\u2713Citizenship granted directly \u2014 no permanent residence stage first<\/p>\n
\u2713No language, education, or work experience requirements<\/p>\n
\u2713Investment held in real estate registered in the investor’s name<\/p>\n
\u2713No requirement to relocate to or live in T\u00fcrkiye<\/p>\n
No residence requirement<\/p>\n
in T\u00fcrkiye before or after citizenship is granted<\/p>\n
Children under 18<\/p>\n
included in their parents’ application<\/p>\n
0<\/p>\n
Hold the property, then sell it later while keeping your citizenship<\/p>\n
0<\/p>\n
Number of trips to T\u00fcrkiye under current practice<\/p>\n
Citizenship decisions rest with the competent Turkish authorities; only applications that meet all requirements are accepted for review.<\/p>\n
01 Why T\u00fcrkiye’s program is seen as one of the few still open<\/p>\n
European programs have closed one by one<\/h2>\n
Market changes over the past six years bear this out. The key milestones are below.<\/p>\n
June 18, 2020<\/p>\n
Moldova<\/p>\n
Abolished<\/p>\n
November 1, 2020<\/p>\n
Cyprus<\/p>\n
Closed<\/p>\n
April 5, 2022<\/p>\n
Bulgaria<\/p>\n
Abolished<\/p>\n
December 31, 2022<\/p>\n
Montenegro<\/p>\n
Closed<\/p>\n
April 29, 2025<\/p>\n
Malta \u2014 Case C-181\/23<\/p>\n
EU Court of Justice finds a breach of EU law<\/p>\n
July 24, 2025<\/p>\n
Malta<\/p>\n
Ended \u2014 Act XXI of 2025 replaced the previous naturalization framework<\/p>\n
Following the April 29, 2025 ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Case C-181\/23, no EU member state now operates a program that grants citizenship directly through investment, with a published minimum investment amount.<\/p>\n
Caribbean programs remain open, but they raised their minimum threshold to US$200,000 from July 1, 2024, introduced mandatory interviews in 2023, and have faced policy pressure from the European Union and the United States over 2024\u20132026. T\u00fcrkiye’s program, meanwhile, keeps its US$400,000 investment threshold.<\/p>\n
This reflects the European context and is not representative of the global citizenship-by-investment market as a whole. Besides T\u00fcrkiye, several other countries and territories still run such programs, including Caribbean nations, Egypt, Jordan, Nauru, Vanuatu, and Cambodia.<\/p>\n
02 Direct second citizenship<\/p>\n
Four advantages of the program<\/h2>\n
A<\/p>\n
Citizenship granted directly<\/h4>\n
Investors receive Turkish citizenship and passports without the multi-year permanent residence pathway required by many European programs. The application does pass through an investment-based residence permit as an intermediate procedural step, not a period of actual residence.<\/p>\n
B<\/p>\n
The whole family in one application<\/h4>\n
Your spouse and unmarried children under 18 are considered for citizenship in the same application.<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
No requirement to relocate<\/h4>\n
There is no requirement to live in T\u00fcrkiye before or after naturalization. Investors can keep their work, business, and life in their home country.<\/p>\n
D<\/p>\n
A bridge between Europe and Asia<\/h4>\n
Istanbul straddles two continents. T\u00fcrkiye has free trade zones and a customs union with the European Union, although it is not an EU member state.<\/p>\n
03 Straightforward eligibility requirements<\/p>\n
Eligibility focuses on the investor’s financial capacity<\/h2>\n
The program’s requirements center mainly on meeting the investment amount and documenting a lawful source of funds.<\/p>\n
Not required<\/p>\n
- \n
- \u2715English-language certificates such as IELTS, or any other language certificate<\/li>\n
- \u2715Educational qualifications<\/li>\n
- \u2715Business management or executive experience<\/li>\n
- \u2715An approved business plan<\/li>\n
- \u2715Health examinations<\/li>\n
- \u2715Mandatory interviews<\/li>\n
- \u2715Residence in T\u00fcrkiye, before or after naturalization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What is required<\/p>\n
- \n
- \u2713Main applicant aged 18 or older<\/li>\n
- \u2713Proof of a lawful source of funds<\/li>\n
- \u2713Property worth at least US$400,000, as confirmed by the valuation certificate<\/li>\n
- \u2713Commitment to hold the property for at least 3 years<\/li>\n
- \u2713Presence in T\u00fcrkiye for biometrics and filing \u2014 under current practice, usually two trips, depending on case progress and the receiving authority’s requirements<\/li>\n
