Q: How does citizenship application process work in Turkey?
A: When the client buys property valued above USD 250,000 in Turkey the request for Turkish citizenship is made to the "General Office of Land Registry and Cadastre". The application and title deed are submitted through the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation.Q: What is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation?
A: The Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation verifies with sworn appraisers that the value declared on the title deed is correct and above USD 250,000. Sworn property valuation companies are used in order to prevent fraud.Q: Is my family included?
A: Yes, the applicant’s wife/husband and all children under the age of 18 (on the application date) and disabled children of any age will receive Turkish citizenship. Parents cannot be included and would need to file their own application.Q: How long does the application process take?
A: Citizenship applications are processed fast - usually it takes 3 to 6 months from start to finish. The Turkish government is eager to reduce the time required, which would make the application process even faster.Q: Do I need to pass any interviews, education classes, or language tests?
A: No - there are no tests.Q: Do I need to declare my wealth?
A: No, applicants don't need to declare any assets or income.Q: Is dual citizenship allowed?
A: Yes, Turkey recognizes dual citizenship.Q: Is there a residency requirement?
A: No, there is no residency requirement.Q: May I buy a commercial property, or a rental property, and receive the Turkish passport?
A: Yes, any property bought qualifies as long as the purchase price (and valuation) meet the minimum required investment amount.Q: I do not have time to travel to Turkey. How can I get the Turkish citizenship?
A: Applicants don’t need to come to Turkey as there is no residency requirement. If you cannot travel to Turkey then our highly experienced legal team in Istanbul will assist you with all informative and bureaucratic aspects of the process through phone, chat, and email. Lastly, the legal team maintains physical offices not only in Turkey, but also in the United States, the Middle East, China, and India.Q: Which nationalities may apply for Turkish passport? Are any nationalities excluded?
A: All nationalities who are able to purchase property in Turkey are eligible for the Turkish citizenship by investment.Q: I bought property in Turkey previously. May I apply for citizenship now?
A: It depends; if the title deed is dated after September 20, 2018 you may apply under the Turkish citizenship by investment program regulations.Q: Since the citizenship process can take up to 6 months, do I receive the Residence Permit sooner?
A: Yes - the residence permit is granted to you and your family prior to receiving the passport, usually within 30 - 60 days.Q: What are the major differences among the various immigration by investment programs?
A: The Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program provides the applicant with several investment options starting at EUR 512,000 for European citizenship and passport after five years in residency status. The "fast track option" starts at EUR 390,000 and shortens this period to only 18 months.The Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program provides the applicant with several investment options starting at EUR 2,0 million for immediate European citizenship and passport. The entire citizenship application process can be as fast as 3 - 6 months.
The Greece Golden Visa allows non-EU applicants to file for Greek residency by way of a EUR 250,000 investment in local real estate. The applicant may file for Greek citizenship after seven years of permanent residency.
The Malta Citizenship for Exceptional Services Program provides the applicant with Malta (EU) citizenship in return for an investment to support the economic development of Malta. The main applicant is required to make an investment (non-refundable donation) in the amount of EUR 600,000 (36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency option) plus a philanthropic donation in the amount of EUR 10,000. For applicants who are only seeking Malta residency and Schengen travel benefits, options start at an annual recurring expense of EUR 24,000.
The Monaco Residency / Citizenship Program allows applicants to file for Monaco residency by proving access to sufficient accommodations and financial self-sufficiency. The applicant may file for Monaco citizenship after ten years of permanent residency.
The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program requires an investment of EUR 350,000 in real estate, or the transfer of 1 Million Euro, or the creation of 10 new jobs in Portugal. After 5 years of Portuguese residency, citizenship can be applied for.
The Spain Golden Visa requires a EUR 500,000 minimum investment in real estate, or a 1 Million Euro asset transfer, or a 2 Million Euro securities investment, or the creation of a new government-approved business project in return for Spanish residency. After 10 years of residency the applicant may file for citizenship.
Outside of the EU, citizenship by investment programs include those offered by Canada, the United States of America, and the Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia:
Canada offers several residency by investment options, leading to citizenship if desired, starting at CAD 200,000.
The United States EB-5 Program leads to permanent residency status and citizenship in the United States for a minimum investment of US-Dollar 900,000 in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that generates at least 10 jobs for Americans. After five years as a permanent resident the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.
The Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia offer citizenship programs requiring a cash contribution of at least US-Dollar 100,000.
Please contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation. Our associated attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about the Spanish Residency / Citizenship by Investment programs.
