Buying a property and obtaining Turkish citizenship

When owning a property in Turkey, many investors aim to obtain Turkish citizenship, thus gaining two benefits at once: Real estate and citizenship. In this article, we will provide a thorough definition of all the issues and clarifications related to this important topic, such as steps, conditions, stages, and so on.

Is it possible to obtain Turkish citizenship by buying a property?

Of course, foreign individuals can obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate in Turkey. In 2018, Turkey amended its citizenship law to allow foreign investors to become Turkish citizens through several investment options, including real estate investment.

Under current regulations, foreign investors who own a property worth at least $400,000 (or its equivalent in Turkish lira) in Turkey are eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship provided they hold the purchased property for at least three years.

In addition to purchasing property, the applicant must meet certain criteria such as having no criminal record or court judgments.

Once the application is processed and approved, foreign investors can obtain Turkish citizenship for themselves, their spouses, and children under the age of 18. The process takes approximately six months to complete.

 Owning a property in Turkey is an interesting option for foreigners looking to obtain Turkish citizenship, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and are willing to commit to the necessary investment requirements.

Details of the program to buy a property and obtain Turkish citizenship

The Turkish government has launched a program called “Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program,” which allows foreigners to obtain Turkish citizenship by buying real estate in Turkey. However, investors are required to purchase at least $400,000 worth of real estate, residential or commercial, new or pre-owned. The transaction must be registered at the Title deed (land registry office) and is made in Turkish lira or foreign currency through a Turkish bank. After purchasing and registering the property and fulfilling the conditions, investors can apply for Turkish citizenship through the General Directorate of Immigration Management, providing the necessary documents, such as a passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and criminal record certificate.

Turkish authorities examine the investor's file to ensure there are no criminal records or security concerns, a process that takes about 90 days. Successful applicants are then granted Turkish citizenship, which means they can issue a Turkish passport along with their spouses and children under the age of 18. It is important to note that the investor must hold the property for a minimum of three years to be eligible for Turkish citizenship.

Conditions for obtaining Turkish citizenship by buying a property

Turkey offers several pathways for foreigners to obtain Turkish citizenship, one of which is through the purchase of real estate. The Turkish government has made it easier for foreign investors to obtain Turkish citizenship by investing in the country's economy. One of the most important conditions for obtaining Turkish citizenship by buying a property:

• The property must have a minimum value of $400,000, as determined by the valuation system of the Turkish government.
• The purchase must be made in cash or through a bank transfer from the private investor's account outside Turkey to the seller's account in Turkey.
• Holding the property for at least three years from the date of purchase. Investors are required to abide by this condition by signing a pledge document.
• The property should not be located in restricted military or strategic areas.
• The investor must have a valid residence permit at the time of application.
• The investor can obtain a residence permit through the Immigration Department in Turkey.
• The investor should not have a criminal record, whether in Turkey or in his home country.
• The investor must have a clear title deed to the property.

Once these conditions are met, the investor can apply for Turkish citizenship. The investor, his wife, and any children under the age of 18 can obtain citizenship by purchasing the property.

In addition to the above conditions, it should be noted that the Turkish government may also request additional documents during the application process, such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, and passport. Therefore, dealing with a professional company in these services saves a lot of effort and time.

Documents required to purchase a property and obtain Turkish citizenship

To buy a property in Türkiye and obtain Turkish citizenship, the investor needs to submit the following documents:

• Title deed (Tapu) and a valid passport, translated and certified by a notary.
• Property Valuation Report: This report provides an estimate of the value of the property and is required for tax purposes.
• Payment receipts for the purchase of the property, including any taxes or fees paid.
• A valid residence permit to apply for citizenship.
• An unedited document from the country of residence translated and certified by a notary public.
• Marriage certificate If you are married, you will need to provide a marriage certificate, also translated and notarized.
• DASK earthquake insurance for each apartment.
• The apartment address page, contains the documents required for naturalization when purchasing real estate in Türkiye.
• 4 biometric personal photos for each eligible individual.
• A translated and certified birth certificate for each family member is included in the citizenship application.

Procedures for obtaining Turkish citizenship by purchasing a property

To obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing a property, several operational procedures must be followed. The investor must find a suitable property worth at least $400,000 inside Türkiye. Then complete the purchase process, which includes signing the sales contract, obtaining the title deed, and paying the necessary fees and taxes. After that, he or she is required to obtain a residence permit to remain in the country for an extended period while the citizenship application is processed. Next, apply for Turkish citizenship by submitting several documents, such as proof of purchase of your property, residence permit, passport, and more. After submitting the application, approval is awaited from the Turkish government, which usually takes about 3 to 6 months.

It is noteworthy that it is necessary to follow all the necessary steps, submit all the required documents, and ensure that they comply with the conditions to ensure that the process proceeds to its end without any complications or obstacles.

The stages of naturalization in Türkiye by purchasing a property and the expected duration

Foreigners who own real estate in Türkiye can apply for citizenship through investment. The process is divided into several stages, which we mention as follows:

The first stage: This is the stage of registering and approving the application. The stages of applying for Turkish citizenship begin from the date of registering the initial application and approving it with the Immigration Department, after the initial interview. Some of the documents required for submission differ depending on the applicant’s condition, while some of the basic documents are the same. The documents are submitted to the Civil Registration Department of the city in which the applicant resides and are subject to scrutiny and review before being sent to the General Civil Registry Directorate in Ankara.

