Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Turkey Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Turkey Property Pack
Yes, you can obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing property worth at least $400,000 USD as of September 2025. This citizenship by investment program offers one of the most accessible routes to European citizenship through real estate acquisition, with the process typically taking 3 to 12 months to complete.
The Turkish government maintains this program to attract foreign investment into the country's real estate market, particularly in major cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum. Unlike many other citizenship programs, Turkey allows both new developments and resale properties to qualify, and you can spread your investment across multiple properties to reach the minimum threshold.
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 USD property purchase with a three-year holding period and no residency requirements.
The process takes 3-12 months and includes background checks, but no Turkish language skills are required for qualification.
| Requirement | Details | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $400,000 USD | Immediate |
| Property Types | Residential, Commercial, Land | At purchase |
| Hold Period | Three years minimum | From purchase date |
| Application Process | Background checks, documentation | 3-12 months |
| Residency Requirement | None required | N/A |
| Language Requirement | None required | N/A |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 21 | Same timeline |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Laurence Rapp 🇬🇧
Sales representative at Spot Blue - International Real Estate Agency
What is the current minimum investment to get Turkish citizenship through property?
As of September 2025, the minimum property investment required for Turkish citizenship is $400,000 USD.
This threshold was established by the Turkish government to attract foreign investment while maintaining program selectivity. The investment amount must be verified through a Capital Markets Board (CMB)-approved valuation audit to ensure market-aligned pricing.
The $400,000 minimum applies regardless of the property type you choose - whether residential apartments, commercial buildings, or land purchases. This amount represents the official threshold and cannot be reduced through any special circumstances or negotiations.
It's something we develop in our Turkey property pack.
How long does the Turkish citizenship application process take?
The Turkish citizenship by investment process typically takes between 3 to 12 months from property purchase to passport issuance.
Most straightforward applications with complete documentation are processed within 3 to 6 months. However, cases requiring additional documentation verification or background check clarifications can extend to 10 to 12 months.
The timeline depends heavily on the completeness of your initial application, the speed of background checks, and the efficiency of document translation and notarization. Applications with missing documents or incomplete fund source verification will face significant delays.
Processing times can also vary based on the applicant's country of origin, as some nationalities require more extensive background verification than others.
Are there geographic restrictions on where to buy property in Turkey for citizenship?
No, there are no specific geographic restrictions on property purchases for Turkish citizenship eligibility.
Properties in all Turkish provinces qualify for the citizenship program, provided they meet the minimum investment threshold and valuation requirements. However, major cities like Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir, Ankara, and Bursa are the most popular investment destinations.
Istanbul remains the top choice for citizenship investors due to its strong rental market and capital appreciation potential. Antalya attracts investors seeking coastal properties, while Bodrum offers luxury resort-style investments.
The key requirement is that the property must pass a CMB-approved valuation audit, which is available throughout Turkey's major real estate markets.
What types of property qualify for the Turkish citizenship program?
Residential, commercial, and land properties all qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment.
| Property Type | Examples | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Apartments, villas, houses | Easiest to rent and resell |
| Commercial | Offices, retail spaces, warehouses | Higher rental yields potential |
| Land | Buildable plots, agricultural land | Requires development expertise |
| Mixed-Use | Residential with commercial space | Diversified income potential |
| Under Construction | Off-plan developments | Payment plans available |
| Completed Projects | Ready-to-move properties | Immediate rental income |
Each property type offers different investment advantages and considerations for citizenship applicants seeking both passport acquisition and investment returns.
Can I spread my investment across multiple properties?
Yes, you can spread your $400,000 USD investment across multiple properties to meet the citizenship requirement.
The Turkish government allows investors to combine several property purchases, as long as the total value reaches or exceeds the minimum threshold. This flexibility enables portfolio diversification across different property types, locations, or market segments.
Many investors choose this approach to balance risk and optimize rental income potential. For example, you might purchase a $200,000 apartment in Istanbul and a $200,000 villa in Antalya to reach the required investment level.
All properties in your portfolio must be held for the mandatory three-year period, and each property requires individual valuation audits to confirm compliance with citizenship requirements.
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Do new developments and resale properties both qualify?
Both new developments and resale properties qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment.
The Turkish government does not restrict citizenship eligibility based on whether properties are newly constructed or previously owned. This flexibility allows investors to choose based on their investment strategy, budget, and timeline preferences.
New developments often offer payment plans and modern amenities, making them attractive for investors seeking contemporary properties. Resale properties typically offer immediate occupancy and established rental histories, providing more predictable investment returns.