- \u2713Identity documents and a police clearance certificate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Would you like to know whether the program suits your situation? Get a free eligibility assessment \u2192<\/p>\n
04 Investor benefits<\/p>\n
One investment \u2014 multiple benefits<\/h2>\n
With an investment of US$400,000, you and your family may access the benefits below.<\/p>\n
\u2726<\/p>\n
Citizenship for the whole family<\/h4>\n
A spouse and unmarried children under 18 are considered for citizenship in the same application.<\/p>\n
\u2726<\/p>\n
No periodic renewals<\/h4>\n
No periodic renewals, unlike a permanent residence card.<\/p>\n
\u2726<\/p>\n
The investment remains your property<\/h4>\n
The US$400,000 is held in real estate registered in the investor’s name, rather than a non-refundable contribution.<\/p>\n
\u2726<\/p>\n
Sale permitted after a minimum of 3 years<\/h4>\n
Once the holding period ends, the investor may transfer the property while retaining citizenship.<\/p>\n
\u2726<\/p>\n
Rental income potential<\/h4>\n
The property may be rented out short-term or long-term, depending on location, property type, and market conditions.<\/p>\n
\u2726<\/p>\n
Easier international travel<\/h4>\n
The Turkish passport offers broad travel access, with many destinations available visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or by eVisa. The list changes from time to time.<\/p>\n
\u2726<\/p>\n
Healthcare and education<\/h4>\n
Access to the healthcare and education systems under the rules applicable to Turkish citizens.<\/p>\n
05 How the process works<\/p>\n
From contract signing to passport: six steps<\/h2>\n
Step 3 is pivotal: establishing property ownership is the core condition that sets the entire process in motion.<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
Deposit and eligibility assessment<\/p>\n
Sign the deposit agreement and visit the project if needed.<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
Sign the service agreement and engage counsel<\/p>\n
Establish legal representation for the application.<\/p>\n
Key step<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
Establish property ownership<\/p>\n
Sign the sale and purchase agreement, complete the investment, and receive the title deed and the Certificate of Conformity.<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
Visit 1 \u2014 biometrics<\/p>\n
Apply for an investment-based residence permit.<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
Visit 2 \u2014 citizenship application<\/p>\n
Takes place once the residence permit is approved.<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
Citizenship and passport<\/p>\n
Collect your Turkish ID card and passport from the Turkish authorities.<\/p>\n
Investors must travel to T\u00fcrkiye at least twice; the remaining steps can be handled under a power of attorney.<\/p>\n
Total processing time<\/p>\n
Approximately 12\u201318 months<\/p>\n
This estimate is based on practical case experience, not a timeline published by the Turkish authorities. Actual timing varies by application and filing date.<\/p>\n
After 3 years<\/p>\n
The property may be sold<\/p>\n
A sale may trigger tax obligations under Turkish law, depending on when the property is sold and the capital gain. Liquidity and sale price depend on market conditions at the time of the transaction.<\/p>\n
Beyond the investment threshold<\/p>\n
Additional costs<\/p>\n
Title transfer fees, valuation fees, Turkish taxes and charges, legal fees, and service fees. Total costs are budgeted for each specific option.<\/p>\n
06 Understanding the scope<\/p>\n
What the program provides \u2014 and what it does not<\/h2>\n
Each program has its own scope of benefits. Compare the two columns below to set the right expectations.<\/p>\n
What the program offers<\/p>\n
- \n
- Citizenship is granted to the investor, their spouse, and unmarried children under 18; it does not require periodic renewal and does not lapse simply because you do not live in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/li>\n
- The Turkish passport offers broad travel access, with many destinations available visa-free, by visa on arrival, or by eVisa. The specific list changes over time.<\/li>\n
- The right to live, work, study, and own property in T\u00fcrkiye under the rules applicable to citizens.<\/li>\n
- The property may be sold after a minimum holding period of 3 years while retaining the citizenship already granted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Not included<\/p>\n
- \n
- It is not citizenship or permanent residence of a European Union country.<\/li>\n
