Recent Regulation Change in Turkish Citizenship by Investment: 2023 Update

New Restrictions on Land Investments for Turkish Citizenship

The Turkish government recently updated the regulations for obtaining citizenship through real estate. This amendment specifically targets land acquisitions. The goal is to ensure that foreign capital supports the country's housing and infrastructure development rather than speculative land holding.

Investors must now pay close attention to the legal status of the property they intend to buy. Purchasing raw land without specific permits no longer guarantees a path to a Turkish passport.

Eligible Property Types Under the 2023 Update

To qualify for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, the property must meet strict criteria. The new regulation identifies three specific categories of land that remain eligible:

1. Land with Existing Structures

The land must have a completed building or a structure already situated on it. This ensures the investment contributes to the existing real estate stock.

2. Land with Construction Servitude (Kat İrtifakı)

You can invest in land where a construction project is officially registered. "Kat İrtifakı" indicates that the building plans are approved by the municipality, and the project is ready for development or is currently under construction.

3. Land with Condominium Status (Kat Mülkiyeti)

This applies to land with a fully completed building that has received a habitation permit (iskan). Each unit is independently registered, making it the most secure form of real estate investment for citizenship purposes.

Key Differences: Before vs. After the Amendment

Understanding the shift in policy helps investors avoid costly mistakes. Here is a comparison of the old and new rules:

• Before the Change: Investors could purchase any type of land, including agricultural fields (tarla) or empty plots (arsa), provided the value met the minimum threshold.
• After the Change: Empty plots or agricultural fields without an approved project or structure are excluded. The investment must involve a property that is part of a formal development plan.

Why Turkey Updated the Investment Regulations

The Turkish government aims to professionalize the real estate market. By requiring land to have a structure or a construction servitude, the state encourages active development. This policy reduces the amount of idle land held by foreign investors. It also ensures that the $400,000 minimum investment directly impacts the construction sector and housing supply.

Essential Steps for Foreign Investors

If you are planning to apply for Turkish citizenship in 2024, follow these steps to ensure compliance:

1. Verify the Title Deed (Tapu): Check if the deed mentions "Kat İrtifakı" or "Kat Mülkiyeti."
2. Professional Appraisal: Ensure the property's value is at least $400,000 according to a certified valuation report.
3. Bank Transfer: The payment must be made via bank transfer from the buyer's account to the seller's account in Turkish Lira, following the mandatory currency exchange (Döviz Alım Belgesi) through the Central Bank.
4. Legal Consultation: Work with a legal expert to review the property's eligibility under the latest Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change guidelines.

Impact on Residential and Commercial Units

This regulation change primarily affects land. Standard residential apartments and commercial offices that are already built or have construction permits remain eligible. As long as the property has the correct legal status and meets the valuation requirements, the citizenship process remains straightforward for these assets.

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