Türkiye Citizenship by Investment: Why It’s Gaining Interest Among Indian Nationals Looking to Relocate

In recent years, Turkey has become a popular destination for foreign nationals seeking to invest in a second citizenship. Among the growing interest, Indian nationals are increasingly turning to Türkiye’s Citizenship by Investment program. The combination of a relatively affordable investment requirement and the benefits of Turkish citizenship is drawing the attention of many individuals seeking new opportunities abroad.

Vladlena Baranova, Lawyer, AML Compliance officer at Immigrant Invest, certified CAMS specialist, will talk about terms and benefits of Turkey Citizenship.

What is Türkiye Citizenship by Investment?

Türkiye Citizenship by Investment is a program that allows foreign investors to obtain Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying investment in the country. The program, which was introduced in 2017, offers a fast-track route to citizenship, enabling applicants to hold a Turkish passport, access the country’s healthcare and education systems, and live and work freely within the country.

Investors can also pass down Turkish citizenship to future generations, making it a long-term investment for families.

Turkey is among the one of the top countries to move from India. The main attraction of the program is the relatively low financial threshold compared to other countries with similar citizenship-by-investment pathways. This has made it a viable option for many individuals, especially from countries like India.

10 Benefits of Turkish Citizenship

1. Visa-free travel. Turkish citizens can travel to over 120 countries without the need for a visa. This includes key destinations like Japan, South Korea, and various countries in Africa and Latin America.

2. Affordable investment requirement. The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program requires an investment of at least $400,000 in real estate or other assets. This is lower than many other countries offering siilar citizenship options.

3. Dual citizenship allowed. Turkey allows dual citizenship, so Indian nationals do not have to renounce their Indian citizenship when applying for Turkish nationality.

4. Affordable location. Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, providing access to diverse markets and opportunities for business, tourism, and trade.

5. Strong economic growth. Turkey has one of the largest economies in the region and is known for its growing infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs.

6. Affordable cost of living. Compared to many other European countries, Turkey offers a lower cost of living, making it an affordable choice for families and retirees.

7. High-quality healthcare. Turkish citizens have access to state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, often at lower costs compared to many other countries.

8. Access to education. Turkish citizenship provides access to free or low-cost public education, as well as a growing number of high-quality universities.

9. Property ownership. Investors can own property in Turkey and benefit from the potential appreciation in real estate value.

10. Security and stability. Turkey offers a stable political environment and strong economic development, making it a reliable place to live and invest.

Turkish Citizenship Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Turkish citizenship through the investment program, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Age requirement. The applicant must be at least 18 years old.

Clean criminal record. Applicants must not have a criminal history in Turkey or their home country.

Investment requirement. Applicants can choose from several investment routes, including:

1. Real estate investment: Investors have the option to buy property valued at a minimum of $400,000. This property can be rented out or resold after three years.
2. Capital investment: Another pathway to citizenship involves investing at least $500,000 in Turkish businesses or government bonds.
3. Bank deposit: Investors can deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank, with the requirement to keep the deposit for at least three years.
4. Purchase of fund units: By purchasing fund units, investors can sell them after three years while earning passive income during the holding period.
5. Government bonds: An alternative investment option is purchasing government bonds worth at least $500,000 and holding them for three years.

Residency requirement. There is no mandatory minimum stay requirement for the applicant to obtain citizenship. However, the applicant must demonstrate that they are financially capable of supporting themselves and their dependents during the application process.

How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship for Indians

The process of obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment is relatively straightforward:

1. Choose the investment route. The first step is to choose the type of investment that meets the program's requirements. Most applicants opt for real estate investments, but other options like bank deposits and business investments are also available.

2. Find a suitable investment. Once the investment route is chosen, the next step is to find the appropriate property or investment opportunity. It’s essential to work with a local agent or legal advisor to ensure the investment meets all criteria.

3. Complete the necessary paperwork. After finalizing the investment, the required paperwork must be submitted. This includes proof of the investment, background checks, and personal identification documents.

4. Apply for a residence permit. Once the investment is made, the applicant applies for a Turkish residence permit. This is typically granted within a few weeks, allowing the applicant to live in Turkey while their citizenship application is processed.

5. Submit citizenship application. Once the residence permit is obtained, the applicant can proceed with applying for Turkish citizenship. This process usually takes around 8 months.

Receive Turkish citizenship. Once approved, the applicant will be granted Turkish citizenship, along with all the rights and benefits associated with it, including the Turkish passport.

Conclusion

The Türkiye Citizenship by Investment program has become a popular choice for Indian nationals looking for new opportunities abroad. With its affordable investment requirements, fast processing times, and numerous benefits such as visa-free travel, access to quality healthcare and education, and the option for dual citizenship, it is no wonder that Turkey is attracting more attention from Indian investors.