- It does not provide visa-free access to the Schengen Area.<\/li>\n
- It does not grant the right to live and work freely in the European Union.<\/li>\n
- It does not mean a U.S. visa will be granted. For the E-2 route, applicants must still meet separate requirements, including a period of domicile in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
!<\/p>\n
Scope of benefits<\/p>\n
T\u00fcrkiye is not a member of the European Union. Its customs union with the European Union facilitates trade and the movement of goods, but it does not create the right to reside, live, or work in member states.<\/p>\n
Longer-term pathway \u2014 residence conditions apply<\/p>\n
A route to the U.S. E-2 visa: a separate pathway, not a built-in benefit<\/h2>\n
\u2726 U.S. E-2 visa \u2014 a nonimmigrant treaty investor visa<\/h4>\n
T\u00fcrkiye has had a bilateral investment treaty with the United States in force since 1990, so Turkish citizens may be eligible to apply for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa, a U.S. nonimmigrant visa. For those who acquire citizenship through investment, however, U.S. law \u2014 Section 5902(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023, Public Law 117-263 \u2014 adds a further condition: the applicant must have been domiciled in T\u00fcrkiye for at least 3 continuous years before applying for the E-2. This is a long-term, conditional pathway that requires a change in your residence plans, not a benefit that comes automatically with citizenship.<\/p>\n
07 The Axis Istanbul project<\/p>\n
Axis Istanbul \u2014 an apartment complex in a business district on Istanbul’s European side<\/h2>\n
Axis Istanbul is an apartment complex developed by Sur Yap\u0131, located in a business district on the European side of Istanbul. The project connects directly to the M1 metro line and the O-3 highway, and the T4 tram stop is about 100 meters away. The Axis Mall shopping center occupies the podium of the complex, and the project offers convenient access to the Old City, Topkap\u0131 Palace, and Hagia Sophia.<\/p>\n
![\"Axis](\"https:\/\/immgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Du-an-Axis-Istanbul-e1688696360751.jpg\")
<\/p>\nStarting price: from US$284,000 per unit<\/p>\n
Qualifying investment for the citizenship program: from US$400,000 in total<\/p>\n
Construction progress: structural work complete, interior finishing underway<\/p>\n
Incentive: US$5,000 toward legal fees<\/p>\n
The US$5,000 legal fee incentive reflects the developer’s policy as of July 2026; conditions apply and it is subject to change. The price of a single apartment does not by itself meet the program’s investment threshold.<\/p>\n
Would you like an investment plan and an estimate of total costs tailored to your family? Request an investment plan \u2192<\/p>\n
Set the right expectations, make the right decision<\/p>\n
Is T\u00fcrkiye a good fit for your family?<\/h2>\n
Each program serves a different goal. Before deciding, weigh the program’s features against your family’s actual needs.<\/p>\n
A good fit if you are looking for<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Second citizenship granted directly to two generations of your family, with no permanent residence stage<\/li>\n
- Requirements that involve no language test, academic degree, or management experience<\/li>\n
- Capital placed in an asset held in your own name, rather than a non-refundable contribution<\/li>\n
- The ability to keep your work and life in your home country, with no residence obligation<\/li>\n
- A business gateway linking Asia, Europe, and Africa; note, however, that the U.S. E-2 route requires at least 3 continuous years of domicile in T\u00fcrkiye, so it suits you only if you are prepared to change your residence plans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Not yet the right choice if you<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Need the right to live and work in the European Union \u2192 see our European citizenship and permanent residence programs<\/a><\/li>\n
- Need visa-free Schengen access on the passport itself \u2192 see our European citizenship and permanent residence programs<\/a><\/li>\n
- Require a fixed, contractually committed return \u2014 this is a real estate investment, and its value fluctuates with the market<\/li>\n
- Are not yet ready to document a lawful source of funds, or cannot yet set aside time to travel to T\u00fcrkiye for the formalities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Full analysis<\/p>\n
Turkish citizenship by real estate investment<\/h3>\n
