Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Investors

Turkey continues to be one of the most attractive countries in the world for citizenship by investment, and in 2026, real estate remains the fastest and most popular route.

With a minimum property investment of USD 400,000, foreign investors can obtain Turkish citizenship for themselves and their families in a relatively short time — while also owning a valuable asset in a growing market.

In this guide, SelectTurkey explains how to get Turkish citizenship by investment in property in 2026, step by step.

Why Choose Turkish Citizenship by Property Investment?

Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment program offers several key advantages:

• No language, residency, or interview requirements
• Citizenship for spouse and children under 18
• Dual citizenship allowed
• Access to healthcare, education, and business opportunities
• A strong passport with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries
• A real estate market with long-term growth potential

For many investors, Turkey offers one of the best cost-to-benefit ratios globally.

Minimum Investment Requirement (2026)

To qualify for Turkish citizenship through real estate in 2026, you must:

• Purchase one or more properties with a total value of at least USD 400,000
• Hold the property for a minimum of 3 years
• Complete the purchase through official Turkish banking channels
• Ensure the property has not been used previously for another citizenship application

Both residential and commercial properties qualify, as long as there is a registered building.

Step-by-Step: Turkish Citizenship by Property Investment (2026)

Step 1: Get a Turkish Tax Number

Before buying property, you must obtain a Turkish Tax Identification Number.
This is a simple process and is required for all financial and legal transactions in Turkey.

Step 2: Open a Turkish Bank Account

All payments related to the property purchase must go through a Turkish bank account.
This ensures compliance with citizenship regulations and allows you to receive the required Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate.

Step 3: Choose an Eligible Property

When selecting a property, it is crucial to ensure:

• The property value meets the USD 400,000 minimum according to official valuation
• The property has a clean title deed (no debts or legal issues)
• The seller is a Turkish citizen or Turkish company
• The property has never been used in another citizenship application

At SelectTurkey, we help investors choose citizenship-approved properties with full legal due diligence.

Step 4: Property Valuation Report

An official valuation must be prepared by a Capital Markets Board (CMB) licensed appraiser.
The valuation value — not the sales price — determines eligibility.

If the valuation is below USD 400,000, the citizenship application will be rejected.

Step 5: Complete the Purchase & Transfer Funds

Once the property is selected:

• The sales contract is signed
• Funds are transferred through a Turkish bank
• A Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi) is issued

This document proves that the investment funds entered Turkey legally.

Step 6: Register the Title Deed with 3-Year Restriction

At the Land Registry (Tapu Office):

• The property is registered in your name
• A “cannot be sold for 3 years” annotation is added to the title deed

This restriction is mandatory for citizenship eligibility.

Step 7: Apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit

Before applying for citizenship, investors must obtain a short-term residence permit.
This includes biometric registration and basic documentation.

Step 8: Submit the Citizenship Application

After completing all investment and residence steps:

• Your citizenship application is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs
• Security and background checks are conducted
• The application is reviewed by the relevant ministries

Step 9: Approval & Turkish Passport

Processing time typically takes 6 to 9 months, depending on document accuracy and workload.

Once approved:

• You and your family become Turkish citizens
• You can apply for Turkish ID cards and passports

Required Documents (Overview)

• Valid passport
• Turkish tax number
• Property title deed with 3-year restriction
• CMB-licensed valuation report
• Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate
• Residence permit documents
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Power of attorney (if applicable)

What Happens After 3 Years?

After the mandatory holding period:

• You may sell the property freely
• You keep your Turkish citizenship permanently
• There is no requirement to live in Turkey

Why Work with SelectTurkey?

The Turkish citizenship process involves strict legal and financial procedures.
Mistakes can lead to delays or rejection.

At SelectTurkey, we provide:

• Citizenship-approved property selection
• Full legal and valuation coordination
• End-to-end application management
• Multilingual support for international investors

Our goal is to make your Turkish citizenship journey secure, transparent, and stress-free.

Start Your Turkish Citizenship Journey Today

If you are considering Turkish citizenship by property investment in 2026, our expert team is ready to assist you from property selection to passport delivery.

📩 Contact SelectTurkey today to receive a personalized investment plan.