The Complete Guide to Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program offers one of the fastest and most affordable routes to a second passport for foreign investors. Applicants can obtain Turkish citizenship in as little as 3–6 months with options like real estate, bank deposits, and capital investments.

This guide breaks down the step-by-step approval process, key requirements, and expert tips to ensure a smooth application.

1. Turkish CBI Investment Options

To qualify, you must meet one of the following:

🏠 Real Estate Investment: Purchase property worth $400,000+ (must be held for 3 years).
💰 Bank Deposit: Deposit $500,000+ in a Turkish bank (locked for 3 years).
📈 Government Bonds: Invest $500,000+ in Turkish state bonds (held for 3 years).
🏢 Business Investment: Invest $500,000+ in a Turkish company or create 50+ jobs.

Most applicants choose real estate due to the lower minimum and potential for returns.

2. Step-by-Step Citizenship Approval Process

1️⃣ Başvuru Alındı (Application Received)

Your application is submitted to the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship (Nüfus Müdürlüğü).
You’ll receive a reference number to track progress.

2️⃣ Evrak Kontrolü (Document Check)

Authorities verify your passport, investment proof, title deed (tapu), and tax records.
Missing or incorrect documents can cause delays.

3️⃣ Arşiv Araştırması (Background Check)

Turkish security agencies (MİT & Emniyet) screen for criminal records, Interpol alerts, and immigration violations.

4️⃣ İnceleme ve Değerlendirme (Review & Evaluation)

The Ministry of Interior confirms your investment meets legal requirements.
For real estate, they check:
- Property valuation report (from an approved appraiser).
- Clean title deed (tapu) with no liens.

5️⃣ Komisyon Aşaması (Commission Stage)

A special citizenship committee reviews your file before final approval.

6️⃣ Bakanlık Onayı (Ministry Approval)

The Ministry of Interior approves and forwards your file to the Presidency.

7️⃣ Cumhurbaşkanı Onayı (Presidential Approval)

The President’s office gives the final sign-off (usually a formality).

8️⃣ Vatandaşlık Kararı Çıktı (Citizenship Granted)

Your citizenship is published in the Official Gazette (Resmi Gazete).
You are now officially a Turkish citizen.

9️⃣ Nüfus Müdürlüğüne Bildirildi (Registered in Civil Records)

Your details are added to the Turkish population registry (MERNIS).
You receive a Turkish ID number (TC Kimlik No).

🔟 Kimlik ve Pasaport Başvurusu (ID & Passport Application)

Apply for your Turkish biometric ID card at the local Nüfus Müdürlüğü.
Once you have the ID, you can apply for a Turkish passport (allowing visa-free travel to 110+ countries).

3. Required Documents Checklist

✅ Valid passport (notarized & translated if needed).
✅ Proof of investment (title deed, bank deposit certificate, bond purchase receipt).
✅ Döviz Alım Bilgisi (Foreign Currency Purchase Document) – Required if funds were converted from foreign currency to TRY for the investment.
✅ Property valuation report (for real estate investors).
✅ Clean criminal record (apostilled if required).
✅ Health insurance (valid in Turkey).
✅ Biometric photos (for ID and passport).

What is Döviz Alım Bilgisi?

This official bank document proves you legally exchanged foreign currency (e.g., USD/EUR) into Turkish Lira (TRY) for your investment. It’s issued by Turkish banks and required to:

Comply with anti-money laundering (AML) laws.
Verify funds entered Turkey through licensed channels.
Confirm the exact investment amount (e.g., $400,000 for real estate).

How to Get It:

Transfer foreign currency to a Turkish bank.
Convert to TRY (if needed).
Request the document from your bank.

4. Common Reasons for Rejection & How to Avoid Them

❌ Insufficient investment proof – Ensure all financial documents are certified.
❌ Property valuation discrepancies – Use a government-approved appraiser.
❌ Criminal record or security risk – Disclose all past legal issues upfront.
❌ Incomplete paperwork – Work with a legal advisor to verify documents.

5. Expert Tips for a Smooth Application

✔ Hire a local lawyer – Ensures compliance with Turkish laws.
✔ Secure Your Döviz Alım Bilgisi Early – Turkish banks sometimes delay issuing this document. Request it immediately after currency conversion to avoid last-minute delays in your application.
✔ Keep the investment for 3+ years – Selling early may revoke citizenship.
✔ Monitor via e-Devlet – Turkey’s e-government portal tracks application status.
✔ Apply for family together – Spouses and children under 18 can be included.

6. Dual Citizenship & Tax Benefits

Turkey allows dual citizenship, meaning you don’t have to renounce your original passport. Additionally, Turkey offers favourable tax policies for new citizens, including:

No worldwide income tax (only income earned in Turkey is taxed).
Property tax exemptions for certain investments.
Potential residency-based tax advantages after 6 months.

Consult a tax advisor to optimise your financial planning under Turkish law.

7. Can You Include Family Members?

Yes! The Turkish CBI program permits family inclusion under the main applicant’s investment. Eligible dependents include:

Spouse (legally married partners).
Children under 18 (or up to age 21 if financially dependent).
Disabled children (no age limit).

Each family member must submit biometric data and background checks, but no additional investment is required.

8. How Long Does the Passport Remain Valid?

First-time adult passports are valid for 10 years.
Children’s passports expire every 5 years.
Renewal is straightforward if you maintain your citizenship status.

A Turkish passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries, including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.

9. What Happens If You Sell Your Investment Early?

The Turkish government requires investors to hold their assets for at least 3 years. If you sell before this period:

Citizenship may be revoked.
Fines or legal penalties could apply.

To avoid issues, consider long-term investment strategies or consult an immigration lawyer before making changes.

10. Alternative Pathways to Turkish Citizenship

If the investment route isn’t suitable, explore these options:

Marriage to a Turkish citizen (after 3 years of marriage).
Long-term residency (after 8 years of legal stay).
Exceptional merit (for scientists, athletes, or investors in high-priority sectors).

However, Citizenship by Investment remains the fastest method with guaranteed approval upon meeting requirements.

11. Common Misconceptions Debunked

❌ Myth: "You must live in Turkey to keep citizenship."
✅ Fact: Turkey has no minimum stay requirement—you only need to maintain the investment.

❌ Myth: "The process takes years."
✅ Fact: Most applications are approved in 3–6 months if documents are correct.

❌ Myth: "You can buy any property for citizenship."
✅ Fact: The property must be independently appraised and free of legal disputes.

12. Post-Citizenship Steps: What to Do Next?

After receiving your Turkish passport:

Open a Turkish bank account (simplifies financial transactions).
Register for healthcare (SGK) if planning long-term stays.
Explore business opportunities—Turkey’s economy offers growth in real estate, tech, and exports.

Final Checklist Before Applying

Before submitting your application, ensure:
✔ All documents are notarised & translated (if not in Turkish).
✔ Your investment meets the exact financial threshold.
✔ No criminal record or security risks exist.
✔ You’ve consulted a legal expert for due diligence.

Turkey’s CBI program is one of the fastest and most affordable in the world. By following the correct steps, submitting accurate documents, and maintaining your investment, you can secure Turkish citizenship in under 6 months.

Need help? Consult a licensed immigration expert to avoid costly mistakes.

(For the latest updates, check Turkey’s official immigration website.)

By following these steps, you can secure Turkish citizenship smoothly and enjoy the benefits of a powerful second passport.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments—we’re happy to help! 🇹🇷✨