With comprehensive changes made to Turkey’s new laws, the process of obtaining this country’s passport has evolved from a quantitative state to a qualitative one. The Turkish government is now focusing more than ever on financial transparency and strict security checks. Below, we examine all the details and legal warnings you need to know to obtain Turkish citizenship, based on the latest official circulars.
Why is Turkish Citizenship Still Attractive?
In the third decade of the twenty-first century, as a regional hub for energy, trade, and diplomacy, Turkey plays a key role at the intersection of Asia and Europe. The Turkish passport has taken its place as a strategic asset in the investment portfolios of forward-thinking families in 2025.
The reasons for the attractiveness of this citizenship are:
- Stability in investment laws: Although the rules have become stricter, they have now achieved a more transparent structure.
- A bridge to the West: It offers the possibility of obtaining the US E-2 investor visa, which is impossible for citizens of many countries.
- Access to global markets: It holds a strategic position for international trade.
An Overview of Recent Changes in Turkish Citizenship Laws
The most significant legal development this year is the Turkish government’s transition from protectionist policies to absolute financial and security transparency. The gradual phasing out of YUVAM accounts, which previously guaranteed foreign exchange fluctuations for the investor, has now compelled applicants to adopt smart currency strategies in commercial banks.
Furthermore, security investigations have transformed from a simple local inquiry into a global screening process that involves checking the applicant and their spouse against Interpol and FATF (Financial Action Task Force) lists. Alongside these, the strict enforcement of the “single-use property law” (prohibiting the reuse of a property for citizenship by two different individuals) and the requirement to obtain a DAB (Currency Purchase Certificate) before any fund transfer have effectively closed the path for personal/DIY processing and raised the need for legal oversight to the highest level.
Main Ways to Obtain Turkish Citizenship
There are four main routes to reach a Turkish passport, each with its own specific legal details:
1. Citizenship via Real Estate Purchase
This method is still the most popular route, but it is implemented with much stricter rules than before.
- Investment Amount: Minimum 400,000 USD.
- Triple Matching Requirement: For the file to be approved, three figures must match each other: The price on the Title Deed (Tapu), the Bank transfer amount, and the Appraisal (Ekspertiz) report. If the official appraiser values your property even 1 dollar less than 400,000 dollars, your file will be rejected.
- Single-Use Law: In 2025, each property can be used for citizenship only once. If you buy a property from another foreigner who has previously obtained citizenship with it, you will not be granted citizenship rights.
- Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB): You cannot give dollars directly to the seller. Foreign currency must be sold to the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, and a DAB certificate must be obtained.
2. Bank Investment and Stock Purchase
For those who do not wish to deal with property management and tenants, this method is more suitable:
- Bank Deposit: 500,000 USD or its equivalent must be blocked for 3 years.
- Warning: With the removal of YUVAM accounts, the currency fluctuation risk lies with the investor. It is recommended to choose banks that allow you to keep the principal capital in foreign currency (Dollar/Euro).
- Investment Funds (GYF/REITs): Purchase of real estate investment fund shares worth 500,000 dollars. Due to its dollar-based returns, this method is considered a smarter option than a simple bank deposit in 2025.
3. Citizenship via Marriage
Marrying a Turkish citizen is not a quick shortcut. Because:
- 3-Year Cohabitation Requirement: At least 3 years must have passed since your marriage before you can apply.
- Family Unity Investigation: Security officers conduct field research (questioning neighbors and conducting separate interviews) to ensure the marriage is not a sham (contractual) one.
4. Company Formation and Job Creation
This route is specific to entrepreneurs:
- Employment of 50 Turkish Employees: You must establish a company that employs at least 50 Turkish citizens with full-time insurance. The Ministry of Labor audits the sustainability of this employment over the course of 3 years.
Required Documents for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship
Here is the detailed list of documents required for applicants:
- Identity Documents:
- Original birth certificate and notarized translation (must be Apostilled or Consulate certified).
- Passport with at least one year of validity.
- Biometric photo complying with the Directorate of Population standards.
- Legal Documents:
- Criminal Record (Police Clearance Certificate): Must be obtained from the country of origin and approved by the Turkish Consulate.
- Marriage certificate or certificate of celibacy/single status: Marital status must be definitively proven with official documents.
- Financial Documents:
- Bank receipts with wet ink signatures.
- Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB) for real estate buyers.
Very Important Note: All translations must be notarized at official notary publics in Turkey. Using unofficial translators causes the file to be rejected in the very early stages.
Guide to the Process from Application to Obtaining the Turkish Passport
The general process usually takes between 3 to 6 months:
Step One: Preparing the Legal Infrastructure (Tax Number and Power of Attorney)
Before taking any action, you must register your financial identity in Turkey.
