Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Turquoise Card is a revolutionary new application which gives the right of privileged citizenship and indefinite working for foreign scientists, sportsman, artists, and the people who purchase a house or make an investment in Turkey and also provides residence permit for the card owner’s spouse and dependent children.
Only in Istanbul, which is the most preferable destination for foreign investors, almost fifteen thousand (15.000) residences have been purchased by foreigners. After Istanbul; Antalya, Bursa, Ankara, and Yalova seem to be other top destinations for real estate investment. For example, the increase in real estate sales is above 90 % in Yalova.
When you are applying for Turkish citizenship, you may not use a bank loan from Turkish banks to buy the property.
After purchase and obtaining title deeds on your name, you become an owner of a property basing on the same rights as Turkish property owners. You can not sell the property for 3 years as by the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program but after that time you have a right to keep or sell the property and there is no restrictions in this matter.
Turkey is a transcontinental country located in both Asia and Europe. 95% of Turkey’s territory lies in Asia and 5% of its territory lies in Europe. Only a small portion of Turkey is located in the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe.
According to the 2009 Turkish Citizenship Law, a person can acquire citizenship by birth or by descent.
Turkish citizens who plan a trip to the US for business or/and tourism purposes must first apply for a US B1/B2 Visa. The document can only be obtained at the US embassy, but the confirmation page needed when you go there is available online.
The investment was required into real estate, shares of Turkish companies, or government-issued bonds. Citizenship of Turkey is granted after 3-6 months following the applicant’s investment.
It is checked whether there is a mortgage, foreclosure, or restrictive situation in the land registry records. It is checked whether it is stocked or detached. The status of the land in the plans on the map, island, parcel numbers, and the geological structure of the region are learned. When the information is confirmed, sales can be made from the land registry. Sales from the notary public aren’t valid for the deed.
Are earthquake regulations taken into consideration when building? Is the building inspected or the buildings’ land survey is made? Does the building have projects, licenses, and permits? Are all materials used primarily iron and concrete types in compliance with the standards? Is there a parallel between the project and the building?
Real chattel which is planned to be bought should be checked whether it has a title deed and whether it has been transferred to the condominium. In the land registry records that can be taken from the Land Registry Office; it should also be checked whether there is a mortgage, lien, or restrictive situation. The layout, island, and parcel numbers of the house should be specified, and the status of the plan and the geological structure of the region should be learned. When the information is completed, sales can be made from the land registry. Sales from the notary public aren’t valid for the deed.
Turkish Citizenship
You can buy either just one property or several properties that have a total value of more than $250,000 but remember that you need to apply for your citizenship at the same time for all. The Tapu office accepts citizenship applications only if the combined declared values are above $400,000.
Turkey allows dual citizenship. If your other nationality allows dual citizenship too, you can keep your other citizenship while applying for Turkish citizenship by investment.
Only the spouse of investor and their children, who are under 18 years old are eligible to acquire Turkish Citizenship on basis of the programme. This rights do not apply to investor’s parents.
You can be a Turkish Citizen by purchasing a property in Turkey that is worth a minimum of $400,000. The Spouse and children who are less than 18 years old will also be granted Turkish Citizenship. You can keep multiple citizenships along with your Turkish Citizenship.
As of 2 July 2019, Turkish citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 110 countries and territories, ranking the Turkish passport 53rd in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index.
Your child must be under the age of 18 to be eligible for Turkish citizenship. However, if your child has a disability, he/she can become a Turkish citizen with documents showing that he/she needs care and other documents to be requested by the authorities.
If you have a child under the age of 18 during the move, he must complete his military service when the time comes. Besides, if you have completed compulsory military service in the country where you are a citizen, you must document this.
It is possible to get dual citizenship at the same time as a matter of legal doctrine. However, you also need to have full knowledge of the laws and procedures in your country. Some countries do not allow double or more citizenship. You should check the equivalence in your country.
You must have purchased real estate after the date of 9/18/2018 to receive citizenship with $ 400,000 in real estate investments in Turkey.
It can carry out the Turkish citizenship process and all your investment transactions by proxy. In this context, Realista professionals provide process consultancy to applicants.
If the applicant doesn’t pose any threat to Turkey’s national security and if all requirements are met and all documents are correct and complete manner, it is possible to acquire Turkish citizenship.
Anyone who requests Turkish citizenship can apply for Turkish citizenship provided that they meet the investment conditions.
Although more than one real estate affiliated to different land registry offices can be purchased with a total value of at least $ 250,000, applications must be made for all of them at the same time. General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre accepts citizenship applications if the specified values are over $ 250,000.
Yes, your family has the right to have all the citizenship opportunities that you can use within the scope of your application. In this context; your spouse and all children under the age of 18 can be Turkish citizens.
You can start the process if you buy at least 250,000 dollars of real estate. In case of application to the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre during the transfer, your application will be processed. After the title deed, you can follow all the transactions in Istanbul and Ankara Citizenship Offices. The applications; It is envisaged to be completed within 2 to 4 months from the provision of the necessary documents.
Everyone who wants to acquire a Turkish citizen arriving from abroad can apply to Turkey. A foreigner who wishes to acquire Turkish citizenship can become a Turkish citizen upon the decision of the competent authorities if he/she meets the conditions specified in the law.
Financial and investment costs were significantly reduced during the transition to Turkish citizenship with the amendment made in the Turkish Citizenship Law on 19.09.2018. By law, at least 250,000 US dollars’ worth of real estate investments in Turkey to foreigners and their first degree relatives who may be entitled to Turkish nationality. Turkey offers quick and guaranteed solutions and is one of the countries most suitable for those who wish to acquire citizenship at a low cost.
Residence Permit
If you wish to settle in Turkey and start your business or purchase a property, you may apply for a Residence Permit. There is no minimum investment amount required; you just have to prove that you own a property or you are running a business and that you have sufficient financial means to live in the country.
Apply for a visa at the consulate or embassy of the country you plan to visit. If you hold a Schengen visa, you can travel to all the Schengen countries. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit issued by one of those Schengen countries, you can stay for up to 90 days in other Schengen countries.
If your application is accepted, your card will be sent to your address within 7 to 30 days. This means that your residence permit will be sent to your address within 30 days at the latest. Anyone who attends the appointment and expects the residence permit card to arrive by mail can go abroad.
Anyone who wants to live in Turkey, you can apply for a residence permit if they fulfil the necessary conditions. A direct application is made to the Immigration Service for the residence permit. Special assistance services are provided by INVEST for expert support and file preparation.