Why Currently Turkey’s Citizenship Timeline Slows for Investors

In recent months, many foreign investors have grown concerned about the apparent slowdown in Türkiye's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Once known for its swift process—often delivering citizenship within two to three months—applicants are now facing extended timelines, with some cases taking up to a year or longer. This blog provides clarity on the current state of the CBI process in Türkiye, the reasons behind the delays, and what investors should expect moving forward.

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program at a Glance

Türkiye launched its investment-based citizenship program in 2017. Initially, the thresholds were high, requiring $1 million in real estate investment. However, the program gained global traction after the requirements were lowered:

• $400,000 minimum real estate purchase

• $500,000 fixed capital investment or Turkish bank deposit held for three years

• $500,000 investment in government bonds for at least three years

• Creation of 50 jobs in Türkiye

These routes grant foreign investors and their families the right to apply for Turkish citizenship. When all legal requirements are met, the Ministry of Interior is obligated to approve the citizenship.

What Has Changed?

According to recent remarks by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the CBI program continues to operate and has not been suspended. He stated: “Foreigners who purchase real estate still become citizens within 2-3 months.” He also reaffirmed that the required documents are being processed through legal channels and sent to the Presidency for final approval without delay.

Despite this official statement, real-world experience tells a different story. Since a leadership change at the Ministry of Interior in 2023, applicants and their legal representatives have noticed:

• Significant delays in application processing

• Inconsistent outcomes among similar applications

• Unpredictable treatment of investor files

These irregularities have led to confusion among applicants and professionals alike.

Why Are Delays Happening?

Several factors are contributing to the slowdown:

1. Administrative Shifts

A new Minister of Interior was appointed, resulting in an overhaul of key staff and internal workflows. The restructuring disrupted established procedures that previously ensured timely approvals.

2. Increased Scrutiny

The Ministry publicly acknowledged that there had been fraudulent applications in the past. In response, government staff have become overly cautious, sometimes refusing to process even legitimate files out of fear of being held personally accountable.

3. Political Sensitivities

With rising scrutiny of "golden visa" programs in Europe due to concerns over money laundering and transparency, Turkish officials are under more pressure to ensure their program adheres to high standards. This has led to extra layers of review.

Is There a Legal Risk to Investors?

Absolutely not. The Turkish Citizenship by Investment process is backed by clearly defined legal provisions. If the requirements are met, the state is legally obligated to issue citizenship. While delays are frustrating, they do not constitute a denial or rejection. Applicants' rights remain secure.

Your investment—whether in property, capital, or other eligible assets—is protected under Turkish law. It is not possible for the government to cancel or reverse this process arbitrarily.

What Should You Do as an Investor?

• Stay Patient: Delays are bureaucratic, not legal. Your application is not in jeopardy.

• Hire an Experienced Attorney: Legal counsel familiar with CBI procedures can help navigate bottlenecks and keep your application on track.

• Avoid Panic: Many applicants research online and become alarmed by hearsay. Rely on verified updates from your attorney.

Final Thoughts

While Türkiye's Citizenship by Investment process has slowed, it remains legally sound and active. As emphasized by Minister Yerlikaya, the procedure is still in motion, and approvals continue to be issued. The delays are the result of a temporary political and administrative bottleneck—not a systemic failure.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we represent numerous clients in their Turkish CBI journeys. We provide end-to-end support, from property acquisition to citizenship application follow-up. If you're an investor currently facing delays, or considering the Turkish CBI route, reach out to our expert team.