Turkish Citizenship by Investment and Immigration Lawyer
As Karanfiloğlu Law & Mediation, we operate in Istanbul and provide our valued clients with legal services for Turkish Citizenship by Investment and Immigration Law. Foreigners Law encompasses the legal regulations applied to foreign nationals and companies residing in Türkiye or engaged in business and investment activities related to Turkey. Our experienced lawyers specializing in Turkish Citizenship Law assist foreign nationals and companies in resolving their legal issues. We also provide services in matters of Turkish citizenship through real estate and Turkish citizenship through bank accounts. Kaan Karanfiloğlu, our senior lawyer specializing in citizenship by investment in Türkiye, provides legal support throughout the application process.
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 with 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 customer can deposit 500,000 USD into a bank operating in Türkiye. A branch abroad will not be accepted.
- The customer 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.
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.
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 Türkiye. There are conditions for obtaining a residence permit, such as fingerprinting at the Directorate of Migration Management.
Documents Required for Citizenship by Investment in Türkiye
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship by Investment in Türkiye
1. What is the Investment Amount for Citizenship by Investment in Türkiye?
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 will be 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 Türkiye 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.