Understanding the Turkish Citizenship Program
Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), introduced in 2017, allows foreign investors to become Turkish citizens by purchasing real estate.
The minimum investment threshold is currently set at $400,000, and the property must be held for at least 3 years. Additionally, the real estate purchase can be made in any part of Turkey, though Istanbul remains a top choice for many.
Contents
- Eligibility for the Turkish Citizenship program
- Finding the Right Property
- Legal Procedures & Due Diligence
- Making the Investment
- Applying for Turkish Citizenship
- Documents Required for the Citizenship Application
- Approval and Receiving Your Turkish Passport
- Post-Citizenship Benefits
At Turkey Expert, we pride ourselves on our extensive experience helping clients obtain Turkish Citizenship through property investment. With a seasoned legal team and years of expertise in the Turkish real estate market, we guide our clients through every step of the process.
Eligibility for the Turkish Citizenship program
Before starting the process, ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must invest a minimum of $400,000 in residential or commercial real estate.
- The property must be purchased from a Turkish citizen or company.
- The investment must be confirmed by Turkey’s Ministry.
- You need to hold the property for at least 3 years.
- Your property should not have any encumbrances, such as a mortgage or lien.
Once you've confirmed that you meet these requirements, you're ready to move forward.
Finding the Right Property
This is one of the most crucial steps in your journey. At Turkey Expert, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of properties across Istanbul and other prime locations in Turkey. Whether you're interested in a luxurious apartment in the heart of the city or a commercial property that offers high returns, our team of real estate consultants and legal advisors can guide you through the selection process.
When choosing a property, it’s essential to consider:
- Location: Opt for properties in growing or prime areas to ensure value appreciation.
- Type of Property: Residential properties are the most popular, but commercial properties can offer excellent returns.
- Future Development: Proximity to infrastructure projects and developments can boost your property's value.
Legal Procedures & Due Diligence
Once you've selected a property, our legal team will assist with the due diligence process, which includes verifying the property’s legal status and ensuring there are no outstanding debts or legal issues.
The process involves:
- Signing a Preliminary Sale Agreement with the seller.
- Getting the property appraised by a licensed appraiser, which is a requirement for Turkish citizenship applications.
- Verifying that the seller is a Turkish citizen or a qualified entity, as the investment needs to be made from a Turkish national or company.
- Opening a Turkish bank account to facilitate the property purchase.
Making the Investment
Once due diligence is completed, you will proceed to the official sale. Here’s how:
- Transfer of Title Deed (Tapu): The title deed of the property is transferred to your name at the Land Registry Office, marking the legal completion of the property purchase.
- Payment Transfer: The total payment should be made through the Turkish banking system, as per the regulations.
Upon receiving the title deed, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization will issue a certificate stating that your investment meets the criteria for Turkish citizenship.
Applying for Turkish Citizenship
After securing your title deed and the official certificate confirming your investment, the next step is applying for Turkish citizenship. Here's what the process entails:
- Submitting an application to the Immigration Office with the required documents, including the property appraisal report, the certificate from the Ministry, and proof of your investment.
- Applying for a Turkish residence permit, which is a prerequisite for citizenship. This can be done simultaneously with your citizenship application.
- The application is then forwarded to the Turkish Presidency for final approval.
Documents Required for the Citizenship Application
You will need the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Recent biometric photos
- Title deed (Tapu) and official appraisal report
- Investment certificate from the Ministry
- Proof of payment for the property purchase
- Residence permit application form
- Birth certificate
- Marital status documents (if applicable)
- Health insurance
- Criminal background check from your country of origin
Approval and Receiving Your Turkish Passport
Once your application is submitted, it usually takes 3 to 6 months to receive approval. After your application is approved, you and your family will be granted Turkish citizenship, and you'll receive your Turkish passports.
Becoming a Turkish citizen through property investment provides you with:
- The right to live, work, and study in Turkey.
- Access to Turkey’s healthcare and education systems.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 110 countries.
- The option to maintain dual citizenship, depending on your country of origin’s laws.
Acquiring Turkish citizenship through property investment is a smart, efficient way to secure a second passport while benefiting from the country’s robust real estate market. At Turkey Expert, our team of experienced consultants and lawyers is ready to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.
If you're ready to begin your journey toward Turkish citizenship, contact us today to learn more about our services and the latest real estate opportunities
Our selection of properties suitable for Turkish Citizenship program
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