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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Turkey Property Pack
Turkey's $400,000 citizenship rule offers one of the world's most straightforward paths to acquiring a second passport through real estate investment.
This investment citizenship program allows foreigners to obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing property worth at least $400,000, with no residency requirements and the ability to include family members in the application. The process typically takes 3-6 months and grants access to visa-free travel to over 120 countries.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Turkey, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Turkey's citizenship by investment program requires a minimum $400,000 real estate purchase with a 3-year holding period.
The program offers fast processing (3-6 months), no residency requirements, and family inclusion benefits for a Turkish passport with extensive travel privileges.
| Requirement | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $400,000 minimum | Must be single property purchase |
| Property Types | Any real estate | Residential, commercial, or land |
| Holding Period | 3 years minimum | Cannot sell before this period |
| Processing Time | 3-6 months | After investment completion |
| Residency Requirement | None | Remote application possible |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse and children under 18 | Disabled children regardless of age |
| Travel Benefits | 120+ countries visa-free | Including EU Schengen area |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Laurence Rapp 🇬🇧
Sales representative at Spot Blue - International Real Estate Agency
What exactly is the $400,000 citizenship rule in Turkey?
The $400,000 citizenship rule in Turkey is the minimum investment amount required for foreigners to qualify for Turkish citizenship through the country's Citizenship by Investment Program.
This program was established to attract foreign investment and allows qualified investors to obtain Turkish citizenship and a Turkish passport. The most popular pathway is real estate investment, where you must purchase property worth at least $400,000 USD.
As of September 2025, this amount represents one of the most competitive citizenship by investment thresholds globally. The Turkish government increased the minimum investment from $250,000 to $400,000 in June 2022 to maintain program exclusivity while continuing to attract serious investors.
The rule applies specifically to real estate purchases and must be completed under a single contract. You cannot combine multiple smaller property purchases to reach the $400,000 threshold unless they are located in the same development area.
This citizenship pathway offers significant advantages including visa-free travel to over 120 countries and the right to live, work, and study in Turkey without additional permits.
How much money do you need to invest in Turkey for citizenship eligibility?
You need to invest a minimum of $400,000 USD specifically for real estate investments to qualify for Turkish citizenship.
For other investment categories, the minimum amounts are higher at $500,000 USD. These alternative pathways include fixed capital investment in Turkish companies, bank deposits in Turkish banks, government bond purchases, or investments in real estate investment funds.
The $400,000 real estate investment threshold makes property the most accessible route for most applicants. This amount must be paid in full as a lump sum and cannot be spread over multiple years or financed through Turkish banks.
Currency fluctuations can affect the exact Turkish Lira amount, but the investment is calculated at the USD equivalent at the time of purchase. The government uses official exchange rates published by the Central Bank of Turkey for conversion calculations.
It's something we develop in our Turkey property pack.
What types of investments qualify under the $400,000 citizenship rule?
Real estate investments of any type qualify under the $400,000 rule, providing significant flexibility for investors.
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Holding Period |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Property | $400,000 | 3 years |
| Commercial Property | $400,000 | 3 years |
| Land/Development | $400,000 | 3 years |
| Fixed Capital Investment | $500,000 | 3 years |
| Bank Deposit | $500,000 | 3 years |
| Government Bonds | $500,000 | 3 years |
| Investment Funds | $500,000 | 3 years |
Must the $400,000 investment be paid as a single lump sum?
Yes, the $400,000 investment must be paid as a complete lump sum and cannot be spread over multiple years.
The Turkish government requires full payment completion before citizenship application submission. You cannot use financing from Turkish banks or payment plans to meet this requirement - the entire amount must come from your own funds or foreign financing sources.
Payment must be made through official banking channels with proper documentation showing the source of funds. Wire transfers from foreign banks are the most common method, and all transactions must be properly recorded with Turkish authorities.
The investment amount is fixed at the time of purchase and must be maintained at the minimum threshold throughout the 3-year holding period. If property values decline below $400,000 after purchase, this does not affect your citizenship status as long as you maintain ownership.
Documentation proving the full payment must be submitted as part of your citizenship application, making proper financial planning essential before beginning the process.
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Can you obtain Turkish citizenship by investing in real estate?
Yes, real estate investment is the most popular and straightforward path to Turkish citizenship under the investment program.
You can purchase any type of real estate including apartments, villas, commercial buildings, or undeveloped land. The property must have a clean title deed and be purchased from Turkish sellers or approved developers.
The real estate investment route offers several advantages over other investment options. Property provides tangible asset ownership, potential rental income during the holding period, and the possibility of capital appreciation over time.
Foreign investors can purchase property in most areas of Turkey, though certain military zones and border areas have restrictions. Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and Izmir offer the most liquid real estate markets for citizenship investors.
After the 3-year holding period, you can sell the property while retaining your Turkish citizenship. This makes real estate investment particularly attractive compared to bank deposits or bonds that provide no asset ownership.
Are there location restrictions for citizenship investment properties?
No specific regions or cities are required for citizenship investment - you can purchase property anywhere in Turkey where foreign ownership is permitted.
