Turkish citizenship by real estate investment

In this article we will answer the question: “How to obtain Turkish citizenship for buying real estate in Turkey?”

Foreign citizens who do not work in Turkey invest in real estate in Turkey within the limits and amounts determined in accordance with the decision of the Presidium, as well as their spouses and children under the age of 18 can obtain Turkish citizenship. According to the latest regulations adopted in 2018, foreign citizens who have purchased real estate (residential or non-residential) worth at least USD 250,000, as well as their spouses and children under the age of 18, can apply for Turkish citizenship. There are no restrictions on the number of purchased real estate. As a result of making the necessary investments and collecting the relevant documents, an application for obtaining Turkish citizenship for real estate investments is submitted to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkey.

To obtain Turkish citizenship by buying real estate, you must first register real estate in the amount of at least $ 250,000 or the equivalent of another foreign currency in Turkish lira. A notary must draw up a contract with a note prohibiting rejection for 3 years. It should be borne in mind that the transfer or waiver of ownership cannot be made within a certain period of time.

Legal restrictions

The Republic of Turkey gives citizens of 185 countries the right to obtain citizenship for the purchase of real estate, provided that they comply with the following legal restrictions:

Foreign citizens can purchase real estate up to ten percent (10%) of the area of ​​the district. If necessary, the Council of Ministers has the right to double this limit (20%).
A foreign citizen can purchase up to 30 hectares (300,000 square meters) of real estate throughout the Republic of Turkey. If necessary, the Council of Ministers has the right to double this limit (60 ha).
The property in question must not be located in a military or restricted area.

Payment

It is obligatory to present a receipt for all transactions. Therefore, it is important that the transaction is carried out through banks. A bank confirmed bank receipt indicating that the corresponding amount has been deposited by the buyer into the seller’s account is provided at the time of application. The following should be noted: the date of the receipt must be earlier than the notarization of the contract or no later than the day of the conclusion of the contract. A receipt for payment made after registration with a notary is invalid, since it cannot be considered a cash payment.