Turkish Citizenship: New Rules and Requirements in 2026
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment has become an option for foreign nationals who meet specific financial and legal requirements. Türkiye offers several investment routes that can allow eligible foreigners to apply for citizenship, with real estate investment remaining one of the most widely known options.
The requirements have changed significantly over the years, so anyone considering an application should check the latest rules and investment thresholds before making a purchase or transferring money.
What Are the Requirements for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
Foreign investors can qualify for Turkish citizenship if they meet at least one of the investment criteria set by the Turkish government and pass the required legal procedures. The current investment options include the following:
1. A minimum fixed capital investment of 500,000 US dollars or its equivalent in another currency.
2. Purchasing real estate worth at least 400,000 US dollars and agreeing not to sell it for at least three years. The property must meet the requirements established by the Turkish authorities and the three-year resale restriction must be recorded as part of the application process.
3. Creating employment for at least 50 people in Türkiye.
4. Depositing at least 500,000 US dollars in a bank operating in Türkiye and keeping the required amount in the bank for at least three years.
5. Purchasing at least 500,000 US dollars worth of government bonds and keeping them for at least three years.
6. Purchasing at least 500,000 US dollars worth of real estate investment fund shares or venture capital investment fund shares and keeping them for at least three years.
7. Making a contribution of at least 500,000 US dollars to eligible funds within Türkiye’s private pension system and keeping the investment in the system for at least three years.
These investment routes are subject to verification by the relevant Turkish authorities, and meeting the financial requirement alone does not automatically mean that citizenship will be granted. The application remains subject to the official citizenship process and the required approvals.
How Did the Turkish Citizenship Investment Rules Change?
Türkiye significantly reduced the investment thresholds for foreign investors in 2018. At that time, the minimum real estate requirement was reduced from 1 million US dollars to 250,000 US dollars, while the required number of jobs was reduced from 100 to 50 and the bank deposit requirement was reduced from 3 million US dollars to 500,000 US dollars.
The real estate threshold was later increased from 250,000 US dollars to 400,000 US dollars, which is the current minimum for the property-based citizenship route. The three-year restriction on selling the qualifying property also remains part of the requirement.
What Should Foreign Investors Know Before Applying?
Foreigners do not need to have a residence permit as a precondition for purchasing real estate in Türkiye, according to the Turkish government’s investment guidance. Foreign property owners may also qualify for renewable short-term residence permits under the relevant immigration rules.
Applicants should also make sure that the property and investment meet the government’s specific conditions before completing the transaction, because purchasing a property or making an investment that does not satisfy the citizenship requirements does not by itself create an automatic right to Turkish citizenship.
The Turkish government states that eligible investors may acquire citizenship through an exceptional procedure following the required assessments and a decision by the President of the Republic of Türkiye.
The citizenship-by-investment program has attracted international investors, particularly through the real estate route, but the rules and required investment amounts can change over time. Anyone preparing an application should therefore verify the current requirements with the relevant Turkish authorities before making a major financial commitment.
