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How to Get Turkish Citizenship?
Created10.11.2023, 09.00
Updated30.12.2025, 13.36
There are two ways to obtain Turkish citizenship: either at birth or through acquisition. Türkiye recognizes the right to obtain citizenship via birthplace, as well as for those born in Türkiye whose parents are not known, or are stateless, or cannot acquire citizenship in accordance with national laws. A person can be naturally a Turkish citizen if one of his or her parents is a Turkish citizen.
You can obtain Turkish citizenship after meeting the standards outlined in the Turkish Citizenship Law, subject to the relevant authority's judgment. Working with an expert and a lawyer who is knowledgeable about the law and the requirements, such as a Certificate of Conformity, is crucial. Your application will be denied if there are any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in your documentation.
Learn Turkey citizenship requirements and how to obtain Turkish citizenship here with information updated for 2026.
What are the benefits of Turkish citizenship?
Turkish citizenship provides the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Türkiye without time limitations or additional requirements. There are no restrictions for Turkish citizens purchasing or selling real estate in Türkiye. These are some of the benefits of Turkish citizenship.
You have access to the healthcare system, which includes state-sponsored healthcare services. According to Türkiye’s social security laws, you can be qualified for pension payments.
Moreover, Turkish citizens have access to public education and are eligible to apply for scholarships. When you get a Turkish passport by investment, traveling abroad is made easier as well, which grants entry to +125 countries without the need for a visa or one upon arrival.
Dual citizenship is also permitted in Türkiye, allowing you to benefit from the laws of both countries. You may submit your application at the same time as your spouse and any children under the age of 18.
What are the tax benefits of Turkish citizenship?
According to Turkish tax laws, a person is considered a tax resident if they stay in Turkey for more than six months of the year or have a residence there, except for specific circumstances.
Türkiye has double taxation agreements with the majority of countries. If a taxpayer has already paid a tax in a country that has a tax agreement with Türkiye, they will not be required to pay it again here. This is one of the best benefits of Turkish citizenship for investors.
Türkiye has signed numerous treaties to avoid double taxation and draw in foreign investment from more than 60 countries. This is one of the greatest benefits of Turkish citizenship for foreign investors. Some are Canada, France, Iran, Jordan, Pakistan, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Moreover, capital gains resulting from property sales held for more than 5 years are tax-free.
What are the types of Turkish citizenship?
Turkish citizenship types are divided into 4 categories: by birth, by marriage, by naturalization, and Turkish citizenship by investment.
1. Turkish Citizenship by Birth
A person can be naturally a Turkish citizen if one of his/her parents is a Turkish citizen.
2. Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
By marrying a Turkish citizen, foreigners can obtain Turkish citizenship. There are conditions, though, such as needing to live together, not acting in a way that threatens the union.
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3. Turkish Citizenship by Naturalization
Acquisition of Turkish citizenship by naturalization requires meeting a number of requirements, such as living in Türkiye for five years straight, having a clean criminal record, proving your intention of establishing a life in the country, and knowing sufficient Turkish.
4. Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Buying property in Turkey is the most preferred, profitable, and easiest way to get Turkish citizenship. It gives citizenship to foreigners who make considerable investments in the country. An investor can apply for Turkey property citizenship more quickly than through other methods if they meet all of these requirements for Turkish citizenship and keep the investment for at least three years.
Turkish citizenship through property investment will be focused on in this article, as this is the most preferred one. You can visit the Turkish Property Buying Guide: How to Buy Property in Türkiye page for detailed information about the purchasing process.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment Options & Requirements (2026)?
Below is a comparison of the 2026 financial requirements and holding periods for the different pathways to obtain a Turkish passport.
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Minimum Holding Period | Key Requirement |
| Real Estate | $400,000 | 3 Years | Title deed or notarized commitment |
| Bank Deposit | $500,000 | 3 Years | Cash in Turkish banks (multi-currency) |
| Capital Investment | $500,000 | 3 Years | Fixed capital investment |
| Government Bonds | $500,000 | 3 Years | Purchase of gov. debt instruments |
| Job Creation | N/A | Continuous | Employing at least 50 Turkish citizens |
| Fund Investment | $500,000 | 3 Years | REIF or Venture Capital shares |
What are the requirements for Turkish citizenship?
