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At Ketenci & Ketenci, we provide comprehensive legal advisory services for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program (TCBI), assisting international investors and their families throughout the entire process with precision, transparency, and regulatory compliance.
Since its launch, the program has successfully attracted thousands of investors worldwide. Our legal team has successfully assisted over 1,000 investors and their families in securing Turkish citizenship through a smooth, end-to-end process.
Our clientele spans a diverse range of backgrounds and nationalities — investors from the Gulf states, North Africa, South and Southeast Asia, East Asia, the post-Soviet states, Europe, and North America, among others.
With our guidance, clients and their families have successfully obtained Turkish citizenship through property investment, bank deposits, and other alternative avenues. As seasoned immigration lawyers and attorneys in Turkey working internationally for many years, we are well-equipped to assist you and your family in obtaining Turkish Citizenship by Investment.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program – 2026 Overview
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program offers a fast-track route for foreign investors and their families to acquire Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying investment, such as real estate purchase or bank deposit.
The program requires no prior residency, no Turkish language knowledge, and no physical presence in Türkiye. Citizenship is granted for life and can be passed on to future generations.
Legal Framework
Following amendments to the Turkish Citizenship Code on 18th September 2018 (Official Gazette), foreign investors meeting any of the following investment criteria can apply for Turkish citizenship, along with their eligible family members. The program is regulated under Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and the Implementation Regulation published by the Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye.
Turkish Citizenship Investment Options 2026
Applicants may qualify for Turkish citizenship by completing one of the following investment routes. All options are subject to a minimum three-year holding period:
| Route | Minimum Investment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| A — Real Estate Most Popular | $400,000 | Purchase residential or commercial property; not for resale for 3 years. Single or multiple properties allowed. |
| B — Bank Deposit | $500,000 | Deposit in a Turkish bank, held for minimum 3 years. Funds must be converted to Turkish Lira. Interest income may be earned. |
| C — Fixed Capital Investment | $500,000 | Fixed capital investment verified by the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology. Suitable for company formation investors. |
| D — Government Bonds | $500,000 | Purchase of Turkish Government Bonds and Bills, held for minimum 3 years. |
| E — Investment Fund | $500,000 | Investment in a Turkish REIT or Venture Capital Fund approved by the Capital Markets Board. |
| F — Private Pension Fund | $500,000 | Contribution into approved private pension funds (BES), kept for minimum 3 years. |
Practical Note — Real Estate Purchase
The real estate route is the most scrutinized. Three figures must each independently meet the threshold: the bank transfer amount, the SPK-licensed appraisal value, and the declared value registered at the title deed office. A shortfall in any one of these — even marginally — will result in a rejected Certificate of Conformity. In 2026, the General Directorate of Land Registry has intensified its review of back-to-back transactions, and properties purchased from companies with foreign shareholders in their structure can trigger additional scrutiny. Our legal team reviews the developer's shareholding structure and transaction history before any deposit is paid.
Practical Note — Bank Deposit
Since January 2022, deposits must be held in Turkish Lira rather than USD or EUR, introducing currency exposure for the duration of the holding period. The YUVAM foreign currency deposit account — previously accepted under the program — is no longer available as of 2025. Interest income earned during the holding period may be withdrawn periodically and is not subject to the three-year restriction. Not all Turkish banks process CBI deposit applications with equal efficiency; we work with institutions that have dedicated compliance teams and established documentation workflows for this purpose.
Practical Note — Fixed Capital Investment
In practice, this route is rarely used by individual investors. Verification by the Ministry involves a process that is less predictable in timeline than the real estate or bank deposit routes. It is more commonly relevant to corporate investors making qualifying operational investments in Türkiye.
Practical Note — Government Bonds
Bond purchases are executed through authorized Turkish intermediary institutions and must be registered in the applicant's name. The three-year holding restriction is annotated in the relevant registry at the time of purchase. Currency risk applies, as bonds are denominated in Turkish Lira.
Practical Note — Real Estate or Venture Capital Funds
Investment fund applications have become more common since 2023, particularly among clients who prefer not to manage a physical property while maintaining an asset-backed investment. Not all Turkish investment funds qualify under the citizenship program; the fund must be specifically approved or structured for this purpose by the Capital Markets Board. Our team verifies fund eligibility before any subscription is processed.
Practical Note — Private Pension Funds
This is the least commonly used route and the most recently introduced. The funds must remain within the designated pension system for the full three-year period. Early withdrawal or fund restructuring during this window will void the qualifying status.
Not Sure Which Investment Route is Right for You?
Our legal team will assess your personal and financial circumstances and recommend the most suitable pathway — at no obligation.
