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Foreigners Law

Foreign nationals can apply for Turkish citizenship by exception by acquiring real estate worth at least USD 400,000 with a three-year no-sale annotation on the title, or by investing at least USD 500,000 in deposits, government debt instruments or investment funds (as of October 2026). Property ownership can be grounds for a short-term residence permit. A deportation order can be challenged before the administrative court within 7 days of notification, and administrative detention before the criminal judgeship of peace.

Last updated: November 2026This page was prepared by our lawyers registered with the Istanbul Bar Association.

Scope of our work

Citizenship by investment

Exceptional citizenship through real estate of at least USD 400,000 or deposits, government debt instruments, or real estate and venture capital investment funds of at least USD 500,000, followed from the certificate of eligibility to approval by the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship.

Property acquisition by foreigners

Checking acquisition conditions by nationality, military restricted and security zone permits, the mandatory valuation report, the foreign currency purchase certificate and the title transfer.

Residence, work permits and administrative proceedings

Applications for short-term, long-term and family residence permits, work permits and the Turquoise Card. Objections to deportation orders before administrative courts and to administrative detention before criminal judgeships of peace.

How does the process work?

  1. We clarify your nationality, goal (investment, residence, citizenship, work) and budget in the first call.
  2. The chosen property or investment instrument is checked against the requirements.
  3. The valuation report, title transfer and annotations are completed with a sworn interpreter.
  4. The certificate of eligibility, residence and citizenship applications are prepared and followed.

Limits to be aware of

  • A foreign individual may acquire up to 30 hectares across Türkiye; the area foreigners can acquire in a district may not exceed 10% of its surface (Land Registry Law art. 35).
  • Acquisition in military restricted and security zones requires permission.
  • For citizenship, a three-year no-sale annotation is registered on the title.
  • In some neighbourhoods, new residence registrations by foreigners are restricted by the Presidency of Migration Management.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum amount for citizenship through real estate?

As of October 2026 it is USD 400,000; the value is determined by a valuation report from a firm licensed by the Capital Markets Board, and a three-year no-sale annotation is registered. The amount can be changed by Presidential decision, so check again before applying.

Does owning a home guarantee a residence permit?

No. Property ownership is one of the statutory grounds for a short-term residence permit, but each application is assessed separately and conditions apply, such as the neighbourhood being open to foreign residents.

How long do I have to challenge a deportation order?

An action can be filed before the administrative court within 7 days of notification. During the proceedings, the person is not deported without their consent.

Relevant legislation

  • Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, art. 12, and Implementing Regulation art. 20
  • Land Registry Law No. 2644, arts. 35–36
  • Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (arts. 31, 53, 57)
  • International Labour Force Law No. 6735 (Turquoise Card)

The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and legislation and practice may change.

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