Golden VisaTurkey Golden Visa 2026
From USD 400,000 · Processing 3-8 months · Direct Citizenship
Written & reviewed by
Marco Oliveira
European Immigration Specialist
Specialist in Schengen visas, EU Blue Card, and European permanent residency pathways.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Visa rules change frequently — always verify current requirements at the official government immigration website before applying. This site does not provide legal or immigration advice.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment: Complete 2026 Guide
Turkey's golden visa program, Turkey Citizenship by Investment, allows foreign investors to obtain residency (or direct citizenship) through a qualifying financial investment starting at USD 400,000.
Physical presence requirement: No residency or physical presence requirement — direct citizenship route — one of the lightest requirements among active golden visa programs.
Qualifying Investment Routes
- $USD 400,000+ real estate (held for a minimum of 3 years)
- $USD 500,000+ fixed capital investment or bank deposit
- $Creating employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens
How to Apply — Step by Step
Choose your investment route
Select from Turkey's qualifying routes: USD 400,000+ real estate (held for a minimum of 3 years)
Engage a licensed local lawyer
Golden visa applications in Turkey require local legal representation to structure the investment correctly and handle the residency permit application in parallel.
Complete the investment
Transfer the minimum USD 400,000+ (or local currency equivalent) through the qualifying route, retaining all transaction documentation for the application file.
Submit biometrics and application file
Attend a biometrics appointment (where required) and submit your passport, proof of investment, health insurance, clean criminal record certificate, and application forms.
Receive approval and residence card
Processing takes 3-8 months. Once approved, you'll receive a residence permit card, which must be renewed periodically while maintaining the qualifying investment.
Track your path to permanent residency or citizenship
Turkey grants citizenship directly through this investment route, without a separate residency waiting period.
Turkey Golden Visa FAQs
What is the minimum investment for the Turkey golden visa in 2026?
The minimum investment is USD 400,000, though the exact figure depends on which qualifying route you choose. Routes include: USD 400,000+ real estate (held for a minimum of 3 years); USD 500,000+ fixed capital investment or bank deposit; Creating employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens.
How long does the Turkey golden visa take to process?
Processing typically takes 3-8 months from a complete application with confirmed investment. Delays are most commonly caused by incomplete investment documentation or a backlog in biometrics scheduling — engage a local lawyer to keep the file moving.
Do I need to live in Turkey to keep the golden visa?
No residency or physical presence requirement — direct citizenship route. This is a defining feature of golden visa programs — the legal basis for residency is the investment, not day-to-day presence, which is why requirements are far lighter than standard immigration visas.
Can the Turkey golden visa lead to citizenship?
Yes — this program grants citizenship directly, without a separate residency waiting period.
Can I include my family in a Turkey golden visa application?
Most golden visa programs, including Turkey's, allow the primary investor to include a spouse and dependent children under the same application for an additional per-dependent fee. Check the official source for the current family-inclusion rules and any age limits on dependent children.
Is the Turkey golden visa investment refundable?
This depends entirely on the route chosen. Real estate and fund/bond investments can generally be sold or exited after the required minimum holding period (subject to market risk), while direct government contribution fees are typically non-refundable. Verify the specific refundability terms for your chosen route at https://www.goic.gov.tr/ before committing funds.
What documents are required for the Turkey golden visa?
Standard requirements include: a valid passport, proof of the qualifying investment (bank transfer records, property deed, or fund subscription), a clean criminal record certificate (apostilled), comprehensive health insurance, proof of accommodation, and completed application forms. Requirements can change — always confirm the current list at https://www.goic.gov.tr/.
Always verify current investment thresholds and requirements at the official source before committing funds: https://www.goic.gov.tr/