Turkey has become one of the most popular countries in the world for global investors who are seeking a second passport. Since the program started in 2017, more than 40,000 foreigners have become Turkish citizens by purchasing property.
One of the main reasons people choose this route is that it’s simple and affordable. You can get Turkish citizenship by buying real estate worth at least $400,000, which is much lower than the requirements in many European countries.
In this blog, we will share how to get Turkish citizenship through real estate, including property prices, costs, requirements, and the step-by-step process.
Program Overview
Buying property in Turkey for citizenship is very simple. Here is the main point for the program:
- You need to purchase property for at least $400,000.
- You can buy apartments, houses, shops, hotels, or land if there is a building permit.
- You cannot buy farmland.
- The property must be new to the citizenship program and not have been used by someone else before.
- You must pay through a Turkish bank using foreign currency, which will be converted to Turkish Lira.
- You have to keep the property for at least three years without selling it.
- You usually get citizenship in about 6 to 8 months.
- Your spouse and kids under 18 can also get citizenship with you.
- You don’t have to live in Turkey to get or keep your citizenship.
- Turkish passport lets you travel to over 110 countries without a visa or with easy visa access.
- You can rent out your property and make extra money, usually about 2% to 8% yearly.
Real Estate Market in Turkey
If you want to invest in property or get citizenship by buying real estate, it’s good to know what’s going on in the market right now.
In the first half of 2025, a total of 691,893 properties were sold across Turkey. This was about 26.9% more than the same time in 2024. The market is very active, with lots of people interested in buying homes, especially in big cities and popular places.
Most foreign buyers come from Russia, Iran, and Ukraine. Russians bought almost 5,000 properties, Iranians around 2,100, and Ukrainians about 1,600. These numbers show that people from some countries are very interested in Turkey’s property market.
Turkey’s housing market is growing at about 6.7% each year and could reach over 90 billion USD by 2030. Most buyers choose apartments or condos, which make up more than 70% of sales. Villas and houses with land are growing too, with almost 7% annual growth.
Istanbul is still the top city for property sales. Many buyers focus on Istanbul because it has many job opportunities and good facilities. Other places like Antalya, Alanya, and Mersin are getting more popular, especially with foreign buyers who want to live by the coast or rent out their properties to tourists.
Property Prices in Turkey
If you want to get Turkish citizenship by investment in property, it’s important to understand how much homes cost in Turkey right now.
On average, the price for one square meter of property in Turkey is about $870. But prices change a lot depending on the city.
- In Istanbul, the biggest and most popular city, prices usually range from $1,500 to $1,700 per square meter. This depends on the neighborhood and type of property.
- In Ankara, the capital city, prices are lower, around $900 to $1,000 per square meter.
- Izmir, a coastal city, has prices between $1,100 and $1,300 per square meter.
- In Antalya, a favorite spot by the sea, prices are about $1,000 to $1,200 per square meter.
- Mersin offers more affordable options, with prices around $800 to $1,000 per square meter.
- In Alanya, another popular seaside city, the average price is around $1,350 per square meter.
Additional Costs for Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment
When you buy property in Turkey to get citizenship, there are some extra costs besides the price of the home. It’s good to know these fees so you can plan your budget better.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
| Title Deed Transfer Fee | 4% of the property price |
| Notary Fees | $27 – $215 |
| Agent’s Commission | $8,000 – $16,000 |
| Appraisal Report | $200 – $700 |
| Translation & Notary | $200 – $500 |
| Monthly Maintenance (year) | $650 – $2,600 |
| Municipal Tax (year) | $40 |
Total Estimated Extra Costs: Around $17,000 – $34,000
Title Deed Transfer Fee
This is a tax you pay to officially register the property in your name. It’s 4% of the property’s value, but usually, the buyer and seller share this fee equally. So, as the buyer, you pay about 2%. For example, if the property costs $400,000, you’ll pay around $8,000 for this fee.
Notary Fees
Notaries are like official witnesses for your documents. Their fees depend on the property price and usually range from about 500 to 4,000 Turkish Lira (roughly $27 to $215).
Real Estate Agent Commission
If you use an agent to help find your property, they usually charge 2% to 4% of the property price as their fee. Sometimes the buyer and seller share this cost, but it depends on the deal.
Appraisal Report Fee
For citizenship, you need an official report that shows the property’s value. This report costs between 3,750 and 12,629 Turkish Lira (about $200 to $700) for homes.
Translation and Notarization Fees
Since all your documents must be in Turkish, you’ll need to pay for a certified translation. This usually costs about $25 per page. Notarizing those translated documents will cost extra, depending on the notary.
Monthly Maintenance Fees
If your property is in a building or complex, you’ll have to pay monthly maintenance fees. These usually range from $650 – $2,600 per year, depending on the place and services.
