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
Turkey's citizenship-by-investment program offers one of the most accessible paths to European residency through real estate acquisition. The Turkish government requires a minimum property investment of $400,000 USD, with no residency requirements or language tests needed for qualification.
Foreign investors can purchase residential or commercial properties anywhere in Turkey to meet this threshold, and the citizenship process typically takes 3-6 months to complete. Multiple properties can be combined to reach the minimum value, as long as all purchases occur simultaneously under a single set of contracts.
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.
The Turkish citizenship-by-investment program requires a minimum property value of $400,000 USD and allows investors to purchase anywhere in Turkey without residency requirements.
The process takes 3-6 months to complete, requires holding the property for three years, and accepts both residential and commercial property types.
| Requirement | Details | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $400,000 USD | At purchase |
| Property Types | Residential, commercial, land | N/A |
| Location Restrictions | None (any city in Turkey) | N/A |
| Residency Requirement | None required | N/A |
| Holding Period | Minimum 3 years | From registration |
| Processing Time | 3-6 months | After application |
| Language Test | Not required | N/A |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Laurence Rapp 🇬🇧
Sales representative at Spot Blue - International Real Estate Agency
What is the minimum property value required to apply for Turkish citizenship?
The Turkish government requires a minimum property investment of $400,000 USD to qualify for citizenship through real estate purchase.
This amount must be confirmed by an official property appraisal at the time of purchase and registered in the official title deed records (Tapu). The value is calculated in US dollars regardless of the actual currency used for the transaction.
As of September 2025, this $400,000 threshold has remained stable since the program's recent updates, making Turkey one of the more accessible citizenship-by-investment programs in Europe. The Turkish Ministry of Interior strictly enforces this minimum value requirement, and properties valued below this amount will not qualify for citizenship applications.
It's something we develop in our Turkey property pack.
Do I need to buy property in a specific area or city to qualify for citizenship?
No location restrictions exist for Turkish citizenship through property investment - you can purchase real estate anywhere in Turkey.
Popular investment cities include Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Ankara, and emerging markets like Mersin and Sapanca all qualify equally for citizenship purposes. Coastal properties in Antalya and Bodrum, urban apartments in Istanbul, or commercial spaces in Ankara all meet the program requirements.
The Turkish government designed this flexibility to encourage investment across the country rather than concentrating it in specific regions. Whether you choose a luxury villa on the Mediterranean coast or an apartment in the heart of Istanbul, both will qualify as long as they meet the minimum value requirement.
This geographic flexibility allows investors to choose properties based on their personal preferences, investment strategy, or lifestyle goals rather than being restricted to government-designated zones.
Can I buy multiple properties to meet the required value for Turkish citizenship?
Yes, you can combine multiple properties to reach the $400,000 minimum threshold for Turkish citizenship.
The key requirement is that all property purchases must be completed simultaneously under a single set of contracts or coordinated transaction process. You cannot buy one property today worth $200,000 and another six months later worth $200,000 to meet the requirement.
For example, you could purchase a $250,000 apartment in Istanbul and a $150,000 commercial unit in Antalya on the same day through coordinated contracts. The Turkish authorities will recognize the combined value of $400,000 for citizenship eligibility.
This approach allows investors to diversify their Turkish real estate portfolio while meeting citizenship requirements. Many investors use this strategy to spread risk across different property types or geographic locations within Turkey.
Do I need to live in Turkey after purchasing property to apply for citizenship?
No residency requirement exists for Turkish citizenship through property investment - you can remain a non-resident throughout the entire process.
The Turkish citizenship-by-investment program specifically allows applicants to qualify without ever living in Turkey before, during, or after the property purchase. This makes it particularly attractive for investors seeking a second passport without relocating.
Many successful applicants complete the entire citizenship process while living in their home countries, only visiting Turkey for property viewings, contract signings, and biometric appointments. The program recognizes that investment-based citizenship serves different purposes than traditional immigration.
This flexibility allows busy professionals and international investors to obtain Turkish citizenship while maintaining their current lifestyle and business operations elsewhere.
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Can I apply for Turkish citizenship as a non-resident property owner?
Yes, non-residents can apply for Turkish citizenship immediately after completing their property purchase and obtaining the necessary documentation.
The Turkish government allows foreign property owners to submit citizenship applications regardless of their residential status in Turkey. You can maintain your primary residence in any country while holding Turkish property and pursuing citizenship.
The application process requires you to provide standard documentation including passport copies, property title deeds, and proof of payment, but does not require proof of Turkish residency or address. Many applicants successfully obtain citizenship while living permanently abroad.
This non-resident pathway makes Turkish citizenship particularly appealing for international business people, investors, and individuals seeking EU market access without relocating their families or businesses.
What documents do I need to provide when purchasing property for citizenship?
The Turkish citizenship application requires comprehensive documentation covering identity, property ownership, and financial transactions.
