INTRODUCTION
According to the decision of Council of Ministers dated 12th of December 2016 and numbered 2016/9601, several changes have been made to the acquisition of Turkish citizenship by foreigners. The decision and the amendments made, have been published in the Official Gazette on 12th of January 2017 and entered into force.
1. DOES THE REGULATION MADE BY THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS APPLY TO ANY FOREIGN COUNTRY CITIZEN?
The regulation applies to all foreign nationals, and no country has been excluded with the regulation.
2. WHO ARE UNDER THE SCOPE OF THE REGULATION AND WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS?
Foreigners who are holding a residence permit and/or a turquois card, their wifes and children (non-adult by law)of spouses can be take advantage of this arrangement. There are various type of conditions to acquire citizenship through investment which will be explained in detail below.
3. IS IT POSSIBLE TO ACQUIRE CITIZENSHIP THROUGH CAPITAL INVESTMENT?
Yes. A foreigner who has made a fixed capital investment in the amount of at least USD 2 Million which is also determined of Ministry of Economy may acquire Turkish citizenship.
4. IS IT POSSIBLE TO ACQUIRE CITIZENSHIP THROUGH REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT?
Yes. A foreigner who has purchased a real estate in the amount of at least USD 1 Million and has attached a notation to the title deed that the real estate cannot be sold for a period of three years may acquire Turkish citizenship provided that such annotation has been determined by Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning.
5. IS IT POSSIBLE TO ACQUIRE CITIZENSHIP THROUGH GENERATING EMPLOYMENT ?
Yes. A foreigner who proves to Labor and Social Security that employment for at least 100 person has been generated may acquire Turkish Citizenship.
6. IS IT POSSIBLE TO ACQUIRE CITIZENSHIP THROUGH BRINGING DEPOSITS TO TURKEY ?
Yes. A foreigner who proves to Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency that deposits in the amount of USD 3 Million or more has been, deposited to a bank operating in Turkey for at least three years may acquire Turkish citizenship.
7. IS IT POSSIBLE TO ACQUIRE CITIZENSHIP THROUGH PURCHASING TREASURY BONDS ?
Yes. A foreigner who proves to Undersecretariat for the Treasury that treasury bonds in the amount of USD 3 Million or more has been purchased with the condition to hold them for at least three years may acquire Turkish citizenship.