Municipal Tax
Every year, you will have to pay a small tax to the local government. This tax is about 0.01% of the property’s value.
Requirements for Turkish Citizenship
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Minimum investment amount of $400,000 in real estate
- Property must be residential or commercial (no farmland)
- The property must be new to the citizenship program
- Must get a valuation report approved by Turkish authorities
- Payment must be made in foreign currency via a Turkish bank & converted to Turkish Lira
- Must hold the property for at least 3 years (can’t sell it during this time)
- Must have a clean criminal record
- Must obtain a short-term residence permit before applying
- All papers and documents must be translated into Turkish and notarized
- You must apply through the official government office
How to Get Turkish Citizenship: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 – Pass Due Diligence Pre-Check (1 Day)
Before starting, you need to pass a pre-check that lowers the chance of your application being rejected. An expert from WeRWealthy will check your background using international databases to make sure there are no legal problems. For that procedure, you will only need to send a copy of your passport.
Step 2 – Prepare the Documents (2-4 Weeks)
You will have to collect several necessary papers and documents. All of them must be translated into Turkish and officially certified.
Here is what you need:
- A notarized translation of your passport
- A health certificate showing you are healthy
- Birth certificates of everyone in your family applying with you
- Marriage certificate if you have a spouse applying
- A family certificate listing all your family members
- Police clearance or criminal record certificates for everyone applying
- A document showing your income
This step may take some time because you need to make sure the documents are correct and officially translated.
Step 3 – Buy the Property and Register (5-6 Weeks)
You can choose your property by visiting Turkey or online. It’s a good idea to get help from lawyers or real estate agents who understand the citizenship rules. They will help you find the right property and make sure everything is legal. After buying, you must register the property in your name at the Land Registry Office. Companies, like WeRWealthy, work with trusted builders and can suggest good properties.
Step 4 – Pass Official Due Diligence (3 Months)
After buying the property, the Turkish government will check your background and your family’s background carefully. This check takes up to three months and makes sure that giving you citizenship will not cause any problems for Turkey.
Step 5 – Get Your Turkish Passport (2+ Days)
When the background check is finished and everything is approved, you will get your Turkish passport. You can pick it up in Turkey or at a Turkish embassy in your country. This usually takes a couple of days.
Other Routes to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Buying property is the most popular way to get Turkish citizenship, but it’s not the only one. The Turkish government has five other investment options that also allow you to apply for citizenship.
- Invest a minimum of S500,000 in a Turkish business, verified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
- Deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank and hold the deposit for a minimum of 3 years.
- Purchase government bonds worth at least $500,000 and hold them for a minimum of three years.
- Invest $500,000 in shares of a real estate investment fund or VC investment fund, with a three-year holding period.
- Create employment for at least 50 people, verified by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services.
For more details – Turkey Citizenship by Investment
Benefits of Turkey Citizenship by Investment
Getting Turkish citizenship through investment gives you and your family many great advantages. Here’s what you can enjoy as a Turkish citizen:
1. Quick and Easy Process
After investing $400,000 in real estate or in another program, you can get your Turkish passport in about 6 to 8 months. The process is very simple and you don’t have to live in Turkey, learn the Turkish language, or give up your current citizenship.
2. Travel to 110 Countries
With a Turkish passport, you can visit more than 110 countries without needing a visa. This includes countries like Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, and many in Latin America.
3. Easy Access to Europe (Schengen Area)
Turkish citizens can apply for a special Schengen visa that allows you to stay in European countries for up to 90 days at a time. This visa is valid for 5 years, making travel across Europe much easier.
4. Get a US E-2 Investor Visa
Turkey has a trade deal with the US, so Turkish citizens can apply for the E-2 visa. This visa lets you and your family live and work in the US by investing in or starting a business.
5. Your Family Can Become Citizens
Your spouse, kids under 18, and dependent parents can get Turkish citizenship too. They will also get access to free healthcare and education in Turkey.
6. Dual Citizenship
One big advantage of getting Turkish citizenship is that you don’t have to give up your original nationality. Turkey allows dual citizenship. So, if your home country also allows dual citizenship, you can keep both nationalities.
7. Smart Investment
Unlike some citizenship programs where you just donate money, Turkey’s program lets you invest in real estate or businesses. Real estate prices have grown a lot over the past years. After 3 years, you can sell your property and get your money back if you want.
8. Affordable and Good Quality of Life
Living costs in Turkey are much lower than in many other countries. For example, a family of four can live comfortably on about $1,800 a month (without rent). Food, transport, and housing are cheaper compared to places like the UK.
9. Safe Place to Go in Emergencies
As a Turkish citizen, you can always enter Turkey, even if borders are closed because of emergencies like political problems or health crises. It’s a safe place for you and your family.
