Turkish Citizenship

Updated march 10, 2024

Turkish citizenship is becoming more and more attractive for foreigners, including Russians. In 2023, the Turkish government offers various ways to obtain citizenship, each with its own conditions and requirements. From investing in real estate to marrying a Turkish citizen, the possibilities are manifold.

Conditions for obtaining Turkish citizenship

Obtaining Turkish citizenship in 2023 is possible on several grounds. Investing at least $400,000 in real estate or other objects in Turkey allows you to obtain citizenship without long-term residence in the country. If you have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years, you can apply for citizenship. The process can take from 3 to 6 months. Residing in the country legally for 5 years with the possibility of reducing the period to 3 years in some cases, such as if you have a child born in Turkey, is also an option.

Turkish citizenship by naturalization

Turkish citizenship by naturalization is possible after living in Turkey for 5 years. The time can be reduced to 3 years if the foreigner is married to a Turkish citizen or has other grounds such as being of Turkish origin.

Turkish citizenship by descent

If your parents or grandparents were Turkish citizens, you can apply for citizenship by descent. This is one of the ways a Russian can become a Turkish citizen. The process can take from 6 to 12 months.

Documents for Turkish citizenship

The following documents will be required to apply for Turkish citizenship: passport, income certificate, documents about real estate or investments in Turkey, certificate of marital status, visa documents, proof of residence in Turkey for the required period of time, medical certificate, certificate of no criminal record.

Changes in the valuation of real estate for obtaining Turkish citizenship

In accordance with Circular No. 2024/2 from the General Directorate of Land Registers and Cadastre under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, there have been changes in the process of assessing the value of real estate purchased by foreign citizens. Now, the valuation of real estate is carried out exclusively by GEDAŞ Gayrimenkul Değerleme A.Ş., which is a subsidiary of the Housing Construction Authority (TOKI).

To receive the assessment report, applications are submitted via the Web Tapu system at https://webtapu.tkgm.gov.tr /. When applying, you must select the option “Vatandaşlığa Konu Satış” (sale for citizenship) and select GEDAŞ Gayrimenkul Değerleme A.Ş from the list of appraisal companies.

For other transactions that are not related to obtaining Turkish citizenship and require an assessment report, such reports can be issued by any assessment organization licensed by the Capital Markets Board (CMB).

This resolution entered into force on March 4, 2024.

We also remind you that starting from January 1, 2024, the personal presence of the applicant together with his spouse is required to apply for citizenship. Previously, personal presence was required only for fingerprinting when applying for a residence permit for investments. Now, when applying for citizenship, the personal presence of the investor and his spouse is required, while fingerprints will be taken again and biometric photos will be taken.

When can I be denied citizenship?

Denial of Turkish citizenship may be due to various factors: criminal record, improper execution of documents, failure to fulfill the conditions of residence in Turkey, failure to comply with Turkish laws, insufficient knowledge of the Turkish language.

Second citizenship

Turkey allows dual citizenship, which gives the opportunity to retain citizenship of the Russian Federation or another country. The second citizenship of Turkey can be useful for business, traveling and other purposes.

The process of Turkish citizenship registration

The Turkish citizenship process includes several steps, starting from applying for Turkish citizenship and collecting the necessary documents to passing the interview and receiving approval. The processing time for a Turkish citizenship application can vary from 3 to 12 months, depending on the method of citizenship and other factors.

Cost of Turkish citizenship

The cost of Turkish citizenship can vary depending on the method chosen. For example, investing in real estate can be costly, while obtaining citizenship through marriage or residency may be less expensive.

Second Turkish citizenship

Second Turkish citizenship offers many benefits, such as freedom to travel, access to education and healthcare in Turkey, and business opportunities. Turkey allows dual citizenship, so citizens of the Russian Federation and other countries can retain their primary citizenship.

How to obtain Turkish citizenship

Obtaining Turkish citizenship is a process that can vary depending on the path you choose. Here are the basic steps to take:

1. Determine your path: Choose the path to citizenship that best suits your circumstances. This could be through investment, marriage to a Turkish citizen, naturalization, or other options.
2. Gather the necessary documents: Depending on the path you choose, you will need different documents such as passport, income certificate, proof of investment, etc.
3. Apply: The application for citizenship is submitted to the relevant government authorities in Turkey. In some cases, this can be done online.
4. Attend an interview: You may be required to attend an interview to confirm your intentions and eligibility.
5. Wait for a decision: Application processing times can vary from 3 to 12 months.
6. Obtain citizenship: Once your application is approved, you will receive documents proving your Turkish citizenship.
7. Comply with laws and obligations: As a Turkish citizen, you must comply with the laws of the country and fulfill your obligations.

This process can be complicated and conditions can change. It is recommended that you consult a legal professional or immigration consultant in Turkey to ensure that you follow all rules and requirements.

