Becoming a Turkish citizen through real estate investment is one of the fastest, most straightforward paths to a second passport. In 2025, Turkey continues to offer this opportunity to international investors, drawing in thousands who are eager to enjoy visa-free travel, a dynamic economy, and the cultural wealth of a transcontinental country. Let’s explore how to get Turkish citizenship by purchasing property — step-by-step — and why it’s a decision worth considering.
Turkish citizenship by investment was formally introduced in 2017 under the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. This program enables foreign nationals to acquire Turkish citizenship by investing in real estate with a minimum value set by the Turkish government. As of 2025, the minimum investment amount remains $400,000, and the property must be held for a minimum of three years.
Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, offering the best of both worlds. With a strong tourism economy, affordable healthcare, high-quality education, and a business-friendly environment, Turkey is a prime destination for global investors. Its strategic location provides easy access to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making it not just a cultural gem but also a business hub.
Additionally, Turkey’s lifestyle — with its mix of Mediterranean coastal cities, cosmopolitan hubs like Istanbul, and beautiful mountain retreats — offers something for everyone.
The legal basis for acquiring Turkish citizenship through property lies in:
Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901
Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law (Article 20)
The most critical amendment occurred in 2018, when the minimum investment requirement was reduced to $250,000 (later increased to $400,000 in 2022), allowing a broader range of investors to qualify.
To be eligible for Turkish citizenship by property purchase, as of 2025, the applicant must invest at least $400,000 USD in real estate. This property must be:
Purchased after September 19, 2018
Appraised by a government-certified valuation expert
Registered in the land registry with a commitment not to sell it for 3 years
Multiple properties can be combined to meet the threshold, as long as they are all registered under the same applicant’s name and acquired within the same timeframe.
Applicants can invest in:
Residential properties (apartments, villas)
Commercial properties (offices, shops)
Land (if there’s a construction plan or development)
However, farmland and unregistered properties are typically excluded from eligibility.
Let’s walk through each crucial step.
Your journey begins with finding a qualified and trusted local expert. This isn’t just recommended — it’s essential. Turkish property laws can be complex, and a local real estate agent or immigration lawyer ensures you don’t fall into legal traps or purchase ineligible properties.
One of the most reputable and experienced firms in this field is UINVEST GROUP. With a proven track record in assisting foreign investors through every phase of the Turkish citizenship by property purchase process, UINVEST GROUP offers comprehensive services including:
Curated real estate listings that meet the $400,000 investment criteria
Legal due diligence and contract negotiation
Coordination of property valuation reports
Title deed (Tapu) transfers with government-compliant clauses
Citizenship application support from start to finish
By choosing UINVEST GROUP, you gain not only legal peace of mind but also access to high-return property investments and personalized support tailored to your citizenship goals.
They assist with title deed checks, ensure compliance with government rules, and guide you through the entire process — from purchase to passport — making your investment experience seamless and successful.
This step is all about making a smart, strategic investment. Choosing the right property affects not only your eligibility for Turkish citizenship by property purchase but also your potential for appreciation and rental income. Focus on:
Cities with high demand (Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir)
Properties with strong resale and rental potential
Legal clarity and up-to-date title deeds
New developments or luxury residences with consistent valuation reports
Working with experienced professionals like UINVEST GROUP can make all the difference. As a trusted real estate consultant in Turkey, UINVEST GROUP specializes in sourcing properties that fully meet citizenship requirements while also offering excellent investment value. Their team conducts in-depth market research, legal verification, and financial analysis to ensure that every property aligns with your financial goals and legal criteria.
Whether you’re looking for a sea-view apartment in Antalya or a stylish residence in central Istanbul, UINVEST GROUP ensures you’re investing wisely and securely.
Before completing your purchase, a government-authorized real estate valuation must confirm that the property is worth at least $400,000. The report must be issued by a SPK-licensed valuation firm and must be no older than 3 months at the time of submission.
The valuation ensures the transaction is fair, legitimate, and aligns with market values.
Once everything is verified, you can proceed with the sale. The purchase process in Turkey is straightforward when managed by experienced professionals. All payments must be made via bank transfer, and the property’s title deed (Tapu) must be registered in your name. Importantly, the deed must include a government-mandated clause stating that the property cannot be sold for three years.
Partnering with a trusted advisor like UINVEST GROUP ensures every detail is handled correctly. From drafting and notarizing the sales agreement to ensuring the funds are transferred through compliant banking channels, UINVEST GROUP manages the entire transaction process with precision and transparency. They also assist in coordinating with the land registry office and ensure all legal documentation is in perfect order.
Their expert team not only helps you acquire a qualifying property but also minimizes legal risks and streamlines the entire acquisition process — saving you time, stress, and potential setbacks.
After your purchase, apply to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change for a Certificate of Conformity. This confirms your investment meets the program’s legal standards.
This document is vital to proceed with your citizenship application.