However, certain military zones and areas within 20 kilometers of international borders have restrictions on foreign property ownership. The Turkish Land Registry maintains updated lists of restricted areas that change periodically.
Popular investment locations include Istanbul (European and Asian sides), Antalya province (coastal areas), Bodrum peninsula, Ankara (capital city), and Izmir metropolitan area. These locations offer the most liquid real estate markets and strongest rental demand.
Coastal properties in Mediterranean and Aegean regions tend to appreciate faster but may have seasonal rental patterns. Urban properties in major cities provide more stable rental income but potentially slower capital appreciation.
It's something we develop in our Turkey property pack.
How long must you hold the investment before applying for citizenship?
You must maintain your $400,000 real estate investment for a minimum of 3 years after receiving Turkish citizenship.
The 3-year holding period begins from the date of property purchase, not from citizenship approval. During this period, you cannot sell, transfer, or reduce your investment below the minimum threshold without risking citizenship revocation.
This holding requirement is enforced through title deed annotations and government monitoring. The Turkish Land Registry places a notation on your property deed preventing sale during the holding period.
After completing the 3-year period, you can freely sell your property while retaining Turkish citizenship permanently. Many investors choose to maintain their Turkish real estate investments beyond the minimum period for continued returns.
Violation of the holding period requirement can result in citizenship cancellation, making compliance essential for maintaining your Turkish passport benefits.
What additional costs are involved in the Turkish citizenship process?
Additional costs beyond the $400,000 property investment typically range from $15,000 to $25,000 depending on property complexity and professional services used.
1. Legal and professional fees ($5,000 - $10,000) 2. Property transfer taxes (4% of property value) 3. Title deed registration fees ($500 - $1,000) 4. Translation and apostille services ($1,000 - $2,000) 5. Government application fees ($300 - $500) 6. Due diligence and background check costs ($2,000 - $3,000) 7. Travel expenses for document submission and biometrics ($1,000 - $3,000)Do you need to live in Turkey before applying for citizenship?
No minimum residency period is required before applying for Turkish citizenship through investment - you can apply immediately after completing your qualifying investment.
The Turkish citizenship by investment program does not require you to live in Turkey before, during, or after the application process. This sets it apart from many other countries that require physical residency periods.
However, you must visit Turkey at least once for biometric data collection, document submission, and oath-taking ceremonies. These visits typically require 2-3 days total and can be scheduled around your availability.
Some investors choose to spend time in Turkey during the application process to better understand their investment and explore business opportunities, but this is optional rather than mandatory.
After receiving citizenship, you have the right to live in Turkey permanently but are not required to maintain any minimum annual presence in the country.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Turkey versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
Can you apply for Turkish citizenship without being a current resident?
Yes, you can apply for Turkish citizenship through investment without being a current Turkish resident.
The program is specifically designed for foreign investors who may have no prior connection to Turkey. You can complete the entire process while maintaining your primary residence in another country.
Application procedures can be initiated from Turkish consulates in your home country or directly in Turkey. Many investors work with Turkish immigration lawyers who can handle much of the paperwork remotely.
Required documents include your current passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), criminal background check from your home country, and proof of investment completion. All documents must be apostilled and translated into Turkish.
The remote application capability makes this program particularly attractive for busy professionals and investors who cannot relocate during the application process.
Which family members can be included in the citizenship application?
The main applicant can include their spouse, unmarried children under 18, and children with disabilities regardless of age in the same citizenship application.
| Family Member | Age Requirement | Additional Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | No age limit | Marriage certificate |
| Unmarried Children | Under 18 years | Birth certificates |
| Disabled Children | No age limit | Medical disability documentation |
| Parents | Not eligible | N/A |
| Siblings | Not eligible | N/A |
| Adult Children (18+) | Not eligible (unless disabled) | N/A |
What are the main benefits of acquiring Turkish citizenship under this rule?
Turkish citizenship provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 120 countries, making it one of the most valuable passports for international travel.
Key travel destinations include the entire European Union Schengen area (90 days visa-free), United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and most South American countries. This significantly expands global mobility options for many nationalities.
Beyond travel benefits, Turkish citizenship grants the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Turkey without additional permits. You can establish businesses, purchase unlimited real estate, and access Turkish social services and healthcare systems.
The Turkish passport allows dual citizenship in most cases, meaning you typically don't need to renounce your original nationality. Turkey has favorable tax policies for new residents and offers several investment incentives for foreign-owned businesses.
It's something we develop in our Turkey property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Turkey's $400,000 citizenship by investment program represents one of the most accessible pathways to European-adjacent citizenship through real estate investment.
The program's combination of relatively low investment threshold, fast processing times, and strong passport benefits makes it particularly attractive for investors seeking global mobility and EU market access.
Sources
- Global Residence Index - Turkey Citizenship Investment
- Golden Visa - Turkey Citizenship by Investment
- Astons - Turkey Citizenship by Investment Guide
- Kurucuk Law - Turkish Citizenship for High Net Worth Investors
- Henley Global - Turkey Citizenship Investment
- Celebi Legal - Turkey Citizenship by Investment 2025 Update
- Immigrant Invest - Turkish Citizenship
- Global Citizen Solutions - Turkey Citizenship Investment Changes