How to Set Up a Company in Turkey 2026
20 Mart 2026
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment is one of the most straightforward paths to a second passport in the world — but the process involves strict legal requirements. Below, Oznur & Partners answers the most frequently asked questions from foreign investors.
What is the minimum investment required for Turkish citizenship?
The minimum investment threshold for Turkish citizenship by investment is $400,000 USD in real estate. The property must be held for a minimum of three years, and the purchase price must be verified by an official appraisal report (ekspertiz raporu) confirming the property meets or exceeds this value. Alternative investment routes include depositing $500,000 USD in a Turkish bank for three years, or creating employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens. Real estate investment remains by far the most popular route among foreign investors.
How long does the Turkish citizenship application process take?
The Turkish citizenship by investment process typically takes between 3 and 6 months from the date of application submission to passport issuance. This timeline assumes all documents are correctly prepared and submitted without gaps. In some cases the process may extend to 8 months. Working with an experienced citizenship lawyer significantly reduces the risk of delays caused by documentation errors or incomplete submissions.
Can I buy any property in Turkey to qualify for citizenship?
Not every property purchase qualifies for the citizenship program. The property must be valued at a minimum of $400,000 USD as confirmed by a licensed appraisal firm, purchased from a Turkish seller, and paid via foreign currency wire transfer — cash payments are not accepted. The property can be residential or commercial, and multiple properties can be combined to reach the threshold.
Do I need to live in Turkey to obtain citizenship by investment?
No. Turkey does not require residency as a condition for citizenship by investment. You do not need to spend any minimum number of days in Turkey before or after your application. You will need to be present for certain steps such as biometric data collection, but extended residency is not required.
Can my family members be included in the citizenship application?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 can be included in your citizenship application at no additional investment cost. Each family member will receive their own Turkish passport and identity card. Adult children over 18 must apply separately. Oznur & Partners will prepare a separate file for each family member to ensure simultaneous processing.
What documents are required for the citizenship application?
The core documents required include: valid passport with notarized Turkish translation, birth certificate, marital status document, biometric photographs, title deed (tapu), official appraisal report (ekspertiz raporu), bank transfer receipts confirming foreign currency payment, notarized commitment not to sell the property for 3 years, tax identification number, and criminal background check from your country of origin.
Is VAT (KDV) exemption available when purchasing property for citizenship?
Yes. Foreign nationals who have not resided in Turkey for more than six months in the previous calendar year are exempt from VAT (KDV) on their first real estate purchase. This exemption can represent a saving of 1% to 4% of the property’s purchase price. The payment must be made from a foreign bank account via wire transfer in foreign currency.
Can I rent out the property I purchase for citizenship?
Yes. There is no restriction on renting out the property. The only obligation is that you do not sell or transfer ownership within the mandatory three-year holding period. After three years, you are free to sell the property while retaining your Turkish citizenship and passport.
Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Turkey fully permits dual citizenship and does not require you to renounce your existing nationality. However, your home country’s laws may have their own rules about dual nationality, which you should verify before proceeding.
What are the benefits of a Turkish passport?
The Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Turkish citizens have the right to live, work, and operate businesses freely in Turkey — one of the world’s top 20 economies.
How does Oznur & Partners assist with the citizenship application?
Oznur & Partners provides full-service legal representation throughout the process: property due diligence, coordination with appraisal firms, preparation and notarization of all documents, tax ID registration, liaison with the Directorate General of Civil Registration, and ongoing status tracking until passport issuance. We serve international clients in English and have completed citizenship applications for clients from over 30 countries. For a confidential consultation, contact Oznur & Partners directly.