Turkish Citizenship by Investment Through Real Estate: A Lawyer's Guide to Choosing the Right Property in 2026

Many investors believe that obtaining Turkish citizenship is simply a matter of purchasing a property worth at least USD 400,000. In practice, choosing the right property is far more important than simply meeting the legal threshold.

At IGA Law Firm, we have advised more than 600 international families, many of them from China, on Turkish Citizenship by Investment and real estate acquisitions. One lesson has remained consistent: a property that qualifies for citizenship is not necessarily a property that makes a good investment.

This guide explains how we evaluate real estate before recommending it to our clients.

1. Location Matters More Than Price

One of the biggest mistakes foreign investors make is focusing only on purchasing the cheapest property that qualifies for Turkish Citizenship by Investment.

A lower purchase price does not always mean better value.

When evaluating Turkey real estate investment opportunities, we consider:

• Transportation connections

• Rental demand

• Future development plans

• Quality of surrounding neighbourhoods

• Long-term resale potential

Based on our experience, Chinese investors most frequently prefer districts such as Maslak, Küçükçekmece, Başakşehir and Zeytinburnu, each offering different advantages depending on the investor's objectives.

2. Ready Title Deed Projects Reduce Legal Risk

One of the first questions we ask is:

Is the title deed ready for transfer?

Projects with a clear title deed process generally provide greater certainty for investors and often simplify the citizenship application process.

Where ownership documentation or transfer timelines remain uncertain, additional legal review becomes particularly important before making any commitment.

3. Legal Due Diligence Is More Than Checking the Price

At IGA Law Firm, every Turkish Citizenship by Investment real estate transaction includes legal due diligence before the purchase proceeds.

Our review typically includes:

• Title deed registry examination

• Mortgage and encumbrance checks

• Review of previous citizenship eligibility records where relevant

• Review of sample Certificates of Conformity

• Legal review of the sale and purchase agreement

This process helps investors identify potential legal issues before signing any documents.

4. Think Beyond the Three-Year Holding Period

One of the questions we hear most frequently is:

"Can I sell the property easily after three years?"

Another common question is:

"Will it be easy to rent?"

In our view, investors should consider their exit strategy before they purchase.

For this reason, we generally recommend properties with:

• Strong rental demand

• Convenient transportation

• Established neighbourhoods

• Good resale liquidity

A property should serve both your citizenship goals and your long-term investment objectives.

5. Independent Legal Advice Protects Your Investment

Real estate agents, developers and marketing companies each play an important role in the buying process. However, their role is different from that of an independent lawyer. Our responsibility is not to sell a particular project.

Our responsibility is to help clients understand legal risks, review documentation and make informed investment decisions. That sometimes means recommending a project. It also sometimes means advising a client not to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is USD 400,000 enough for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

Yes. Provided that the property satisfies all legal requirements under the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme, the current minimum investment amount is USD 400,000.

Can I rent my property during the three-year holding period?

Yes. Investors may generally rent out their property while complying with the programme's legal requirements.

Can I sell my property after three years?

In most cases, yes, once the mandatory holding period required under the programme has expired, subject to applicable laws and market conditions.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right property is not simply about qualifying for Turkish Citizenship by Investment. It is about selecting an asset that remains attractive years after your citizenship has been granted.

At IGA Law Firm, we combine legal due diligence with practical experience gained from advising hundreds of international investors. Our goal is to help clients make informed decisions that protect both their investment and their future.

About the Author

Irmak Gürer Aksöz is the founding attorney of IGA Law Firm in Istanbul. She advises international investors on Turkish Citizenship by Investment, real estate transactions and cross-border legal matters, with extensive experience assisting Chinese families investing in Turkey.