CITIZENSHIP GALAXY

Core Requirement: The USD 400,000 Threshold

The fundamental condition for this program is the purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 400,000 or its equivalent in Turkish Lira or another foreign currency. This value was increased from $250,000 in 2022 and remains the current standard.

Key Conditions for the Investment:

1. Three-Year Holding Period: An annotation must be placed on the property's title deed (Tapu), stating that it cannot be sold or transferred for a minimum period of three years. The generated photo above visually demonstrates this with a "SATILAMAZ ŞERHİ" stamp on the documents. After this period, the investor is free to sell the property while retaining their Turkish citizenship.
2. Official Valuation: The value of the property is not determined by the sale price alone. An official valuation report from a Capital Markets Board (SPK) licensed firm is mandatory. The report must confirm the property's value is at least USD 400,000.
3. Full Value on Title Deed: The full purchase price of at least USD 400,000 must be officially declared on the title deed. Under-declaring the value to lower taxes will disqualify the investment for citizenship application.
4. Documented Transaction: The payment must be made via bank transfer from the buyer's account to the seller's account. A Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi - DAB) is required to prove that foreign currency was converted into Turkish Lira for the transaction.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation & Property Search:
   • Obtain a Turkish Tax Identification Number.
   • Open a bank account in Türkiye.
   • Locate a qualifying property (residential, commercial, or land) that meets the value and legal requirements. Conducting due diligence to ensure the property is free of encumbrances is crucial.
2. Purchase & Valuation:
3. Commission an SPK-licensed valuation report.
4. Complete the sale, ensuring the payment is made via bank transfer and a DAB is issued.
5. Register the property in your name at the Land Registry Office, including the three-year non-sale annotation on the title deed.
6. Certificate of Conformity: Apply to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change for a "Certificate of Conformity," which officially verifies that your investment meets all the criteria for the citizenship program.
7. Residence Permit Application: Once the certificate is obtained, apply for a short-term residence permit (labeled for investment purposes) for yourself and your family.
8. Citizenship Application: With the residence permit in hand, you can submit the final application for Turkish citizenship to the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs.

Who Can Be Included?

The main applicant can include the following family members in the same citizenship application:

• Legal spouse
• Dependent children under the age of 18

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship

• Global Mobility: A Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries.
• Right to Live, Work, and Study: Enjoy the full rights of a Turkish citizen, including access to the national healthcare and education systems.
• No Residency Requirement: There is no obligation to reside in Türkiye either before or after obtaining citizenship.
• E-2 Visa Eligibility: Turkish citizens are eligible to apply for the USA's E-2 Investor Visa, which allows for residency in the US through a business investment.
• Return on Investment: After the mandatory three-year holding period, investors can sell their property, potentially realizing a capital gain, while keeping their citizenship for life.

Disclaimer: Laws and regulations can change. It is highly recommended to consult with a qualified legal professional specializing in Turkish citizenship and real estate law to navigate the process effectively and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.