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How to get a Turkish passport? Complete guide to Turkish citizenship by investment in 2025: $400K minimum, 6-8 month process, visa-free travel to 120+ countries, and path to US E-2 visa.
Imagine having visa-free access to over 120 countries worldwide, a pathway to an E-2 investor visa for the United States, and a home in a country where Mediterranean beaches meet vibrant cultural experiences — all while potentially securing a profitable investment. This isn’t just a dream scenario; it’s the reality offered through Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program in 2025.
For investors seeking global mobility solutions, the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program represents an increasingly attractive option in today’s geopolitical landscape. With a relatively modest investment threshold compared to other popular citizenship programs, Turkey offers a compelling value proposition; invest a minimum of $400,000 in qualifying assets (such as property) and obtain citizenship within 6-8 months for yourself and your immediate family.
But is Turkish citizenship right for you? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about securing a Turkish passport through investment in 2025 — from the benefits and requirements to the application process and potential returns on your investment.
Let’s look at the benefits first.
Unlike many citizenship programs requiring millions in investment, Turkish citizenship can be obtained with a minimum investment of $400,000 in real estate or $500,000 in other qualifying options. This accessibility makes Turkey’s program one of the more attainable paths to a second citizenship through investment.
A Turkish passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 120 countries, including Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Additionally, Turkish citizens can apply for a C-2 Schengen visa valid for 5 years, facilitating travel throughout the Schengen Area.
Perhaps one of the most valuable benefits of Turkish citizenship is that it offers access to the US E-2 investor visa program. This non-immigrant visa allows Turkish citizens to live and work in the United States for renewable 5-year periods by making a qualifying investment in a US business.
Unlike many citizenship programs, Turkey doesn’t require applicants to live in the country before or after obtaining citizenship. There are no language tests or cultural knowledge requirements, making this an ideal option for investors who aren’t planning to relocate immediately.
Turkish citizens gain access to the country’s universal healthcare system, where approximately 80% of medical expenses are covered by the government’s Universal Health Insurance. Healthcare costs in Turkey are significantly lower than in the EU or the USA, with high-quality medical facilities available throughout major cities.
A Turkish passport provides the holder and their family with the right to live, work, and study in Turkey. The country offers free education and university reimbursement plans, along with pension programs and no restrictions on inheriting real estate or assets.
Living costs in Turkey are substantially lower than in most European countries or the US. A family of four can expect monthly expenses of approximately $2,868 (excluding rent), while a single person’s monthly costs average around $1,388. Consumer prices are lower than in the EU or USA, with restaurant prices, groceries, and rent being cheaper.
| Cost of Living: Turkey vs. Selected Countries (in 2025, Excluding Rent) | |
|---|---|
| Turkey (Baseline) | Single: $1,388/month, Family of Four: $2,868/month |
| United Kingdom | The cost of living is approximately 62% higher than in Turkey. |
| Germany | The cost of living is approximately 91% higher than in Turkey. |
| France | The cost of living is approximately 84% higher than in Turkey. |
| Italy | The cost of living is approximately 70% higher than in Turkey. |
| Spain | The cost of living is approximately 68% higher than in Turkey. |
| United States | The cost of living is approximately 66% higher than in Turkey. |
| Source: LivingCost & Expatistan (2025 data). Figures reflect average monthly living expenses, excluding rent, for a single person or a family of four. Percentages represent relative increases compared to Turkey. | |
According to Expatistan’s data as of April 2025, the estimated monthly costs in Turkey are as follows:
Source: Expatistan.
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program offers five distinct routes to obtaining citizenship. Importantly, all investments are returnable after a three-year holding period.
It is the most popular investment option. Applicants can buy any property; an apartment, a house, or commercial or industrial premises. Assets must be held for at least three years.
Since December of 2023, you cannot get citizenship in Turkey by purchasing undeveloped land. The new regulations specify that the investment in real estate must now include land with established condominiums or buildings or an issued building permit.
Buying a single property isn’t a requirement; instead, one can purchase several apartments for a total cost of more than $400,000.
However, a property can be used for participation in the program only once. An investor who obtained citizenship in Turkey by purchasing real estate cannot resell that property to another applicant for a passport by investment.
Investors can deposit $500,000 in any currency accepted by Turkish banks. The deposit must be maintained for three years, after which funds can be withdrawn.
Purchasing Turkish government bonds worth $500,000 also qualifies, provided the assets are held for three years.
Another option is investing $500,000 in real estate or venture capital investment funds, with an obligation to preserve these assets for three years.
Investors can establish a business with $500,000 in capital or create at least 50 jobs in Turkey. After three years, the investor can sell their stake in the business.
The Turkish citizenship program has straightforward eligibility requirements for main applicants:
It’s worth noting that citizens of Armenia, Cuba, Nigeria, North Korea, and Cyprus are ineligible for the program.
Investors can include their spouse and dependent children under 18 in their application. Financially independent adult children must apply separately as main applicants and make their own qualifying investments.
The journey to Turkish citizenship follows a structured timeline, typically taking 6-8 months from start to finish:
The process begins with a preliminary background check using just the investor’s passport to minimize rejection risks. This screening reduces the chances of citizenship denial.
Beyond standard documents (questionnaire, passport copy, fee payment receipts, and photos), applicants must provide:
For real estate investments, this involves identifying suitable properties, conducting due diligence on titles and contracts, paying a deposit, and completing the purchase.
Applications can be initiated online through the e-residence system on the Directorate General of Migration Management’s website. Investors must be physically present in Turkey for fingerprinting and to complete the residence permit application in person. Documents must clearly state the purpose is to obtain citizenship through investment.
The applicant submits their document package along with biometric data and a residence permit copy. Physical presence in Turkey is mandatory for the citizenship application process, including fingerprinting. Turkish authorities review the application, with the final decision signed by the president.
