Turkey
Turkish Citizenship Mobility
Turkey offers several pathways for foreign individuals regarding residency and citizenship.
1. Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program
The Turkish CBI program remains one of the most prominent globally, primarily due to its relatively straightforward requirements and family inclusion policy.
· Minimum Investment: The standard investment threshold is USD 400,000 for real estate. Other investment routes require at least USD 500,000.
· Investment Options:
o Real Estate: Purchasing property (residential, commercial, or land) with a total value of at least USD 400,000. The property must be held for at least three years, with a "no-sale" restriction annotated on the title deed.
o Bank Deposit: Depositing at least USD 500,000 in a Turkish bank, to be maintained for at least three years.
o Fixed Capital: Investing USD 500,000 in fixed capital, verified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
o Government Bonds: Purchasing USD 500,000 in government bonds, held for three years.
o Funds/Capital: Purchasing shares in real estate investment funds or venture capital funds worth USD 500,000.
· Key Features: * The spouse and children under 18 are automatically included in the application.
o No residency requirement is imposed to obtain citizenship.
o The process typically takes 3 to 6 months.
2. Residency Permits
For those looking to reside in Turkey without pursuing immediate citizenship, various residence permits are available.
· Short-Term Residence Permit: This is the most common category for foreigners. Reasons include property ownership, business connections, or tourism-related stays.
· Other Permits: Include family permits (for those with family members in Turkey), student permits, and long-term residency (generally available after 8 years of continuous, legal residence).
· Separation of Laws: It is essential to distinguish between residency permits (which grant the right to stay) and citizenship (which grants a passport and full rights). These are governed by separate legal frameworks.