Essential documents include valid passports for all applicants, official property title deeds (Tapu) with the mandatory 3-year no-sale annotation, and official property valuation reports from licensed Turkish appraisers. Financial documentation must include bank transfer receipts proving the property payment and sometimes a local Turkish tax number.
Family-related documents encompass birth certificates, marriage certificates, and family relationship documentation. Additional requirements include biometric data, passport-style photographs, health insurance coverage, and criminal background clearances from your home country.
It's something we develop in our Turkey property pack.
Most applicants work with Turkish legal representatives to ensure all documentation meets government standards and translations are properly certified for submission.
Are there any restrictions on foreign ownership of property in Turkey?
Turkey generally welcomes foreign property investment but maintains specific restrictions based on nationality and property characteristics.
Citizens from certain countries including Syria, North Korea, Armenia, Cuba, and Nigeria face restrictions or complete prohibitions on Turkish property ownership. Most other nationalities, including EU citizens, Americans, Canadians, and Gulf country nationals, can freely purchase Turkish real estate.
Property size limitations restrict foreign ownership to maximum 30 hectares (74 acres) per individual, and foreigners cannot own more than 10% of any single district's private land. Properties located in military zones, security areas, or strategic locations near borders are prohibited for all foreign buyers.
Standard residential and commercial properties in cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum face no restrictions for eligible nationalities, making them ideal for citizenship-seeking investors.
Is there a minimum duration for holding the property before applying for citizenship?
No waiting period exists before applying for citizenship, but you must commit to holding the property for exactly three years after purchase.
You can submit your citizenship application immediately after completing the property purchase and receiving the official title deed. The Turkish government will annotate your property title with a no-sale restriction for three years from the registration date.
This three-year holding requirement ensures investors maintain their commitment to the Turkish economy rather than quickly flipping properties after obtaining citizenship. After three years, you can sell the property without affecting your granted Turkish citizenship status.
The holding period begins from the official property registration date, not from the citizenship application or approval date, so careful timing of your purchase can optimize your investment timeline.
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 I get Turkish citizenship if the property is commercial or rental property?
Both commercial and rental properties qualify for Turkish citizenship applications, provided they meet the minimum value requirements.
Commercial properties including office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and industrial facilities all qualify for citizenship purposes. Rental properties, whether residential apartments or commercial units generating income, also meet program requirements as long as the total investment reaches $400,000.
Off-plan properties and new developments qualify if construction is completed and the full value is properly registered in official title deed records. Many investors choose income-generating rental properties to combine citizenship benefits with ongoing investment returns.
The Turkish government treats all property types equally for citizenship purposes, allowing investors to choose based on their investment strategy rather than citizenship requirements.
Are there any specific property types that are more favorable for citizenship applications?
The Turkish government treats all qualifying property types equally for citizenship applications, with no official preference system.
However, completed properties with clear title deeds typically streamline the application process compared to off-plan developments or properties with complex ownership structures. Ready-to-move residential properties and established commercial spaces often provide faster documentation processing.
Properties in major cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Ankara may offer better liquidity and appraisal consistency, which can be beneficial for meeting the minimum value requirements. Luxury developments and branded properties often come with more comprehensive legal support for foreign buyers.
It's something we develop in our Turkey property pack.
The most important factor is ensuring the property value meets or exceeds the $400,000 threshold with proper documentation, regardless of the specific property type chosen.
How long does the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship through property take?
The Turkish citizenship application process typically takes 3-6 months from property acquisition to passport issuance.
The timeline begins after completing your property purchase and gathering all required documentation. Initial application review usually takes 2-3 months, followed by 1-2 months for final approval and passport processing. Government efficiency has improved significantly in recent years, with many applications processed closer to the 3-month timeframe.
Complex cases involving multiple properties, documentation issues, or additional security checks may extend to the full 6-month period. Working with experienced Turkish legal representatives can help ensure smooth processing and avoid delays from incomplete documentation.
Once approved, Turkish citizenship is granted immediately, and new citizens can apply for their Turkish passport and national ID card for international travel and banking purposes.
Do I need to speak Turkish or pass any language tests to qualify for citizenship?
No Turkish language requirement exists for citizenship through property investment - language tests are completely waived for this program.
The Turkish government recognizes that investment-based citizenship serves different purposes than traditional integration-based immigration. Foreign investors can complete the entire citizenship process without speaking Turkish or demonstrating cultural knowledge.
All official documentation can be handled through translators and legal representatives, and government appointments typically accommodate English-speaking applicants. Many successful citizenship recipients never learn Turkish, though basic language skills can be helpful for property management and local interactions.
This language exemption makes Turkish citizenship particularly accessible for international investors compared to many other European citizenship programs that require language proficiency demonstrations.
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 one of Europe's most accessible second passport programs, requiring only a $400,000 property investment without residency or language requirements.
The streamlined 3-6 month processing time, geographic flexibility, and three-year holding period make Turkey an attractive option for international investors seeking EU market access and travel benefits.