Turkey Citizenship by Investment: FAQ
Straight answers on cost, timing, family, travel and tax – and how Turkey compares with Malta and other options.
Turkey offers citizenship for a USD 400,000 property or a USD 500,000 financial investment held for three years, usually within months. It is fast and the money can be recovered, but it does not give EU rights or visa-free travel to Europe. If EU citizenship is the goal, look at Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment for Turkish citizenship in 2026?
USD 400,000 in property, or USD 500,000 in a Turkish bank deposit, government bonds, fund units, a private pension or fixed capital. Each investment must be held for three years. Creating 50 jobs also qualifies.
Is the USD 250,000 Turkish citizenship option still available?
No. The property threshold was raised to USD 400,000 in June 2022. Offers based on USD 250,000 are out of date.
Can I sell the property later?
Yes, after three years. A no-sale annotation is placed on the title deed for that period; once it ends you can sell without affecting your citizenship.
What kind of property qualifies?
Residential or commercial property, or land with a building on it, bought from a Turkish owner and worth at least USD 400,000 according to a licensed valuation. You can combine several properties to reach the threshold.
How long does it take to get a Turkish passport?
Usually about three to six months after the investment is made, including the residence permit stage, security checks and the final decision.
Can my family be included?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 receive citizenship with you, and dependent disabled children of any age may be included. Parents and other adult children need their own investment.
Do I have to live in Turkey or speak Turkish?
No. There is no residence requirement and no language or knowledge test. Most steps can be completed through a lawyer with power of attorney.
Can I keep my current passport?
Yes. Turkey allows dual citizenship. Check whether your current country does too.
Does a Turkish passport allow visa-free travel to Europe?
No. Turkey is not in the EU or the Schengen Area, so Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa, as well as visas for the UK and the USA. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access covers more than 110 destinations, including Japan and Singapore.
Can Turkish citizens get a US E-2 visa?
Yes. Turkey has a treaty with the United States, so Turkish citizens can apply for the E-2 investor visa if they make a qualifying investment in a US business. The E-2 is a separate application decided by the US authorities.
Will I have to pay tax in Turkey?
Not just because you are a citizen. Turkish tax residence generally depends on living in Turkey for more than six months a year or having your legal domicile there.
Can I get residence in Turkey without citizenship?
Yes. Buying property worth at least USD 200,000 can support a renewable short-term residence permit. It does not lead to citizenship on its own.
Can I get EU citizenship instead?
Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework can lead to Maltese (EU) citizenship in about 12–16 months. It is discretionary and assessed case by case, and you can keep your current passport. It gives the right to live and work anywhere in the EU, which Turkish citizenship does not.
Can you help with a job, a tourist visa or a student visa?
No. We advise only on residence and citizenship by investment.
Does Zenturo have an office in Turkey?
No. Zenturo is based in Malta. Turkish applications are handled with licensed partner firms located in Turkey, while our team coordinates your case and remains your point of contact.
Turkey compared with other options
Investment amounts are minimums for a single applicant; government and professional fees are extra.
| Programme | Minimum investment | Status | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey citizenship by investment | USD 400,000 property or USD 500,000 deposit, bonds, funds or capital | Citizenship (not EU) | About 3–6 months; dual citizenship allowed |
| Malta Permanent Residence (MPRP) | €99,000 in government fees + property bought from €375,000 or rented from €14,000 a year | EU permanent residence | Via Citizenship by Merit or naturalisation; dual citizenship allowed |
| Malta Citizenship by Merit | Discretionary, assessed case by case | EU citizenship | About 12–16 months; dual citizenship allowed |
| Caribbean citizenship (five states) | USD 200,000–250,000 fund contribution | Citizenship (not EU) | Within months; dual citizenship allowed |
| Greece Golden Visa | Property from €400,000 or €800,000 (€250,000 for conversions and listed buildings) | EU residence, 5 years renewable | After 7 years living in Greece + Greek exam |
| Portugal Golden Visa | €500,000 fund or €250,000 cultural donation; no property | EU residence, renewable | After 10 years for most non-EU nationals |
Sources
- Turkey Golden Visa 2026: thresholds and rules (Rona Legal)
- Turkish citizenship by investment 2026 (Gurcan Partners)
- Turkey citizenship by investment in 2026 (Global Citizen Solutions)
- Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs, Türkiye
Checked November 2026. Programme rules and amounts change often; we confirm current figures in writing before you commit. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Talk to a licensed adviser
Tell us your goals and timeline. Turkish applications are handled with licensed partner firms located in Turkey; Malta applications, including EU residence and citizenship, are handled by our own licensed team.
- Licensed in Malta: Zenturo Ltd. is a licensed agent (Residency Malta Agency licence RES-DALI), company C-39472.
- In business since 2006: one team from first question to approval.
- Fast replies: usually within one hour, by e-mail, phone, WhatsApp, Telegram or WeChat.