10. Good Healthcare and Social Benefits
Turkish citizens get good healthcare, with most costs covered by the government. You also get free education, pension plans, and inheritance rights without extra restrictions.
Why Turkey?
Turkey is a unique country because it sits between two continents – Europe and Asia. This mix gives the country a rich culture, combining the modern lifestyle of the West with the traditions of the East. With around 88 million people, a young population (average age about 34.4), and a life expectancy of 79, Turkey is full of energy and promise.
In 2024, Turkey became the 4th most-visited country in the world, beating Italy. About 56.7 million tourists visited Turkey that year, showing a big recovery after the pandemic. These visitors helped Turkey earn $61.1 billion from tourism, which is 8.3% more than the year before. Turkey hopes to welcome 65 million tourists in 2025 and make $64 billion from tourism. This shows Turkey is becoming more popular for travelers every year.
Economically, Turkey is growing fast. It’s part of major global groups like the G20 and NATO, and it’s even working toward joining the European Union. The country makes and exports a lot of products like cars, home appliances, clothes, and electronics. In 2025, the economy is expected to be worth around $1.46 trillion, and experts think it will keep getting bigger.
Its location also makes it special. Turkey has a bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This makes it easier for businesses to connect with many markets. Many investors like this advantage, along with the country’s low living costs, modern cities, and growing tech industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program?
Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) means you can become a Turkish citizen by making an investment in Turkey. The most common way is by buying a property worth at least $400,000. Other options include placing $500,000 in a Turkish bank, buying government bonds, or starting a business that creates jobs. Once you complete the process, you and your family can get Turkish passports in about 6 to 8 months.
How to become a Turkish citizen?
You need to invest at least $400,000 in real estate to get Turkish citizenship. Other investment types start from $500,000. After you invest, you can get citizenship in about 6 to 8 months.
How to obtain Turkish citizenship by buying a house?
You need to buy a property worth at least $400,000. This can be a home, commercial property, or land. Shares don’t count. After 3 years, you can sell the property, but you can’t apply for citizenship again with that same property.
How long does it take to get Turkish citizenship by investment?
It usually takes over 8 months. The longest part is the background check, which takes 3 to 4 months.
Do I have to speak Turkish to get citizenship?
No, you don’t need to know Turkish to get citizenship by investment.
How many countries can I visit with a Turkish passport?
With a Turkish passport, you can visit about 110 countries without needing to get a visa. You can travel to 72 countries without a visa, get a visa when you arrive in 35 countries, and apply online for an electronic travel permit (eTA) for 3 countries a few days before your trip.
Can I include my family in my application?
Yes, you can add your spouse and children under 18 to your citizenship application.
Do I need to go to Turkey to get the passport?
Yes, you have to be there to apply at the migration office. But you don’t need to live in Turkey.
Can I sell the house later?
You must keep the house for at least three years. After that, you can sell it.
Will my kids born after I get citizenship also be Turkish citizens?
Yes, if one parent is Turkish, the child is automatically Turkish.
What happens to my Turkish property when I pass away?
Turkish law protects the inheritance rights of your spouse and children.
How can I get my money back?
If you buy real estate, you can sell it after 3 years and get your money back. While you own it, you can rent it out and earn income. Rent can be about 8% a year in US dollars.
What if the property price changes after I buy it but before getting citizenship?
Price changes after you buy don’t affect your citizenship application. The important thing is that the property was worth at least $400,000 when you bought it. This is shown in your official property deed (called TAPU).
What taxes will I pay as a Turkish citizen?
It depends on where you live. If you live outside Turkey for more than 183 days a year, you don’t need to pay Turkish taxes. If you live in Turkey for more than 183 days, you will have to pay taxes on your worldwide income and property.
Can everyone apply for Turkish citizenship by investment?
No, citizens from Armenia, Nigeria, North Korea, Cuba, and Syria cannot apply.
Can a US citizen get Turkish citizenship?
Yes. US citizens can apply by investing in Turkey, such as buying property or creating jobs.
What is the role of a citizen in Turkey?
A citizen in Turkey has the right to live, work, vote, and use services like schools and hospitals. They also need to follow the laws, pay taxes, and many men must do military service.
Is a Turkish passport strong?
Yes, a Turkish passport lets you travel to about 110 countries without a visa, including countries in Asia like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, and many in South America like Argentina.
Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Turkey allows dual citizenship.
What is the Turkey Golden Visa?
The Turkish Golden Visa is a way for people from other countries to live or become citizens in Turkey by making an investment.
Can I apply for citizenship by myself?
You can’t apply on your own – only licensed agents can do it for you. That’s where WeRWealthy comes in. We’ll help you find the right property, handle all the paperwork, and guide you through the process from start to finish.