The Turkish passport can be acquired by birth, naturalization, marriage, or investment, including the purchase of local property.

Before 2017, it was impossible to obtain citizenship by real estate investment in Turkey directly. Foreign property owners had to renew their residence permits for 5 years before they could apply for a "kimlik" – an ID card certifying their citizenship. During this time, they were allowed to be absent from the Republic for no more than 365 days. The citizenship by investment programme appeared in 2017 with a USD 1 million threshold; in 2018 it was lowered to USD 250,000, and since June 13, 2022 it has been USD 400,000.

Now, foreign property buyers can obtain Turkish citizenship within 6–8 months (up to a year when the authorities are busy). The main advantage of the investment program is the ability to include a spouse and minor children in the application. Additionally, developers in Turkey offer a wide range of properties suitable for various purposes, preferences, and budgets, making the selection of suitable options quick and convenient.

Contents:

• Can you obtain second citizenship in Turkey?
• Citizenship programs in Turkey
• Citizenship through investment in Turkey’s real estate
• List of documents required for Turkish citizenship
• Process of obtaining Turkish passport by investment
• Reasons for citizenship denial
• Taxes with a Turkish second passport
• Rights and obligations with a Turkish passport
• Benefits of Turkish citizenship
• Who citizenship through property may not suit
• Frequently asked questions

Can you obtain second citizenship in Turkey?

An individual can receive a "kimlik" without renouncing their first passport, provided it does not contradict the laws of their home country. In this case, a person will hold dual citizenship; however, they will only be considered a dual national (or bipartite) if Turkey has an agreement with their country of origin.

Citizenship programs in Turkey

The country's legislation provides six grounds for obtaining a passport: capital investments, naturalization, marriage, employment, special merits, and the right of blood. Applicants interested in acquiring second citizenship for immigration to Turkey do not need to renounce their first citizenship.

Citizenship by investment in Turkey

We have explained separately how citizenship by real estate investment works. To qualify for Turkey citizenship by investment, a foreigner must meet one of the following conditions:

• Purchase houses or apartments in Turkey worth at least $400,000.
• Establish a business that creates at least 50 jobs.
• Invest at least $500,000 in the share capital of a Turkish company.
• Open a bank deposit of $500,000 for at least 3 years.
• Invest $500,000 in government bonds for at least 3 years.
• Purchase shares worth at least $500,000 in venture funds or real estate investment funds.

Most applicants choose the real estate investment option. The appeal of this choice lies in the wide variety of new residential complexes in Turkey, offering comfortable living and leisure conditions, as well as quick payback. For reference: the average gross rental yield on homes in Turkey in the third quarter of 2026 was 7.86% (Global Property Guide), and in Alanya a long-term rental pays back the purchase price in about 20 years on average (Endeksa).

By naturalization

Foreigners can apply for Turkish citizenship through naturalization by residing in the Republic for at least 5 years. They must demonstrate proficiency in the official language, have sufficient financial resources to support their family, and have a clean criminal record. They mustn't spend more than 12 months in total outside the country during this period.

This route requires obtaining a temporary residence permit beforehand. The grounds for moving to Turkey and obtaining a permit legally may include business establishment, employment, marriage, or other reasons. However, the quickest option is an investment in real estate worth at least $200,000 at the TAPU price; the property must be a home in a neighbourhood open to residence permits for foreigners.

For special merits

A foreigner may be granted citizenship by a decision of the President of Turkey (before 2018, the Council of Ministers) for special merits. These could include economic achievements, outstanding discoveries or scientific research, contributions to the development of Turkish culture and arts recognized internationally, or sports victories that bring fame to the Republic.

By birth

Children of Turkish citizens automatically acquire Turkish citizenship, regardless of whether one or both parents hold a Turkish passport. There is no requirement for the parents to be married. The child's place of birth does not matter, as the country follows the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood).

Through marriage

Marrying a Turkish citizen allows a foreigner to obtain a temporary residence permit. After three years of marriage, residents can apply for a passport if they prove that they have maintained their union and are still living together. The law does not require living in Turkey for all three years. In the event of divorce, the citizenship will not be revoked unless it is proven that the marriage was fraudulent.

Through employment

A person who signs an employment contract with a Turkish company may be eligible for citizenship. In this case, the employer arranges a work permit for them, which is equivalent to a temporary residence permit. An application for a passport can be submitted after five years.

Citizenship through investment in Turkey’s real estate

Investing in real estate is one of the fastest and most advantageous ways to acquire citizenship. Foreigners participating in the immigration program can buy a studio, apartment, townhouse, villa, commercial property, or any other type of real estate.

