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Learn how foreigners can apply for Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate in Turkey. Discover the legal steps, property investment rules, residence permit process, and citizenship application procedure in 2026.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate has become one of the most popular options for foreign investors who wish to live, invest, or establish long-term ties with Turkey. Through this program, foreigners can acquire Turkish citizenship by purchasing property that meets the minimum investment threshold determined by Turkish law.
The legal framework for citizenship by property investment is regulated under Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law. According to these regulations, foreigners who purchase real estate worth at least 400,000 USD may apply for Turkish citizenship under exceptional procedures.
However, obtaining citizenship through real estate investment involves several legal and administrative stages, including property selection, valuation reports, banking transactions, residence permit procedures, and citizenship applications. These processes are monitored by different institutions such as the Land Registry Directorate, the Immigration Administration (Göç İdaresi), and the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
Because the procedure combines elements of real estate law, immigration law, and Foreigner Law (Yabancılar Hukuku), many investors prefer to receive legal support from a Foreigner Law Attorney (Yabancılar Avukatı) to ensure that their investment and citizenship application comply with Turkish regulations.
Below is a detailed explanation of how to apply for Turkish citizenship by purchasing a house.
1. Purchasing Real Estate Worth at Least 400,000 USD
The first requirement for applying for Turkish citizenship through real estate is purchasing property with a minimum value of 400,000 USD.
Foreign investors may purchase different types of properties such as apartments, villas, offices, commercial properties, or land with development permission. The total value of the purchased real estate must reach the required investment amount.
It is also possible to purchase multiple properties as long as the combined value meets the minimum investment threshold.
Before purchasing property, it is important to conduct legal due diligence to ensure that the property has clear ownership records and is eligible for citizenship investment.
2. Obtaining an Official Property Valuation Report
After selecting the property, the investor must obtain an official real estate valuation report prepared by a licensed appraisal company.
This report confirms the market value of the property and ensures that the investment meets the 400,000 USD requirement established by Turkish law.
The valuation report prevents price manipulation and ensures transparency in property transactions. Turkish authorities carefully review this report during the citizenship eligibility evaluation.
3. Transferring the Purchase Amount Through Turkish Banks
Another important requirement is the banking transaction process.
The property purchase payment must be transferred through official banking channels in Turkey. The investor typically transfers the purchase amount to a Turkish bank, where the funds are converted into Turkish Lira.
The bank then issues a document known as the Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi), which proves that the funds were transferred through the Turkish financial system.
This document is required for the property transfer and citizenship application process.
4. Title Deed Transfer and Three-Year Restriction
After completing the payment, the buyer and seller visit the Land Registry Office (Tapu Müdürlüğü) to complete the property transfer.
During the title deed transaction, the property is officially registered in the investor’s name. At the same time, an annotation is placed in the land registry stating that the property cannot be sold for three years.
This restriction is required by law to ensure that the investment remains within the Turkish economy for a minimum period.
5. Obtaining the Citizenship Eligibility Certificate
Once the property purchase is completed, the investor must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Citizenship by Investment.
This certificate is issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change after reviewing the property valuation report, banking documentation, and land registry records.
The certificate confirms that the property investment meets the legal conditions required for Turkish citizenship.
6. Applying for a Short-Term Residence Permit
Before submitting the citizenship application, the foreign investor must 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 investors must obtain this residence permit, they are not required to live permanently in Turkey during the evaluation period.
7. Submitting the Turkish Citizenship Application
After completing all previous steps, the investor may submit the Turkish citizenship application to the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
During the evaluation process, Turkish authorities conduct security investigations, immigration background checks, and verification of investment documentation.
If the application meets all legal requirements and there are no security concerns, the citizenship decision is approved by the President of the Republic of Turkey.
Once approved, the investor and eligible family members can obtain Turkish identity cards and Turkish passports.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much property must be purchased to obtain Turkish citizenship?
Foreign investors must purchase real estate worth at least 400,000 USD.
2. Can multiple properties be used for the citizenship application?
Yes. Multiple properties may be purchased as long as the total investment value reaches 400,000 USD.
3. Can the property be sold after obtaining citizenship?
The property cannot be sold for three years. After that period, the investor may sell it without losing citizenship.
4. Can family members obtain citizenship with the investor?
Yes. The spouse and children under the age of 18 may obtain Turkish citizenship together with the main applicant.
5. Is it necessary to live in Turkey during the citizenship process?
No. Investors are not required to live permanently in Turkey while their citizenship application is being evaluated.
6. How long does the citizenship process take?
The entire process generally takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the administrative procedures.
7. Can citizenship applications be rejected?
Yes. Applications may be rejected if the investment does not meet legal requirements or if there are security concerns.
8. Is legal assistance recommended for citizenship applications?
Yes. Working with a Foreigner Law Attorney helps ensure that the application is prepared correctly and reduces legal risks.
Legal Assistance for Turkish Citizenship by Property Investment
If you are planning to obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate, obtaining professional legal assistance can help you manage the process efficiently and avoid potential legal risks.
Each citizenship application requires careful preparation and compliance with Turkish immigration and investment regulations. Working with a lawyer experienced in Foreigner Law, immigration procedures, and real estate transactions ensures that your investment is legally secure and that your citizenship application is properly prepared.
For personalized legal consultation and professional assistance regarding Turkish citizenship applications, residence permits, immigration procedures, and deport matters, 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
