Turkish Citizenship by Investment Lawyer in Istanbul, Turkey
The Turkish citizenship by investment (Turkey Golden Visa) program remains one of the most accessible second-passport routes for international investors and the process has become considerably more demanding in 2026. Application scrutiny has increased, documentation requirements have tightened, and errors at any stage can cause significant delays or outright rejection.
We provide end-to-end legal services for foreign investors applying for Turkish citizenship by investment. Our Istanbul-based law firm advises clients on the main investment routes, including qualifying real estate purchases, bank deposits and eligible fund-based options.
We give end-to-end services for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program, including Turkish potential tax id registration, bank account opening, currency exchange report preparation, real estate due diligence for citizenship, title deed purchase assistance, investor residence permit assistance and Turkish citizenship application. Our lawyer service also covers assistance to get the Turkish id card and Turkish passport after your citizenship by investment is approved.
We have completed more than 250 Turkish Citizenship by Investment applications successfully. We have had clients from all around the world, including India, Pakistan, USA, China and Russia. We offer transparent and honest service, and we prioritize the best interest of our clients. We offer professional lawyer services for the Turkish citizenship by investment at affordable fees. We help all foreigners who want to secure Turkish citizenship securely and smoothly. Our clients choose us thanks to our in-depth experience and complete end-to-end service. The biggest advantage of working with us is that we offer all types of investment options to our clients for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship by investment.
Our senior lawyer Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is a registered lawyer at Istanbul Bar Association with 58270 registration number. Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is considered as the leading Turkish citizenship lawyer due to his vast experience and strong communication skills You can book a consulting session with him to learn more about the Turkish citizenship by investment program.
Book a legal consultation call today with our senior lawyer Mr. Kaan to learn more:
Karanfiloglu Law Firm is listed at Justia as a Turkish Citizenship by Investment Lawyer firm. Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is a top Turkish immigration lawyer for foreigners who want to apply to Turkish Citizenship.
Karanfiloglu Law Firm is listed at Lawzana as a Turkish Citizenship by Investment Lawyer firm. Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is a top Turkish immigration lawyer for foreigners who want to apply to Turkish Citizenship.
Karanfiloglu Law Firm is listed at Lawyers.com as a Turkish Citizenship by Investment Lawyer firm. Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is a top Turkish immigration lawyer for foreigners who want to apply to Turkish Citizenship.
Lawyer Kaan Karanfiloglu
Experienced Turkish Citizenship Lawyer in Turkey. Registered lawyer at Istanbul Bar Association. 250+ Turkish Citizenship by Investment Cases. He speaks English, French and Turkish. We also offer our services in Russian and Chinese languages with experienced translators in our office. Kaan Karanfiloglu's Istanbul Bar Association Registration number is 58270 and his Turkey Bar Association Union registration number is 133074. He graduated from Galatasaray University Law School.
Why Turkish Citizenship by Investment in 2026?
Turkey’s citizenship by investment program offers a compelling combination of benefits for international investors:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore
- Full right to live, work, study, and access healthcare in Turkey
- Dual citizenship permitted and you are not required to renounce your existing passport
- Family included and your spouse and children under 18 qualify under the same investment
- Due diligence on property and assistance with title deed purchase process
- Citizenship passed to future generations - by descent, permanently
- Access to a G20 economy with strong real estate appreciation, especially in Istanbul and Antalya
- Investment retained: after 3 years, you can sell or withdraw your qualifying investment and keep your citizenship
Why choose Kaan Karanfiloglu as your Turkish Citizenship by Investment Lawyer?
- 250+ citizenship-by-investment files handled.
- Turkish citizenship by investment is our main service and we have updated information.
- We are based in the center of Istanbul and we also give service in all cities of Turkey.
- End-to-end support from opening bank account to getting your Turkish ID Card and Passport.
- Due diligence on property and assistance with title deed purchase process
- Transparent fees and fast communication.
- In-house services and faster file preparation.
- English, French and Chinese speaking advisors for better communication.
Step-by-Step Guide: The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Process in 2026
Understanding the full journey of Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program helps you plan timelines and avoid costly mistakes. Here is what the process looks like when handled correctly:
Step 1 – Tax ID & Bank Account
We register your Turkish tax identification number and open a bank account on your behalf. This is the foundation for all subsequent transactions.
Step 2 – Investment Execution
Depending on your chosen route: property purchase with full due diligence and title deed assistance, or bank deposit with proper DAB document issuance. We manage the legal side of every transaction.
Step 3 – Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB)
For both real estate and bank deposit routes, the DAB document must be issued correctly before proceeding. We coordinate directly with the bank to ensure compliance.
Step 4 – Real Estate Valuation Report (Real Estate Route)
We commission and review the official valuation report to confirm eligibility before the land registry appointment.
