TURKEY CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
As a trusted advisor in global mobility solutions, Global Investments provides impartial counsel to high-net-worth individuals and families exploring second citizenship options. The Turkey Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, introduced in 2017, represents a strategic and accessible pathway to acquiring full Turkish citizenship through targeted economic contributions. This initiative not only facilitates enhanced international travel and tax planning but also supports the nation's ambitions in real estate development, infrastructure, and cross-continental trade. For those evaluating Eurasian programs, Turkey stands out for its transcontinental position, vibrant real estate market, and balanced investment thresholds, offering a unique fusion of Eastern and Western opportunities.
As of November 3, 2025, the program remains a cornerstone for global investors, with over 15,000 successful applications processed to date. Recent 2025 reforms emphasize compliance and sustainability, including the discontinuation of certain options while preserving core pathways. We encourage prospective clients to assess this option within the context of their broader financial and lifestyle objectives, potentially securing approval within 3-9 months.
WHY CHOOSE TURKEY CBI?
In an increasingly interconnected world, second citizenship serves as a strategic tool for risk diversification, business expansion, and family security. Turkey, a sovereign transcontinental nation spanning Europe and Asia, offers a compelling case for such planning. As a NATO member with candidate status for the EU, it provides a stable political environment, Turkish as the primary language (English widely spoken in business), and a dynamic economy—the 19th largest globally—driven by manufacturing, tourism, and energy. The CBI Programme aligns with these strengths, enabling investors to contribute meaningfully while gaining a passport that ranks competitively for global mobility—visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 116 destinations, including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Qatar, and much of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
From a consultative perspective, this program appeals to entrepreneurs eyeing Eurasian markets, retirees prioritizing a tax-efficient hub with cultural depth, and families valuing educational and healthcare synergies in a nation of 85 million. The absence of worldwide income tax for non-residents further enhances its attractiveness for wealth preservation. Moreover, the program's real estate focus—channeling funds into a high-yield property sector—resonates with clients committed to tangible, income-generating assets.
Enhanced Global Mobility: Streamlined travel without the uncertainties of visa applications, fostering opportunities in business and leisure across Asia and Europe.
Tax Optimization: No tax on foreign-sourced income for non-doms, ideal for international portfolios and holding structures.
Family-Centric Design: Comprehensive inclusion provisions that extend to immediate relatives, promoting intergenerational security.
Minimal Residency Obligation: No mandatory stay required to obtain or maintain citizenship, allowing flexibility for non-residents.
Economic Alignment: Contributions that bolster local growth, offering indirect benefits through a resilient real estate market with average 5-8% annual yields.
Geopolitical Bridge: Strategic location facilitating trade between continents, with access to emerging markets in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Clients often inquire about comparative advantages; relative to other CBI programs, Turkey's lower thresholds and property appreciation potential provide strong value, making it a prudent starting point for due diligence in non-Caribbean options.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS TURKEY APART FROM OTHER CBI PROGRAMS?
Turkey's CBI distinguishes itself through its Eurasian connectivity, real estate yields up to 8%, and visa-free access to 116 destinations including Japan—ideal for Asia-focused investors.
KEY BENEFITS
The value of Turkish citizenship extends beyond immediate acquisition, offering enduring advantages in mobility, fiscal strategy, and quality of life. From our experience advising clients, these benefits often manifest in tangible ways: smoother international relocations, diversified asset protection, and access to exclusive networks.
Superior Travel Privileges: Visa-free entry to 116 countries, encompassing Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Qatar, and CIS nations—enhancing both personal and professional horizons.
Fiscal Neutrality: Exemption from taxes on foreign income for non-residents; corporate tax at 25% with incentives for investors, providing a neutral base for holdings.
Lifestyle Integration: Freedom to reside, work, and study in Turkey or leverage EU candidacy perks, complemented by Istanbul's vibrancy, Cappadocia's wonders, and international schools.
Hereditary Security: Citizenship transferable to descendants, ensuring long-term family stability.