However, the list of locations where foreigners can invest is restricted by local legislation. For example, citizens of other countries are prohibited from purchasing property in border areas as well as military and security zones; in addition, foreigners may own no more than 10% of a district's area and 30 hectares nationwide. Nonetheless, a wide range of options remains available. Properties open to foreign buyers include:

• Multi-apartment complexes with well-developed infrastructure, including pools, gyms, and landscaped recreational areas;
• Villas in coastal locations with scenic sea views and easy access to beaches;
• Townhouses in suburban areas with numerous amenities and green spaces.

The minimum investment threshold for obtaining a Golden Visa in Turkey through real estate purchase is $400,000. The market value of the property must be confirmed by a valuation report and recorded in the title deed. Since March 2024, such reports for citizenship have been prepared only by the GEDAŞ valuation company; they are ordered via the Web Tapu system and are valid for 90 days. Additionally, it is important that the property has not previously participated in the program. You cannot buy from another foreigner, from your own company or from close relatives, and payment is made only by bank transfer with currency sold through a Turkish bank (a DAB certificate). An off-plan home qualifies if the full amount is fixed in a notarised promise-to-sell agreement. Applicants for citizenship are allowed to purchase one or several properties.

One of the main advantages of purchasing property in Turkey is the potential for a quick return on investment. Residential and commercial spaces can be rented out for long-term leases immediately after the sales contract is signed. To retain citizenship, foreigners cannot sell the property for at least three years. The restriction is recorded as an annotation in the TAPU at the time of purchase.

An example of properties meeting the threshold: villas in the Yekta Kingdom Premium Villas complex in Mahmutlar start from EUR 1,650,000, and the USD 400,000 threshold (about EUR 356,000) can also be reached by buying several apartments. Prices are from the October 2026 catalogue.

Many construction companies in the country offer property management services after the projects are completed. Investors who sign a management contract can receive stable rental income while the professionals handle cleaning, repairs, tenant search, payment of utility bills, and other duties.

List of documents required for Turkish citizenship

The standard list of documents among citizenship requirements in Turkey includes:

• Completed application forms and questionnaires.
• Birth certificate.
• Copies of passport and foreign passport.
• Biometric photo (5x6 cm).
• A GEDAŞ valuation report and a DAB certificate for the currency sale.
• Confirmation of investment conditions, issued by the Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre for real estate purchases.
• Health insurance policy.
• Certificate of no criminal record (since January 2024, mandatory for the applicant and spouse and no older than 6 months).
• Copy of temporary residence permit.
• Power of attorney issued to a licensed attorney (if working through a representative).
• Receipt of state duty payment.

When applying for citizenship through naturalization, additional documents to confirm financial solvency may be required, such as bank statements, tax declarations, or income certificates. For investors, such documents are typically not necessary. However, the source of the purchase funds is checked, so it is best to prepare account statements for the past year in advance.

Process of obtaining Turkish passport by investment

The procedure for obtaining Turkey CBI involves the following steps:

• Document preparation: The applicant must complete all forms, gather the necessary documents, translate them, and have them notarized. It is recommended to use the services of lawyers specializing in Turkish law. They will review the documents and assess the risk of rejection.
• Fulfilling investment requirements: After selecting real estate that meets the criteria of the immigration program, the property’s legal status should be checked, the sales contract should be signed, and the title deed must be obtained.
• Obtaining a residence permit: Foreigners who are not residents of Turkey cannot apply for citizenship. Therefore, the first step is to acquire a temporary residence permit. Application processing takes up to 90 days.
• Submitting the application: After obtaining the residence permit, the next step is to apply for a passport. This can be done remotely through an attorney. However, the applicant and spouse must give their biometrics in person in Turkey; children under 18 are exempt.
• Receiving the passport: The applicant does not need to be physically present in Turkey to receive their passport. It can be obtained at the Turkish consulate in the applicant's country of residence. The whole procedure usually takes 6–8 months, and the longest stage is the background check.

Reasons for citizenship denial

In 2023, the Turkish government tightened the procedure for reviewing citizenship and residence permit applications. Many have noted an increase in the number of refusals, although the authorities have made no official statements. Since January 2024, a criminal record certificate has been mandatory, and applicants are checked by the security services, police and migration service, including through Interpol. The decision remains at the authorities' discretion.

A citizenship application may be denied if the applicant:

• Submits an incomplete document package;
• Provides fraudulent documents;
• Has a poor visa history;
• Has unresolved criminal convictions;
• Is deemed unreliable.

Applicants whose applications are rejected can reapply. The refusal can also be appealed in court within 60 days of receiving the notification.

Taxes with a Turkish second passport

The tax burden for individuals holding two or more citizenships depends on their tax residency. If a person resides in Turkey for more than 183 days in a year, they are considered a Turkish tax resident; if they reside in another country, they are considered that country’s tax resident.

Turkish income tax ranges from 15% to 40%. The highest rate applies to those with an annual income exceeding 5,300,000 Turkish lira (about $108,000) under the 2026 scale.

