Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Benefits and Visa-Free Countries

Visa-Free Countries with a Turkish Passport

A Turkish passport provides visa-free or simplified entry to more than 110 countries around the world, making it an attractive tool for travel, business, and international mobility. According to the Henley Passport Index and Arton Capital Passport Index, the Turkish passport consistently ranks among the TOP-50 most powerful passports in the world, underscoring its versatility and geopolitical value.

Turkish citizens can freely enter Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Qatar, Serbia, Ukraine, Georgia, and many other countries without a visa. Meanwhile, many other states offer visa on arrival or e-visa, which significantly simplifies the travel process. For example, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Bangladesh, and the Maldives provide visa on arrival, while the UAE, Australia, and India offer an e-visa system.

It should be noted that the Schengen Area, the USA, the UK, and Canada still require a prior visa. However, Turkish citizens have a reputation as reliable travelers, and in these countries, visa approval is faster than for citizens of many other states.

The table below organizes, by region, the countries that are accessible to Turkish citizens without a visa:

Turkish Passport: Travel and Visa Regime Features

The Turkish passport offers its holder extensive opportunities for international travel, even though a visa-free regime with the European Union has not yet been established. As of today, Turkish citizens can travel freely without a visa to more than 110 countries, including regions of Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. This makes the Turkish passport particularly valuable for those who conduct business or frequently travel to these regions.

For many other countries, e-Visas or visas on arrival are available. These visas are usually processed quickly, from a few minutes to a couple of days, without the need for a personal visit to the embassy.

The Schengen Area and the USA require prior visa issuance. However, Turkish citizens have the right to apply for long-term visas, such as the B1/B2 visa for the USA (business and tourist trips) or type C for Schengen Agreement countries. At the same time, Turkey continues negotiations with the EU on visa liberalization, which in the future may simplify travel within European countries.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship for Investors

Why Choose Turkey: Competitive Advantages Over Other Countries

Turkish citizenship through the investment program has a number of competitive advantages that set it apart from other jurisdictions offering citizenship by investment. Unlike island offshore programs, Turkey offers real citizenship of a powerful regional power with a developing economy, political influence, a strong military, and an active international stance.

Unlike Malta, where the citizenship process can take 12–18 months and requires significant financial outlays (from EUR 690,000), Turkey offers a more affordable and faster alternative — obtaining a passport in 3–6 months with a minimum threshold starting at USD 400,000. At the same time, no mandatory residence is required.

Unlike Vanuatu, Turkey’s program is not considered an offshore tool. It grants access to full life in a country with European-level infrastructure, healthcare, and education. This is especially important for those considering actual migration rather than just a passport as a formality.

Turkish citizens can live, work, run a business, and access the country’s banking system. Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and other cities offer a high standard of living, investment opportunities, and an international community.

Unlike programs in Saint Kitts, Dominica, or Antigua, which are limited by the scale of small island economies, Turkey offers access to a market of 85+ million people, G20 membership, and a customs union with the EU.

A separate advantage is flexibility in choosing the investment vehicle. Real estate can be rented out, used for personal needs, or sold after 3 years. This makes the investment not just a means of obtaining a passport but also a profitable asset.

How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship: Step-by-Step Guide

The government offers several ways to obtain citizenship:

1. Purchase of real estate worth at least USD 400,000 with an obligation not to sell it for 3 years;
2. Deposit in a Turkish bank of at least USD 500,000 for a minimum of 3 years;
3. Purchase of government bonds from USD 500,000 with a minimum holding period of 3 years;
4. Investment in venture capital or a real estate fund from USD 500,000;
5. Establishment of a business creating at least 50 jobs for Turkish citizens.

The most popular option remains real estate purchase due to its simplicity, transparency, and potential rental income.

Before proceeding with the investment, it is necessary to:

1. Undergo legal due diligence for potential restrictions (e.g., entry bans);
2. Prepare a document package: passports, birth certificates, marriage status certificates, photographs, bank statements, etc.;
3. Translate and notarize documents, and have them apostilled if necessary.

If the application includes family members, documents for spouses and children (under 18) will also be required.

After choosing the investment direction:

Then an application for a temporary residence permit (turquoise card) is submitted without personal presence (through a representative). After obtaining the residence permit, the main package of documents for citizenship is submitted to the General Directorate of Citizenship of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs conducts a reliability check, verifies all documents, and examines the sources of funds. The process takes from 3 to 6 months. If necessary, additional documents or explanations may be requested.

After approval, an identity card is issued, and an application for a Turkish biometric passport is submitted. The passport can be obtained both in Turkey and through consulates abroad.

Additional Opportunities for Turkish Citizens

One of the key advantages is the right to an E-2 visa in the USA, which allows Turkish citizens to open a business and reside in the United States under a non-immigrant category. It is important to note that this opportunity is not available to holders of passports from most Caribbean countries offering investment citizenship.

Additionally, Turkey has preferential visa and trade regimes with the CIS countries, the Middle East, and Central Asia, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Qatar, UAE, and others. This significantly simplifies business trips and expands opportunities for transregional business. Thanks to the customs union with the EU, companies registered by Turkish citizens can also export products to Europe under more favorable conditions.

Turkey officially allows dual citizenship, so investors are not required to renounce their original passport. It should also be noted that Turkish citizenship is inheritable. Children automatically become citizens, and spouses can be included in the application at submission.

Additionally, Turkish citizens can receive education and medical care on the same terms as residents, benefit from state support programs, and even participate in government procurement.

Tatiana Del Moral

Associated Partner

Tatiana Del Moral holds a degree in Law and Political Science from Universidad Latina de Panamá and has an outstanding international track record in migration, international law, and diplomatic cooperation. She leads her own law firm in Panama and serves as Deputy Director at a European foundation. She specializes in Panamanian citizenship, defense in deportation proceedings, and strategic representation in international matters.

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