The second stage: sending the file to the relevant directorate; The citizenship application file is sent to the General Directorate of Civil Status in Ankara for review and study before the file is transferred to the next stage.

The third stage is the initial review of the file, which is concerned with the file arriving at the General Directorate in the capital, and being subject to scrutiny and review of all the documents, before sending it to the relevant authorities specialized in conducting an extensive search for the applicant and those who qualify with him.

The fourth stage: is comprehensive and extensive auditing and archiving, which is the stage of examination, research and auditing. It is considered the most important stage among the stages of Turkish citizenship, as it is one of the critical stages for file owners, as an extensive search for the file owner is carried out in the security, foreign, finance and intelligence directorates, and in the event, any party objects to the person concerned or any violation appears against him; The application may be frozen and the file rejected.

The fifth stage is sending to the Council of Ministers for the purpose of approval if the study of the files and the examination and research procedures are completed. In the fourth stage, the application for obtaining Turkish citizenship from the relevant authorities is completed, and the candidate’s name is included in the list that will be submitted to the competent authority for signature.

The sixth stage is the final decision, which is the penultimate stage, which means that the citizenship application has reached the responsible authority and is awaiting its signature to grant the file holder the right to citizenship.

The seventh stage: reporting the result via the entity through which the application was submitted, which is the final stage. In it, the person concerned is informed by a congratulatory letter that the file holder has become a Turkish citizen, has full citizenship rights, and must review the Civil Affairs Administration to receive the naturalization decision.

After receiving the naturalization decision; The Turkish ID must be applied for at the Civil Registry to which he belongs, and he may also obtain a Turkish passport.

What are the advantages of the Turkish citizenship program by purchasing a property?

The Turkish citizenship program by purchasing a property offers many advantages to foreign investors, the most important of which are:

• Visa-free travel: Turkish citizenship provides access without a prior visa upon arrival to 62 countries around the world, 45 countries with a visa on arrival, and 5 countries with an electronic visa.
• Access to Healthcare and Education: As a Turkish citizen, foreign investors and their families have access to the country's public healthcare and education system.
• Business Opportunities: Türkiye is a center for business and trade, and Turkish citizenship provides foreign investors with the opportunity to invest or start a business in the country.
• Benefit from economic facilities inside and outside Türkiye.
• Nomination and election rights.
• Citizenship for the Whole Family: Turkish Citizenship by Investment allows foreign investors to apply for citizenship for themselves, their spouses, and children under the age of 18.

The best cities in Türkiye to buy a property suitable for Turkish citizenship

Many cities in Türkiye offer excellent options for purchasing property for citizenship purposes. Istanbul is the most important city in Türkiye and the economic capital and is famous for its ancient history, diverse culture, and strategic location. Antalya, located on the Mediterranean coast, is also a popular tourist destination and a thriving real estate market.

Ankara, the capital, offers wide ownership options at reasonable prices. In addition, the city of Bursa, located in the Marmara region, with its rich history, beautiful gardens, and thermal baths, has become an important center for real estate ownership accompanied by a growing economy. There is Izmir, a vibrant international destination characterized by a strong economy, thriving real estate market, beautiful nature, and historical sites.

We can say that the best city to buy property for citizenship purposes depends on personal preferences and investment goals. Therefore, it is important to conduct thorough research and work with a professional real estate agent for a successful investment.

Imtilak Real Estate advice for those wishing to purchase a property suitable for Turkish citizenship

Türkiye offers a citizenship program to foreign investors who own real estate in the country. The minimum investment requirement for this program is currently $400,000, and it grants many benefits, such as the right to live and work in Turkey, access to the country's healthcare and education systems, and more.

If you are thinking about buying a property in Türkiye for the purpose of obtaining citizenship, here are some tips that you need to take into consideration from Imtilak Real Estate:

• Importance of location: Türkiye is a large and diverse country, so it is important to carefully consider the location of the property. Factors that need to be considered include proximity to airports, public transportation, shopping malls, schools, hospitals, and other amenities.
• Check the property thoroughly: Before purchasing any property, it is important to have a professional inspect it; This helps identify any potential problems or hidden costs that may arise after the buying and selling process.
• Work with a specialized and long-established real estate company in this context: It is important to work with a real estate agent who is familiar with the citizenship program and the local real estate market to find suitable properties that meet citizenship requirements and guide you through the ownership process.
• Understanding the legal process: Understanding the legal process for purchasing a property in Türkiye is very important, especially for foreign investors, to avoid any problems or obstacles.

Imtilak Real Estate services for real estate investors in Türkiye

Imtilak Real Estate Company in Turkey provides various services to real estate investors. It is keen to help them find suitable properties for ownership. It provides management and evaluation services to determine their market value and legal assistance in real estate transactions after ownership, such as the registration process and Turkish citizenship. If the amount and conditions are appropriate to obtain it, and always in constant contact with the investor from the airport until ownership of the property.

Edited by Imtilak Real Estate ©

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