Buying property for Turkish citizenship: the checks before signing

From a price threshold to a qualifying purchase

Türkiye’s official investment guide sets a minimum property value of US$400,000, or the equivalent in foreign currency, with a registered commitment not to sell for at least three years. Confirmation of the investment conditions is followed by the relevant citizenship review.[1]

For a buyer, the threshold is the beginning of the assessment. The seller’s authority, restrictions on the title and the evidence supporting the investment all matter. The sale contract, registry records and bank documents explain different aspects of the same transaction.

Begin with the registered title

Ownership transfers through the land-registration process. The official guide advises buyers to check mortgages, attachments and other restrictions before proceeding. A viewing, private agreement or deposit does not replace that examination.[1]

A lawyer can compare the parcel, building and independent-unit details with the contract, valuation material and property itself. Where a representative signs for the seller, the authority granted also needs review. The purpose is to establish that the property described in the paperwork is the asset being acquired and submitted for citizenship.

Establish the accepted investment value

The General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre, or TKGM, uses a TTB document to confirm the property amount accepted for citizenship purposes. It is derived from valuation material produced under the prescribed procedure and transmitted through the relevant electronic systems.[2]

The asking price, agreed price and accepted investment amount therefore need individual attention. A contract above US$400,000 would not, by itself, resolve a shortfall in the value recognised by the authorities. Nor can a seller’s own estimate replace the prescribed valuation and confirmation process.[1][2]

Keep conversion and payment evidence distinct

For applicable purchases by foreign individuals, TKGM requires the prescribed bank currency-conversion procedure and a Döviz Alım Belgesi, known as a DAB. Citizenship-related purchases also require evidence of the buyer’s payment to the seller. One records the conversion; the other records the transfer of the purchase money.[3]

These are the principal functions of the documents, rather than a complete filing checklist. The lawyer, bank and registry should confirm the parties, required details and sequence before money is transferred.[2][3]

Address uncertainty in the contract

Contract review is also an opportunity to establish who obtains the documents, who pays the associated costs and what happens to deposits or later payments if the property cannot qualify. These are matters for legal advice and negotiation; cancellation and repayment rights depend on the contract and applicable law.

The holding commitment belongs in the same assessment. Citizenship approval does not end an outstanding restriction on sale, whose start and end dates should be checked against the registry documents.[1][2] A considered purchase brings together the merits of the property, the evidence for the application and the obligations that continue after completion.

Further reading

Programme guideTürkiye →Related articleTurkish citizenship: the costs of property and bank-deposit routes →

Government sources and legislation

1. Investment Office of Türkiye: acquiring property and citizenship

2. TKGM: official directory of Circular 2024/4, implementation guide and TTB documents

3. TKGM: foreign-exchange purchase certificate for foreign buyers

This article provides general information. Confirm current rules, charges and the requirements for your own circumstances before applying.