Reviewed by John Hu, founder of John Hu Migration Consulting and Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0746141).
Key takeaway: Common Turkey citizenship-by-investment options include real estate, a bank deposit, and investment fund shares. Compare the minimum amount, the three-year holding restriction, currency and market risks, and all fees disclosed in the relevant bank or fund documents.
When assessing Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment program, investors should look beyond the headline investment threshold. Eligibility, source of funds, liquidity, and the applicable rules also matter. This article compares three common investment options. Turkey’s official guidance also lists other qualifying alternatives, including fixed capital investment, job creation, government bonds, and private pension investment; these are not the only possible routes.
Route 1: Real estate (minimum USD 400,000)
One or more eligible properties may be purchased, provided the combined value meets the minimum USD 400,000 threshold. The property must not be transferred for at least three years, in accordance with the applicable requirements. Whether a property may be rented and how income is treated should be confirmed for the specific property and case. Real estate also involves valuation, transaction and management costs, price fluctuations, and liquidity risk; it should not be treated as a guaranteed return.
Route 2: Bank deposit (minimum USD 500,000)
This option generally requires a deposit of at least USD 500,000 or its equivalent with an eligible Turkish bank, maintained without withdrawal for at least three years under the relevant rules. Confirm the permitted currency, conversion process, and bank documentation with the bank and a qualified adviser. This route avoids managing a physical property, but deposit terms, interest, currency movements, and the period during which funds are unavailable should all be considered.
Route 3: Investment fund (minimum USD 500,000)
Eligible fund investments may involve shares in a real estate investment fund or a venture capital investment fund. The published minimum is at least USD 500,000 or its equivalent, with the investment held for at least three years without sale under the applicable rules. Fund strategies, risks, liquidity, exit terms, management fees, and transaction costs vary, so review the fund prospectus and full fee schedule. The official investment-threshold guidance does not state a fixed USD 50,000 fund-issuance surcharge; do not treat that amount as a standard statutory cost. Confirm any actual fees in writing with the relevant fund and service providers.
At-a-glance comparison
| Option | Published minimum | Main considerations | May suit investors who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real estate | At least USD 400,000 | Property price, transaction and management costs; no transfer for at least three years | Want a tangible asset and can accept property-market risk |
| Bank deposit | At least USD 500,000 or equivalent | No withdrawal for at least three years; bank terms and currency risk | Prefer a deposit arrangement and can accept a fixed holding period |
| Investment fund | At least USD 500,000 or equivalent | No sale for at least three years; fund performance, liquidity, and fees | Understand fund documentation and market risk |
How should you compare the options?
- If you want a tangible asset: review valuation, title, location, rental conditions, transaction costs, and the three-year no-transfer requirement.
- If you prefer a deposit: confirm the eligible bank, deposit terms, currency conversion, holding period, and consequences of any early withdrawal.
- If you are considering a fund: read its investment strategy, risk disclosures, redemption terms, and complete fee schedule—not just the citizenship threshold.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch investment routes after applying?
The selected investment category and supporting evidence must meet the requirements that apply to the case. Changing the investment or its documentation could affect eligibility or processing. Before making any change, obtain case-specific advice from a suitably qualified Turkish legal or immigration professional and confirm the current official requirements.
Do I have to sell the property after the three-year period?
The published property route includes a commitment not to transfer the property for at least three years. Before selling or otherwise disposing of it after that period, check the title registration, case documents, and rules then in force. Do not assume that a sale will have no effect on a particular case or subsequent status without confirming it.
Official source and further information
Eligibility, processing times, and any subsequent status arrangements depend on the applicant’s background, investment, documents, and official assessment. This article is for general information only; it is not a guarantee of approval or legal, tax, or investment advice. Rules can change, so confirm the current requirements with qualified professionals and official sources before acting.
Founded in 2009, John Hu Migration Consulting has spent 17 years helping more than 6,000 families plan overseas status and assets, working with local Turkish lawyers and partners on relevant cases.
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