Turkish Citizenship by Investment Explained
Turkey offers one of the most attractive citizenship by investment programs in the world. By purchasing real estate that meets specific criteria, foreign investors can obtain Turkish citizenship for themselves and their families in a relatively short time.
This program is especially popular in Alanya, İstanbul, and other coastal investment regions due to high rental yields, strong lifestyle appeal, and long-term value appreciation.
Main Ways to Get Turkish Citizenship
There are several legal routes to Turkish citizenship, but the most practical and fastest method for foreign investors is through real estate investment.
Citizenship by Property Investment
You can apply for Turkish citizenship if you:
- Buy one or more properties with a minimum total value of 400,000 USD
- Keep the property for at least 3 years
- Pay via bank transfer and officially declare the value
The property can be: - Apartment - Villa - Commercial unit - Land with construction permit
Location does not matter as long as the property is legally eligible. However, Alanya stands out due to lower entry prices and higher lifestyle value compared to İstanbul.
Why Alanya Is Ideal for Citizenship Investment
Alanya is one of the top destinations for foreigners buying property in Turkey.
Key advantages: - Lower prices compared to İstanbul - Strong rental demand from tourists and expats - High-quality new developments - Sea-view and resort-style projects - Easy resale and exit options
Many investors secure citizenship and generate rental income at the same time.
Step-by-Step Citizenship Process
1. Choose Eligible Property
The property must: - Be worth at least 400,000 USD - Have an official valuation report - Not have been previously used for citizenship
2. Complete the Purchase
- Obtain Turkish tax number
- Open Turkish bank account
- Transfer funds officially
- Register the title deed (TAPU)
3. Obtain Certificate of Conformity
This document confirms that your investment qualifies for citizenship. It is issued by the Ministry.
4. Apply for Residence Permit
A short-term residence permit is required before citizenship application.
5. Submit Citizenship Application
- Main applicant
- Spouse
- Children under 18
All are included in one application.
6. Approval and Passport
- Processing time: 3 to 6 months
- No interview
- No language requirement
- No residency obligation
Once approved, you receive: - Turkish ID card - Turkish passport
Costs and Taxes You Should Know
Typical costs include: - Title deed tax: 4% - Legal and translation fees - Property valuation report
There is no donation fee or extra citizenship tax.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries
- Right to live, work, and invest in Turkey
- Free public healthcare access
- Education rights
- Ability to pass citizenship to future children
Turkey also allows dual citizenship, depending on your home country laws.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying property without eligibility check
- Using cash instead of bank transfer
- Incorrect valuation reports
- Working with unlicensed agents
These mistakes can delay or cancel your application.
Why Work With a Professional Real Estate Company
Citizenship by investment is a legal and financial process, not just a property purchase.
A professional company ensures: - Eligible property selection - Correct legal steps - Full application management - No risk of rejection
At Alanya Eiendom, we manage the entire process from A to Z.
Final Thoughts
Buying property in Turkey is not just about owning real estate. It is a strategic investment that gives you and your family a second citizenship, a strong passport, and long-term security.
If you are considering Turkish citizenship by property investment in Alanya or İstanbul, now is still the right time before regulations change.
