Turkish citizenship through real estate purchase in 2026
Turkish citizenship by investment is one of the most accessible and fastest ways to obtain a second passport. Unlike most European programs, Turkey does not require language proficiency, long-term residence in the country, or interviews. It is enough to purchase real estate with a cadastral value of at least $400,000, and within 4-6 months you become a citizen of the Republic of Turkey.
This page is a practical guide to the program: requirements, process, timeline, documents, and answers to frequent questions.
Ways to obtain Turkish citizenship
Turkish law provides several grounds for foreign nationals to obtain citizenship.
- Investment program: the most popular route. Buying real estate with a cadastral value of at least $400,000 gives the right to citizenship in 4-6 months, with no language requirement and no need for permanent residence in the country.
- Through marriage: if married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years.
- By descent: if one of the parents is a Turkish citizen.
- Through naturalization: after legally residing in the country for at least 5 years with language proficiency at A2 level.
- For special merit: in culture, sports, science, or business. The decision is made individually.
For most foreign investors, the investment route remains the optimal option: it does not require changing your usual lifestyle and gives a result within a predictable timeframe.
Turkish citizenship by investment: how it works
The investment citizenship program is regulated by the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. The key condition is that the cadastral value of the property must be at least $400,000. It is the cadastral value, not the market value, and this crucial difference directly affects property selection.
The property cannot be sold for 3 years after obtaining the passport. Selling earlier leads to revocation of citizenship, even if the passport has already been issued.
All transaction payments must be made exclusively by bank transfer. Cash payments are not allowed.
Step-by-step citizenship process
- 1
Property selection
We select real estate with a cadastral value of at least $400,000. The property must be free of encumbrances and comply with program requirements.
- 2
Tax number and bank account
Before the transaction, you need to obtain a personal tax number and open an account in a Turkish bank. This is a mandatory step: the transaction is impossible without it.
- 3
Expert valuation
The valuation is carried out only by a licensed specialist from the government-approved registry. The report confirms that the property meets the $400,000 threshold and is attached to the citizenship application.
- 4
Transaction and TAPU issuance
The purchase agreement is executed with a notary, and payment is made through the bank. After registration in the land registry, you receive TAPU, the title deed certificate.
- 5
Residence permit processing
After receiving TAPU, a residence permit is issued. This is an intermediate step required before applying for citizenship.
- 6
Citizenship application submission
The full package of documents is submitted to Nufus Mudurlugu (Nüfus Müdürlüğü, Civil Registry Directorate). Processing time is 3-5 months.
- 7
Passport issuance
After approval of the application, you take the oath and receive a Turkish passport. To submit documents, it is enough to stay in Turkey for at least 3 days.
Processing timeline
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Property selection | 3-7 days |
| Tax number and bank account | 3-5 days |
| Expert valuation and transaction | 2-4 weeks |
| Residence permit processing | 2-4 weeks |
| Citizenship application review | 3-5 months |
| Passport issuance | 2-4 weeks after approval |
| Total | 4-6 months |
from transaction start to passport with a complete document package
What a Turkish passport gives you
Turkish citizenship provides visa-free access to 110+ countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Latin American countries. Turkey allows dual citizenship, so there is no need to renounce your current passport.
One application includes a spouse and children under 18. Since 2025, children up to 25 can be included if they are financially dependent.
In addition, Turkish citizenship provides access to the country’s banking system, the right to work without restrictions, and access to public healthcare and education institutions.
Documents for citizenship application
All documents issued outside Turkey must be translated into Turkish, apostilled, and notarized.
- International passport valid for at least 6 months
- Birth certificate
- Marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable)
- TAPU, the title deed certificate
- Expert property valuation report
- Uygunluk Belgesi, a certificate confirming that the property meets program requirements
- Turkish residence permit issued after purchase
- Criminal record certificate
- Bank statement confirming source of funds
- 4-6 passport photos (3.5x4.5 cm, white background)
Each family member included in the application provides a separate set of documents.
Specifics of buying real estate for citizenship in Alanya
Alanya is one of the most active real estate markets in Turkey. A significant share of properties considered by foreign investors under the investment program is concentrated here.
A key point many people miss: for the citizenship program, the cadastral value of the property matters, not its market price. In practice, this means some properties are cheaper on the market than their cadastral valuation, and these properties are of the highest interest to investors.
We have worked in Alanya for 5 years and know the market from within. We see which properties are rented out, appreciate in value, and still meet cadastral requirements.
Properties for the citizenship program