Both property categories must undergo the same CMB-approved valuation process to ensure they meet market value requirements for citizenship qualification. The key factor is reaching the $400,000 minimum investment threshold, regardless of the property's age or construction status.
Are there minimum property value or condition requirements?
Properties must meet market-aligned valuations confirmed by Capital Markets Board (CMB)-approved audits, but there are no specific condition requirements.
The valuation audit ensures that the property's assessed value reflects current market conditions and prevents artificially inflated pricing that could circumvent the investment threshold. This process protects both investors and the integrity of the citizenship program.
Properties can be in any condition - from luxury new developments to older buildings requiring renovation - as long as they appraise at or above your purchase price. However, properties requiring significant repairs may face valuation challenges that could affect citizenship eligibility.
The audit process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs between $500 to $1,000 USD, depending on the property's complexity and location.
Do I need to live in Turkey before applying for citizenship?
No residency requirement exists for Turkish citizenship by investment.
You can purchase qualifying property and apply for citizenship without ever living in Turkey before, during, or after the application process. This makes Turkey's program particularly attractive for investors seeking citizenship flexibility without lifestyle disruption.
Many successful applicants maintain their primary residence in their home country while owning Turkish property purely as an investment vehicle. The program is designed to attract capital investment rather than require physical presence.
However, you will need to visit Turkey at least once to complete property purchase formalities and potentially again for passport collection, though some procedures can be handled through legal representation.
It's something we develop in our Turkey property pack.
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.
What additional fees are involved in the property purchase process?
Additional fees for Turkish property purchases include stamp duty, title deed fees, valuation costs, and legal expenses.
Stamp duty typically ranges from 0.948% of the property value, while title deed registration fees cost approximately 4% of the property's value. The mandatory CMB valuation audit adds $500 to $1,000 USD to your total costs.
Legal representation fees vary but typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 USD depending on the complexity of your purchase and the law firm selected. Translation and notarization of documents can add another $500 to $1,000 USD to the process.
Real estate agent commissions, if used, typically range from 3% to 6% of the property value. Government processing fees for citizenship applications add approximately $1,000 to $2,000 USD to your total investment cost.
Is there a required holding period before applying for citizenship?
You can apply for citizenship immediately after property purchase, but you must commit to hold the property for three years minimum.
The three-year holding period begins from the property purchase date and is a binding commitment made during the citizenship application process. This requirement prevents investors from immediately flipping properties after obtaining citizenship.
During the holding period, you can rent the property and collect rental income, but you cannot sell or transfer ownership. Violations of the holding period requirement can result in citizenship revocation.
After the three-year period expires, you gain full ownership rights and can sell the property without affecting your Turkish citizenship status.
Do I need to speak Turkish to qualify for citizenship through property investment?
No Turkish language requirement exists for citizenship by investment.
Unlike many other citizenship programs that require language proficiency tests, Turkey's property investment route has no linguistic prerequisites. This makes the program accessible to international investors regardless of their language skills or cultural background.
All application documents can be submitted in your native language with certified Turkish translations. Legal representatives can handle communications with Turkish authorities throughout the process, eliminating language barriers.
While Turkish language skills are not required for citizenship, they can be beneficial for property management, rental negotiations, and general life in Turkey if you choose to spend time there.
What background checks and eligibility requirements apply?
Turkish citizenship by investment requires comprehensive background checks including criminal record verification and proof of legal fund sources.
1. **Criminal Background Check**: Clean criminal record from your country of residence and any country where you've lived for more than six months in the past five years 2. **Financial Source Verification**: Documentation proving the legal source of investment funds, including bank statements, tax returns, or business ownership records 3. **Health Certificate**: Basic medical examination confirming you don't have communicable diseases that pose public health risks 4. **Bank Transfer Requirements**: Investment funds must be transferred through Turkish banking systems with proper documentation trails 5. **Age Requirements**: No minimum age restrictions, though applicants under 18 require parental consent and guardianship arrangementsThe background check process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks and is conducted by Turkish security agencies in coordination with international law enforcement databases.
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.
Turkish citizenship through property investment offers a straightforward path to European citizenship with a $400,000 USD minimum investment and flexible property options.
The program's lack of residency and language requirements, combined with a relatively quick 3-12 month processing timeline, makes it attractive for international investors seeking citizenship diversification.
Sources
- Immigrant Invest - Turkish Citizenship
- The Golden Portugal - Turkey Golden Visa
- Property Turkey - Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate
- Global Citizen Solutions - Turkey Citizenship by Investment
- Turkey Invest - Qualifying Projects
- Istanbul Lawyer Firm - 2025 Citizenship Program
- Deal TR - Turkish Golden Visa 2025
- PILC Law - Turkish Citizenship by Investment