Turkey Citizenship by Investment 2026

Turkish citizenship by investment is the only major programme where a $400,000 real estate purchase in a G20 economy delivers a full second passport in under 6 months — plus a direct route to the United States. Turkey has held an E-2 investor treaty with the USA since 1990, meaning Turkish citizens can apply for the renewable E-2 visa to live and run a business in America. Istanbul's property market also offers genuine capital appreciation potential in a city of 16 million.

Minimum Investment

$400,000

Processing Time

3–5 months

Visa-Free Access

113+ countries

Tax Treatment

Territorial for non-residents

Family Included

Spouse and children under 18

USA E-2 Treaty

Yes — E-2 treaty country

Why Choose Turkey?

USA E-2 Treaty Access

Turkish citizens qualify for the US E-2 investor visa — a renewable route to live and operate a business in the United States for you, your spouse and children under 21.

Recoverable Investment

Your $400,000 goes into real property you own outright. After the 3-year holding period, you may sell and keep citizenship for life.

G20 Economy Passport

Turkey is a NATO member and EU customs-union economy; the passport gives visa-free access to 113+ destinations including Japan, Singapore and most of Latin America.

Family in One Application

Spouse and all children under 18 acquire citizenship simultaneously at no additional investment.

Investment Options

Real Estate Purchase

$400,000

  • One or multiple properties totalling ≥ $400,000 (official valuation report required)
  • 3-year no-sale annotation registered on the title deed
  • Residential or commercial; ready or under-construction with notarised sales contract
  • Payments must flow through Turkish banks with a Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate

Bank Deposit

$500,000

  • Deposit $500,000 (or equivalent TRY) in a Turkish bank for 3 years
  • Capital preserved; interest earned in lira or FX per bank terms
  • Simplest route for investors avoiding property management

Government Bonds / Fund Units

$500,000

  • Purchase of Turkish government bonds or approved real estate/VC fund units
  • 3-year mandatory holding period
  • Regulated, capital-markets-based alternative to direct property
Istanbul property for Turkish citizenship investment

Application Requirements

  1. 1Valuation report from an SPK-licensed appraiser confirming ≥ $400,000 value
  2. 2Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB) for all payments
  3. 3Title deed (TAPU) with 3-year no-sale annotation
  4. 4Turkish tax number and local bank account for all applicants
  5. 5Certified, apostilled passports, birth and marriage certificates
  6. 6Biometric photographs; no language test, no interview, no residence requirement

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Weeks 1–2

    Property selection (remote or in-person viewing tours), tax number and bank account opened via power of attorney.

  2. Weeks 2–4

    Purchase completed through Turkish bank transfer; valuation report and DAB certificate obtained; title deed registered.

  3. Month 2

    Certificate of Conformity issued by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation.

  4. Months 2–3

    Short-term residence permit issued; citizenship application filed with the Directorate of Population.

  5. Months 3–5

    Citizenship approved by presidential decree; Turkish ID cards and passports issued.

Benefits of Turkey Citizenship

E-2 investor visa route to the USA
Full citizenship for spouse and children under 18
No residence, language or interview requirement
Sell the property after 3 years and keep citizenship for life
Visa-free travel to 113+ destinations
Access to Turkish public healthcare and universities
Dual citizenship permitted
Real asset in a market of 85 million people

Turkey FAQ

Once you hold Turkish citizenship, you can apply for a US E-2 investor visa by making a substantial investment (typically $100,000–$200,000+) in a US business you will develop and direct. The E-2 is renewable indefinitely while the business operates, and your spouse receives open US work authorisation.

Yes. Multiple properties can be combined to reach the $400,000 threshold, provided all are purchased at the same period and annotated together.

After 3 years from the title-deed annotation date. Selling earlier would breach the citizenship condition; selling after does not affect your citizenship.

Only if you become a Turkish tax resident (183+ days/year). Non-resident citizens are taxed only on Turkish-source income, such as local rental income (15–40% progressive, with deductions).

Yes. Children born after you acquire citizenship are Turkish citizens by descent automatically.

Valuations must come from SPK (Capital Markets Board) licensed appraisers, and the Land Registry cross-checks values. We work only with pre-vetted developers whose pricing passes conformity review.

Yes, without restriction. Turkey does not require you to renounce your existing nationality. Check your home country's rules — for example, India does not permit dual citizenship, so Indian applicants would need to weigh OCI implications.

Not visa-free — Turkish citizens currently need a Schengen visa. Many clients pair Turkey (for USA E-2) with a Caribbean or EU residency programme for European mobility.

Ready to Start Your Turkey Application?

Book a confidential consultation and receive a written eligibility opinion, full cost breakdown, and personalised timeline within 24 hours.

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