Step 5 – Title Deed Transfer & Land Registry Annotation
We attend the land registry appointment with you (or on your behalf with power of attorney) and ensure the 3-year no-sell annotation is correctly registered.
Step 6 – Eligibility Certificate Application
Our lawyers apply to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change (for real estate) or the relevant authority (for bank deposit) to obtain the Certificate of Conformity – the document that officially confirms your investment qualifies.
Step 7 – J-Type Residence Permit
A short-term investor residence permit (J-type) is a mandatory prerequisite before the citizenship application. Processing typically takes 10–20 days, including a fingerprinting appointment at the Directorate of Migration Management.
Step 8 – Citizenship Application
With the eligibility certificate and residence permit in hand, we submit the final citizenship application to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. Background and security checks are conducted at this stage.
Step 9 – Turkish ID Card & Passport
Once approved, you can collect your Turkish identity card and passport either in Turkey or at a Turkish embassy in your home country. We assist with this final step as well.
Total timeline: approximately 8–12 months from bank account opening to passport in hand.
Our Services as a Lawyer for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
- Turkish Residence and Work Permit: We offer application services to the Directorate of Migration Management and the Ministry of Labor for residence and work permits for our foreign clients.
- Turkish Citizenship Applications Through Investment: We provide legal services for applications seeking Turkish citizenship through investment of $400,000 in real estate or $500,000 in banking.
- Bank Accounts and Financial Transactions: Our lawyers provide legal support throughout the bank account opening process.
- Real Estate Law and Title Deed Procedures: We provide legal services for title deed transactions and all stages of the real estate purchase process. We offer legal assistance in reviewing valuation reports, legally evaluating the property to be purchased, and handling title deed procedures.
- Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB Document from Bank) and Money Transfer: We provide consultancy services to ensure that the foreign currency purchase certificate prepared for citizenship applications is done in accordance with investment regulations.
Applying for Turkish Citizenship by Purchasing Real Estate Worth $400,000 USD
A foreign national can purchase real estate worth more than US$400,000 according to below criteria:
- The property must be “under construction” (if the project is not yet completed) or, if the project is completed, it must be a condominium.
- A sales contract must be signed between the buyer and the construction company.
- A notification must be registered in the land registry stating that the property cannot be sold for a period of 3 years.
- The property can be residential or commercial.
- Multiple properties can be purchased, and their total value must exceed US$400,000. Therefore, the customer can apply for citizenship by purchasing multiple properties with a total value exceeding US$400,000.
- A valuation report (a report stating that the property’s value is over US$400,000) must be prepared for the application.
- A bank statement for the US$400,000 payment is also required.
- Payment in monthly installments is also possible if the project contractor allows it.
- For citizenship purposes, a Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB) must be issued before the land registry appointment for real estate purchases.
The Turkish Citizenship Investment Eligibility Form requires a report from the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. Our lawyers will apply to the ministry with the following documents:
- Photocopy of passport and its Turkish translation
- 4 biometric photographs with a white background
- Sales contract (notarized) or Title Deed
- Real estate valuation report
- Bank payment receipt
- Registration in the land registry stating that the property will not be sold for 3 years
- Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB Document) from the bank
Applying for Turkish Citizenship by Depositing $500,000 USD into a Bank Account
- The foreigner can deposit 500,000 USD into a bank operating in Turkey. A branch abroad will not be accepted.
- The foreigner must deposit an amount of 500,000 USD or its equivalent in Turkish Lira into the bank account.
- Investments in various foreign currency accounts (such as EUR) totaling 500,000 USD are also accepted.
- The investment will be blocked for 3 years.
- The profit from the investment can be used by the customer.
- The exchange rate-protected Yuvam Account offered by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey is no longer available.
- The investment amount in the bank is converted to Turkish Lira by issuing a Foreign Currency Purchase Document and remains in Turkish Lira for 3 years.
- The Foreign Currency Purchase Document is one of the most critical documents in the entire application. A procedural error at this stage – even a minor one – can invalidate the process. We strongly advise engaging a lawyer before initiating any bank transactions.
Applying for Turkish Citizenship by Investing $500,000 USD into a Private Pension Fund
- The foreigner can deposit 500,000 USD into a bank operating in Turkey and then they can invest that amount in a private pension fund (Bireysel Emeklilik Sistemi)
- The foreigner must deposit an amount of 500,000 USD or its equivalent in Turkish Lira into the private pension fund.
- Investments in various foreign currency accounts (such as EUR) totaling 500,000 USD are also accepted.
- The investment will be blocked for 3 years.
- The profit from the investment fund can be used by the foreigner without waiting the 3 years hold period.
- The investment amount in the bank is converted to Turkish Lira by issuing a Foreign Currency Purchase Document and remains in Turkish Lira for 3 years. This amount can be invested in different assets at the private pension fund.
