CBI Guide for Turkey: Laws, Programs and Second Passport

Why Might You Need Legal Help with Citizenship by Investment?

You may need a lawyer because Turkey’s requirements are detailed, the rules change frequently, and applications are rejected for small errors. Lawyers help you choose the correct permit type, assemble compliant documents, and manage deadlines. For investment and property-based routes, counsel is crucial to avoid ineligible assets or contracts that block approvals.

Common pain points include: proving lawful income, address registration, navigating neighborhood closures for new registrations, understanding renewal limits for touristic residence, meeting employer criteria for work permits, and meeting Citizenship by Investment (CBI) verification rules such as valuation, bank transfer proofs, and title deed annotations.

How Does the Immigration Process Work?

Most applicants start with the correct entry visa, book an online application, attend a biometrics appointment, then await a decision and card delivery. Timelines vary by city and case type. Below is the standard flow for major routes.

1) Short-term, family, student, and long-term residence permits (ikamet)

1. Check eligibility under Law No. 6458 (e.g., property owner, business, study, family).
2. Apply online via the e-Ikamet system (https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/), choose a PDMM appointment date, and upload documents.
3. Prepare documents: passport copies, biometric photos, address proof, health insurance, proof of financial means, and purpose-specific evidence (e.g., title deed, school acceptance).
4. Attend the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (PDMM) appointment for biometrics and deliver originals.
5. Pay government fees and card fees (vary by nationality and duration; fees adjust annually).
6. Await decision and receive the residence card by mail. Typical processing is 2-8 weeks, longer in major cities.

2) Work permits

1. Secure a job offer from a Turkish employer or set up your own Turkish company.
2. The employer files the work permit application online to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı) under International Labor Law No. 6735.
3. Provide required documents: employment contract, corporate records, diploma/experience proof, and passport/residence details.
4. Decision is usually issued within 30 days of a complete file.
5. After approval, register with Social Security (SGK) and complete address registration. The work permit card doubles as a residence document.

3) Turkish citizenship by investment (TCBI)

1. Choose an eligible route: USD 400,000 real estate purchase, USD 500,000 bank deposit, USD 500,000 government bonds/fund shares, USD 500,000 fixed capital investment, or creating 50 jobs.
2. Real estate buyers obtain a valuation by a Capital Markets Board (SPK)-licensed firm and complete bank transfers with a Currency Purchase Document (Döviz Alım Belgesi) via a Turkish bank.
3. Record a 3-year no-sale annotation on the title deed at the Land Registry (Tapu ve Kadastro).
4. Apply for a certificate of conformity from the competent ministry (e.g., Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change for property, Banking/Finance for deposits).
5. Submit the citizenship file to NVİ with background checks; approvals generally take 3-9 months, followed by Turkish ID and passport issuance.

4) Naturalization based on residence

1. Maintain 5 years of continuous residence (with permitted absences) and demonstrate intention to settle.
2. Show sufficient income, clean criminal record, and adequate Turkish language ability.
3. Submit the application to NVİ; processing can take 6-24 months depending on checks.

What are the Specific Turkey Legal Requirements?

Turkey’s legal requirements depend on the route. The summaries below highlight the main standards and documents you should expect to provide.

Short-term residence (Article 31 of Law No. 6458)

• Common grounds: property ownership, commercial ties, tourism, health treatment, research, or Turkish language course attendance.
• General documents: passport, photos, address proof, valid health insurance, financial means, and purpose-specific proof (e.g., title deed for property).
• Renewals: touristic grounds have become stricter; PDMM may reduce durations or deny repeat renewals without stronger grounds.

Family residence (Articles 34-37 of Law No. 6458)

• Eligible for spouses and minor children of Turkish citizens or legal residents meeting income and housing criteria.
• Sponsor must prove lawful income, no recent crimes against family, and valid address registration.

Student residence (Articles 38-41 of Law No. 6458)

• Requires enrollment in a Turkish educational institution and health insurance.
• Permits limited work for higher education students under conditions set by Law No. 6735.

