Conditions for Acquiring Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate Investment (Updated for 2025)
Among the various options available for foreign investors to acquire Turkish citizenship, purchasing real estate is one of the most popular. This article provides a detailed overview of the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship through property acquisition, based on the current legislation and practices as of 2025.
I. Legal Basis
The opportunity to acquire Turkish citizenship through real estate investment is regulated by Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship and the relevant regulations issued under this law.
II. Basic Requirements
Foreign nationals who wish to apply for Turkish citizenship through real estate investment must meet the following fundamental conditions:
Minimum Property Value:
The real estate purchased must have a minimum value of 400,000 US Dollars or the equivalent in foreign currency or Turkish Lira. Previously, this threshold was 250,000 USD, but as of May 13, 2022, it was increased to 400,000 USD under the current regulations.
Annotation on Title Deed:
An annotation stating that the property cannot be sold for three years must be placed on the title deed. This restriction is officially recorded by the land registry office and is a crucial part of the citizenship application process.
Application Process:
Foreign investors who meet the criteria may initiate the citizenship application by applying to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
III. Process and Required Documents
The process of acquiring Turkish citizenship through real estate investment generally includes the following steps:
1. Purchase of Property
A real estate with a value of at least 400,000 USD must be purchased, and the title deed transfer must be completed.
2. Annotation on Title Deed
An official annotation is placed on the title deed stating that the property cannot be sold for three years.
3. Residence Permit Application (If Needed)
A residence permit is not a prerequisite for applying for citizenship through property acquisition. However, a residence permit may be obtained if the applicant wishes to stay legally in Turkey during the process.
4. Citizenship Application
The application is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management with the necessary documents.
Commonly Required Documents:
Application form
Passport and notarized Turkish translation
Birth certificate and notarized Turkish translation
Marital status certificate and notarized Turkish translation (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree if applicable)
Biometric photographs
Title deed of the property
Property valuation report (prepared by a valuation expert licensed by the Capital Markets Board - SPK)
Bank receipts or foreign exchange purchase documents proving payment
Copy of the title deed with the 3-year non-sale annotation
IV. Key Considerations
Property Valuation:
The property’s value must be documented with a valuation report prepared by Capital Markets Board (SPK)-licensed experts. This report is also used for calculating title deed fees.
Payment Method:
Payment must be made through bank transfers between the buyer and seller, and the transactions must be documented with bank receipts.
Legal Assistance:
The citizenship application process can be complex. It is highly recommended to seek legal assistance from an experienced attorney to manage the process effectively and avoid procedural errors.
Fraud and Misleading Promises:
Be cautious of fraudulent schemes offering guaranteed citizenship. It is crucial to obtain information from official authorities and trusted legal professionals.
V. Evaluation of the Citizenship Application
The application is reviewed by the relevant public authorities. If all legal requirements are met and the application is deemed appropriate, Turkish citizenship is granted to the applicant.
Conclusion
Acquiring Turkish citizenship through real estate investment is an attractive option for foreign investors. However, it is essential to follow the process accurately and comply with all legal requirements. Seeking professional legal advice will ensure a smooth and successful application process.
