Turkish citizenship by investment
A Complete Real Estate Guide by Bexta Istanbul Property
Turkey has become one of the world’s most attractive places to invest and live. Its unique location between Europe and Asia, strong economy, and thriving real estate market have made the country a top choice for global investors seeking both lifestyle and financial opportunities. One of the biggest advantages Turkey offers is the chance to obtain Turkish citizenship by investment, particularly through buying property in Istanbul.
Bexta Istanbul Property is a leading real estate expert specializing in citizenship-eligible properties in Istanbul. We help investors move confidently through the entire process — from selecting the right home to securing Turkish passports for the entire family.
This guide explains everything you need to know, from the latest regulations and requirements to the benefits, timeline, and best locations for buying property for citizenship.
What Is Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program was introduced to attract international capital and strengthen Turkey’s real estate sector. Under this program, foreign nationals can obtain full Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying investment. The most popular route by far is buying real estate worth at least $400,000 USD, a regulation established in 2022 and continuing in 2025.
Once you purchase the property and hold it for at least three years, you and your family become eligible for citizenship and Turkish passports — without needing to live in Turkey, learn the Turkish language, or manage complicated residency requirements.
Families typically include the investor, their spouse, and all children under 18. All of them become Turkish citizens at the same time.
Why Global Investors Choose Turkish Citizenship
The attraction of Turkish citizenship is not only financial. Investors gain access to a powerful passport, a strong lifestyle upgrade, and global mobility advantages.
Turkish passport holders benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to more than 110 countries, including destinations in Asia, South America, and parts of Europe. Turkey also has an active investment treaty with the United States, allowing Turkish citizens to apply for the E-2 investor visa, providing a potential path to establishing and working in a U.S. business.
Turkey is a highly developed country with modern health care, strong private and international education options, excellent infrastructure, and a booming tourism economy. Citizenship allows you to live, work, open a business, or study anywhere in Turkey without additional permits.
For many investors from the Middle East, Russia, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, Turkish citizenship provides the ideal balance of security, opportunity, and global access.
Istanbul: The Most Strategic City for Citizenship Investment
The majority of investors choose Istanbul when buying property for Turkish citizenship — and for good reason. Istanbul is not only Turkey’s largest city but also a global financial and cultural capital. Its population continues to grow rapidly, pushing demand for housing higher every year.
Real estate in Istanbul offers:
• Strong capital appreciation in developing and central districts
• High rental returns due to tourism and population growth
• A diverse range of citizenship-approved projects, from luxury seafront residences to affordable, modern apartments
• An extremely liquid market, making resale within or after the three-year holding period much easier
As an investor, you are not only buying a passport — you are gaining a valuable asset in a world-class metropolis.
Minimum Investment Requirements in 2025
To qualify for citizenship through real estate, the Turkish government requires an investment of at least $400,000 USD. The purchase may include one property or multiple properties whose total value meets the requirement. The properties must be verified by an independent state-approved appraiser.
The property must also remain in your ownership for a minimum of three years, which is noted as a special restriction on the title deed to ensure compliance.
There are alternative options such as capital investment, bank deposits, or starting a business employing Turkish citizens. However, real estate remains the most popular path because it offers a clear return on investment, rental income potential, and easier resale.
Best Investment Areas in Istanbul for Citizenship
At Bexta Istanbul Property, we study the market closely to identify the strongest opportunities for foreign investors. The most requested and profitable areas include:
● Zeytinburnu and Bakırköy — luxury waterfront developments with unmatched Marmara Sea views
● Başakşehir — modern family communities with large infrastructure, hospitals, universities, and new metro projects
● Kağıthane, Şişli, Maslak — city-center locations offering high liquidity and stable rental demand from business professionals
● Beylikdüzü and Büyükçekmece — affordable seafront apartments and villas with strong future growth potential
● Kadıköy and Üsküdar — prestigious Asian-side neighborhoods with high appreciation and long-term lifestyle value
Whether the investor’s goal is long-term capital growth, short-term rental returns, or ultimate luxury living, Istanbul offers a perfect match for every investment profile.
