As Uzunpınar & Tüfek International Law Firm, we provide our clients with comprehensive, reliable, and professional legal consultancy services in the field of foreigners law and acquisition of Turkish citizenship, particularly in processes related to the exceptional acquisition of citizenship by foreign investors. Foreign nationals who invest in Türkiye are granted the right to acquire Turkish citizenship through an exceptional procedure, provided that certain conditions are met. This system aims both to encourage direct investment in the Turkish economy and to enable foreign investors to obtain a long-term legal status in Türkiye.

 

Turkish citizenship acquired through the exceptional procedure is granted by Presidential decision upon fulfillment of investment-based criteria, without requiring long-term residence, unlike general methods of acquiring citizenship. In practice, the most preferred methods include acquiring citizenship through real estate purchase, fixed capital investment, depositing funds in a bank, purchasing government debt instruments, and creating employment. However, each type of investment requires meeting specific monetary thresholds and maintaining the investment for prescribed periods.

 

Even the smallest mistake made during the citizenship application process may lead to rejection of the application or significant delays. Especially in applications based on real estate acquisition, technical details such as title deed transactions, valuation reports, preliminary sale agreements, annotations, and non-sale undertakings must strictly comply with the relevant legislation. As Uzunpınar & Tüfek International Law Firm, we provide end-to-end legal support to our clients at all stages, from investment planning to the finalization of the citizenship application.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

 

1. What is the exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship by a foreign investor?

The exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship by a foreign investor is a special legal procedure that enables foreigners who fulfill the investment conditions determined in Türkiye to acquire Turkish citizenship by Presidential decision, without being subject to general citizenship requirements. Under this system, general conditions such as long-term residence, knowledge of Turkish, or integration are not required; the primary criterion is compliance of the investment with the legislation.

 

2. Through which types of investments can Turkish citizenship be acquired exceptionally?

Exceptional citizenship may be acquired through purchasing real estate, making a fixed capital investment of at least the specified amount, depositing funds in Turkish banks, purchasing government debt instruments, or creating a certain number of jobs. Each type of investment has different monetary thresholds and mandatory holding periods. Choosing the correct investment type is critical for the success of the application.

 

3. How can Turkish citizenship be acquired by purchasing real estate?

A foreign investor may apply for Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate above the minimum amount determined by legislation. The value of the acquired property must be determined by a licensed real estate valuation report, and an annotation stating that the property cannot be sold for at least three years must be placed on the title deed. In addition, payment must be made through banking channels and in an official manner.

 

4. How long does an exceptional citizenship application take to be concluded?

If the application is submitted completely and accurately, an exceptional Turkish citizenship application is concluded in practice within an average of 3 to 6 months. However, if there are deficiencies in the documents or if the investment does not comply with the legislation, the process may be prolonged or the application may be rejected. Professional legal support plays an important role in shortening the duration.

 

5. Can the foreign investor and their family benefit from citizenship together?

Yes. The foreign investor’s spouse and children under the age of 18 may acquire Turkish citizenship as dependents of the main application. No additional investment requirement is sought for family members. However, family ties must be proven with official documents and the application must be submitted completely.

 

6. Can an exceptional citizenship application be rejected?

Yes. Citizenship applications may be rejected if the investment does not comply with the legislation, the required amount is not fully invested, there are irregularities in the documents, or an unfavorable result arises from the security investigation. Following rejection, it is possible to pursue administrative objections and judicial remedies. These processes require technical knowledge and experience.

 

7. Is it possible to sell the investment after acquiring citizenship?

No. After acquiring citizenship, the investment must be maintained for the period determined according to the type of investment. For example, in citizenship acquired through real estate, the property cannot be sold for at least three years. Sales made before the expiration of this period may result in cancellation of citizenship.

 

8. What are the advantages of acquiring Turkish citizenship through the exceptional procedure?

Upon acquiring Turkish citizenship, the investor gains significant rights such as indefinite residence in Türkiye, exemption from obtaining a work permit, access to healthcare and education services, and international travel advantages provided by a Turkish passport. In addition, processes related to investment and trade in Türkiye become significantly easier.

 

9. Why is attorney support important in exceptional citizenship applications?

Citizenship applications by foreign investors require numerous technical documents, administrative procedures, and in-depth knowledge of legislation. Errors made during title deed transactions or investment planning may lead to rejection of the application or cancellation of citizenship. Therefore, proceeding with an experienced foreigners law attorney from the beginning to the end of the process is of great importance.

 

10. How does Uzunpınar & Tüfek Law Firm provide services in this field?

Uzunpınar & Tüfek International Law Firm provides end-to-end professional services in the field of foreign investor citizenship consultancy, including investment planning, legal compliance audits, title deed and banking transactions, citizenship application, and follow-up processes. We ensure that our clients complete their investment and citizenship processes safely, swiftly, and in full compliance with the legislation.