Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

Purchasing real estate worth $400,000 to obtain Turkish citizenship is a legal pathway that has gained popularity among foreign investors. This option is supported by legal regulations and offers a structured process for acquiring citizenship. In this comprehensive guide, we cover the steps, conditions, and opportunities associated with obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate investment, and answer frequently asked questions about the process.

1. What is Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment?

To qualify for Turkish citizenship through real estate, a foreign national must purchase a property valued at a minimum of $400,000. An important stipulation is that this property must have a restriction placed on it in the land registry, preventing its sale for a period of three years. This pathway is outlined in Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5091 and the regulations published in the Official Gazette No. 27544, with recent adjustments made on May 12, 2022.

2. Conditions for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship

The conditions for acquiring citizenship through real estate investment include:

• The foreign applicant must not pose a threat to national security or public order.
• The property purchased must be valued at least $400,000.
• A legal annotation must be added to the land registry to confirm that the property cannot be sold for three years.

Additionally, the property must meet certain criteria to qualify for citizenship. For further details, refer to our article on “Conditions for Foreigners to Buy Property in Turkey.”

3. Process for Obtaining Citizenship

The process involves several stages:

1. Property Purchase: Buy the property and ensure it meets the required value of $400,000.
2. Annotation: Apply for the annotation in the land registry to ensure the property cannot be sold within three years.
3. Document Preparation: Gather the necessary documents, including identification, marriage certificates (if applicable), and passport translations.
4. Short-Term Residence Permit: Apply for a short-term residence permit through the Provincial Immigration Administration.
5. Citizenship Application: Submit the application for Turkish citizenship to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
6. Monitoring: Track the status of the application, provide any additional documentation if required, and await the final decision.

If the application is rejected, there is an option to file a lawsuit for the cancellation of the administrative decision.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the process take? The process typically takes 8-9 months. This includes 1-2 months for property purchase and annotation, followed by a 7-8 month review period.

Can a property worth $400,000 be purchased from another foreigner? No, the property must be purchased from a Turkish citizen or a Turkish legal entity.

What are the costs involved? Costs include various fees and expenses related to the property purchase and citizenship application. For updated figures, consult a lawyer.

What documents are required? Required documents include application forms, identification from the country of origin, marriage certificates (if applicable), children’s identification, biometric photos, short-term residence permit, and notarized translations of passports.

What if the application is denied? If the citizenship application is denied, an administrative lawsuit can be filed within 60 days.

Who makes the final decision? The decision to grant citizenship is made by the President of Turkey after evaluations by the Provincial Immigration Administration and the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.

Can a foreigner purchase property without being in Turkey? Yes, property purchases can be made via power of attorney, so physical presence in Turkey is not required.

Does the citizenship extend to family members? Yes, the citizenship process extends to the applicant’s spouse and children.

Conclusion

Acquiring Turkish citizenship through real estate investment involves several critical steps and adherence to legal requirements. The process is detailed and requires careful attention to avoid potential issues. Engaging with an experienced lawyer is essential to navigate the complexities and ensure a smooth application process.