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Recent Regulation Change in Turkish Citizenship by Investment: 2023 Update
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Recent Regulation Change in Turkish Citizenship by Investment: 2023 Update

Hamit Ekşi
Hamit Ekşi
December 15, 2023
3 min read

Discover how the 2023 regulation changes impact your eligibility for Turkish citizenship through land investment and learn which property types now qualify.

New Restrictions on Land Investments for Turkish Citizenship

Turkey recently changed the rules for getting Turkish citizenship through property. This update focuses on land buys. The government wants your money to help build homes and infrastructure. They don't want people just holding onto empty land for profit. So, you must be careful about the legal status of any plot you buy. Buying raw land without permits won't get you a Turkish passport anymore.

If you need a closer look here, see Recent Regulatory Changes You Should Know / New Rules for Land Purchases.

Property Types That Qualify for Turkish Citizenship

To join the CBI program, your property must meet strict rules. The new law lists three types of land you can still buy:

1. Land with Finished Buildings

The land must have a completed structure on it. This ensures your investment adds to the current housing stock. It's a simple way to meet the requirements.

2. Land with Construction Servitude (Kat İrtifakı)

You can buy land where a project is officially registered. "Kat İrtifakı" means the city approved the building plans. The project is either ready to start or already under construction. And this keeps your path to citizenship open.

3. Land with Condominium Status (Kat Mülkiyeti)

This covers land with a finished building that has a habitation permit (iskan). Each unit is registered on its own. It is the safest way to invest for your passport goals.

How the Rules Changed for Investors

Knowing the new policy helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Here is how things look now compared to the past:

  • Before the Change: You could buy any land. This included farms (tarla) or empty plots (arsa). You just had to spend enough money.
  • After the Change: Empty plots or farms without a project no longer count. Your investment must be part of a real development plan.

Why the Government Changed the Rules

Turkey wants a more professional real estate market. By requiring a building or a plan, the state pushes for active growth. This stops land from sitting empty. It also makes sure your $400,000 investment helps the construction sector and housing supply directly.

Essential Steps for Foreign Investors

If you want to apply for a passport in 2024, follow these steps to stay safe:

  1. Check the Title Deed (Tapu): Look for the words "Kat İrtifakı" or "Kat Mülkiyeti."
  2. Get a Professional Appraisal: Your property must be worth at least $400,000 in a certified report.
  3. Use a Bank Transfer: Send money from your account to the seller in Lira. But first, you must get a currency exchange document (Döviz Alım Belgesi) from the Central Bank.
  4. Talk to a Lawyer: Make sure the property fits the latest rules from the Ministry.

Impact on Homes and Offices

These changes mostly affect raw land. Normal apartments and offices are still fine if they have permits. If the legal status is right and the value is high enough, getting Turkish citizenship is still a clear process for you.

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Hamit Ekşi

About Hamit Ekşi

Expert real estate consultant specializing in Turkish Citizenship by Investment programs. Helping international investors find their dream properties in Turkey.

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