Foreigners who acquire Turkish citizenship through real estate investment often ask: "Can I sell the property after 3 years and still keep my citizenship?" The short answer is yes—as long as legal requirements are followed, your citizenship remains protected.
This blog outlines what happens after the 3-year holding period, how to remove the "no-sale" restriction on your property title, and what steps your lawyer must take on your behalf.
The Foundation: Turkish Citizenship via Real Estate
Under the Turkish Citizenship Law, foreigners may become Turkish citizens by investing at least $400,000 USD (as of 2022; previously $250,000) in real estate, on the condition that:
- The property is held for at least 3 years
- A non-sale annotation (satılamaz şerhi) is registered on the title deed
- A Certificate of Eligibility (Uygunluk Belgesi) is obtained from the Land Registry
- The application is followed by residency and citizenship filings
This route is known as exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship by investment. For a deeper overview of the program and its conditions, see our guide on acquiring Turkish citizenship through investment.
What Happens After the 3-Year Period Ends?
Once 3 years have passed, you are legally permitted to sell the property. Importantly:
- Your Turkish citizenship is permanent and cannot be revoked solely because you sold the property
- However, the non-sale restriction does not lift automatically
To sell the property, you or your attorney must apply for the removal of the annotation at the land registry office.
How to Remove the Sale Restriction (Şerh)
Even after the 3-year obligation ends, the title deed will still include the restriction. Here's how it's legally removed.
Step 1: Update Your Identity in Land Registry Records
If you've obtained Turkish citizenship, your foreign ID is no longer valid in the Turkish system. You must:
- Update the land registry using your new Turkish identity card
- Submit a power of attorney (POA) if a lawyer will act on your behalf
Step 2: Request Removal of the "Not to Be Sold" Annotation
Once the ID update is completed:
- Your lawyer must submit a formal request to the land registry to remove the annotation
- The property can now be sold freely in the open market
These steps must be initiated manually—the system does not remove the annotation automatically. If you need to dispose of the property earlier, read whether it is possible to remove the 3-year not-to-sell annotation before 3 years.
Does Citizenship Remain Valid After the Sale?
Yes. According to official procedures, once citizenship is granted, it cannot be revoked simply due to a later sale of the investment property—as long as the initial investment requirements were lawfully met and maintained for 3 years. Selling the property after the required holding period has no effect on the status of the acquired citizenship.
Can You Authorize a Lawyer for This Process?
Absolutely. At Bayraktar Attorneys, we frequently act on behalf of our clients with power of attorney to:
- Update title records with their new Turkish ID
- Apply to lift the 3-year non-sale annotation
- Coordinate all filings with land registry authorities
This ensures compliance, speed, and convenience for investors abroad or those with limited Turkish language skills.
What Are the Benefits?
After successfully lifting the annotation:
- You gain full flexibility to sell your property at market value
- Your Turkish passport remains valid
- You enjoy the freedom of capital gains realization
- You retain all rights of a Turkish citizen for you and your dependents
Final Thoughts
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program remains one of the most efficient and affordable in the world. But to benefit fully, it's essential to:
- Understand the timing and conditions attached to the investment
- Take proactive legal steps when the 3-year period ends
- Work with attorneys experienced in property, citizenship, and registry law
Recent legal developments also affect this route—review the latest changes in Turkish citizenship acquisition through real estate before you plan a sale. Investors with broader portfolios may also find our overview of foreigners' real estate investment in Turkey useful.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we provide seamless guidance from the purchase to the post-citizenship phase. Our team ensures your investments are protected and your rights as a Turkish citizen are never compromised.
Need assistance with your property or citizenship portfolio in Turkey? Contact Bayraktar Attorneys for strategic, clear, and client-focused legal support.
