign investors through a one-stop service, while citizenship by investment is granted by presidential approval. The Türkiye Citizenship by Investment program, officially published in the Official Gazette of Türkiye on June 12, 2009 (No. 27256), allows foreigners to Türkiye Citizenship, along with their foreign spouse and dependent minor children (Article 31(1)(j) of Law No. 6458).

 

At immi.legal, we focus exclusively on the real estate investment route, the most established and government-supported pathway to Turkish citizenship.

Why Choose Turkish Citizenship?

Türkiye strategically connects Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, offering investors both geopolitical positioning and a dynamic domestic market.

 

Turkish citizenship provides:

• Full Turkish passport rights

• Citizenship for spouse and children under 18

• Access to education and public healthcare

• Business and banking access in a G20 economy

• A growing real estate market with rental potential

 

Türkiye’s foreign direct investment framework is structured under the national FDI strategy published by the Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, reinforcing long-term economic stability for international investors.

Real Estate Investment

Foreign nationals can obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate valued at a minimum of USD 400,000. The property must be annotated in the Land Registry with a legal restriction stating that it cannot be sold or transferred for three years. Only built properties or those with construction status qualify, as agricultural and undeveloped land no longer meet the citizenship criteria.

Key Steps for Citizenship via Real Estate:

1. Property Agreement – Conclude a purchase agreement for a property meeting the USD 400,000 minimum threshold.

2. Real Estate Appraisal – Obtain a government-approved appraisal report via the official Webtapu platform to confirm the investment amount.

3. Land Registry Submission – Submit the purchase documents, including the foreign currency purchase certificate, to the Land Registry.

4. Verification & Fees – The Land Registry confirms that the declared values meet regulatory standards and notifies the buyer of title deed and transaction fees.

5. Contract Signing & Annotation – After payment, the contract is signed, and the “three-year non-sale” annotation is registered on the property deed.
6. Certificate of Conformity – The Land Registry forwards transaction documents to the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs, which issues a Certificate of Conformity for the citizenship application.

 

Detailed procedural guidance is published by the Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs.

Best Cities for Real Estate Investment

Although the citizenship program applies nationwide, investor demand is concentrated in key metropolitan and international resort cities.

Istanbul – Economic & Financial Capital

• Largest real estate market in Türkiye

• Strong rental demand

• Major infrastructure and international schools

• High liquidity and resale potential

 

Istanbul remains the leading destination for citizenship investors seeking long-term capital growth and urban property value.

Antalya – Mediterranean Resort Destination

• International coastal city

• Tourism-driven rental returns

• Luxury villas and sea-view apartments

• Strong European and Middle Eastern buyer interest

 

Antalya is ideal for investors combining lifestyle acquisition with asset appreciation.

Other International Resort Cities

• Bodrum – Premium coastal peninsula

• Fethiye – Marina and yachting hub

• Izmir – Aegean commercial centre

 

All qualifying properties must meet official valuation standards and Presidential Decree compliance conditions.

Step-by-Step Citizenship Process

Based strictly on the Regulation Implementing Law No. 5901:

Property Selection & Government Valuation

A government-approved real estate valuation report is mandatory.

Title Deed Transfer & Restriction Registration

A 3-year non-sale annotation is recorded at the Land Registry.

Certificate of Conformity

Issued by the Ministry confirming investment compliance.

Short-Term Residence Permit

Application submitted following property acquisition.

Citizenship Application Submission

Filed with the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs under the Ministry of Interior.

Presidential Approval

Processing Time

Although not fixed by statute, applications are generally processed within several months, subject to due diligence, security clearance, and administrative review.

Legal Framework & Official Sources

The Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment program is governed by:

• Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901

• Article 20 of its Implementing Regulation

• Presidential Decisions published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Türkiye

• Official guidance from the Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye

 

The original law was first published in the Official Gazette dated 12 June 2009 (No. 27256), and five subsequent amendments (the Government Information Portal) have made to the Presidential Decrees so far.

Alternative Investment Routes

While real estate remains the most preferred route, Article 20 of the Implementing Regulation also allows alternative qualifying investments such as:

• Fixed capital investment

• Bank deposits

• Government bonds

• Job creation

Turkish Passport Benefits

Turkish citizens benefit from:

• Full constitutional rights

• Access to national banking and business systems

• Strategic global mobility
• Asset diversification within a G20 economy

Why Work with immi.legal?

We provide:

• Independent legal structuring
• Government-compliant property due diligence

• Certified valuation coordination
• Land registry supervision

• Full citizenship file preparation
• Post-approval passport assistance

 

Our services are structured strictly in accordance with official Turkish law and Presidential Decree requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. A legally binding restriction is recorded in the Land Registry.

No minimum stay requirement is imposed for citizenship approval.

Yes, provided the combined value meets the USD 400,000 threshold and compliance procedures are completed simultaneously.