- Obtaining a Tax Number: This is done in person or online at the Tax Office and takes only a few minutes.
- Issuing a Power of Attorney: It is recommended to give power of attorney to an experienced lawyer at a Notary Public (Noter) to handle banking and administrative processes without the need for your constant presence. As of 2025, many procedures, such as obtaining the DAB certificate, have become very difficult without a lawyer.
Step Two: Opening a Bank Account and the Vital DAB Process
In the new laws, the path of the money is more important than the money itself.
- Opening an Account: Opening an account at banks such as Ziraat Bank or VakıfBank.
- Issuing the Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB): You must sell your Dollars/Euros to your bank, the bank sells it to the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, and in return issues a “Currency Purchase Certificate” (Döviz Alım Belgesi). Without this document, no property or deposit will lead to citizenship.
Step Three: Finalizing the Investment and Obtaining the “Certificate of Conformity”
After transferring funds to the seller’s account or blocking them in the bank:
- Title Deed Registration (for Property): The title deed is issued in your name and an annotation stating it cannot be sold for 3 years is placed on it.
- Obtaining the Certificate of Conformity: If you bought a property, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization must confirm the property is worth 400,000 USD. If you have a bank deposit, the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) must issue the 500,000 USD approval. Issuing this certificate usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Step Four: Obtaining a Special Residence Permit (Type E)
You cannot apply for citizenship with a tourist visa.
- Investor Residence: Immediately after receiving the certificate of conformity, an application for residence under Article 31 (specific to Investors) is submitted for you and your family.
- Advantage: This residence permit is issued within 1-2 weeks and allows you to stay in Turkey without restrictions until the passport is issued.
Step Five: Sending the File to the Directorate of Population and Security Investigation
This stage takes the most time:
- File Creation: Translated documents (birth certificate, criminal record, etc.) are delivered to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
- Security Investigation: Your file is sent to the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and the Ministry of Interior. In 2025, this review includes strict control of Interpol sanction lists and an examination of the spouse’s background. If you have resided in different countries in the last 5 years, inquiries may take a bit longer.
Step Six: Final Approval and Presidential Decision
Unlike many countries, Turkish citizenship is granted with the signature of the country’s highest executive authority.
- After approval by security units, your name is added to a list sent periodically to the Office of the Presidency.
- With the President’s signature, you are officially considered a Turkish citizen, and this is notified to the Directorate of Population.
Final Step: Giving Fingerprints and Passport Delivery
- Application to the Directorate of Population: You apply for fingerprint registration and the final signature.
- Issuance of Documents: First, the Smart ID Card (Kimlik) is printed, then you can apply for the passport.
- Delivery by Post: The passport is usually sent to your address in Turkey within 3 to 7 business days.
Advantages of Holding a Turkish Passport in 2025
Why do investors keep their $500,000 capital in this country for 3 years?
1. Visa-Free Travel and Freedom of Movement
Turkish passport holders can travel to 116 countries visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival. This list includes important countries in South America, East Asia (Japan and South Korea), and the Gulf states.
2. USA E-2 Visa: The Golden Bridge
With a Turkish passport, you can apply for the USA E-2 visa and obtain a 5-year US residency permit for yourself and your family with an investment of approximately 100 to 150 thousand dollars.
3. Health and Education Services
Today, education costs for foreign nationals in Turkey have increased. However, once citizenship is obtained:
- Free Education: Your children study almost for free in state universities.
- General Health Insurance (GSS): You gain access to advanced health services for a nominal fee.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer to Obtain Turkish Citizenship?
Risks of Individual Application:
- Risk of Buying “Burnt” Property: Purchasing a property that was previously used for citizenship and is no longer valid (quota exhausted).
- Money Transfer Errors: If funds are transferred from an account other than the applicant’s or via a method other than that specified in the DAB circular, the entire process is annulled.
- Incorrect Appraisal Report: Many construction companies may collude with appraisers to show a higher price; however, during secondary government audits, this fraud is revealed, and the citizenship is revoked.
Related Content
Security Warnings for Turkish Citizenship Applicants
- Financial Transparency: Ensure that the source of your funds is distinct and transparent. In 2025, Turkey is enforcing anti-money laundering laws much more strictly.
- Preservation of Capital: Remember that you must not sell your property or withdraw your deposit from the bank for 3 years. In the event of a premature sale or withdrawal of money, your citizenship will be immediately revoked.
Final Word
Obtaining Turkish citizenship is a clear path, but it is a process that requires extreme attention. By eliminating risky options and focusing on quality real estate and investment funds, this passport remains one of the most valuable options for families to guarantee their security, welfare, and freedom of travel.