Istanbul Attorneys is a leading Turkish Immigration Law Firm based in Istanbul, Turkey. Our team of expert English-speaking citizenship lawyers specializes in securing Turkish passports for foreign investors through the $400,000 real estate investment or $500,000 bank deposit routes. We provide exceptional legal services with strict due diligence, managing your entire application process remotely via Power of Attorney.
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Investment Pathways to Acquire Turkish Citizenship
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According to the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law (Act No. 5901), foreign nationals are eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship through specific investment routes. As Istanbul Attorneys, we guide you through the two most preferred and secure methods: Real Estate Investment and Capital Deposit.
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Real Estate Investment (Property Acquisition)
​This is the most popular route for international investors. You are required to purchase immovable property (residential, commercial, or land) with a total value of at least $400,000 USD (or equivalent in foreign currency). This method not only grants you a passport but also serves as a profitable investment instrument in the Turkish property market.
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Key Requirements & Details:
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Minimum Value: The property’s value must be confirmed by an official Valuation Report authorized by the Capital Markets Board (SPK).
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Currency Exchange (DAB): The payment must be made in foreign currency and converted into Turkish Lira via the Central Bank, obtaining a "Currency Purchase Certificate" (DAB).
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3-Year Pledge: An annotation stating that the property "cannot be sold for 3 years" must be registered on the Title Deed (Tapu) records.
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Rental Income: Although you cannot sell the property for 3 years, you are legally permitted to rent it out immediately and generate rental income in foreign currency.
Bank Deposit Investment
For investors seeking a liquid and fast option without dealing with property maintenance or transfer taxes, the bank deposit route is ideal. You must deposit at least $500,000 USD (or equivalent) into a Turkish bank operating in Turkey.
Key Requirements & Details:
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Blocked Account: The deposited funds must be kept in the account for a minimum period of 3 years.
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Regulatory Approval: The investment is verified by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK).
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Interest Earnings: While the principal amount is blocked, you retain full rights to the interest or dividend income generated by your deposit. You can withdraw these earnings freely during the 3-year period.
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Flexible Currency: You can choose to keep your deposit in standard foreign currency accounts or government-backed "YUVAM" accounts, which offer protection against exchange rate fluctuations and currently provide up to 8% yield in USD terms along with capital protection.
Unlock Global Freedom: The Power of the Turkish Passport
Travel freely without the hassle of visa applications. Turkish passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to major destinations including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many Latin American countries.
2. Gateway to the USA (E-2 Investor Visa)
Turkey is an E-2 treaty country with the USA. As a Turkish citizen, you are eligible to apply for the US E-2 Investor Visa, allowing you and your family to reside, work, and educate your children in the United States.
3. Profitable Investment (Not a Donation)
Unlike other citizenship programs, you do not "donate" your money. You invest in real estate or deposit capital. You can sell your property after 3 years, often realizing a significant profit from capital appreciation.
Your spouse and all children under the age of 18 are instantly included in your application. They receive full citizenship rights, access to healthcare, and education just like you.
The Legal Framework: Who is Eligible for Turkish Citizenship?
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According to Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and Presidential Decree No. 106, foreign investors s are granted the right to acquire Turkish Citizenship through an "Exceptional Procedure." This regulation allows foreign nationals who purchase immovable property worth at least $400,000 USD (or equivalent in foreign currency) to bypass the standard 5-year residency requirement typically needed for naturalization.
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This program is designed to attract qualified investors who contribute to the national economy. Unlike other residency schemes, you do not need to reside in Turkey physically to maintain your status. To qualify, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age, have a clean criminal record, and the investment must be officially annotated not to be sold for a minimum of 3 years. The program is inclusive; it covers the investor, their spouse, and all dependent children under the age of 18, granting them full citizenship rights, including voting, healthcare, and education.
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Furthermore, the $400,000 threshold does not have to be a single property. You may purchase multiple units (e.g., two apartments) provided that the total value meets the regulation criteria and the transactions occur within the same timeframe. Citizens of almost all nations are eligible to apply, subject to national security clearance.
Why Choose Istanbul Attorneys?
Most agencies just want to sell you a property. As a law firm, our priority is your legal safety and guaranteed citizenship approval. Here is our difference
Remote Application
We handle the investment and application steps on your behalf via Power of Attorney. expertly managing complex legalization procedures (Apostille & Consular Approval) for investors from China, Russia, and non-Hague countries. You are only required to visit Turkey once for biometrics (fingerprints) and final procedures
Strict Due Diligence
We check the property's legal status before you pay. We verify the Title Deed (Tapu) for debts, mortgages, or legal disputes to ensure your investment is 100% risk-free.
Proven Track Record
We have guided hundreds of investors through the citizenship process. Our team conducts a thorough pre-screening of your file to prevent delays and minimize rejection risks