Read on for the full details: market context, eligibility requirements, benefits, the six-step process, scope of rights, the Axis Istanbul project, costs beyond the investment threshold, and frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n
\u2304<\/p>\n
Turkish citizenship by real estate investment: a direct path to second citizenship for investors and their families<\/h2>\n
This analysis was updated in July 2026 and is provided for general reference only; it is not a substitute for personalized advice. It is based on T\u00fcrkiye’s current regulatory framework and the international policy landscape; figures and requirements may change over time.<\/p>\n
Between 2020 and 2025, a number of citizenship-by-investment programs in Europe closed one after another. T\u00fcrkiye continues to grant citizenship directly to investors and their families, with no permanent residence stage and no language or education requirements. The minimum investment of US$400,000 goes toward real estate held in the investor’s own name, rather than a non-refundable contribution. This is the core distinction that keeps the program in demand among investors.<\/p>\n
Why is T\u00fcrkiye’s program seen as one of the few still open?<\/h2>\n
The market picture over the past six years shows a clear contraction in Europe. Moldova abolished its program on June 18, 2020; Cyprus closed its program on November 1, 2020; Bulgaria abolished its program on April 5, 2022; and Montenegro closed its program on December 31, 2022. The major turning point came on April 29, 2025, when the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled in Case C-181\/23 that Malta’s program violated EU law. On July 24, 2025, Malta ended the program and enacted Act XXI of 2025, replacing its Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) framework.<\/p>\n
Since the ruling in Case C-181\/23, no European Union member state has maintained a program that grants citizenship directly through investment, with a published minimum investment amount. The Caribbean programs remain open, but they raised their minimum threshold to US$200,000 from July 1, 2024, introduced mandatory interviews from 2023, and have faced policy pressure from the European Union and the United States during 2024\u20132026. Against this backdrop, T\u00fcrkiye’s program maintains its US$400,000 investment threshold tied to real estate held in the investor’s own name.<\/p>\n
A note on scope: these milestones reflect the European context and are not representative of the global citizenship-by-investment market as a whole. Alongside T\u00fcrkiye, several other countries and territories still operate such programs, including Caribbean nations, Egypt, Jordan, Nauru, Vanuatu, and Cambodia.<\/p>\n
Four advantages of the program<\/h2>\n
First, investors receive Turkish citizenship and a passport directly, without the multi-year permanent residence pathway used by many European programs. The application still passes through an investment-based residence permit, but this is a procedural intermediate step, not a period of actual residence. Second, the whole family can be included in one application: a spouse and unmarried children under 18 are considered for citizenship together. Third, the program does not require relocation \u2014 there is no requirement to reside in T\u00fcrkiye before or after naturalization, so investors can maintain their work, business, and life in their home country. Fourth, T\u00fcrkiye sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with free trade zones and a customs union with the European Union, although it is not a member state.<\/p>\n
Turkish citizenship by investment requirements<\/h2>\n
The requirements focus mainly on the ability to meet the investment amount and to document a lawful source of funds. The program does not require English proficiency or any language certificate, an academic degree, management experience, an approved business plan, a medical examination, a mandatory interview, or residence in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
Investors need only satisfy the following: be at least 18 years old as the main applicant; document a lawful source of funds; own real estate valued at no less than US$400,000 as confirmed by a valuation certificate; commit to holding the property for at least 3 years; be present in T\u00fcrkiye for biometrics and filing \u2014 under current practice, usually two trips, depending on processing progress and the receiving authority’s requirements; and provide identity documents and a police clearance certificate.<\/p>\n