The Citizenship Process: Fast, Direct, and Fully Managed
Bexta Istanbul Property takes care of the entire process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. The steps typically include:
1. Personalized Consultation & Property Selection
We start by understanding your investment goals and identifying properties that are fully eligible for citizenship approval. We assist with virtual tours or viewing appointments in Istanbul.
2. Legal Checks, Purchase & Title Transfer
Once you select the property, we handle all legal due diligence and help secure the title deed. Payments are made directly to developer or seller accounts through transparent banking channels.
3. Residency Permit Application
A short-term residence permit is issued so that the citizenship process can begin immediately.
4. Citizenship Application Submission
Our legal team prepares all required documents, property valuation reports, bank receipts, and compliance certificates. With your power of attorney, the majority of the process can be completed without your physical presence in Turkey.
5. Approval & Issuance of Turkish Passport
Citizenship approval typically takes between 2 and 6 months. Once approved, you receive Turkish passports and national ID cards for yourself and every qualifying family member.
Even if you do not remain in Turkey during the process, everything continues without interruption.
Required Documentation
The paperwork for citizenship is more straightforward than many other countries. Investors need:
• Passports
• Proof of address in home country
• Biometric photos
• Title deed and bank transfer proof
• Appraisal report from authorized valuers
Family applications include birth certificates for children and marriage documentation for spouses. Our legal advisors organize all translations and notarization to ensure submissions follow Turkish law precisely.
Additional Costs and Taxes to Consider
Real estate transactions in Turkey involve some standard costs, including:
• Title deed transfer fees (around 4% shared typically between buyer and seller depending on negotiation)
• Appraisal report fee
• Legal representation fees
• Small administrative translations and notarization costs
We provide full clarity and a transparent cost breakdown before the investment begins so there are no surprises or hidden charges.
Financing Options and Payment Flexibility
Many developers in Istanbul offer attractive installment plans, especially for newly built properties and those under construction. Investors can secure the property with a down payment and complete the remaining amounts over a set timeline. For rental-ready units, rental income can sometimes support part of the holding cost during the three-year requirement period.
We also assist with property management and rental services to help maximize your returns.
Why Now Is the Right Time to Invest in Turkey
The Turkish property market continues to rise in value, especially in Istanbul. Experts believe citizenship requirements could be tightened again in the near future due to high global demand. Getting in now gives you the advantage of a lower entry price with strong future appreciation.
Additionally, the Turkish lira offers foreign investors exceptional buying power. When global markets stabilize, those holding Istanbul real estate are positioned for significant capital growth.
Bexta Istanbul Property: Your Trusted Citizenship Partner
What makes the difference between a stressful process and a secure, rewarding investment is professional guidance. Bexta Istanbul Property specializes exclusively in Istanbul real estate and citizenship-approved projects. We only recommend properties that fully comply with government regulations.
Our team consists of market analysts, Istanbul property experts, and dedicated legal partners who focus on protecting your investment while ensuring a fast, successful citizenship application. From first consultation to passport delivery — we stay by your side.
We believe that your investment should not only qualify you for citizenship but should also grow your wealth over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to stay in Turkey during the process?
No — the application can be handled through power of attorney if you prefer.
Can I sell the property later?
Yes, after three years you may sell the property and maintain your citizenship forever.
Can everyone apply?
Most nationalities are eligible, and restrictions are rare.
Can adult children apply with me?
Children aged 18 or older must apply separately unless they have special legal circumstances.
Invest in Your Future with Confidence
Turkish citizenship by real estate investment is more than a legal process — it is a smart strategy to secure your family’s future. The Turkish passport unlocks new opportunities, while Istanbul real estate continues to rise in value every year.
This is your chance to invest in a growing global city and secure a stronger lifestyle for generations to come.
Bexta Istanbul Property is ready to guide you through every step — from selecting the perfect home to receiving your Turkish passport.
Contact Our Citizenship Investment Team
📍 Istanbul, Turkey
📧 info@bextaistanbulproperty.com
🌍 www.bextaistanbulproperty.com
📞 Request a free investment consultation today
Let us help you take this important step with expert guidance and confidence. Your new life in Turkey begins with a smart decision — and we are here to make it happen.