The required documents for applying for Turkish citizenship are as follows:
- Application Form
- Valid passport
- 4 passport-size photos of each member of your family
- Birth certificate
- Residence permit or valid tourist visa on your passport
- If applicable, documents proving your relationships with your spouse and children (marriage license, birth certificate for children)
- If applicable, the Turkish ID copy and address of the applicant's relatives in Türkiye
- Application tax payment receipt
- Appraisal report
- Bank receipt showing payment of the minimum amount
- Title deed or Notarized property purchase commitment
Last updated: January 2026
You must meet the minimum investment amount of your chosen option mentioned above and collect all necessary documents. Document preparation for citizenship calls for specialized training and expertise. We advise obtaining legal counsel from TEKCE lawyers because every individual has unique citizenship Turkey requirements and legal standing.
Why Turkey?
Choosing real estate investment for Turkish passport is the easiest way to obtain citizenship. But why Turkey? Here are the key reasons:
- Strategic location between Europe and Asia
- Stunning coastline and natural wonders
- Thriving tourism, manufacturing, and rich underground resources
- Safe environment for families, retirees, and individuals
- Candidate for European Union (EU) membership
- High return on investment and strong rental income potential
- Affordable property prices compared to other countries
Turkey offers one of the most straightforward and accessible paths to citizenship when you buy property in Turkey for citizenship.
What is the easiest way of acquiring Turkish citizenship?
The easiest way to acquire Turkish citizenship is through real estate investment. Turkey citizenship by investment offers a fast and straightforward process for eligible applicants. By purchasing real estate that meets the minimum real estate amount, foreign investors can qualify for Turkish citizenship without complicated procedures.
With the support of TEKCE Real Estate’s professional team, the entire process is managed smoothly. All legal steps and applications are followed carefully, ensuring a secure and efficient experience from start to finish.
By granting power of attorney, your involvement is kept to a minimum. You are only required to visit Türkiye twice: once for the residency application and once for the ID application. All other procedures are handled on your behalf.
Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment
Buying real estate in Türkiye comes with many advantages, including strong investment potential and attractive lifestyle opportunities. In addition to owning property in a rapidly developing market, foreign investors can qualify for Turkish citizenship by meeting the required investment criteria. This option offers a faster and more straightforward path to citizenship compared to other methods, while allowing investors to benefit from property appreciation, rental income, and access to Türkiye’s strategic location, healthcare system, and international mobility.
The minimum investment amount in Turkey is $400,000. If you are specifically interested in qualifying options, discover properties that are suitable for Turkish citizenship and take the first step toward a valuable investment in Türkiye.
Step-by-Step Process to Turkish Citizenship By Real Estate Investment
Here are the steps of the process:
- Invest in a property worth at least $400,000.
- The Turkish citizenship application process starts by applying to the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu Office) to request Turkish citizenship by investment.
- The appraisal report and the bank transfer paperwork are examined after the application.
- The Land Registry Office typically takes three to seven days to approve it.
- After the approval, you apply for a temporary residence permit at the Immigration Office on the same day, without having to wait for an appointment.
- The entire procedure is carried out at the Citizenship Information Office in Istanbul and Ankara following the title deed application.
- It takes two to six months to finish the citizenship process.
The citizenship by investment program offers a streamlined pathway for eligible applicants.
Why Choose TEKCE Real Estate for Your Application?
The Turkish citizenship process involves strict legal deadlines and technical documentation. Working with TEKCE VISA lawyers ensures:
Zero-Error Documentation: We handle the complex "Certificate of Conformity" stage.
Power of Attorney (PoA): You can complete the entire investment and application process remotely. ( You are still required to visit Türkiye twice)
Real Estate Expertise: We ensure the property's valuation matches the official requirements to prevent rejection.
FAQs on Turkish Citizenship by Investment
What is the minimum investment for Turkish citizenship?The minimum investment for Turkish citizenship is $400,000.