The applicant travels to Turkey to receive their passport in person, or arrangements can be made for a lawyer to collect the documents.
The path to Turkish citizenship through investment can be straightforward, but certain pitfalls may delay or complicate the process. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Understanding the tax implications of Turkish citizenship is crucial for proper financial planning:
If you become a tax resident in Turkey (staying 183+ days per year), you’ll be subject to Turkish taxation on worldwide income. Non-resident citizens are only taxed on Turkish-source income.
Turkey has tax treaties with more than 80 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, and China. These agreements can prevent dual taxation and may offer tax credits or exemptions.
Turkey has relatively favorable inheritance and wealth tax structures:
New Turkish citizens should understand reporting requirements for:
For those considering spending time in their new country of citizenship, Turkey offers a rich cultural experience and high quality of life. Here’s essential information for new citizens:
Turkey’s Universal Health Insurance (SGK) provides comprehensive coverage to citizens, with approximately 80% of medical expenses covered. Private insurance options are also available at reasonable rates, with international health insurance plans for comprehensive coverage.
The country has invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure, with Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospitals in major cities offering care comparable to Western standards at significantly lower costs.
Medical tourism is a growing sector, particularly for dental work, cosmetic procedures, and specialized treatments.
Turkey offers various education options for families:
Opening bank accounts is straightforward for Turkish citizens. Major banks offering comprehensive services include:
Many banks offer “priority banking” services for high-net-worth clients with dedicated relationship managers who speak English and other languages.
For those interested in residency without full citizenship, purchasing any property can secure an initial tourist residence permit. Alternatively, investing around $100,000 in real estate provides a two-year permanent residence permit, extendable for another three years. While investment is the fastest route to Turkish citizenship, several alternatives exist:
Individuals with at least one Turkish parent or Turkish ancestry can claim citizenship by descent.
After three years of marriage to a Turkish citizen, foreign spouses become eligible to apply for citizenship.
Working in Turkey under a valid contract for five years can lead to citizenship eligibility.
Living in Turkey for five consecutive years (with absences not exceeding six months total) can qualify applicants for citizenship through naturalization. This requires demonstrating Turkish language proficiency and financial self-sufficiency.
Exceptional achievements in science, business, culture, or sports may qualify for special consideration.
Turkey fully permits dual and multiple citizenships under Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law. Individuals can maintain their original nationality while acquiring Turkish citizenship, with no requirement to renounce previous citizenships.
Turkish citizens who obtain citizenship from another country must inform Turkish authorities and have this information recorded in their civil registration to ensure accurate record-keeping of multiple nationalities.
Use this comprehensive checklist to track your citizenship application progress:
Turkish citizenship through investment is particularly suitable for those who:
However, Turkish citizenship may not be ideal if your primary goal is visa-free access to:
For visa-free access to these regions, citizenship programs in Malta or Caribbean nations (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Vanuatu) might be more suitable. These programs also offer citizenship without residency or language requirements.
Let’s answer some FAQs about TCBI.
Yes, US citizens can obtain Turkish citizenship through several pathways, including the citizenship by investment program. This involves making a qualifying investment in Turkey, such as purchasing real estate with a minimum value of $400,000, making a capital investment, or creating jobs by employing Turkish citizens. US citizens are not excluded from any of the citizenship pathways and have equal access to all options available to other foreign nationals.
Yes, Turkey offers a citizenship by investment program that allows foreign investors to acquire Turkish citizenship after purchasing real estate under certain conditions. To qualify as an investment for Turkish citizenship, the property should cost at least $400,000. This is one of the most popular routes to Turkish citizenship for foreign investors, offering both a pathway to citizenship and a potentially profitable real estate investment.
The latest changes in Turkish citizenship and residence permit applications through investment include mandatory fingerprinting in Turkey and the requirement for investors to be physically present for both residence permit and citizenship applications. Additionally, criminal records from the investor’s country of citizenship or residence are now required as part of the application process. These changes represent increased due diligence measures in the program.
Turkish citizenship can be acquired through:
A child will receive Turkish citizenship if at least one parent is a Turkish citizen, regardless of birthplace. Children born in Turkey to two foreign parents do not automatically receive Turkish citizenship unless the child would otherwise be stateless.
Tax obligations depend on residency status, not citizenship. Spending less than 183 days annually in Turkey exempts you from Turkish tax residency. Turkey has double taxation agreements with many countries to prevent dual taxation. If you spend more than 183 days in Turkey annually, you become a tax resident responsible for:
Note: When selling real estate, both buyer and seller must pay a 2% sales tax based on the property’s value.
While investors who acquire Turkish citizenship are exempt from military service, their sons become subject to conscription after turning 18. However, this obligation can be waived by paying a fee (paid exemption from military service).
Turkey’s citizenship by investment program offers a unique combination of accessibility, global mobility benefits, and investment potential. With its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, rich cultural heritage, and growing economy, Turkey presents an attractive option for investors seeking a second citizenship.
The program’s reasonable investment threshold of $400,000, coupled with a processing time of just 6-8 months and the inclusion of immediate family members, makes it one of the more accessible and family-friendly citizenship programs globally.
Before proceeding, we recommend consulting with legal experts such as CKAY Law Firm specialized in immigration and investment, to ensure the program aligns with your specific circumstances and long-term objectives. The Turkish citizenship by investment landscape continues to evolve, making professional guidance invaluable in navigating the application process successfully.
Whether you’re drawn by the visa-free travel opportunities, the pathway to US residency through the E-2 visa, or the investment potential of Turkey’s real estate market, Turkish citizenship by investment offers a compelling option for global citizens seeking to expand their horizons.
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