The completion of the Turkish citizenship by investment process marks the beginning of a new phase for investors. Topics such as finalizing identity and passport procedures, the status of family members, and obligations related to the acquired property come to the fore. In this guide, we discuss the steps that follow citizenship and the answers to the most frequently asked questions in an explanatory manner.
First Steps After Citizenship is Granted
Once the citizenship decision is communicated, official procedures begin for the investor and their family members. The essential steps at this stage are as follows:
- Civil registration: The citizenship decision is notified to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. Subsequently, the person is assigned a Republic of Turkey identification number and registered in the civil registry.
- ID card application: An appointment is made at the population directorate to issue a biometric Turkish ID card. This process is usually completed within a few weeks.
- Passport application: After receiving the ID card, a passport application can be made. The passport enables the use of the new citizenship for international travel. The application period varies between 1 and 3 weeks depending on demand.
During this process, ensuring that the documents are complete and seeking professional advisory support, if available, can save time.
Family Coverage: Who Automatically Receives Citizenship?
When applying for citizenship by investment, the status of family members is one of the most curious topics. According to the legislation:
- Spouse: The spouse is also evaluated for citizenship alongside the applicant. The spouse is not required to make a separate investment; however, the spouse's documents are added to the application file and the same process is followed.
- Children under 18: Children under the age of 18 who are under the custody of the applicant or their spouse automatically acquire citizenship. No additional conditions are sought for them.
- Children over 18: Children who have reached the age of majority cannot be included in the application directly. They must apply for citizenship through a separate investment of their own.
- Other family members such as parents: These individuals cannot acquire citizenship through the investor; different processes such as family reunification should be considered.
Therefore, determining which family members will be covered when planning the investment prevents surprises later on.
Property Retention Requirement and the Future of the Investment
The real estate investment made to obtain citizenship must be held for at least 3 years from the date of title deed transfer. Selling the property within this period is a breach of the undertaking. So what does this requirement mean in practice?
- Sale before 3 years: If the property is sold early, citizenship may be revoked. Although reassessment may occur in exceptional cases, the risk is significant; therefore, a sale plan should not be made.
- After 3 years: Once the period is completed, the property can be sold freely. Citizenship is not affected. However, when making a sale decision, the rental income and value appreciation generated by the investment should also be taken into account. A property acquired in Istanbul with the right location and project may continue to be a strong portfolio component even after 3 years.
From this perspective, the obligation to hold the property in the post-citizenship period also offers a reasonable timeframe for the investment to mature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive my passport after the citizenship application is approved?
The notification of the citizenship decision, civil registration, and ID card stages take an average of 2–4 weeks. The passport application is made after receiving the ID card and is usually delivered within 1–3 weeks. In total, it is a reasonable expectation to receive your passport within 1.5–2 months.
Who can be included in the citizenship by investment process?
Spouse and children under 18 are included in the application. Adult children require a separate application. Parents or siblings cannot acquire citizenship through this process.
Is there an obligation to reside in Turkey after obtaining citizenship?
No, there is no residence requirement for those who acquire citizenship by investment. Whether or not you live in Turkey is entirely your choice.
Is dual citizenship possible? Do I have to renounce my citizenship in my home country?
Turkey permits dual citizenship. As long as your home country's laws allow, you are not obliged to renounce any citizenship. It is advisable to check your home country's legislation before applying.
Are there any other obligations besides holding the property for 3 years?
There are no other time-related restrictions. Only a 3-year non-sale annotation is placed on the title deed of the invested real estate, and the annotation is removed once the period expires. Additionally, routine ownership obligations such as property tax must be fulfilled.
Should I get professional support to manage my investment after citizenship?
Even after the citizenship process is completed, expert support can be beneficial for matters such as renting out the property, tracking its value, or future sale. Particularly if you live abroad, property management services help maintain your investment's performance.
Tailored Advisory for You
Every investor's journey and expectations are unique. Planning the post-citizenship steps in a personalized manner minimizes potential disruptions. At LuxuryPropertyInvest, we stand by you before and after the investment. Contact us for detailed information on process management, family coverage, passport procedures, and the future of your property.