Turkey introduced its citizenship by investment program in 2016, inspired by the achievements of similar golden visa programs in Europe. The Turkish Golden Visa program provides residency, citizenship, and a Turkish passport to individuals who invest in real estate. Turkey’s strategic location as a crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa offers excellent market connections and travel opportunities, making it an attractive option for families seeking to establish both residency and business ventures.
REQUIREMENTS FOR TURKEY CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
To qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Investment Amount: Invest a minimum of $400,000 in Turkish real estate.
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Family Inclusion: The program allows the main applicant to include their spouse and dependent children in the application.
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Due Diligence: Applicants must demonstrate good character and undergo the Turkish government’s due diligence process, which includes providing:
- Police Reports: Evidence of a clean criminal record.
- No outstanding visa refusals.
- Various documentation, such as financial records, employment or business documents, identification, and proof of address.
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Minimum Stay: There is no minimum stay requirement to renew and retain Turkish citizenship, offering flexibility for investors and their families.
Turkish Citizenship by investment
Below are the core steps to obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment.
Step 1: Identify your investment possibilities.
Choosing the ideal investment option for you is the first step. Real estate investment, capital investment, bank deposits, and government bonds are a few possibilities. The needed minimum investment is $250,000 USD. The sum could change, though, depending on the type of investment you make.
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Step 2: Compile the necessary paperwork
You’ll need to acquire the necessary paperwork to apply for Turkish citizenship through investment. They consist of:
- A current passport
- A birth record
- A marriage license (if applicable)
- a police clearance document from your country of origin
- a residence permit from Turkey
- A property deed or a bank statement are examples of evidence of investment.
Step 3: Make the investment
Once you’ve chosen your investing strategy and obtained all the required paperwork, you can invest. You must spend at least $250,000 USD on a property in Turkey if you decide to invest in real estate. If you decide to invest money, you must acquire Turkish government bonds or deposit at least $500,000 USD in a Turkish bank. The investment must be kept for at least three years.
Step 4: Apply for a resident visa in Turkey
You must get a Turkish residency permit before submitting an application for Turkish citizenship. In your place of residence or in Turkey, you can apply for a resident permit. You are able to remain in Turkey legally for a maximum of two years with the residency permit.
Step 5: Submit an application for Turkish citizenship
You can apply for Turkish citizenship once you have a residency permit in your possession for at least five years. You must present the required paperwork, including your passport, birth certificate, marriage license, and investment documentation. A citizenship interview and a Turkish language test must also be passed.
Step 6: Get Turkish citizenship
If your application is accepted, they will grant you Turkish citizenship. This indicates that there are no limitations on how you can live and work in Turkey. You will also be eligible for all the advantages that come with being a citizen of Turkey, including cost-free healthcare and education.
BENEFITS OF TURKISH CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
The Turkish citizenship by investment program offers several significant benefits for applicants:
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Live, Work, and Study: Turkish citizenship allows you to reside, work, and study within Turkey without any restrictions.
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Passport and Travel: Obtaining Turkish citizenship grants you a passport that provides visa-free travel to 125 countries and territories worldwide. These destinations represent more than 24% of the world’s GDP and 37% of travel popularity.
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Schengen Visa: As a Turkish citizen, obtaining a Schengen visa for travel within Europe is simplified, providing easier access to European countries.
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Family Inclusion: The program extends to your immediate family, including dependent children and your spouse, who also qualify for Turkish citizenship.
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USA E2 Visa Treaty: Turkey holds an E2 Visa Treaty Agreement with the US, allowing Turkish citizens who have lived in Turkey for at least three years to apply for a non-immigrant visa by investing in or establishing a business in the US.
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Flexibility: There is no minimum stay requirement for Turkish citizenship through investment, giving you flexibility in managing your time and travel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, acquiring Turkish citizenship by investment is a simple procedure. Selecting an investment option, gathering the necessary paperwork, making the investment, applying for a residency permit, and applying for citizenship are all necessary steps. Becoming a citizen of Turkey is a beautiful opportunity to benefit from everything it offers. It is a stunning, dynamic country with a lot to offer.