Patricia Casaburi Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program offers a fast-track route to obtaining a Turkish passport, making it an attractive option for global investors.
However, as the program grows in popularity, applicants may experience delays due to increasing demand, stricter regulations, and administrative backlogs.
Understanding the causes of these delays, and knowing how to avoid them, can help you navigate the process smoothly.
In this guide you will learn about:
Turkey CBI Overview
Before we get into the delays, understanding the basics of the Turkey Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is essential.
The Turkey CBI program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain citizenship in exchange for investment into the country. There are various options, each with their own benefits, so picking the right investment opportunity is an important part of your decision.
The investment options include:
- Real estate: $400,000
- Bank deposit: $500,000
- Government bonds: $500,000
- Investment fund share: $500,000
- Capital investment: $500,000
- Job creation: Create 50 full time jobs
Read our Turkey Citizenship by Investment Guide
Common Reasons for Delays in Turkey's Citizenship by Investment Program
While the citizenship by investment program in Turkey is popular due to offering a much faster pathway to Turkish citizenship, there are some delays to be aware of. As the program has become more popular, there have been some Turkey Citizenship by Investment changes that have impacted the turnaround time of the program.
Here are some of the reasons for potential delays in the program:
Stricter security measures
As the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program has become more popular, the Turkish government has implemented stricter security measures to ensure all applications meet the designated requirements.
All documents are checked by a range of officials and government offices, meaning it may take longer for all documents to be verified.
It is essential that all documents needed for applications are provided in full. Working with a Turkey citizenship lawyer at this stage is highly recommended to ensure everything needed for your application is up to date and follows any regulation changes.
Mandatory presence
A new regulation to impact Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment timeline is that all applicants (main and their spouse) are required to physically be in Turkey at the time of the residency permit application.
Previously, one could simply appoint their lawyer and apply from their home country, but this changed in 2024. However, it only takes about three days, so it’s a quick trip to Turkey to file the application, you don’t need to stay for approval. After this, your citizenship expert can apply for Turkish citizenship on your behalf.
Criminal record checks
The General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs is determined to ensure that all applicants are vetted accordingly, and this includes ensuring that all criminal record checks are valid.
As many foreign nationals apply, The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) is involved in validating each criminal record check, this may cause a delay.
How To Avoid Turkey Citizenship by Investment Delays
Any delays in your Turkey CBI application can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to prevent unwanted and timely delays. Let’s take a closer look:
- Working with a trusted immigration specialist: It is essential to work with an immigration specialist that knows the ins and outs of the Turkish citizenship by investment program. Global Citizen Solutions has a legal team on hand that will guide you through the process from start to finish, helping you avoid any unwanted delays.
- Selecting the right real estate investment: While the minimum investment threshold is $400,000 for Turkish real estate, it’s important to select a property that works for your needs. Whether you want to rent the property out, live in it, or use it as a holiday home, working with a reputable real estate agent can help here. The property should have a valid Certificate of Conformity and all competed documents.
- Opening a Turkish bank account: You don’t have to open a Turkish bank account to be eligible for the program, but it can make the investment process easier. Transacting through a Turkish bank account can help avoid any bank transaction delays.
- Document preparation: Before you make your application, ensure that all the required documents are valid and up to date, this includes birth and marriage certificates, valid passports, proof of funds, and criminal record checks.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Citizenship by Investment Delays
What are the common reasons for delays in Turkey's Citizenship by Investment program?
Delays in Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment process can result from various factors, such as high application volumes, documentation errors, and security screenings.
How long does the Turkey Citizenship by Investment process take in 2024?
The Turkey Citizenship by Investment process generally takes between 3-6 months, including obtaining a residency permit.
How can I avoid delays when applying for Turkish citizenship through investment?
To prevent delays in your Turkish Citizenship by Investment application, prepare all required documents in advance, fulfill the investment requirements, and consult professionals for a smooth citizenship application process.
Are there any recent changes affecting the processing time for Turkey's Citizenship by Investment program?
Recent changes to the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program took place in 2024, some which may affect processing times, including mandatory presence, stricter security measures, and criminal record checks.
Does the type of investment impact the processing time for Turkish citizenship?
The type of investment shouldn’t affect the processing time if the application is provided in full. However, if for example, you provide your application without a certificate of conformity when purchasing property as an investment, this will affect the processing times.
Are there any government backlogs affecting Turkish Citizenship by Investment applications?
There may be government backlogs at any time. In general, the processing time is still quick compared to other citizenship by investment programs.
What should I do if my Turkey Citizenship by Investment application is taking longer than expected?
If your Turkish Citizenship by Investment application is delayed, start by contacting the relevant authorities, such as the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs or the Civil Registration department, for status updates. Additionally, seek advice from your legal counsel or a trusted program specialist to address any potential issues.
Is there a fast-track option for Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program?
Not specifically, but in general, Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program is one of the fastest citizenship programs, with applications taking between 3-6 months when working with the right immigration specialist.