Long-term residence (Article 42 of Law No. 6458)

• Requires 8 years of uninterrupted legal residence, stable income, and no serious public order threats.
• Grants indefinite ikamet, similar to permanent residence.

Work permits (International Labor Law No. 6735)

• Employer typically must meet corporate ratios and justify the foreign hire over the local labor market.
• Categories: standard, independent, Turquoise Card (for highly skilled investors/researchers), and intra-company transfers.
• Processing target: 30 days from complete submission.

Turkish citizenship by investment (Regulation implementing Law No. 5901; Presidential Decision No. 106 of 2018 as amended by Decision No. 5554/2022)

• Real estate: minimum USD 400,000, SPK valuation, bank transfer proof, 3-year hold annotation, and property cannot be purchased from another foreign individual for eligibility.
• Bank deposit: USD 500,000 equivalent in a Turkish bank for 3 years (verified by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency - BDDK).
• Fixed capital: USD 500,000 verified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
• Employment creation: 50 Turkish employees verified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
• Family inclusion: spouse and minor children can be included; due diligence applies to all adults.

Humanitarian and temporary protection

• Humanitarian residence permits are available in exceptional cases under Law No. 6458.
• Temporary protection status is governed by the Temporary Protection Regulation for certain groups (e.g., Syrians) and is not a general immigration route.

Entry visas and e-Visas

• Many nationals can obtain an e-Visa via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal (www.evisa.gov.tr) in minutes to 48 hours.
• Others require visa applications at Turkish consulates before travel.

What Turkey Laws and Regulations Apply?

Turkey’s immigration framework is statute-driven and regularly updated. The main sources are listed below.

• Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK) and its Implementing Regulation.
• Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and the Regulation on its Implementation.
• International Labor Law No. 6735 (work permits, Turquoise Card).
• Presidential Decision No. 106 (2018) on CBI thresholds as amended by Presidential Decision No. 5554 (2022) increasing the real estate threshold to USD 400,000.
• Capital Markets Board (SPK) valuation rules for real estate appraisals; Land Registry and Cadastre procedures for title deed annotations.
• Central Bank currency purchase documentation rules for foreign real estate buyers paying in foreign currency.

Key authorities include the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), Provincial Directorates of Migration Management (PDMM), Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs (NVİ), Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu ve Kadastro), Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK), and the Ministry of Industry and Technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a residence permit by buying property in Turkey?

Yes, property ownership can support a short-term residence permit under Article 31 of Law No. 6458 if the property and valuation meet the current thresholds and locality rules. You must prove ownership with a title deed (tapu), provide insurance and financial means, and complete address registration. Rules and minimum valuation thresholds change, and some neighborhoods are closed to new foreign registrations, so check PDMM guidance before purchase.

How long does Turkish Citizenship by Investment take?

Most complete CBI files are approved within 3-9 months from purchase/deposit to passport issuance. Timelines vary by city and background checks. The 3-year hold period applies to your qualifying asset, but citizenship is granted first after approval.

Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Turkey generally permits dual citizenship under Law No. 5901. You must also confirm that your other country allows dual citizenship, and you should keep both authorities updated with your civil status and passports.

What are typical costs for residence and work permits?

Government fees vary by nationality and duration and are adjusted annually. As a planning estimate, budget a few hundred US dollars equivalent per adult for residence permit taxes and card fees, and a similar range for work permit fees, plus legal fees if you hire counsel. For property residence, add valuation, translation, notary, and potential tax costs.

Can I convert a tourist stay into a residence permit inside Turkey?

Often yes, if you apply for a qualifying residence permit before your visa or visa-exempt stay ends. Touristic residence renewals have become more restrictive, so consider stronger grounds such as property ownership, study, or company establishment.

What is the US E-2 benefit of Turkish citizenship?