Real Estate Perks: Investments often yield rental income and appreciation, with title deeds issued swiftly.
Commercial Leverage: Entry to Eurasian markets, bolstered by a business-friendly locale with strong logistics and trade agreements.
In essence, this citizenship acts as a contingency framework, particularly valuable amid geopolitical shifts.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Selecting the appropriate investment route is a critical decision in any CBI application, warranting careful evaluation of liquidity, risk, and alignment with personal goals. The Turkey Programme offers multiple pathways, each vetted for compliance and economic impact. All investments are executed post-approval to mitigate risks, and we advise clients to engage independent valuations for transparency. Minimum thresholds, stable at USD 400,000 since 2019 with 2025 confirmations, balance accessibility with national development needs.
Option | Minimum Investment | Details |
Real Estate Purchase | USD 400,000 | Acquisition of one or more properties (e.g., residential or commercial in Istanbul or Antalya), held for three years. This option is favored for its liquidity and yields (5-8% rental returns), with resale flexibility post-hold. Government-approved listings ensure compliance. |
Bank Deposit | USD 500,000 | Fixed-term deposit in a Turkish bank for three years, non-interest-bearing but fully refundable. Suitable for conservative investors seeking low-risk entry. |
Fixed Capital Investment | USD 500,000 | Contribution to a Turkish company creating at least 50 jobs, often in manufacturing or tech. Demands a business plan but offers operational control and incentives. |
Government Bonds or Venture Capital Funds | USD 500,000 | Purchase of state-issued bonds or equity in approved funds, held for three years. Provides diversification with moderate returns in a stable sovereign market. |
Dual citizenship is unequivocally permitted, preserving your original nationality. No language proficiency or educational qualifications are required, broadening accessibility. For families, this structure facilitates comprehensive protection, though we counsel on the implications for inheritance and taxation in home countries.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS TURKEY APART FROM OTHER CBI PROGRAMS?
Turkey's CBI distinguishes itself through its Eurasian connectivity, real estate yields up to 8%, and visa-free access to 116 destinations including Japan—ideal for Asia-focused investors.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Navigating the CBI application demands precision and foresight; at Global Investments, we facilitate this through structured support, minimizing administrative burdens. The end-to-end timeline averages 3-9 months, contingent on document completeness and due diligence outcomes. We advocate for early engagement with authorized agents to align with submission windows. Direct applications are not permitted; all must proceed via licensed representatives or lawyers.
Preliminary Consultation: Evaluate eligibility and select an investment option, incorporating personalized risk assessments.
Documentation Assembly: Compile passports, financial proofs, medical reports, police clearances, and investment intent—translated into Turkish as needed.
Submission and Due Diligence: Lodge via the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre or banking authorities; expect comprehensive background verification.
Investment Execution: Complete purchase/deposit post-preliminary approval.
In-Principle Approval: Issued within 1-3 months; proceed to naturalization.
Oath of Allegiance: Administered before a notary or official in Turkey.
Passport Issuance: Naturalization certificate and passports delivered, with biometric enrollment.
This phased approach ensures compliance while allowing iterative refinements.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for the Turkey CBI is designed to attract reputable individuals, emphasizing integrity and financial prudence. As consultants, we stress the importance of thorough pre-application screening to avoid delays. The process is inclusive, accommodating diverse family structures, but mandates rigorous due diligence to uphold program standards.
Age Requirement: The principal applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Financial Solvency: Demonstrable proof of lawful wealth sources, including bank statements and asset valuations covering the investment amount.
Health Standards: A medical certificate from an approved practitioner attesting to good health, free from communicable diseases.
Character Assessment: Clean criminal records from all jurisdictions of residence, verified through international databases; no ties to terrorism or money laundering.
Family Provisions: Inclusion of a spouse, dependent children under 18 (or up to 21 if studying), and parents over 65 if financially dependent. Additional fees apply for larger families.
Interview Protocol: No mandatory interview, but optional consultations with authorities may occur.
