Turkish citizenship by investment is a straightforward process that can be completed in a matter of months. Turkey is an attractive destination for investors, with its thriving economy, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

In this ultimate guide, we will take you through the steps required to become a Turkish citizen by investment.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Below are the pathways to obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment.

Step 1: Choose Your Investment Path

There are three main investment paths that you can take to become a Turkish citizen:

  1. Real Estate Investment: This is the most popular investment path for becoming a Turkish citizen. You can apply for Turkish citizenship with a minimum investment of $250,000 in real estate. The real estate can be either residential or commercial property and must be held for a minimum of three years.
  2. Capital Investment: This involves investing a minimum of $500,000 in fixed capital, such as machinery or equipment, or intangible assets, such as patents or software. The investment must be held for a minimum of three years.
  3. Bank Deposit: This involves depositing a minimum of $500,000 in a Turkish bank account and holding it for a minimum of three years. The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency must confirm the investment.

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Step 2: Choose Your Investment Vehicle

Once you have chosen your investment path, you need to choose your investment vehicle. This will depend on the type of investment you are making. You can purchase a property outright or invest in a real estate investment trust (REIT) for real estate investments. You can invest directly in a Turkish company or through a private equity fund for capital investments. You can open a bank account with a Turkish bank for bank deposits.

Step 3: Complete Your Investment

Once you have chosen your investment path and vehicle, you need to complete your investment. This involves transferring the required funds to the appropriate investment vehicle. For real estate investments, you will need to work with a reputable real estate agent or developer to find and purchase a property that meets the investment requirements.

For capital investments, you will need to work with a reputable investment firm or fund to invest. For bank deposits, you will need to open a bank account with a Turkish bank and transfer the necessary funds.

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Step 4: Apply for Turkish Residency

Once you have completed your investment, you can apply for Turkish residency. This is an important step, as you must hold Turkish residency for at least five years before applying for Turkish citizenship. To apply for Turkish residency, you need to:

  1. Obtain a Turkish Tax Number: This can be obtained from the local tax office by presenting your passport and investment documents.
  2. Apply for a Residence Permit: This can be done at a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country or in Turkey. You will need to provide a range of documents, including your passport, investment documents, proof of income, and proof of health insurance.
  3. Obtain a Criminal Record Check: This can be obtained from your local police station.

Step 5: Maintain Your Investment and Residency

Once you have obtained Turkish residency, you must maintain your investment and residency for at least five years. This means you must hold your investment for at least three years and renew your residency permit every year. You must also ensure that you do not spend more than 180 days outside of Turkey in any 12-month period, as this can jeopardize your residency status.

Step 6: Apply for Turkish Citizenship

After holding Turkish residency for a minimum of five years, you can apply for Turkish citizenship. To apply for Turkish citizenship, you need to:

  1. Provide Proof of Investment: You must provide documentation to show that you have made the required investment.
  2. Provide Proof of Turkish Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in the Turkish language by passing a language exam administered by the Ministry of Education. Alternatively, if you have completed your education in Turkish or if you have completed a Turkish language course, you may be exempt from the language exam.
  3. Provide Proof of Integration: You must provide documentation to demonstrate that you have integrated into Turkish society. This can include evidence of your social and cultural activities in Turkey, your employment status, and your involvement in community organizations.
  4. Provide a Criminal Record Check: You must provide a criminal record check from your home country and from Turkey.
  1. Submit Your Application: You can submit your citizenship application to the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM). Your application will be reviewed, and you may be asked to provide additional documentation or attend an interview.

Step 7: Attend a Citizenship Ceremony

If your application for Turkish citizenship is approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony. You will take an oath of allegiance to Turkey at the ceremony and receive your Turkish citizenship certificate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 What are the benefits of becoming a Turkish citizen?

Becoming a Turkish citizen grants you the right to live, work, and study in Turkey without a visa. You will also have access to the Turkish healthcare system and be eligible for social security benefits. Additionally, Turkish citizens have the right to vote and run for public office in Turkey.

How long does it take to become a Turkish citizen by investment?

The process of becoming a Turkish citizen by investment can take several months. The exact timeline will depend on how quickly you can complete your investment, obtain your residency permit, and meet the other requirements for Turkish citizenship.

Is there an age requirement for becoming a Turkish citizen by investment?

There is no age requirement for becoming a Turkish citizen by investment. However, minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the process.

Can I include my family members in my Turkish citizenship application?

Yes, you can include your spouse and children under the age of 18 in your Turkish citizenship application.

What happens if I sell my investment before the minimum required holding period?

If you sell your investment before the minimum required holding period, you may lose your Turkish residency or citizenship eligibility. It is important to carefully consider the terms of your investment before making any decisions.

Do I need to be physically present in Turkey during the application process?

You do not need to be physically present in Turkey during the entire application process. However, you will need to visit Turkey at least once to complete your investment and obtain your residency permit.

What happens if my citizenship application is rejected?

If your citizenship application is rejected, you can appeal the decision or reapply after a certain period of time. It is important to carefully review the application requirements and ensure you meet all the criteria before submitting your application.

Conclusion

Turkish citizenship by investment is a straightforward process that can be completed in a matter of months. By choosing your investment path and vehicle, completing your investment, obtaining Turkish residency, maintaining your investment and residency, and applying for Turkish citizenship, you can enjoy the benefits of Turkish citizenship and become a part of this thriving and dynamic country.