Acquiring property worth $400,000 remains the most popular route for investors seeking a Turkish identity in 2026.
The Turkish real estate market remains the cornerstone of the nation’s citizenship-by-investment program, attracting over 90% of all applicants. In 2026, the threshold remains firmly set at $400,000, a milestone reached in 2022 that significantly improved the quality of incoming investment. Unlike previous years, the 2026 regulations emphasize completed residences or projects with building permits, effectively banning undeveloped land from qualifying for the citizenship route to prevent speculative bubbles and ensure immediate economic contribution.
To qualify, an investor can purchase a single property or a portfolio of multiple properties, provided their combined value exceeds the $400,000 mark. A critical legal hurdle is the official valuation report (GWE), which must be issued by a firm licensed by the Capital Markets Board (SPK). Turkish authorities now require that the value declared on the title deed (Tapu) matches the valuation report and the bank transfer amount exactly. Any discrepancy, even of a few dollars, can lead to the rejection of the “Certificate of Conformity,” the essential document that triggers the citizenship application.
The process involves a mandatory “Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate” (DAB). Under current regulations, foreign currency must be sold to a Turkish bank, which then sells it to the Central Bank of Türkiye in exchange for Turkish Lira. This Lira amount is then transferred to the seller’s account via bank transfer. Once ownership is transferred, a three-year no-sale annotation is placed on the title deed. This period allows the investor to generate rental income—averaging 5-8% in prime Istanbul districts—but prevents the liquidation of the asset until the holding period expires.
For global sourcing professionals, owning property in Istanbul, Antalya, or İzmir provides more than just a passport; it offers a strategic foothold in a high-growth market. As of early 2026, property prices in major hubs continue to see double-digit capital appreciation, driven by domestic demand and the city’s rising status as a financial hub. The real estate route is a “yield-plus-identity” play, allowing investors to benefit from the thriving Turkish economy while securing a lifelong status as a citizen of a stable and emerging global power.
Citations & Sources:
- Real Estate Authority: General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (TKGM)
- Market Intelligence: REIDIN – Türkiye Residential Property Price Index 2025/2026
- Legal Guide: Kurucuk & Associates – Buying Property for Turkish Citizenship 2026
