How do I meet the requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship?

Questions about the requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship are frequently discussed, especially knowing that Turkey is one of the most important countries granting citizenship simply by purchasing property there under specific conditions.

In this context, we answer a set of important questions on this topic.

The 4 Most Important Ways to Obtain Turkish Citizenship

There are many ways through which you can meet the requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship, and initially, we review four ways to obtain Turkish citizenship:

1. Residence in Turkey for five consecutive years with a work permit.

2. Exceptional Turkish citizenship granted in special cases, mostly including university degree holders primarily.

3. Real estate investment in Turkey of not less than 400 thousand USD for at least three years.

4. Applying for citizenship after three years of marriage to a Turkish citizen (male or female).

Requirements for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship through Marriage

Yes, the following elements must be met to obtain Turkish citizenship through marriage:

• Proof of good faith: that the marriage is based on sound foundations with the aim of forming a family, and not based on mere interest.

• No evidence appearing that proves otherwise.

• The foreign spouse must not pose a threat to Turkish national security or public safety.

Amendments and Facilitations to the Turkish Citizenship Law

The required investment amounts to obtain Turkish citizenship were significantly reduced in September 2018, then the minimum amount for property purchase alone was increased by Presidential Decree No. 5554 issued on May 13, 2022. Today, anyone who meets one of the following conditions can apply for Turkish citizenship:

• Purchasing property worth at least 400 thousand USD and not selling it for three years (the limit was one million USD when the program launched in 2017, then 250 thousand USD between 2018 and 2022).

• A fixed investment of no less than 500 thousand USD (instead of two million USD before 2018).

• Depositing 500 thousand USD in Turkish banks without withdrawing it for three years (instead of 3 million USD before 2018).

• Purchasing government bonds worth 500 thousand USD and holding them for three years (instead of 3 million USD before 2018).

• Purchasing shares in real estate investment funds or venture capital funds worth 500 thousand USD and holding them for three years.

• Providing employment opportunities for at least 50 Turkish citizens (instead of 100 citizens before 2018).

Are the Requirements for Turkish Citizenship Difficult?

Don’t worry about the details, as the Imtilak Real Estate team is fully capable of completing all procedures to meet all the requirements for Turkish citizenship.

We offer special deals for those looking for luxury apartments for sale in Turkey and wishing to obtain Turkish citizenship; check the prices and details.

What Is the Fastest and Best Way to Obtain Turkish Citizenship?

Certainly, the personal factors and circumstances related to each individual play a decisive role in choosing the method to obtain Turkish citizenship from the mentioned ways.

However, after reviewing the legal ways to obtain Turkish citizenship, it appears that real estate investment in Turkey represents the most reliable way to obtain Turkish citizenship in this regard.

What Are the Benefits of Obtaining Turkish Citizenship?

In addition to the benefits of Turkish citizenship, let us not forget the investment aspect represented by the expected economic feasibility of the investment process, which starts as a real estate investment and may not end its benefits just with obtaining the strong Turkish passport alone!

What Is the Expected Duration to Obtain Turkish Citizenship after Buying Property?

Once you purchase property meeting all the requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship and submit the required documents for Turkish citizenship completely to the Turkish government, the citizenship granting process takes no more than three months on average. During this period, our team will follow up on your file, which includes your name, your spouse's name, and all your children under 18 years old.

Can You Rent Out the Property You Bought to Obtain Turkish Citizenship?

Yes, you can rent out the property, provided you keep ownership and do not sell it for 3 years only.

Do All Properties Meet the Requirements for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship?

Yes, you can buy any property you choose as long as its value exceeds 400 thousand USD, whether it is an apartment, villa, commercial space, or any other property in Turkey.

See our ownership offers within Turkish villas, and get to know the prices and details.

What Documents Are Required to Obtain Residence Until Turkish Citizenship Is Granted?

To obtain a document allowing you to reside in Turkey until your naturalization decision is issued, the following documents must be available:

1. Residence application form.

2. Compliance certificate (that is, the property meets the citizenship granting specifications, issued by the land registry office).

3. Original passport + a copy (the applicant must be present in person).

4. Four recent biometric photos.

5. Valid health insurance.

What Papers Are Required to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Purchasing Property?

The following papers must be submitted completely:

1. A copy of the Turkish tapu (property deed for the purchased property) or the sales promise contract at the notary office (noter).

2. A valid property appraisal report; note that the validity of property appraisal reports is three months, with a value not exceeding the registered value in the deed.

It has a fixed issuance cost and is issued within two or three working days through a government-licensed appraisal institution.

3. Original payment receipts from the buyer’s account, stamped by the remitting bank.

4. Original receipt vouchers from the seller’s account, stamped by the receiving bank.

These receipts are the official proof that the property value was paid and transferred from the seller’s account to the buyer’s account.

5. Two copies of the power of attorney for applying for citizenship, granted by the investor to the legal team to submit the citizenship file and follow it up with official departments.

• The power of attorney is organized by the notary in Turkey (noter) at an estimated cost ranging between 600 to 700 Turkish lira per copy.

• If adding the investor’s spouse to the naturalization file, a similar power of attorney must be provided for each spouse, or a joint power of attorney can be organized for the client and spouse.

• Attorney fees vary depending on each case, considering the number of documents, individuals in the file, and other factors.

6. Turkish translation of the passport, certified by the notary in Turkey for all family members: husband, wife, and children under 18 years old.

Published by: Imtilak Real Estate©

Related Topics:

Stages and Duration of Naturalization in Turkey (with photos)

Turkish Citizenship through Property Purchase

Turkish Citizenship through Investment

Exceptional Turkish Citizenship

Can Turkish Citizenship Be Purchased?