Nationality Considerations: Open to most nationalities, though applicants from high-risk jurisdictions (e.g., Syria, North Korea) face enhanced scrutiny.
Dual citizenship is unequivocally permitted, preserving your original nationality. No language proficiency or educational qualifications are required, broadening accessibility. For families, this structure facilitates comprehensive protection, though we counsel on the implications for inheritance and taxation in home countries.
FEES AND ADDITIONAL COSTS
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises. Fees scale with family size and option.
Due Diligence Fees: USD 1,000-2,000 per applicant.
Processing Fees: USD 5,000-10,000 for government handling.
Application Fees: USD 500-1,000 per family member.
Passport and Naturalization: USD 100-200 per passport; USD 500 per certificate.
Real Estate Specific: 4% title deed tax + 1-2% agency fees.
Additional Dependent Fees: USD 2,000-5,000 per extra member.
For a standard family of four via real estate, expect USD 20,000-40,000 in extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range USD 10,000-20,000 for comprehensive handling.
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises.
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Due Diligence Fees: USD 7,500 for the principal; USD 5,000 for spouse; USD 4,000 for dependents 18+; USD 2,000 for ages 16-17.
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Processing Fees: USD 10,000-20,000, scaled by family size and investment type.
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Interview Costs: USD 1,500 per person aged 12 and over.
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Passport and Naturalization: USD 300 per passport; additional for certificates.
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Courier and Miscellaneous: Approximately USD 300 per applicant for secure delivery.
For a standard family of four, expect USD 20,000-50,000 in extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range USD 10,000-25,000 for comprehensive handling.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT IS THE TYPICAL PROCESSING TIMELINE?
From full submission to passport in hand, the process spans 3-9 months, with real estate options often faster due to streamlined property approvals.
RECENT UPDATES (2025)
The Turkey CBI Programme evolves in response to global standards, with key adjustments in 2025 reinforcing its credibility. Effective January 2025, the YUVAM account option—previously allowing citizenship via currency contributions—has been discontinued to focus on tangible investments like real estate and capital, amid efforts to curb speculation. Legal reforms introduced in July 2025 enhance compliance, including stricter due diligence on fund sources and job creation verification for enterprise options, aligning with FATF recommendations.
Minimum thresholds remain at USD 400,000 for real estate and USD 500,000 for alternatives, supporting a 12% application increase year-over-year from Middle Eastern and Asian investors. The passport's visa-free score has risen to 116, bolstered by new agreements with Gulf states. No residency mandates apply, preserving flexibility, though discussions on optional integration continue. Prospective applicants should monitor Ministry of Interior announcements; we assist in navigating these transitions to ensure seamless compliance.
READY TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS?
Acquiring citizenship or residence through investment is a profound step, meriting deliberate consideration of its multifaceted implications. At Global Investments, our role is to offer objective, expert guidance tailored to your circumstances—whether through initial assessments or full application management. We invite you to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss how the our programs align with your aspirations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
To address common inquiries, we have curated these insights based on client consultations and program documentation:
What is the minimum investment for Turkey CBI? The baseline is USD 400,000 in real estate (three-year hold); other options like deposits or funds require USD 500,000.
How long does the full application process take? Approximately 3-9 months, influenced by due diligence and investment type, with real estate often quicker.
What residency requirements apply post-citizenship? None required to obtain or maintain citizenship, offering maximum flexibility for global lifestyles.
Which family members can be included? Spouses, children under 18 (or 21 studying), and dependent parents over 65 qualify, all gaining full rights.
What tax advantages does the program offer? Non-residents face no tax on foreign income; residents enjoy incentives, ideal for strategic basing.
Does it permit dual citizenship, and what travel benefits follow? Yes, without restrictions; visa-free to 116 destinations, including Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Are there eligibility restrictions based on nationality? Open to most, but enhanced due diligence for high-risk countries like North Korea; clean records essential.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program details are subject to governmental changes; always verify with official sources and qualified professionals.