One investment \u2014 multiple benefits<\/h2>\n
At the US$400,000 level, investors and their families can access the following benefits: citizenship for the whole family in one application; no periodic renewal, unlike a permanent residence card; the investment remains the investor’s own asset, held in real estate registered in their name; the ability to transfer the property after a minimum of 3 years while retaining citizenship; the option to rent it out on a short- or long-term basis, depending on location, property type, and market conditions; easier international travel with a passport that offers broad travel access; and access to healthcare and education under the rules applicable to Turkish citizens.<\/p>\n
On the pathway toward a U.S. E-2 visa: T\u00fcrkiye has had a bilateral investment treaty with the United States in force since 1990, so Turkish citizens may be eligible to apply for an E-2 visa \u2014 a U.S. nonimmigrant visa. For those who obtain citizenship through investment, however, U.S. law \u2014 Section 5902(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023, Public Law 117-263 \u2014 adds a further condition: the applicant must have been domiciled in T\u00fcrkiye for at least 3 continuous years before filing an E-2 application. This makes it a long-term, conditional pathway, not a benefit that comes with citizenship from day one. The list of visa-free destinations for Turkish passport holders changes over time; investors should check the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before planning travel.<\/p>\n
The six-step process: from signing the contract to receiving the passport<\/h2>\n
A typical process involves six steps, with step 3 serving as the key milestone that sets everything else in motion:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Deposit and eligibility assessment: sign the deposit agreement and visit the project if needed.<\/li>\n
- Sign the service agreement and engage counsel: establish legal representation.<\/li>\n
- Establish property ownership: sign the sale and purchase agreement, make the investment, and receive the title deed and the Certificate of Conformity. This is the key step.<\/li>\n
- First trip to T\u00fcrkiye to provide biometrics and file the investment-based residence permit application.<\/li>\n
- Second trip to T\u00fcrkiye to file the citizenship application, once the residence permit has been approved.<\/li>\n
- Citizenship and passport issuance: complete the ID card and passport procedures with the Turkish authorities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The investor must travel to T\u00fcrkiye at least twice; the remaining steps can be handled through a representative under a power of attorney. Total processing time is approximately 12\u201318 months \u2014 this is an estimate based on practical case experience, not a timeline published by the Turkish authorities, and actual timing varies by application and filing date. After 3 years, the investor may sell the property; a sale may give rise to tax obligations under Turkish law, depending on the timing of the sale and the capital gain, while liquidity and sale price depend on the market at the time of the transaction.<\/p>\n
Costs beyond the investment threshold<\/h2>\n
Beyond the US$400,000 real estate investment, an application also incurs other costs: transfer fees, valuation fees, taxes and charges under Turkish regulations, legal fees, and service fees. These vary by project and by the specific structure, so total costs should be budgeted case by case rather than based on a single generic figure.<\/p>\n
Understanding the scope of benefits<\/h2>\n
The program grants citizenship to the investor, their spouse, and unmarried children under 18; this citizenship is not subject to periodic renewal and does not lapse solely because the holder does not reside in T\u00fcrkiye. A Turkish passport offers broad travel access, along with the right to live, work, study, and own property in T\u00fcrkiye under the rules applicable to citizens, and the ability to transfer the property after a minimum of 3 years while retaining citizenship.<\/p>\n
At the same time, it is important to be clear about what falls outside the scope: this is not citizenship or permanent residence of a European Union country; it does not provide visa-free access to the Schengen Area; it does not grant the right to live and work freely in the European Union; and it does not mean a U.S. visa will be granted. For the E-2 route, applicants must still meet separate requirements, including a period of domicile in T\u00fcrkiye. T\u00fcrkiye is not a member of the European Union; its customs union with the European Union facilitates trade and the movement of goods, but it does not create the right to reside, live, or work in member states.<\/p>\n