Turkish citizenship when buying real estate

Obtaining Turkish citizenship when buying real estate has become a popular option for foreign investors, including Russians. Here is a detailed plan of action:

1. Choosing Real Estate: Find a property in Turkey that is suitable for citizenship. It can be an apartment, house or commercial property. The amount of real estate in Turkey for citizenship should be at least $400,000.
2. Document Preparation: Gather all necessary documents, including the purchase contract, appraisal of value and bank statements. These documents will prove your purchase of the apartment in Turkey and your eligibility for citizenship.
3. Apply: Apply for Turkish citizenship through the purchase of real estate with the appropriate government authorities. You may need the services of a lawyer or real estate agent to facilitate the process.
4. Waiting for Decision: The application process can take 3 to 6 months. During this time, it is important to comply with all conditions and requirements.
5. Obtaining Citizenship: Once your application is approved, you will receive documents confirming your Turkish citizenship for the property.
6. Compliance with Conditions: The property must be maintained for 3 years without encumbrances. This is an important aspect to consider when planning to buy real estate in Turkey for citizenship.
7. Benefits and Opportunities: Turkish citizenship offers many benefits such as the right to work and live in Turkey, access to education and health care, as well as the right to buy property in Turkey.

Turkish citizenship for real estate 2023 continues to be a relevant and attractive option. The cost of real estate in Turkey for citizenship can vary and it is advisable to research the market thoroughly and consult with experts.

How is the situation changing in Turkey itself?

According to official Turkish statistics, from 2015 to 2020, among the foreigners who bought the most housing in Turkey are citizens of Iraq and Iran, followed by the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Afghanistan. The 3 provinces with the highest demand from buyers in the last 10 years were Istanbul, Antalya and Ankara.

This was commented on by the president of the Istanbul Builders Association himself. He specified that transactions on three out of every four residential properties sold in Turkey in recent years, one way or another took place with a view to future citizenship under the accelerated procedure or the usual procedure. So, in his opinion, the increase in the limit from 250 thousand dollars to 400 thousand dollars, quote:

“It will not be of great importance to wealthy foreigners and will not cause critical deviations in terms of sales to buyers from abroad. Raising the limit will only benefit and Turkish lands, as such, will be valuable still in terms of politics, history and nature. On the other hand, the money paid by those who wish to acquire pieces of these lands will make a meaningful contribution to the Turkish economy. It will also contribute to the creation of a more skilled environment in a wide variety of economic fields, which will benefit foreigners who decide to live in Turkey on a permanent basis,” the President of the Builders’ Association specified.

Although the change in the amount has caused some social and economic problems, in particular, it has provoked an additional rise in housing prices, which already in recent years have only become more expensive at an incredible rate. Advertising has also changed noticeably. Many advertisements for apartments and houses began to be accompanied by the explanation “Is it suitable for citizenship“. It should also be noted that ads are duplicated in different languages with the aim of suitable audience, including Arabic – this is one of the customer channels for sellers of real estate in Turkey.

Some sellers have not hesitated to offer fraudulent schemes to increase the sales of real estate, which, let’s say, are not in demand. In the advertisements there appeared a clarification: “the price is the price indicated in the documents for citizenship application, the difference is compensated personally”.

Turkey real estate sales statistics for January-April 2022

According to the data released by the Turkish official statistics, sales of houses to foreigners in January-April 2022 increased by 48%. Note that this is the highest January-April figure in the entire period of observation. As for the results for individual provinces, the leader in sales to foreigners for the first 4 months of this year is Istanbul. It is followed by the resort Antalya and the capital of Turkey Ankara. Also in the top ten are Mersin, Yalova, Izmir, Bursa, Samsun, Sakarya and Trabzon.

In 2022 it is planned to realize to foreigners housing in Turkey for 10 billion dollars. The tense situation between Russia and Ukraine coupled with the desire of Russians to keep their savings led to the fact that the citizens of the Russian Federation in April 2022 became the first in the volume of housing purchased in Turkey, ahead of the eternal leaders like Iraq and Iran. Our compatriots bought 1152 apartments or houses, while Iraqis bought 905, and Iranians – 714.

Top 10 countries whose citizens bought an apartment in Turkey, in January 2023

1. Russia 🇷🇺 – 1557 apartments
2. Iran 🇮🇷 – 526
3. Iraq 🇮🇶 – 229
4. Ukraine 🇺🇦 – 157
5. Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 – 155
6. Germany 🇩🇪 – 126
7. Kuwait 🇰🇼 – 113
8. China 🇨🇳 – 108
9. Afghanistan 🇦🇫 – 76
10. USA 🇺🇸 – 73.

Is it worth the rush to buy a home?

Turkish citizenship in 2023 opens up new opportunities for foreigners, including Russians. From investing in real estate to marrying a Turkish citizen, there are many ways to obtain citizenship in this beautiful country. Considering all the conditions and requirements, as well as proper paperwork, the process can be smooth and successful.

Hurry up to purchase your home in Turkey and obtain citizenship. You can contact our company on questions of obtaining citizenship. Our specialists will tell you all the nuances in detail.