Turkey 2026: new investment thresholds and risks for investors

As of 2026, Turkey remains an attractive destination for investors seeking citizenship through investment. However, alongside legislative updates and tighter banking regulation, both greater clarity and new risks have emerged. In this article, we take a detailed look at how the minimum investment threshold has changed, which requirements apply today, and which legal and banking aspects investors must pay close attention to.

Over recent years, Turkey has repeatedly revised the minimum investment thresholds for citizenship by investment. As of January 1, 2026, new rules have entered into force:
1.Real estate
The minimum investment amount has increased from $400,000 to $600,000. The property must be registered in the investor’s name, free of encumbrances, and cannot be sold for three years.

2.Bank deposit
The minimum deposit in a Turkish bank has risen to $750,000, with a mandatory lock-in period of three years.

3.Business investment
The minimum capital required to invest in or establish a business is now $650,000, with an obligation to create at least 50 jobs.

4.Government bonds and investment funds
The threshold is set at $500,000, with a required holding period of at least three years.

Overall, investment thresholds in 2026 have increased significantly, reflecting Turkey’s shift toward stricter oversight and higher compliance standards.

Alongside stricter migration rules, Turkish authorities have significantly intensified scrutiny of fund sources and corporate transparency. Key points to consider include:

• Source of funds verification

Banks require full documentary proof of the origin of funds, especially for transfers from offshore or high-risk jurisdictions, including crypto-related assets. Transfers may be blocked without clear documentation.

• Bank account opening

Investors increasingly face refusals to open bank accounts without a personal visit to Turkey. Remote identification services are being reduced, particularly in state-owned and major private banks.

• Beneficial ownership control

Companies receiving investments must disclose their ultimate beneficial owners. Structures using nominee directors are no longer accepted.

• Audit and financial reporting

Investors establishing businesses in Turkey must submit regular financial reports certified by a licensed accountant. Inspections have become more frequent, particularly for companies with foreign capital.

• FATF monitoring

Turkey remains under FATF monitoring, which results in additional AML and compliance checks by banks in line with international standards.

In 2026, the citizenship-by-investment process typically takes 6 to 12 months, with the following stages:

1. Preliminary approval of the investment object or structure
2. Document submission and fund transfer
3. Source-of-funds verification
4. Issuance of a certificate of compliance
5. Citizenship application and biometrics
6. Receipt of the Turkish passport

Additional costs include:

• Government processing fees: from $1,500
• Legal and translation services: from $3,000
• Banking fees and trust costs: up to 2% of the investment amount

Despite tighter rules, the program remains one of the fastest and most accessible in the region:

• No residence requirement
• Citizenship granted to the entire family (spouse and children under 18)
• Eligibility for simplified access to visas for the U.S. (E-2), the UK, and Canada
• No requirement to renounce existing citizenship
• Ability to invest in foreign currency or Turkish lira, offering protection against devaluation

That said, investors must be prepared for full transparency, comprehensive asset disclosure, and strict compliance with banking KYC and AML requirements.

Investing in Turkish citizenship in 2026 is no longer a simple real estate transaction but a complex legal and banking process. We recommend:

• Preparing financial documentation well in advance
• Consulting legal and accounting professionals familiar with local practice
• Working only with verified partners and agents
• Choosing investment objects with transparent histories and complete documentation

Contact Visa Dan for end-to-end support throughout the investment process — from selecting a compliant investment to obtaining a Turkish passport. We ensure legal clarity, banking support, and full compliance with the 2026 requirements.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!