The Axis Istanbul project<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nAxis Istanbul is an apartment complex developed by Sur Yap\u0131, located in a business district on the European side of Istanbul. The project connects directly to the M1 metro line and the O-3 highway; the T4 tram stop is about 100 m away. Axis Mall shopping center occupies the podium levels, and the project offers convenient access to the Old City, Topkap\u0131 Palace, and Hagia Sophia. Prices start from US$284,000 per unit, while the qualifying investment for the citizenship program starts from US$400,000 in total. The structural frame is complete and interior finishing is underway.<\/p>\n
The developer offers US$5,000 in legal fee support under its policy as of July 2026; conditions apply and the offer may change. One important point: the price of a single unit does not by itself mean the program’s investment threshold is met \u2014 the investor must reach a total of US$400,000 as confirmed by the valuation certificate.<\/p>\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
Does the program require residence in T\u00fcrkiye?<\/h3>\n
No. The program does not require residence in T\u00fcrkiye before or after citizenship is granted. The investor only needs to be present for biometrics and filing \u2014 in current practice, usually twice.<\/p>\n
What is the minimum investment?<\/h3>\n
A minimum of US$400,000 in real estate registered in the investor’s name, as confirmed by the valuation certificate, together with a commitment to hold the property for at least 3 years.<\/p>\n
Which family members can be included in the citizenship application?<\/h3>\n
A spouse and unmarried children under 18 are considered for citizenship in the same application.<\/p>\n
Can the property be sold after 3 years?<\/h3>\n
Yes. Once the minimum 3-year holding period ends, the investor may transfer the property while retaining citizenship. The transfer may give rise to tax obligations under Turkish law, depending on the sale date and the capital gain.<\/p>\n
Is Turkish citizenship European Union citizenship?<\/h3>\n
No. T\u00fcrkiye is not a European Union member. This citizenship does not grant the right to live and work freely within the bloc and does not provide visa-free access to the Schengen Area.<\/p>\n
Is an English-language certificate or academic degree required?<\/h3>\n
No. The program does not require a language certificate, academic degree, management experience, or an approved business plan.<\/p>\n
Is the U.S. E-2 visa route an immediate benefit?<\/h3>\n
No. The E-2 visa is a long-term, conditional pathway that requires at least 3 continuous years of domicile in T\u00fcrkiye and meeting the separate requirements of the E-2 category; it is not a benefit that comes with citizenship from day one.<\/p>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
Turkish citizenship by real estate investment suits investors who want direct second citizenship for two generations of their family, with no language or degree requirements, capital held in an asset in their own name, and no residence obligation. Conversely, the program is not yet the right choice if the goal is the right to live and work in the European Union, Schengen visa-free access from the passport itself, or a fixed, committed return. Understanding the scope of benefits from the outset helps investors set the right expectations and make decisions suited to their family’s circumstances.<\/p>\n
This article was updated in July 2026 and is for reference only; it is not personalized immigration, legal, tax, or investment advice. The decision to grant citizenship rests with the competent Turkish authorities; only applications that meet the requirements proceed to review, and there is no mechanism that guarantees an outcome. Figures, investment thresholds, incentives, and regulations may change over time; please verify against official sources before making a decision.<\/p>\n
Book a consultation<\/h2>\n
- Need visa-free Schengen access on the passport itself \u2192 see our European citizenship and permanent residence programs<\/a><\/li>\n
- Need the right to live and work in the European Union \u2192 see our European citizenship and permanent residence programs<\/a><\/li>\n