Real Estate for Turkish Citizenship: How to Choose the Right Property and Avoid Mistakes

The basics you must know

To qualify for Turkish citizenship through property purchase, three key conditions must be met:

The purchase price must be at least $400,000.
The title deed (tapu) must include a note that the property cannot be sold for 3 years.
The transaction must be backed by an SPK-licensed valuation report and a DAB certificate confirming payment through a Turkish bank.

Without these documents, the application will be rejected, even if you’ve invested more than the required amount.

Check legal clarity. Ensure there are no liens, mortgages, or restrictions. For new developments, confirm the status of kat irtifakı or kat mülkiyeti (ownership rights).
Don’t rely only on the seller’s price. Sometimes developers advertise “citizenship-approved” units, but the SPK valuation comes in lower. Citizenship eligibility is based on the valuation, not marketing promises.
Pay correctly. All payments must go through a Turkish bank, with a DAB certificate issued. Cash or informal transfers will not be accepted for the program.
Avoid restricted zones. Foreigners cannot buy in military or security areas, and there are limits on land ownership (max 30 hectares and 10% of private land per district).
Think long-term. After 3 years, you may want to sell the property. Choose areas with high liquidity — good infrastructure, schools, transport, and rental demand.

Falling short of the $400,000 threshold due to currency exchange fluctuations or undervaluation.
Forgetting to register the 3-year no-sale annotation in the title deed.
Relying only on the developer’s promises without checking their track record and project history.