Property owners who are foreign tax residents and rent out property in Turkey are not required to pay taxes on rental income in both countries. A double taxation agreement between Turkey and many foreign countries allows taxpayers to offset the tax amount paid in one country against the taxes due in the other.

Turkey exchanges tax data under the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. The countries exchange information and documentation, conduct joint audits, and assist each other in tax collection.

Rights and obligations with a Turkish passport

With Turkish citizenship, a foreigner gains new rights, including visa-free access to certain countries and the possibility of obtaining long-term visas for the U.S. or Schengen Area. Turkey has no visa-free regime with the Schengen Area, so a visa is always required. However, they also assume new obligations, such as reporting foreign bank accounts and fulfilling military service requirements.

Turkish citizens can enter 113 countries and territories with simplified visa procedures including those that require no prior visa issuance, electronic visas, or a visa on arrival. Since July 15, 2025, Turkish citizens with a good visa history have been issued long multiple-entry Schengen visas. In the Henley ranking for July 2026, the Turkish passport is 44th.

Regarding military service, the conscription age in Turkey for men starts at 20 and lasts until 41. The service duration is 6 months for privates and 12 months for reserve officers. Foreigners who obtain passports in exchange for investments are exempt from this duty if they are at least 22 years old or have already completed their military service in their home country.

Investors under 22 years old are entitled to a two-year deferral after obtaining citizenship. After this period, they must serve in the military or pay a special fee, the amount of which is regularly revised by the Ministry of Defense. Investors can pay the fee not only for themselves but also for their sons when they reach the age of 20.

Failure to meet the military service obligations can result in fines, passport revocation, or even imprisonment.

Those planning to buy property in Turkey and maintain it must open a local bank account. In most cases, tax residents of other countries are required to notify their tax authorities about opening a foreign account and report on the movement of funds annually.

Benefits of Turkish citizenship

The main advantages of investment-based Turkish citizenship include:

• Freedom of Movement: Visa-free countries for Turkish citizens include destinations such as Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In some regions, applicants can apply for an electronic visa or obtain a visa upon arrival.
• U.S. Business Visa: Turkey has an agreement with the U.S. that allows its citizens to obtain the E-2 business visa. Entrepreneurs must acquire an existing business or establish a new one in the U.S. Although there are no job creation requirements, the business must be active and profitable. This visa allows foreigners to live and work in the U.S.; its validity period is set by the consulate.
• U.S. Tourist Visa: Turkish citizens can apply for the B-1/B-2 tourist visa to the U.S. for a maximum of 10 years. They must submit an application and attend an interview at the U.S. consulate in Turkey.
• Quick Payback: Program participants can sell their acquired assets and recover their funds 3 years after obtaining citizenship, whereas in most other countries, the minimum holding period for real estate, business, or securities is 5 years.
• Inheritance of Citizenship: The children of investors who obtain a passport automatically become citizens of Turkey, regardless of their place of birth. This advantage extends to future generations.
• Access to Quality Healthcare: Turkish citizens are entitled to free services in state hospitals if they participate in the general health insurance system (GSS). Turkey is known for its advanced healthcare system, including modern clinics and a high standard of medical services. This makes Turkish citizenship attractive to those seeking reliable healthcare access for themselves and their families.

"For buyers seeking citizenship through property, we advise starting by checking the property's history: it must not have taken part in the programme before, and the seller cannot be a foreigner. The second step is to order the valuation in advance and plan the bank transfer so that you receive a DAB certificate straight away," says a sales manager at Yekta Homes.

Who citizenship through property may not suit

• Those planning to sell the property in the next few years. It cannot be sold for three years, and the restriction is recorded in the TAPU.
• Those who want to do everything remotely. The applicant and spouse must give their biometrics in person in Turkey.
• Those who want to pay in cash or through third parties. Payment is made only by bank transfer with currency sold through a Turkish bank.
• Those counting on visa-free travel to the Schengen Area. A Turkish passport does not provide it; a visa is required.

Each of these situations is visible in advance. The solution is to choose a suitable property, prepare documents and funds in advance, or opt for a property-based residence permit from USD 200,000.

Frequently asked questions

How much do you need to invest in property for Turkish citizenship?

USD 400,000 or more, about EUR 356,000 at the Central Bank of Turkey rate in October 2026. The property cannot be sold for three years.

How long does citizenship by investment take?

Usually 6–8 months, or up to a year when the authorities are busy.

Can you keep your first citizenship?

Yes, Turkey does not require you to give up your first passport if the law of your country allows it.

Can you get Turkish citizenship without investing?

Yes: after 5 years of residence with a residence permit, after 3 years of marriage to a Turkish citizen, or by descent.

What has changed in the data as of October 2026