How much does a Turkish passport cost?

Turkish citizenship comes with numerous benefits. Once granted, a foreigner can enter 126 countries visa-free, enjoy high-quality healthcare and favorable tax regimes, and live, work, and do business in Turkey without restrictions. There are several pathways to obtain a Turkish passport, but the most common is citizenship by investment. In this article, we’ll explain how that program works and what it requires.

How to obtain citizenship through real estate purchase

Under current Turkish law, a foreign investor must acquire real estate worth at least $400,000 to qualify for citizenship. This could be a villa, apartment, plot of land, or commercial property. At first glance, buying property and then securing a passport may seem straightforward, but there are many legal details that can make or break the process. That’s why it’s wise to enlist an experienced lawyer — such as those at tuncaybarcinlawoffice.com — before you begin.

Here are the key requirements for real estate investors:

• The property must be owned outright by the applicant (you’ll need to obtain a TAPU title deed). It must be purchased from a Turkish resident and must not have already been used by another foreigner for citizenship purposes.
• For three years after transfer of ownership, you cannot sell, gift, or otherwise dispose of the property.
• Only adults without criminal records or security threats to Turkey may apply.
• To prove the property meets program criteria, an independent market appraisal must be carried out by an appraiser accredited by Turkey’s Capital Markets Board.

Citizenship through business and other investments

Beyond real estate, you can also qualify by investing in Turkish business or financial instruments. Options include:

• Contributing at least $500,000 to a Turkish company’s paid-in capital. You must obtain official confirmation that your funds were added to the company’s charter capital before applying.
• Placing a minimum deposit of $500,000 in a Turkish bank account and keeping it there for at least three years (you may earn interest during that period under your bank agreement).
• Investing at least $500,000 in shares of an investment or venture capital fund, with a participation agreement that your shares remain under your ownership for at least three years.
• Purchasing government bonds with a total face value of at least $500,000. You’ll need to obtain a certificate of compliance to submit with your citizenship application at the Migration Service.
• Creating at least 50 jobs in Turkey by establishing your own company, paying taxes, maintaining accounting records, and registering employees with the Social Security Institution.

If you need expert assistance with your Turkish citizenship application, contact Tuncay & Barcın Law Office. Their team can provide professional legal support for your real estate purchase, prepare and file your documents with the Migration Service, and handle all interactions with government agencies. With their help, you’ll secure your Turkish passport quickly and smoothly.