Since late 2018, there has been a huge wave in foreign investors seeking Turkish citizenship through real estate purchases. Initially, the requirement was $250,000 (but today it has increased to $400,000).
So, what are the reasons that make this nationality a target for many investors from the globe?
There must be various advantages that make the appeal of Turkish citizenship extends beyond just less developed countries, It is also surprising that even investors from more advanced nations are interested. In this article, we will explore the lesser-known benefits of acquiring Turkish citizenship, which can be valuable for both prospective and current citizens.
Advantages of obtaining Turkish citizenship
1-Full Rights of Turkish Citizenship
We notice that many of our real estate investors who have acquired Turkish citizenship are unaware of the full range of benefits available to them:
+ Free medical care for Turkish citizens: Public sector hospitals in the Turkish state are distinguished for being so advanced as private hospitals themselves, and at the same time, citizens can obtain medical services completely free of charge for all family members without a specific limit or any type of insurance or subscription.
+ Schools are free, and the level of education is good. Also, Turkish public universities are enrolled in very small fees and offer an advanced level of theoretical education supported by practical experience. Students are offered a lot of discounts when using transportation and various entertainment.
+ The Turkish citizen has the right to open bank accounts in various international and local banks located in Turkey, and he can benefit from loans to serve his commercial activity or to pay instalments for buying a house or a car. You can also benefit from loans provided to support agriculture and small projects.
+ The Turkish citizen enjoys a retirement salary upon completion of a certain number of years of work, and the Turkish citizen does not need to obtain a work permit in the place where he works. It is sufficient for the employer to register it in the social insurance system.
+ The holder of Turkish citizenship has the right to use his political rights in Turkey, such as voting in parliamentary and presidential elections, in addition to the possibility of running for participation in any political membership.
+ Get full access to the electronic portal through which many tasks can be accomplished without the need to visit service centres.
2- Real estate investment is profitable
One of the key advantages of obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate investment is the potential for substantial financial returns, setting Turkey apart from other countries that offer citizenship through donations or less lucrative real estate investments.
Some investors who acquired Turkish citizenship in 2018 have seen impressive returns, with some achieving profits of up to 300% in dollar terms. This success is often attributed to selecting the right investment properties with the guidance of experienced real estate consultants.
Even those who bought real estate without an in-depth study obtained at least a 100% return on the basis of the dollar within six years, and this in itself is considered very attractive when thinking about real estate investment.
There are still exceptional opportunities in the market, with local investors participating in nearly 96% of these ventures. This high level of local engagement makes the market a secure and promising place for foreign investors seeking profitable returns.
We previously discussed in detail, Is real estate investment in Istanbul profitable? Turkish Citizenship by Investment
3- Obtaining Turkish citizenship is for life
Unlike some countries where citizenship might be contingent on certain conditions or can be revoked after a period, Turkish citizenship granted through property ownership is permanent. Once obtained, Turkish citizenship is lifelong and comes with lasting rights and benefits, without any need to renew or maintain specific conditions.
4- Obtaining Turkish citizenship for the whole family together
In contrast to many countries that offer citizenship solely to the investor, Turkey extends citizenship to the investor's spouse and children as well, with no limit on the number of children. This benefit covers all children up to the age of 18.
5- A new name and surname upon obtaining Turkish citizenship
Turkey permits dual citizenship, and offers the flexibility to change your name or to keep it upon obtaining Turkish citizenship.
This feature is particularly valuable for those seeking a fresh start and wishing to leave behind traces of their past.
We wrote before about this point more extensively: A new name and surname with obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment
6- The strength of the Turkish passport
The Turkish passport allows its holder to reach 62% of the countries of the world without a visa (67 countries), or by obtaining a visa upon arrival (50 countries) or through an electronic visa (6 countries).
The Turkish passport ranks 39th in the world, and a Turkish citizen can apply for the passport and obtain it with a validity of 10 years for an amount not exceeding $100 per person.
7- The diverse culture of the country
This charming country in which the tourist and resident finds something that simulates its culture and customs from any country.
The fact that Turkey is an attractive country for tourism is undoubtedly an attractive country for living, and the resident can choose the style that suits him and the environment that simulates what he desires, especially in Istanbul, which is the center of trade and business in Turkey.
We’ve observed that many foreign investors have successfully established businesses in Turkey, often achieving levels of success that might be difficult to replicate in their home countries.
8- Constantly evolving infrastructure
Foreign investors greatly value Istanbul’s advanced infrastructure, What stands out most is the government's commitment to continuously expanding and developing infrastructure to improve connectivity between different regions.
The development of giant projects such as the new Istanbul Airport, the largest in the world, the medical city in Basaksehir, the newest and largest in the world, the People’s Park that will be established on the site of the old Ataturk Airport, which is 4 times the area of the central park in New York, the advanced bridges and tunnels that are being implemented periodically, and more that is difficult to enumerate here.
9- The geographical and political position of Turkey
The distinguished geographical location of Turkey, which connects Europe with Asia, and its proximity to the Middle East, makes the political role it plays in the region the most important of all, in the present and the future. Whereas this ongoing development is not a mere coincidence but part of a well-planned, multi-stage approach set to continue advancing.
10- The future of Turkey
There is no doubt that obtaining citizenship in a country like Turkey, which has a promising future, is a significant advantage for those seeking a second nationality.
Last year, in 2023, the Republic of Turkey celebrated its 100th anniversary. Turkey has successfully harnessed its underground resources, which alone account for one-third of its revenues (which had previously caused a trade deficit). Since then, progress has been rapid, and we are beginning to move beyond the label of an emerging economy toward a mature economy in the coming years.
For a free real estate consultation, you can always contact us.