Get in Touch Call Us: +90 532 132 92 33Turkish Citizenship by Investment — Step-by-Step Process
Our legal team manages every step of the application on your behalf, from the initial KYC process to the issuance of your Turkish passport:
- Completion of our LSA and KYC forms — initial eligibility review
- Preparation and collection of the required application documents
- Identifying the eligible investment route with our guidance
- Issuance of a notarized and apostilled Power of Attorney (PoA)
- Obtaining Turkish Tax Identification numbers (Vergi Kimlik Numarası)
- Opening a new Turkish bank account (can be done remotely)
- Transfer or deposit of the qualifying investment amount
- Completion and official registration of the investment transaction
- Issuance of the Certificate of Conformity (Uygunluk Belgesi) by the competent authority
- Biometric appointment and filing of the residence permit application
- Follow-up biometric appointment and filing of the citizenship application
- Issuance of citizenship approval
- Issuance of Turkish ID cards and passports for all family members
Application Timeline
The process from investment completion to the official acquisition of Turkish citizenship typically takes 3–6 months, followed by the issuance of Turkish ID Cards and Passports for all family members within one week. Biometrics can also be provided at Turkish Consulates globally, meaning you do not need to travel to Turkey at any stage.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship by Investment
- Türkiye allows dual and multiple citizenship — retain your existing nationality
- Citizenship is granted for life and passes automatically to future generations
- No residency or minimum stay requirement before or after obtaining citizenship
- Spouse and children under 18 included in the same application at no extra investment
- Full right to live, work, and reside in Türkiye without restriction
- Access to public healthcare and education on the same terms as Turkish nationals
- Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries, including Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Qatar, and Montenegro
- Eligibility for the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa following Turkish citizenship acquisition
- Türkiye's strategic location between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East provides lasting business advantages
- Military service exemption may apply for male applicants above the standard conscription age at the time citizenship is granted, subject to Turkish military service regulations
- Name change is legally possible within the citizenship process
- Official EU Candidate Country status — a long-term geopolitical consideration, though future Schengen-area travel arrangements remain subject to EU accession developments
Eligibility for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Applicants must maintain a clean criminal record and remain in full compliance with Turkish immigration regulations. The minimum age is 18 years for the main applicant. There is no language requirement and no prior residence in Türkiye is required.
- Purchasing real estate in Türkiye with a minimum value of $400,000, subject to a three-year non-sale commitment
- Depositing $500,000 into a Turkish bank account, with a mandatory holding period of at least three years
- Investing $500,000 in Turkish capital investment funds or REITs approved by the Capital Markets Board
Tax Overview for Turkish Citizenship Investors
Acquiring Turkish citizenship through investment does not automatically create tax residency in Türkiye. Tax residency is determined primarily by physical presence: individuals who reside in Türkiye for more than 183 days in a calendar year may be considered tax residents. Non-residents are taxed only on income sourced within Türkiye.
Türkiye maintains an extensive network of double taxation treaties, which may help mitigate double taxation depending on your situation.
Why Choose Türkiye for Citizenship by Investment?
Türkiye has become one of the most strategic and attractive destinations for citizenship by investment, offering a compelling combination of lifestyle, opportunity, and global mobility.
Strategic Location
A G20 and NATO member bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Access to 1.5 billion consumers within 4 hours of flight.
Family-Friendly Living
Favorable climate, international schools, modern hospitals with English-speaking staff, and diverse lifestyle options.
Strong Economy
Top 20 global economy with a growing market, low barriers to entry for foreign investors, and a vibrant entrepreneurial environment.
Legal Protections
Stable legal system with strong property ownership rights for foreigners. No worldwide income tax for non-residents.
Muslim-Friendly Culture
A modern, secular nation with a Muslim cultural identity — offering a balanced lifestyle appealing to investors from the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
US E-2 Visa Advantage
Turkish citizenship unlocks eligibility for the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa — a significant benefit for clients targeting US residency.
Ready to Begin Your Turkish Citizenship Application?
Speak with our legal team today. We serve clients from 50+ nationalities, fully remotely or in person at our Istanbul office.
Start Your Application [email protected]Why Choose Ketenci & Ketenci for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
With over 40 years of senior legal experience and a dedicated international team, Ketenci & Ketenci is one of the most established Turkish law firms specialising in citizenship by investment.
- End-to-end service: From KYC and investment structuring to passport issuance — we manage every stage
- Fully remote capability: The entire process can be handled via Power of Attorney — no travel required
- In-house real estate team: We source and verify government-approved properties that meet all TCBI eligibility criteria
- Multilingual support: Our team assists clients in English, Turkish, Arabic, and Mandarin
- Internationally recognised: Multiple awards and accreditations in international legal practice
- Transparent fee structure: Full cost breakdown provided upfront — no hidden charges
Read more about our firm: History & Background | Our Legal Team | Publications & Legal Guides
Frequently Asked Questions – Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Begin Your Turkish Citizenship Application Today
Join over 1,000 families who have obtained Turkish citizenship with Ketenci & Ketenci. Our team is ready to guide you — fully remotely or in Istanbul.
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This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Investment thresholds and procedural requirements are subject to change by the Turkish authorities. For advice specific to your circumstances, please contact our legal team directly.