If you’ve been thinking about getting a second passport that gives you more freedom, business reach, and travel options, the Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program is one worth understanding, my friend.
Since it first started in 2017, this program has opened doors for thousands of families, entrepreneurs, and investors from all over the world. By 2025, Turkey will have kept this route not only open but also one of the most affordable and straightforward citizenship-by-investment (CBI) options available anywhere.
Even though some countries have tightened immigration policies, Turkey continues to stand out. There are no residency obligations, fast processing times, and a reasonable investment threshold compared to similar programs in Europe or the Caribbean.
You’re basically buying into a life of flexibility, and a connection between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East that’s hard to beat.
Current Overview (2025 Updates)
According to the Turkish Investment Office, one route is acquiring a property worth a minimum of USD 400,000 or equivalent foreign currency, with a three-year resale restriction.
There were talks last year about raising it to USD 500,000, but no changes have been made yet. Experts, however, predict an increase in 2026, mainly to balance the growing demand and inflation.
Now, here’s something important for foreign investors: all real estate transactions must be completed in foreign currency and then converted into Turkish lira before registration. This rule helps the Central Bank of Turkey maintain transparency in currency flow.
Applicants can include their spouse and children under 18, which makes this a great family plan.
Other valid routes, such as fixed-capital investments, bank deposits, and government bonds, still follow the same criteria as before.
Qualifying Investment Options (2025)
| Route | Minimum Investment | Key Conditions | Holding Period |
| Real Estate Purchase | USD 400,000 | Can buy one or multiple properties; can’t sell for 3 years | 3 years |
| Fixed-Capital Investment | USD 500,000 | Must be verified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology | 3 years |
| Turkish Bank Deposit | USD 500,000 | Can earn interest while funds are held | 3 years |
| Government Bonds or REIT Funds | USD 500,000 | Must invest in approved funds or government debt | 3 years |
| Employment Creation | 50 jobs | Must be verified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Services | — |
I usually tell clients: if you want the simplest and fastest route, real estate investment is the most popular, it’s straightforward, holds value, and gets approved quickly.
Processing Time & Legal Framework
Good news, processing times are usually between 3 to 6 months, which is much faster than most citizenship programs in Europe.
Everything is based on Article 20 of the Turkish Citizenship Law (5901), plus updated regulations that ensure legal protection for foreign investors.
The 2025 updates also made the process smoother:
- Authorized valuation firms must confirm property value (no inflated prices).
- Digital land registry checks are now standard, with less fraud and faster verification.
- Online submission portals have been up and running since late 2024.
And yes, every applicant must provide biometric data and proof of funding source to comply with Turkey’s anti-money-laundering (AML) laws.
Advantages of the Turkish Passport
Now, let’s talk about the fun part: what you actually get!
As of 2025, a Turkish passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 118 destinations, including Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and most of Latin America.
You also get:
- E-visa access to countries like Mexico, Kenya, and Sri Lanka.
- A 10-year passport validity for adults.
- Dual citizenship rights (most countries allow this).
- Eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, thanks to Turkey’s treaty with the United States.
This last point is a big deal. The E-2 visa allows Turkish citizens to live and operate a business in the U.S., something most other CBI countries can’t offer.
Negotiations with the European Union about Schengen access are ongoing, but as of 2025, there’s still no official deal.
Cost Breakdown (2025)
Let’s be honest, this is what most investors really want to know first.
| Category | Estimated Amount (USD) | Notes |
| Real-estate purchase | 400,000 (min.) | Can be one or more properties |
| Government fees & valuation | 10,000–15,000 | Varies by property and city |
| Legal representation | 5,000–10,000 | Optional but smart |
| Due-diligence & translation | 1,500–3,000 | Depends on family size |
| Passport issuance | ~250 per person | Standard |
Average total cost for a family of four: around USD 430,000–450,000.
Honestly, compared to European programs, this remains a bargain for full citizenship, not just residency.
Real Estate Market Insights (2025)
Turkey’s property market has held strong despite inflation.
Cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum are the top picks for foreign buyers.
According to TURKSTAT data, foreign buyers purchased about 35,000 properties in 2024, lower than the 2022 peak but steady as the Turkish lira regained strength.
You can expect rental yields of 5–7% per year in major cities, and possible capital growth once the economy stabilizes further.
Taxation & Business Advantages
For investors, Turkey’s tax setup is actually pretty friendly:
- No wealth or inheritance tax for non-residents.
- Corporate income tax stands at 25% in 2025.
- Companies in free zones can enjoy special tax incentives.
- Access to 85 million consumers across Turkey, plus trade links into Europe and the Middle East.
