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Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

Turkey Citizenship by Investment

Turkey offers citizenship by investment through a real estate investment from USD 400,000 or a bank deposit of USD 500,000. With no language or residence duration requirement, Turkish citizenship and a passport can be obtained in about 3-4 months following the Certificate of Eligibility; it also grants Turkish citizens the right to apply for the US E-2 investor visa.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Program type
Citizenship by investment
Minimum real estate
USD 400,000 (3-year non-sale restriction)
Bank deposit option
USD 500,000 (3 years)
Processing time
Approximately 3-4 months following the Certificate of Eligibility
Visa-free travel
110+ countries (Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong)
Language / residence requirement
None (presence in the country required for biometrics)

Who is it for?

  • Investors seeking both rental income and a second passport through real estate investment.
  • Those seeking fast citizenship (about 3-4 months) without a language or residence duration requirement.
  • Those aiming to set up a business in the US through the E-2 investor visa (available to Turkish citizens).
  • Families wishing to apply together with a spouse and children under 18.

Real Estate or Deposit?

There are two main routes. Real estate worth USD 400,000 both protects your investment and offers rental income and appreciation potential; a 3-year non-sale annotation is recorded on the title deed. Alternatively, citizenship can be obtained by holding a USD 500,000 bank deposit, government bond, or investment fund for 3 years. Investment amounts are calculated based on the appraisal value and the Central Bank exchange rate.

Turkey's Gateway to the US E-2 Visa

Turkey has an E-2 investor visa treaty with the United States. After obtaining Turkish citizenship, you can apply for an E-2 visa by investing in a genuine business in the US and live and run a business there with your family. This is a significant advantage that makes the Turkish program even more attractive for many investors.

Process and the 3-Year Requirement

The process consists of making the investment, obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility, a short-term residence permit, and a simultaneous citizenship application. You need to be present in Turkey during the process for biometric procedures. The investment (real estate or deposit) must be maintained for at least 3 years.

The Investor's Case for Turkey

The Turkish program suits investors who would rather hold an asset than make a donation. Real estate is the most used route, and it is what distinguishes Turkey from the Caribbean alternatives: the capital stays in your name, with rental income and appreciation potential, subject to a three-year restriction on sale. Applicants who prefer a financial instrument can use the bank deposit, fund or fixed capital option instead. The motivations are usually mixed. Some applicants want visa-free travel to more than 110 countries, including Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong; others are drawn by the ability of Turkish citizens to apply for the US E-2 investor visa; many simply want a second citizenship for the household, since a spouse and children under 18 are included. There is no language exam and no minimum period of residence, although you do need to be in Turkey for biometrics. The sequence runs from selecting the investment and making it, to the Certificate of Eligibility, the residence permit and citizenship application, then approval and passport. Appraisal reports, title checks and clean source-of-funds evidence deserve real attention. Take professional advice before you sign anything.

Benefits

  • Real estate investment offers both rental income and appreciation potential.
  • Spouse, children under 18, and dependents are included in the application.
  • No language exam or residence duration requirement.
  • Turkish citizens can apply for the US E-2 investor visa.
  • Dual citizenship is allowed; a strong economy and strategic location.

Requirements

  • Real estate worth USD 400,000, documented by an appraisal report, with a 3-year non-sale annotation; or a deposit/fund/fixed capital of USD 500,000.
  • Presence in Turkey during the application process for biometric procedures.
  • A clean criminal record and a legal source of funds.
  • Valid health insurance and the necessary documents.

Costs

Real estate investment
From USD 400,000
Bank deposit / government bond / fund
USD 500,000
Government fees and appraisal
Varies by investment
Advisory and legal fees
Based on family size

Process

  1. Selection of investment

    Determination of a suitable real estate or deposit option and appraisal.

  2. Making the investment

    Completion of the title deed transaction or the bank deposit.

  3. Certificate of Eligibility

    Approval of the investment's eligibility by the relevant ministry.

  4. Residence permit and citizenship application

    Short-term residence permit and simultaneous citizenship application.

  5. Approval and passport

    Receipt of the Turkish ID and passport after approval.

FAQ

Do I need to live in the country for Turkish citizenship?
No, there is no residence duration requirement. However, you need to be present in Turkey during the application process for biometric procedures.
Can I sell the real estate after 3 years?
Yes. You can sell the property once the 3-year non-sale annotation on the title deed expires.
Can my family also become citizens?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 obtain Turkish citizenship through the same application.
How is the investment amount calculated?
It is based on the value in the real estate appraisal report (by a CMB-licensed appraiser) and the Central Bank exchange rate; therefore it is recommended to meet the USD 400,000 threshold with a safe margin.
Is there a language exam in the Turkish program?
No. Citizenship by investment does not require a language exam or interview.
Is the citizenship permanent?
Yes. The Turkish citizenship obtained is permanent and passes on to future generations; dual citizenship is allowed.
When can I apply for the E-2 visa?
Once you obtain Turkish citizenship, you can apply for an E-2 visa for the business you set up in the US; the timing depends on the preparation of the application and consular appointments.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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