Your guide to living in Turkey. Turkey Citizenship by investment, Turkey visas and more.

Why live in Turkey?

The Turkish government has big plans for the nation and is aiming to be one of the world’s ten largest economies within six years and has developed a number of plans to stimulate growth, employment and investment in the country. With 40% of the population being under 25, Turkey is also a place where young professionals come together and exchange knowledge and skills.

But Turkey is more than a place where information gathers. It’s the centre of the world, literally, and from here everything is easily accessible. Geographically Turkey is part Europe and part Asia, but Middle Eastern influences can clearly be seen in the country as well, making it not just a culturally rich place, but also a country where it’s easy to feel at home.

The list of treasures waiting to be discovered in Turkey goes far beyond the 13 UNESCO world heritage sites and it is for good reason that the country is the sixth most visited tourist destination in the world. Cultural heritage is plentiful and apart from stunning and diverse landscapes, you will find that the big cities in Turkey have the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. They have a bustling art scene, thriving movie industry and something exciting happening on every night of the week.

Turkey visas and permits

Turkey Work Permit

Immigrants need a work permit to work in Turkey and can apply for one while they’re still abroad or already in the country. With the application, you have to submit an employment contract and your future employer must file an online application. After all the required documents have been received by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, they will make a decision within thirty days.

After the work permit has been issued, you have to move to Turkey within 180 days. The first work permit is valid for one year and can be extended with another two years.

Turkey working holiday visa

If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen between the ages of 18-30, you may be eligible under the Working and Holiday Visa programme. Note: you may need a letter of government support to undertake this type of visa.

To find out if you need a tourist visa to visit <country>, please use the VisaHQ tool below.

The E2 Visa requirements mean that this program can be an attractive option.

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Turkey citizenship options

Turkey citizenship through your family

Turkey follows the principle of jus sanguinis. This means that children who are born to a Turkish mother or a Turkish father are Turkish citizens from birth.

If you are married to a Turkish citizen for three years and living together you may apply for Turkish citizenship.

Turkey citizenship by naturalisation

You can become naturalised as a Turkish citizen if you have lived uninterrupted in Turkey for at least 5 years and your intention is to settle in Turkey. You need to show a basic command of Turkish as well as other requirements such as sufficient income and good moral character.

Dual Citizenship is possible for Turkish citizens.

Turkey Citizenship by Investment Visa

In September 2018, Turkey introduced a citizenship by investment visa. With Turkey possibly being accepted into the EU sometime in the future, this has been an interesting program for many.

To be eligible you need to make one of the following investments

Purchase a property for at least USD$ 250,000. You cannot sell the property for three years.
Make a fixed capital investment of at least USD$ 500,000. This investment must be approved by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
Transfer at least USD$ 500,000 in a Turkish bank into a fixed deposit for 3 years
Buy at least USD$ 500,000 worth of Turkish government bonds.
Invest at least USD$ 500,000 into a real estate fund
Create jobs for at least 50 people. This needs to be approved by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services.

Here is the official Turkish citizenship by investment website.

Here you can have a look at the other investment visa options around the world.