You must first obtain a short-term residence permit to apply for citizenship. The residence permit process involves:
Submitting your passport
Tapu (title deed)
Health insurance
Tax number
Biometrics appointment
This permit is usually granted within a few weeks and remains valid during your citizenship processing time.
Now comes the most awaited part — applying for Turkish citizenship. The application is submitted to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
Required documents include:
Valid passport
Property documents
Valuation report
Bank receipts
Residence permit
Certificate of Conformity
Biometric photos
Applications can be submitted via authorized legal representatives if you’re abroad.
After submission, your application undergoes several stages:
Document verification
National security clearance
Final approval by the Presidential Office
The full process can take 3 to 6 months from submission to approval, but timelines may vary depending on workload and location.
Once approved, you receive your Turkish citizenship certificate, and you’re officially a Turkish citizen. You can then apply for a national ID card and Turkish passport.
The passport application is usually fast, taking about 7–10 working days. Turkish passports are biometric and valid for 10 years, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including Japan, Brazil, and South Korea.
Purchasing undervalued properties
Using unofficial payment methods
Not including the no-sale clause in Tapu
Not checking the developer’s credentials
Relying on unlicensed agents
Avoid these to prevent rejection or legal complications.
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Property Purchase | $400,000 minimum |
| Legal Fees | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Valuation Report | $300–$500 |
| Translation & Notary Fees | $500–$800 |
| Title Deed Tax | 4% of property value |
The average timeline for the complete process is:
Property purchase: 1–2 weeks
Residence permit: 2–4 weeks
Citizenship application: 3–6 months
So in about 6–9 months, you can be a Turkish citizen.
Yes, the property must not be sold or transferred for a minimum of 3 years. Breaking this rule results in citizenship revocation.
Your spouse and children under 18 also qualify for citizenship under the same investment. Children born later will automatically be Turkish citizens by descent.
Yes, you can rent out your property and earn income from it, even during the 3-year holding period.
One of the standout benefits of acquiring Turkish citizenship by property purchase is that Turkey allows dual citizenship. This means you can retain your original nationality while enjoying full rights and privileges as a Turkish citizen.
Dual citizenship allows you to be legally recognized as a citizen of two countries simultaneously. As a Turkish citizen, you can:
Own property and businesses
Access healthcare and education services
Vote in Turkish elections
Travel with a Turkish passport
Enjoy protection from Turkish embassies abroad
At the same time, your existing citizenship rights remain intact — provided your home country permits dual nationality.
Turkey does not require you to renounce your previous citizenship. However, whether you can maintain dual nationality depends on your original country’s laws. Some countries — like Canada, the UK, France, and the United States — fully allow dual citizenship. Others, such as India and China, restrict or prohibit it.
Before applying, check with your country’s embassy or legal advisor about their specific stance on dual citizenship to avoid complications.
As a dual citizen:
You’re subject to Turkish law when in Turkey.
You may have tax obligations in both countries depending on bilateral agreements.
Males under 22 years of age may be subject to military service in Turkey, although this can be postponed or exempted under certain conditions.
Turkey has double taxation agreements with over 80 countries, which help prevent you from paying income taxes in both places.
Dual citizenship through Turkey is especially advantageous for:
Global entrepreneurs who want business flexibility across Europe and Asia
Families who wish to provide their children with broader educational and travel opportunities
Retirees looking for a warm, affordable place to live while keeping ties to their homeland
Top locations for investment:
Istanbul – Economic hub
Antalya – Tourism capital
Izmir – Growing expat scene
Bursa – Industrial and cultural city
Fast-track process (6–9 months)
Dual citizenship allowed
Full legal rights and social services
Access to powerful Turkish passport
Inclusion of family members
Real estate investment in a growing market
You must invest at least $400,000 in one or more properties in Turkey.
You must hold the property for at least three years. After that, you may sell it without affecting your citizenship.
Yes, your spouse and children under 18 qualify for citizenship under the same investment.
No, you are not required to live in Turkey or even visit, but having a residence permit is mandatory.
Yes, if done through licensed professionals and following Turkish regulations.
Typically, 6–9 months from property purchase to receiving your passport.
While your application is under review, your short-term residence permit allows you to legally live in Turkey. During this time, you can open bank accounts, enroll your children in local or international schools, and access the Turkish healthcare system.
Yes, once you obtain Turkish citizenship, you gain full access to Turkey’s public healthcare system and public universities. Many educational institutions in Turkey also offer English-taught programs, especially at the university level, making it convenient for international families.
As a Turkish citizen, you can establish and run businesses, purchase commercial real estate, and benefit from competitive corporate tax rates. Turkey also has numerous double taxation agreements and trade treaties, providing incentives for global investors.
The Turkish passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and much of Latin America. Additionally, negotiations are underway for visa liberalization with Schengen countries, which may further enhance travel access in the near future.
Acquiring Turkish citizenship by property purchase is not only a smart investment but also a gateway to new opportunities in a country rich with history, culture, and strategic advantages. With proper guidance and compliance, this process is smooth, secure, and beneficial for individuals and families alike.