Guide to Acquiring Turkish Citizenship through Property Purchase: 2025 Edition

In recent years, Turkey has gained significant attention for offering attractive opportunities for foreign nationals to acquire citizenship through real estate investments. In this guide, we will detail the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship by purchasing property, based on the new regulations effective from December 9, 2024.

Who Can Apply?

Foreign nationals seeking to acquire Turkish citizenship through real estate investment can benefit from this opportunity by purchasing a property worth at least 400,000 USD or an equivalent amount in foreign currency. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the selected property meets the required criteria.

Steps for the Application Process

1. Selecting a Property and Completing the Purchase

   • The property must be registered as an independent unit or classified as a plot.

   • The purchased property must be registered in the land registry with a restriction not to sell for three years.

2. Processing the Transaction at Land Registry Offices

   • The sale price is declared during the land registry process, and a foreign exchange purchase document is issued. This document serves as proof that the transaction was conducted in foreign currency.

   • The Land Registry Office reviews the required documents and processes the issuance of the Real Estate Investment Certificate (TTB).

3. Submitting the Foreign Exchange Purchase Document

   • The investment amount must be deposited into a Turkish bank, and the foreign currency must be sold to the Central Bank.

   • The foreign exchange purchase document should include the buyer’s name, passport number, and property details.

4. Applying for Citizenship

   • Once the land registry transactions are completed, a Real Estate Investment Certificate is obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.

   • This certificate is then submitted to the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs for the citizenship application.

Key Considerations

1. Avoid Fraudulent Transactions

   • The property must not have been transferred by first-degree relatives of the buyer or by individuals who previously used it for citizenship purposes within the last three years.

2. Transactions via Power of Attorney

   • If the transaction is conducted through a power of attorney, the document must explicitly authorize the agent to make a commitment and apply for citizenship.

3. Installment-Based Purchases

   • All payments must be completed by the time of the property transfer.

   • For installment-based purchases, the foreign exchange purchase document must be issued on time.

4. Mortgages and Restrictions

   • Properties under mortgage cannot be used for citizenship applications. Additionally, any legal conditions affecting the ownership, such as a sales promise or court ruling, may prevent the citizenship process.

5. Investment with Multiple Properties

   • The required investment amount can be met through the purchase of multiple properties. However, the total value of all properties must be at least 400,000 USD.

How to Track the Process?

The citizenship application process can be tracked through special offices located in Ankara and Istanbul or at Land Registry Offices. Incomplete documentation or false statements may result in the cancellation of the application. It is crucial to ensure that all documents submitted during the land registry process are accurate.

Conclusion

Acquiring Turkish citizenship through property investment offers both an excellent investment opportunity and a chance to become part of Turkey’s rich cultural heritage. However, it is essential to follow the regulations closely and seek professional assistance to ensure a smooth process. Such guidance can help expedite the process and prevent potential issues.

If you are considering investing in Turkey to acquire citizenship, we recommend thoroughly reviewing this guide and working with a qualified consultant to navigate the application process. Additionally, professional assistance can be invaluable in ensuring the accuracy and proper documentation of your citizenship application.