Turkish Citizenship Through Property Investment in Istanbul

Turkish Citizenship Through Property Investment in Istanbul

Turkish real estate investment for citizenship is one of the most popular means of acquiring a second international passport, and Istanbul is still the city of choice. In this article we examine just how simple such a decision can be in 2025, from process through to benefits and key points to consider for anyone looking to come home to Turkey on the back of its thriving property sector.

Where “easy” is relative, the Citizenship by Investment program in Turkey is made to be relatively simple and attractive compared to most others around the world. The government has gone out of their way to make the process as smooth as possible for serious investors.

What Makes Turkish CBI Program Appealing?

A number of factors favor the simplicity and popularity of the Turkish CBI program through real estate investment:

• Clear Investment Threshold: There exists a definite investment threshold. For real estate investment, for example, as of 2025 it is $400,000 USD.
• No Residency Requirement (Post-Citizenship): Unlike many other countries, Turkey does not require you to live in the country after obtaining citizenship through investment. You can gain citizenship and then decide where you wish to reside.
• Fast Processing Times: While timelines can vary, the Turkish government generally processes applications relatively quickly. Typically, the entire process, from property purchase to receiving citizenship. Also, can take anywhere from 3 to 8 months, assuming all documentation is in order and the investment meets the criteria.
• Family Inclusion: The main applicant can include their spouse and dependent children under 18 years of age in the citizenship application. In some cases, dependent adult children with disabilities may also be included.
• No Language or History Test: Applicants are not required to pass a Turkish language test or a history exam to qualify for citizenship through this program.
• Dual Citizenship Allowed: Turkey permits dual citizenship. Moreover, meaning you generally do not have to renounce your original nationality (depending on your home country’s laws).
• Strong Real Estate Market: Istanbul, in particular, offers a dynamic and diverse real estate market with potential for capital appreciation and rental income. Making the investment itself potentially lucrative.

A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

It is essential to proceed through the process. Here is the step-by-step overview of the general process of obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate investment in Istanbul:

1. Initial Consultation and Due Diligence:

   • It is highly recommended to engage with reputable legal advisors and real estate consultants specializing in the Turkish CBI program.
   • Conduct due diligence on potential properties and ensure they meet all program requirements (e.g., no prior use in a citizenship application, clear title deeds).

2. Obtain a Turkish Tax Identification Number: This is a prerequisite for any official transaction in Turkey, including opening a bank account and purchasing property. It’s a relatively simple process.

3. Open a Turkish Bank Account: You will need a Turkish bank account to facilitate the property purchase and transfer of funds.

4. Property Selection and Purchase:

   • Identify and select a property (or multiple properties) in Istanbul with a total value of at least $400,000 USD.
   • Ensure an official valuation report is obtained from a Capital Markets Board (CMB) licensed appraiser. This report is crucial to verify the property’s value meets the minimum requirement.
   • Complete the property purchase and obtain the Title Deed (TAPU), ensuring an annotation is added stating the property will not be sold for at least three years (a key condition of the CBI program).
   • Payment must be made via bank transfer, and proof of this transaction (bank-approved receipts) is required.

Obtain the Certificate of Conformity (Uygunluk Belgesi):

1. • Once the property is purchased and registered correctly. You will need to apply to the relevant government authority (typically the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Via the Land Registry Directorate) for a Certificate of Conformity. This document confirms your investment meets the CBI program criteria.

2. Apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit:

   • As an investor, you will apply for a short-term residence permit. This is a necessary step before the citizenship application can be formally submitted. Lastly, This usually requires biometric data submission in Turkey.

3. Submit the Turkish Citizenship Application:

   • With the Certificate of Conformity and valid residence permit in hand. Moreover, you can now formally submit your citizenship application to the Provincial Directorate of Census and Citizenship (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri İl Müdürlüğü).
   • A comprehensive file of required documents will be needed (see below).

4. Application Review and Approval:

   • The relevant authorities will conduct a thorough background check and review your application. This includes security screening.
   • If your application is successful, it will be sent for Presidential approval.

5. Receive Your Turkish ID and Passport:

   • Upon final approval, you will be invited to provide biometrics again to receive your Turkish ID card and passport.

Essential Documents You’ll Likely Need (2025)

While it’s crucial to get a precise list from your legal advisor, common documents include:

• Application Form (VAT-4)
• Valid Passport: Firstly,  Notarized an d translated copies for the main applicant and any accompanying family members.
• Biometric Photographs: Secondly, Recent, passport-sized photos.
• Birth Certificates: Thirdly, Official copies for all applicants, apostilled or certified by the Turkish Consulate in your country of origin, and translated into Turkish.
• Marital Status Documents: Marriage certificate (if applicable), divorce certificate, or spouse’s death certificate, similarly apostilled/certified and translated.
• Proof of Investment:
  • Title Deed (TAPU) of the purchased property(ies).
  • Official Property Valuation Report.
  • Bank-approved payment receipts.
  • Certificate of Conformity.
• Turkish Tax ID Number.
• Short-Term Residence Permit Copy.
• Health Insurance Policy: Valid in Turkey (often required for the residence permit stage).
• Criminal Record Check: From your country of origin and any country you have resided in for a significant period, apostilled/certified and translated.
• Power of Attorney (If applicable): If you are using legal representatives to handle your application.

Important Note: All foreign-issued documents must be officially translated into Turkish by a sworn translator and notarized. Many will also require an Apostille stamp or certification by the Turkish Consulate in the issuing country.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship Beyond Ease of Acquisition

Choosing Istanbul for your property investment and gaining Turkish citizenship offers numerous advantages:

• Visa-Free Travel: A Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries and territories worldwide.
• Economic Opportunities: Access to a large and dynamic economy, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Istanbul is a major commercial and financial hub.
• Lifestyle and Culture: Experience a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant social scene, excellent cuisine, and a high quality of life in a city that blends history with modernity.
• Education and Healthcare: Access to Turkey’s established education and healthcare systems.
• No Obligation to Declare Wealth: Turkey does not require applicants to declare their worldwide assets or income.
• Future Generations: Turkish citizenship can be passed down to future generations.
• Business Hub: Istanbul is an ideal base for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to expand into regional markets.

Why Istanbul Remains a Top Choice in 2025

Istanbul offers a unique proposition for property investors seeking Turkish citizenship:

• Global City: Firstly, A major international hub for finance, culture, and tourism.
• Diverse Property Portfolio: Secondly, From luxury apartments in new developments to historic homes and commercial properties, Istanbul caters to various investment preferences.
• Strong Rental Market: Thirdly, High demand for rental properties, offering potential for return on investment.
• Infrastructure Development: Continuous investment in infrastructure, including transportation and urban renewal projects, enhances property values.
• High Liquidity: Moreover, The Istanbul real estate market is generally more liquid than in smaller Turkish cities, making it easier to sell the property after the mandatory 3-year holding period if desired.
• Quality of Life: Also, Offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with world-class amenities, international schools, and a rich tapestry of experiences.

Obtaining Turkish citizenship through property investment in Istanbul in 2025 presents a relatively straightforward and appealing pathway for many international investors. However, meticulous planning and diligent due diligence. Coupled with expert advice from professionals are required in order to proceed with ease and successfully gain the range of benefits Turkish citizenship and an interest in one of the world’s best cities can yield.