Turkey continues to offer attractive opportunities for foreign investors thanks to its strategic location, strong real estate market, and investment advantages. However, the acquisition of real estate by foreigners and obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment are carried out within the framework of specific legal regulations and procedures.

Below are the key rules and processes that foreign investors who wish to invest in real estate in Turkey and apply for Turkish citizenship through investment should know.

Requirements for Foreigners to Acquire Real Estate in Turkey

In Turkey, foreign natural persons may purchase residences, commercial properties, plots, and land within the scope permitted by applicable legislation. While there is no minimum investment amount required to purchase real estate, certain important restrictions apply.

Country Eligibility

Citizens of countries permitted by the Republic of Turkey to acquire property may purchase real estate in Turkey.

Total Ownership Limit

A foreign natural person may acquire a maximum total of 30 hectares (300,000 m²) of real estate throughout Turkey.

District-Based Limitation

The total area of real estate owned by foreigners may not exceed 10% of the privately owned area within the relevant district.

Military and Security Zones

Foreigners cannot acquire real estate in military prohibited zones and special security zones. During the purchase process, the necessary institutional checks are carried out.

Project Requirement for Plots and Agricultural Land

For plots or agricultural land purchased by foreign investors, it may be necessary to develop a project within the specified period and submit it to the relevant authorities. Administrative sanctions may be imposed in cases of non-compliance with the legislation.

Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate Investment

Turkey grants the right to exceptional citizenship to foreign investors who meet certain investment requirements. Real estate investment is one of the most preferred methods within this scope.

In this process, requirements such as long-term residence or language proficiency sought in general citizenship applications do not apply.

Basic Investment Requirements for Citizenship

Real Estate Worth at Least USD 400,000

The total value of one or more properties purchased by the applicant must be at least USD 400,000 or the equivalent amount in foreign currency.

Commitment Not to Sell for 3 Years

An annotation is placed on the title deed record of the property subject to the citizenship application stating that it will not be sold or transferred for at least 3 years.

Eligibility Conditions

The purchased property must not have been previously used in another foreign investor’s citizenship application. In addition, the transaction must be carried out through persons or companies in compliance with the legislation.

Step-by-Step Turkish Citizenship Application Process

1. Property Selection and Valuation Report

The investor selects the property they wish to purchase. To verify that the property meets the citizenship criteria, an official valuation report is obtained from valuation companies licensed by the CMB (SPK).

2. Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate (DAB) Procedures

The investment amount is transferred into the Turkish financial system through a bank operating in Turkey. As a result of the transaction, a Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate (DAB) to be used in the citizenship application is issued.

3. Title Deed Transfer and Non-Sale Annotation

After the title deed transfer is completed, an official annotation is entered into the title deed record stating that the property cannot be sold for 3 years. Then, an investment eligibility certificate is obtained from the relevant authorities.

4. Investor Residence Permit Application

After the eligibility certificate is issued, the investor may apply for an investor residence permit. This permit provides the right of legal residence until the citizenship process is completed.

5. Citizenship Application and Evaluation Process

The application file is reviewed by the relevant authorities. After security and archive checks are completed, the file is taken into the final evaluation process and the citizenship procedures are finalized.

Family Members May Also Benefit

Citizenship through investment does not cover only the main applicant.

The applicant’s;

• Spouse,
• Children under the age of 18

may acquire Turkish citizenship under the same application without making an additional investment.

Important Reminder

The final decision-making authority in citizenship applications belongs to the relevant state institutions. Therefore, statements promising definite outcomes such as “guaranteed citizenship”, “certain passport”, or similar may not reflect the truth.

To ensure that the process is carried out safely and in compliance with the legislation, it is of great importance to work with expert lawyers and competent consultants in the field before making an investment.