Turkish Citizenship Investment Eligibility Certificate
After the above-mentioned investments are made, our lawyers will apply to the relevant authorities to obtain the eligibility certificate. Obtaining an eligibility certificate is mandatory to apply for Turkish citizenship. It is called Uygunluk Belgesi in Turkish language and this document is required to apply for investor residence permit and Turkish citizenship.
Application for Residence Permit by Investment (J Type Residence Permit)
For a citizenship application, the client needs a Turkish residence permit. A J-type residence permit application is usually processed within 10-20 days.
A foreigner can apply for a Turkish residence permit upon arrival in Turkey. There are conditions for obtaining a residence permit, such as fingerprinting at the Directorate of Migration Management.
Documents Required for Citizenship by Investment in Turkey
The following documents are required when applying for Turkish citizenship through investment:
- Turkish Citizenship Application Form
- Valid passport and its notarized Turkish translation
- 2 biometric photographs with a white background
- Apostille-certified Birth Certificate
- Apostille-certified Marriage Certificate or Certificate of Celibacy
- Apostille-certified Criminal Record Certificate
- Apostille-certified birth certificates for children and spouse
Istanbul: Turkey's Premier City for Citizenship Investment
The vast majority of our citizenship clients invest in Istanbul, and with good reason. Istanbul offers:
- The highest property appreciation potential in Turkey, particularly in districts like Başakşehir, Beylikdüzü, Esenyurt, Kadıköy, and Beşiktaş
- The widest selection of qualifying properties across all price points above $400,000
- Strong rental yields, particularly in short-term tourist rental markets near the city center
- Proximity to our office, enabling faster in-person coordination at the land registry and migration directorate
As a centrally located Istanbul law firm, we have direct, in-person access to the institutions that process your application. This matters for turnaround time and problem resolution.
Our senior lawyer Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu also serves clients investing in Antalya, Izmir, Ankara, Bursa, and other cities across Turkey. Distance is not an obstacle, we work via power of attorney where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship by Investment in Turkey
1. What is the Investment Amount for Citizenship by Investment in Turkey?
To apply for Turkish citizenship, you must invest at least $400,000 in real estate or $500,000 in bank accounts. The real estate investment limit has been increased from $250,000 to $400,000.
2. Is there a YUVAM account for citizenship?
The YUVAM account was discontinued after 2025.
3. Can I buy more than one property to apply for Turkish citizenship?
Yes, you can apply for Turkish citizenship by purchasing more than one property with a total value exceeding $400,000.
4. How long does it take to obtain Turkish citizenship by investment?
After the investment process is completed and the eligibility certificate is received, the application is made, and the citizenship result is obtained in approximately 8-12 months.
5. Which family members can apply for Turkish citizenship by investment?
The investor’s spouse and children under 18 can obtain Turkish citizenship through investment. Citizenship is not granted to the investor’s parents or other family members. These individuals can either apply for citizenship themselves through investment or remain in Turkey with a residence permit.
6. Does becoming a Turkish citizen through investment incur mandatory military service?
Individuals who become Turkish citizens through investment are exempt from mandatory military service. However, this matter should still be discussed with the Turkish Armed Forces to obtain the most up-to-date information.
7. What investments qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment?
The qualified investments for Turkish citizenship are $400,000 real estate purchase, $500,000 bank deposit and $500,000 private pension fund. All investments need to stay in Turkey for 3 years.
8. Can I buy more than one property?
Yes, you can buy multiple properties in order to apply for the Turkish citizenship as long as the total value is above $400,000.
9. Can I buy under-construction property?
Yes, you can buy property that is still under construction. Important thing is that the title deed of the unit has to be ready. It is called “Kat İrtifakı” in Turkish. You can’t apply to citizenship by buying a share in land.
10. How long do I have to keep the investment?
You need to keep your investment for 3 years. After 3 years, you can withdraw your investment and still keep the Turkish citizenship. If you withdraw your investment before 3 years, your Turkish citizenship will be cancelled.
11. Which family members can apply with me?
The spouse of investor and children under 18years old can apply for the Turkish Citizenship with the same investment. Other family members such as father, mother, brother, sister and children above 18 years old cannot apply with the same investment. They need to make their own investment.
12. How long does the application take?
The total process from opening bank account until getting the Turkish passport takes between 8-12 months.
13. What documents must be apostilled and translated?
Required documents for the Turkish citizenship by Investment are birth certificate, marriage certificate and criminal record.
14. What happens after the citizenship application is approved?
After the Turkish citizenship application is approved, you can apply for your Turkish ID card and Turkish passport in Turkey or at the Turkish embassy in your country.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this webpage is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, legal opinion, or an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes may vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. For advice tailored to your situation, please consult a qualified lawyer.
Updated Date: 24 April 2026