Turkey is a US E-2 Treaty country, so Turkish citizens can apply for a US E-2 investor visa. If you acquired Turkish nationality by investment, recent US rules require you to have been domiciled in Turkey for at least 3 years to qualify for E-2, in addition to meeting US investment and business criteria.

Are there neighborhood restrictions for foreign registrations?

Yes, Turkey periodically closes neighborhoods to new foreign address registrations when foreign residents exceed a set population threshold. Before renting or buying, check the latest PMM list for closed neighborhoods to avoid registration issues.

How do work permits differ from residence permits?

A work permit is authorization to work and live in Turkey tied to an employer or specific activity, issued by the Ministry of Labor. A residence permit is the right to stay, granted by PMM, and does not automatically allow work unless you also have a work permit or another exemption.

Is there a language test for naturalization?

There is no formal standardized test, but you must demonstrate sufficient Turkish to live in Turkey and interact with authorities. Interviews may assess your practical language ability.

What due diligence occurs for CBI and other routes?

Authorities conduct identity, criminal, security, and financial source checks through NVİ, PMM, and other agencies, and may consult international databases. For CBI, valuation, bank transfers, and asset-hold annotations are verified before approval.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Hire a lawyer when your case involves investments, property purchases, work permits, family sponsorship, complex personal histories, or when you are on a tight timeline. Legal counsel mitigates risks from changing rules, neighborhood closures, valuation pitfalls, and incomplete filings. For CBI, counsel helps select compliant assets, structure funds, coordinate valuation and title procedures, and manage ministry verifications.

• High stakes: citizenship by investment, large property transactions, or corporate transfers.
• Complexities: prior visa denials, overstay history, name or document inconsistencies, or multiple dependents.
• Strategy: planning for E-2 eligibility timelines, combining residence with work authorization, or sequencing steps for long-term residence.

CBI Snapshot 2025: Turkey vs. Caribbean, Malta, Vanuatu

Turkey competes with Caribbean programs, Malta, and Vanuatu for second passports and mobility. In 2024-2025 the Caribbean implemented price harmonization to a USD 200,000 minimum for approved options, and due diligence standards tightened under EU pressure. Turkey’s draw is E-2 Treaty access and a large domestic market; Malta offers premium EU access; Vanuatu is known for speed but faces evolving visa-free access.

Total cost for families differs widely due to add-on fees, due diligence, and processing charges. In the Caribbean, Antigua often delivers better value for larger families; in Turkey, the same qualifying investment usually covers spouse and minor children, making it efficient for families planning E-2 or regional business interests.

What are the Next Steps?

Your next steps depend on your goals: temporary residence, work, study, family reunion, long-term settlement, or citizenship. Start by confirming your eligibility and documents, then use the correct portals and prepare for in-person steps. If you plan to invest, begin legal and financial due diligence before transferring any funds.

1. Define your goal: residence, work, study, family, long-term residence, or citizenship by residence or investment.
2. Check legal grounds: review Law No. 6458, Law No. 6735, and Law No. 5901 requirements that match your situation.
3. Assemble documents: passport, translated and apostilled civil records, proof of funds, health insurance, and purpose-specific evidence.
4. Use official systems: e-Ikamet for residence; Ministry of Labor’s portal for work permits; NVİ channels for citizenship; e-Visa portal for entry visas.
5. For property and CBI: retain a Turkish lawyer, engage an SPK-licensed valuer, confirm eligible property, and structure bank transfers with a Currency Purchase Document.
6. Plan timelines: 2-8 weeks for residence, 30 days for work permits, 3-9 months for CBI, and 6-24 months for naturalization by residence.

Additional Notes on Recent Changes

Recent developments include the 2022 increase of the CBI real estate threshold to USD 400,000 and stricter renewal practices for touristic residence permits. Authorities also adjust closed neighborhoods for new foreign registrations and update fee schedules every year. Globally, 2024-2025 brought Caribbean CBI price harmonization to USD 200,000 and more rigorous due diligence, underscoring the value of professional legal guidance when comparing Turkey with alternative second citizenship routes.