$400K
Minimum Investment
Unchanged since June 2022
6–10 mo
Passport Timeline
Purchase to passport
110+
Visa-Free Countries
Turkish passport
0
Residency Days Required
No minimum stay
Turkish citizenship by investment has been available to foreign nationals since 2017. In the years since, the programme has been refined, the thresholds adjusted, and the processing infrastructure significantly improved. In 2026, it remains one of the most straightforward citizenship-by-investment routes globally — particularly for buyers from Pakistan, Iran, and the Gulf states who face meaningful travel restrictions on their existing passports.
This guide covers what the process actually looks like in 2026, what pitfalls to avoid, and what “honest” advice looks like from an advisory firm that has taken clients through it from start to finish.
The $400,000 Requirement: What It Actually Means
The tapu (title deed) is the critical document — it must reflect the official appraised value, not just the purchase price
The $400,000 threshold applies to the official government appraisal value (ekspertiz) — not the developer’s asking price, not what you paid, not what the market says the property is worth. This distinction causes more confusion and failed applications than any other part of the programme.
Critical Point
A property listed at $450,000 may only appraise at $380,000 — and that would disqualify your citizenship application regardless of what you paid. Hermava confirms appraisal compliance before you commit to any property.
Practical implications of the $400K threshold:
- You can combine properties: Two properties appraising at $210,000 each = $420,000 total — qualifies. Must be registered in the same applicant’s name.
- Off-plan valuations can be lower: Unbuilt projects may not appraise at their final market value yet. Always check the current appraisal, not a developer’s projected valuation.
- The 3-year commitment is on the appraisal price: You commit not to sell for 3 years. After that, you retain citizenship and can sell freely.
The 5-Step Process: Exactly What Happens
1
Property Selection & Due Diligence (Week 1–3)
Identify CBI-eligible properties, confirm GYO certification, verify clean title deed (no mortgage, no liens), confirm appraisal will meet $400K. This step can be done remotely via live video tour and Hermava’s legal review. Do not skip this — title deed issues discovered post-purchase are expensive to resolve.
2
Purchase & Title Deed Transfer (Week 3–6)
Transfer funds via international bank wire in USD. Register tapu (title deed) at the Land Registry in your name. Register the 3-year no-sale annotation simultaneously. You can attend in person or via notarised Power of Attorney if you are abroad.
3
Official Appraisal Report (Week 3–7)
Engage a SPK-licensed valuation firm to produce the ekspertiz report confirming the $400K threshold. This document is separate from the purchase contract and required for the citizenship file. Timeline: 1–3 weeks.
4
Short-Term Residence Permit (Week 5–10)
Apply for an initial ikamet (residence permit) as a prerequisite for the citizenship file. You must be registered at the property address. Timeline: 4–6 weeks to receive.
5
Citizenship Application & Passport (Month 3–10)
Submit the complete citizenship file to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (NÜFUS). Government processing currently averages 3–5 months. Biometrics and passport issuance follow approval — you receive full Turkish citizenship and passport.
Ready to start the citizenship process?
We have guided buyers from Pakistan, Iran, the UK, UAE, and Gulf states through every step. Book a free consultation and we will assess your eligibility and timeline honestly.
Book Free Citizenship Consultation →
What the Programme Gives You — and What It Doesn’t
A Turkish passport unlocks visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries including Schengen zone
Turkish citizenship gives you full rights equivalent to any Turkish citizen: right to live, work, and study in Turkey indefinitely; a Turkish passport; and the ability to pass citizenship to your children (including future children). It does not give you EU residency or access to EU social systems — Turkey is not an EU member.
| What You Get | Reality Check |
|---|
| Turkish Passport | 110+ countries visa-free including Schengen short stay |
| Family inclusion | Spouse + children under 18 — one application, one investment |
| No residency required | Zero minimum stay — live wherever you want |
| Dual citizenship | Turkey permits dual nationality — keep your existing passport |
| Sell after 3 years | Retain citizenship permanently after the hold period |
| EU residency | Not included — Turkey is not an EU member |
| US/UK/Canada visa-free | Not included — requires separate visa application |
The Hermava Verdict — Turkish Citizenship Programme 2026
The Turkish CBI programme is one of the best-value second citizenship routes available to Pakistani and Iranian nationals in 2026. The $400K investment is backed by a real asset with genuine 7%+ yield potential. The 110+ visa-free countries — particularly Schengen access — is a material life upgrade for most of our clients. The programme is genuine, the government is processing applications efficiently, and the property market supports the investment case. We recommend it without hesitation — for the right buyer, with the right property.
— Danial, Hermava Advisory
Turkish Citizenship FAQ
The questions we hear most often from Pakistani, Iranian, and Gulf buyers — answered directly.
What is the minimum investment for Turkish citizenship in 2026?
The minimum is $400,000 USD in officially appraised real estate. This threshold has been unchanged since June 2022. You can combine one or more properties — but the total official government appraisal (ekspertiz) must meet or exceed $400K. The property must be held for a minimum of 3 years after purchase.
Can Pakistani nationals apply for Turkish citizenship by investment?
Yes — Pakistani nationals face no restrictions under Turkey’s citizenship by investment programme. Pakistan and Turkey have strong bilateral relations, and Pakistani buyers represent one of the largest foreign buyer groups in Istanbul. The process is identical regardless of nationality — the only requirement is meeting the $400K investment threshold.
Can I do the entire Turkish citizenship process remotely without visiting Turkey?
Yes — the full process can be completed remotely via a notarised Power of Attorney issued in your home country. Hermava handles property shortlisting, legal due diligence, title deed transfer, and the citizenship file submission on your behalf. You will need to visit Turkey briefly to collect the residence permit and, eventually, the passport — but the paperwork can be fully handled remotely.
How long does Turkish citizenship by investment take in 2026?
Realistically, 6–10 months from property purchase to passport in hand. The breakdown: property purchase and title deed registration (2–4 weeks), official appraisal report (2–3 weeks), short-term residence permit (4–6 weeks), citizenship file submission and government processing (3–5 months). Hermava tracks every milestone and provides status updates throughout.
Does my family qualify for Turkish citizenship too?
Yes — a single investment covers the entire immediate family. Your spouse and children under 18 are automatically included in one citizenship application at no additional investment. Each family member receives their own Turkish passport. This is one of the most family-inclusive CBI programmes globally.
Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
Yes — Turkey fully permits dual nationality. You do not need to renounce your existing citizenship to acquire Turkish citizenship. However, some countries (notably Iran and Pakistan under certain interpretations) have rules around dual nationality — we recommend consulting your home country’s rules before applying, though in practice dual holding is very common among our clients.