How long does it take to obtain Turkish citizenship through real estate investment?Obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate investment in Türkiye takes between 5 and 10 months. Purchasing real estate for citizenship takes 15-20 business days when all your documents are complete. After obtaining the Tapu (title deed), the most critical document for the application, the Certificate of Conformity, may take up to 3 months in major cities such as İstanbul and Ankara. In cities like Bursa, Antalya, and İzmir, this process usually takes around 1 month. Overall, this stage can take approximately 1.5 to 4.5 months. After submitting your citizenship application, the final result is typically issued within 3-6 months.
How long does it take for a Turkish citizenship application to be approved?The Turkish citizenship application through investment usually takes 3–6 months for the citizenship approval to be completed. The duration depends on the type of application and the official background checks. You do not need to be physically present in Türkiye. With a power of attorney, all procedures can be completed on your behalf. The entire application process and the required investment documents can be handled remotely, smoothly, and without any issues.
Do I have to be present in Türkiye while applying for citizenship?You do not have to be present in Türkiye while making your investment or preparing your documents. A lawyer can handle the entire preparation process on your behalf with a power of attorney. However, all adult applicants must be present in Türkiye on the day the documents are submitted, as biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) will be collected. This usually requires staying in Türkiye for 1–2 days. After your citizenship application is approved, you must visit Türkiye again to apply for the Turkish ID card.
Is it necessary to be present in Türkiye to receive my passport after the citizenship application is approved?No, it is not necessary. Once your citizenship is approved, you can apply for your Turkish ID card and passport either at the Civil Registry Office in Türkiye or at a Turkish consulate in your home country. Both documents can be issued at the same location. Travelling to Türkiye to obtain your ID card and passport is not mandatory.
Is it possible to buy more than one property to meet the $400,000 requirement?Yes. These properties must be purchased on or after 13 June 2022, when the Turkish Citizenship Program was updated. You can apply for Turkish citizenship if the total value of these properties reaches $400,000. Each property must meet the following conditions: an official valuation report, payment via bank transfer, and a 3-year holding period.
Is every property I purchase in Türkiye eligible for a residence permit or citizenship?No. Not every property in Türkiye automatically grants a residence permit or citizenship. For a residence permit, the property’s value and its residential use are important. As of 16 October 2023, the property value must be at least $200,000. For Turkish citizenship, buyers must meet the conditions of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program. Since 2023, the minimum investment amount is $400,000. The property must be purchased from a Turkish citizen or a Turkish company, and the title deed (tapu) must be officially registered. In addition, the appraisal value must be above $400,000. In short, not every property grants citizenship. The investment type, property value, and official legal status of the property are all important. We recommend working with a professional real estate company.
If I purchase a property worth $400,000, can only one person benefit from the Turkish citizenship application, or the whole family?When you purchase a property in Türkiye worth $400,000, this investment not only allows the buyer to obtain Turkish citizenship but also extends to the whole family, your spouse and children under 18. With a single investment, all eligible family members can receive Turkish citizenship.
How can I acquire Turkish citizenship? What are the available options?You can become a Turkish citizen through the Turkish citizenship program, by birth, by marriage, or by residing in Türkiye for five years.
Can I sell my property after obtaining Turkish citizenship?After the three-year property holding period required for Turkish citizenship has passed, you can sell your property at any time. This three-year period starts from the date the commitment record is added to the title deed, indicating that the property will be used for the citizenship application. Once the three years are completed, this record can be removed, and you can apply to sell the property.
Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?Turkish law allows dual citizenship. Individuals who acquire Turkish citizenship are not required to renounce their existing citizenship. This is fully legal under Turkish legislation. However, whether dual citizenship is practically possible depends on the laws of the person’s original country. Some countries allow dual citizenship, while others impose restrictions or prohibit it entirely.
Does Türkiye require a citizenship interview?No, there is no interview for Turkish citizenship.
Do grandchildren have the right to acquire Turkish citizenship?Yes. If you can prove with official records that your previous generations held Turkish citizenship, it is possible to acquire citizenship. However, the documents submitted for this application must be carefully prepared and accurate.
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