It’s also one of the best locations for logistics and export businesses, sitting literally between three continents.
Case Study: Ahmed from Pakistan
Let me give you a real-world story.
Ahmed R., a 44-year-old businessman from Karachi, wanted a second citizenship to expand his trading network.
He invested about USD 420,000 into two apartments in Istanbul. Within 5 months, his family received Turkish citizenship.
Today, Ahmed runs a Turkish export company that trades with clients across the EU and MENA regions. His kids study part-time in Istanbul and enjoy easy access to education and healthcare.
As Ahmed said, “Turkey gave me a bridge between Dubai, Frankfurt, and Istanbul, without the visa stress.”
That’s exactly what many investors are looking for: freedom and opportunity.
Comparison with Other Programs (2025)
| Country | Minimum Investment | Processing Time | Residency Requirement | Citizenship Timeline |
| Turkey | USD 400,000 | 3–6 months | None | Immediate |
| Portugal | €500,000 (fund) | 6–8 months | 7 days/year | 5 years |
| Greece | €250,000 | 6–9 months | None | 7 years |
| Spain | €500,000 | 9–12 months | 183 days/year | 10 years |
See the difference? Turkey gives you direct citizenship, not just a residency permit. That’s what makes it stand out.
Residency & Family Rights
- No minimum stay required.
- Citizenship for spouse and children under 18.
- Right to live, work, and study in Turkey.
- Access to public healthcare and education.
- Children born later automatically inherit citizenship.
Pretty convenient, right? You invest once, and the benefits extend to your whole family.
Risks & Things to Consider
Like every investment, there are a few points to think about:
- Currency volatility (the lira can fluctuate).
- Property resale timing, liquidity can vary by area.
- Geopolitical influences on international perception.
- Always use licensed lawyers and valuers for compliance.
That said, since 2023, Turkey has made major transparency and verification improvements, which have boosted investor confidence globally.
Expert Insights
“Turkey’s citizenship program continues to deliver value for entrepreneurs seeking fast, direct citizenship with strong ROI potential.”
Says Charlie Maggi, CEO of The Open World.
“With quick processing and no residency requirement, it’s still a pragmatic choice for Middle Eastern and Asian clients.”
Honestly, I agree. It’s a balanced option between affordability, speed, and global access.
What’s Coming in 2026
Policy experts predict:
- Investment threshold may increase to USD 500,000–600,000.
- More digital verification systems for property transactions.
- Possible new E-2 visa agreements with other countries.
Even if the threshold rises, Turkey’s CBI will likely remain one of the most in-demand globally due to its unique geographic and economic position.
Conclusion
The Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program (2025) remains a smart, secure, and future-ready path for global investors.
You get a second passport, broad travel rights, and the ability to access one of the fastest-growing markets in Eurasia, without complex residency rules.
If you’re a businessperson, entrepreneur, or family looking for stability and opportunity, Turkey gives you both: a home in one of the world’s most dynamic crossroads and a passport that opens real doors.
Ready to start your journey toward Turkish citizenship and global freedom?
At The Open World, we’ve helped hundreds of families and investors secure second citizenships safely and confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do I need to invest to get Turkish citizenship in 2025?
The minimum investment required in 2025 is USD 400,000 for real estate purchases. This can include one or more properties, but you must hold them for at least 3 years. Other investment routes, such as bank deposits or fixed-capital investments, start at USD 500,000.
If the government updates the threshold in 2026, it may rise to USD 500,000, but for now, the 400K mark is still valid.
2. How long does it take to get Turkish citizenship through investment?
Most applicants receive approval within 3 to 6 months after submitting all documents correctly. This makes Turkey one of the fastest citizenship-by-investment programs in the world.
The quick timeline is thanks to new digital systems and land registry verification tools introduced in late 2024.
3. Can I include my family in the application?
Yes, absolutely. Your spouse and children under 18 years old can be included in your citizenship application at no extra cost.
Adult children or parents, however, must apply separately unless they meet dependency criteria (like being financially dependent).
This makes the program ideal for families planning a shared global lifestyle or relocation.
4. Do I need to live in Turkey to keep my citizenship?
No, there is no residency requirement at all. You can live anywhere in the world and still maintain your Turkish citizenship.
That’s a huge benefit for global entrepreneurs or remote professionals who want the freedom to move without worrying about losing their citizenship status.
5. Is it safe to invest in Turkish real estate in 2025?
Yes, as long as you work with licensed real estate agents and authorized valuation firms. Since 2023, Turkey has tightened its rules to stop inflated property pricing and fake deals.
The market in Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum remains active, with rental yields averaging 5–7% per year. These areas also have strong resale potential after the 3-year holding period.
