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Learn the bank deposit conditions for obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment. Discover the minimum deposit amount, legal procedures, residence permit rules, and citizenship application process in Turkey.
Foreign investors who wish to obtain Turkish citizenship through investment have several options under Turkish law. One of these options is obtaining citizenship by depositing funds in Turkish banks. This investment method allows foreigners to acquire Turkish citizenship without purchasing real estate, provided that certain financial and legal conditions are met.
The legal basis for citizenship through bank deposits is regulated under Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law. According to these regulations, foreigners may apply for Turkish citizenship if they deposit a certain amount of money in Turkish banks and commit to maintaining the deposit for a specific period.
This investment pathway is particularly attractive for investors who prefer financial investments rather than property purchases. However, the process involves strict requirements related to banking documentation, financial verification, and immigration procedures.
Because the procedure falls within the scope of Foreigner Law (Yabancılar Hukuku) and financial regulations, many applicants prefer to work with a Foreigner Law Attorney (Yabancılar Avukatı) to ensure that their investment complies with the legal requirements.
Minimum Deposit Amount Required for Citizenship
The most important requirement for obtaining Turkish citizenship through bank deposits is meeting the minimum deposit threshold.
Under the current regulations applicable in 2026, foreigners must deposit at least 500,000 USD or its equivalent in Turkish Lira or other foreign currencies into a Turkish bank.
This deposit must be held in the bank account of the investor and must remain in the account for a minimum period of three years. During this period, the investor cannot withdraw the deposited funds.
The bank deposit must also be verified by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance to confirm that the investment meets the citizenship requirements.
Opening a Bank Account in Turkey
Before making the deposit, the foreign investor must first open a bank account in Turkey.
Opening a bank account typically requires the applicant to provide a valid passport, tax identification number obtained from the Turkish tax office, and proof of address. Some banks may request additional documentation depending on their internal compliance procedures.
Once the bank account is opened, the investor can transfer the required funds from abroad to the Turkish bank account.
Deposit Verification and Blocking Period
After the funds are deposited into the bank account, the bank must issue an official document confirming that the required amount has been deposited.
The bank then places a three-year blocking restriction on the funds, ensuring that the investor cannot withdraw the money during this period.
This restriction is an essential condition of the citizenship investment program because it guarantees that the funds remain within the Turkish financial system for the required time.
The bank sends the relevant documentation to the competent authorities confirming that the investment requirement has been fulfilled.
Obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility for Citizenship
Once the deposit and blocking procedures are completed, the investor must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Citizenship by Investment.
This certificate is issued by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance after verifying the banking documentation and confirming that the deposit meets the legal requirements.
The certificate is one of the most important documents required for submitting the citizenship application.
Residence Permit Requirement
Foreign investors who apply for Turkish citizenship through bank deposits must also obtain a short-term residence permit (İkamet İzni).
This residence permit is issued by the Immigration Administration (Göç İdaresi) and allows the investor to legally stay in Turkey during the citizenship application process.
Although the residence permit is required for procedural reasons, investors are generally not required to live permanently in Turkey while their citizenship application is being evaluated.
Citizenship Application Procedure
After completing the deposit investment and residence permit procedures, the investor may submit the Turkish citizenship application.
The application is submitted to the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs. During the evaluation process, the authorities review the investment documentation, immigration records, and security background of the applicant.
If the application satisfies all legal requirements, the citizenship decision is approved by the President of the Republic of Turkey.
Once approved, the investor and eligible family members may obtain Turkish identity cards and Turkish passports.
Advantages of Citizenship by Bank Deposit
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through bank deposits offers several advantages.
One of the most significant advantages is that investors do not need to purchase real estate or manage property transactions. Instead, they can maintain their investment in the banking system while earning potential interest income.
Another advantage is that the investment process is relatively straightforward compared to other citizenship methods. The funds remain in the investor’s bank account and may be withdrawn after the three-year holding period expires.
This method is often preferred by investors who prioritize financial liquidity and lower administrative complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the minimum bank deposit required for Turkish citizenship?
Foreign investors must deposit at least 500,000 USD in a Turkish bank.
2. How long must the deposit remain in the bank?
The deposit must remain in the bank account for three years.
3. Can the investor earn interest on the deposit?
Yes. The deposited funds may earn interest depending on the terms of the bank account.
4. Can the deposit be withdrawn before three years?
No. Withdrawing the funds before the three-year period may invalidate the citizenship investment.
5. Can family members obtain citizenship together with the investor?
Yes. The spouse and children under 18 years of age may obtain Turkish citizenship together with the main applicant.
6. Is it necessary to live in Turkey during the investment period?
No. Investors are not required to live permanently in Turkey during the citizenship application process.
7. Which authority verifies the bank deposit investment?
The investment is verified by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance and the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency.
8. Is legal assistance recommended during the investment process?
Yes. Working with a lawyer experienced in Foreigner Law and citizenship procedures helps ensure compliance with Turkish legal requirements.
Legal Assistance for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
If you are considering applying for Turkish citizenship through bank deposits and would like professional assistance during the process, obtaining legal guidance can help ensure that your investment and application comply with Turkish legal regulations.
Citizenship applications based on financial investments require careful documentation and compliance with Turkish immigration procedures. Working with a lawyer experienced in Foreigner Law, citizenship applications, and investment regulations helps ensure that the process is managed correctly and that potential legal risks are minimized.
For personalized legal consultation and assistance regarding Turkish citizenship applications, residence permits, immigration procedures, deport matters, and investment-based citizenship, you may contact us.
Phone: 0312 434 2222
WhatsApp: 0532 769 22 22
Email: info@firatfesihkaya.av.tr
Address: Mevlana Blv. No:221 Yıldırım Kule No:148, 06520 Balgat / Çankaya / Ankara / Turkey
