Do I need to travel to Türkiye?

Not necessarily. Most steps can be completed through a power of attorney granted to your lawyer, and your bank account can be opened remotely. Travelling to Türkiye usually makes the process faster. Your lawyer will advise whether a visit is needed for residence permit biometrics.

Can my family be included?

Yes. The main applicant, their spouse and children under 18 can be included in the same application. Adult children need a separate investment.

How long does it take?

Typically 3–6 months in total, depending on the authorities.

Who issues the Certificate of Conformity?

For the fund route, the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (CMB / SPK). We apply on your behalf.

Can I follow the value of my investment?

Yes. You can follow the daily value of your fund units in your custody account throughout the holding period.

Do I have to live in Türkiye?

No. There is no residence requirement, language test or minimum stay, apart from the biometrics visit at the residence permit stage if required.

My country does not allow dual citizenship. What are my options?

The fund route first grants a residence permit, followed by citizenship. You may choose to remain at the residence permit stage. A residence-only option is also available through a residential property purchase of at least USD 200,000. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Can I invest without applying for citizenship?

Yes. Investors who do not seek citizenship can invest in the same funds from USD 100,000.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment for GCC Residents

For families living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman who want a second passport and a long-term base close to the Gulf.

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Millions of professionals and business owners build their careers in the Gulf, but Gulf residence is usually tied to employment, sponsorship or a renewable visa. A Turkish passport gives such families a permanent second nationality and a home base a short flight away. Through the fund route you invest at least USD 500,000 in units of an eligible Turkish real estate investment fund for three years; your spouse and children under 18 are included and the process typically takes 3–6 months.

This guide is for GCC residents of any nationality. It is written by FT Portföy, a CMB-licensed portfolio management company. Our partner in Dubai, Mr. Deniz (loan representative), can meet investors in the region – contact him on +971 56 466 9006 (WhatsApp or phone).

Why Türkiye works for Gulf-based families

Permanence: citizenship is for life and passes to future generations – unlike residence visas linked to a job or sponsor.
Proximity: Istanbul is about 4–5 hours from Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Kuwait, with many daily flights.
Mobility: visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 110 countries and territories.
US E-2 access: Turkish citizens can apply for the US E-2 investor visa.
Education and lifestyle: international schools and universities, a familiar culture and a large Arab and South Asian community.
Regulated investment: your capital is held in a CMB-supervised fund with assets at Takasbank, units in your own name.

Transferring funds from the Gulf

For most GCC residents this is the simplest part of the process. You transfer USD (or another foreign currency) from your bank in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain or Oman to your own Turkish bank account. The Turkish bank converts it into Turkish lira and issues a foreign exchange purchase certificate (DAB), which becomes part of your citizenship file. Keep your source-of-funds documents ready – salary certificates, company documents or sale contracts – as banks will ask for them.

Nationality rules of your home country

Türkiye permits dual citizenship, but your home country may not. Check your own country's rules before applying; this is especially important for nationals of countries that restrict dual nationality. GCC nationals should also check their own country's rules on acquiring another nationality. We are glad to discuss which family member should be the main applicant.

The process, step by step

Meeting with our Dubai partner, in Istanbul or online – your family, timing and fund choice.
Fund documents – issuance document and subscription agreement, signed remotely.
Tax number, power of attorney and accounts – during a short trip to Istanbul, or remotely through a power of attorney signed at the Turkish consulate in your city.
Transfer and conversion – from your Gulf bank, converted with a DAB.
Subscription – units credited and blocked for 3 years in the monthly window (1st–7th).
CMB Certificate of Conformity – typically within about 15 days.
Residence permit and citizenship application – handled by your lawyer.
ID cards and passports – typically 3–6 months from start.

Documents

You will need your passport, your GCC residence permit (Emirates ID, Iqama or equivalent) for identification and address purposes, a utility bill or tenancy-linked bill in your name, bank transfer records, and – for the citizenship stage – birth and marriage certificates legalised or apostilled in the issuing country and translated into Turkish. Requirements depend on your nationality; your lawyer will give you an exact list.

Frequently asked questions

Do I lose my Gulf residence visa?

No. Turkish citizenship does not affect your residence status in the Gulf; your visa continues under its own rules.

Can I sign documents in Dubai?

Yes. Powers of attorney can be signed at the Turkish Consulate General in Dubai or other Turkish missions in the region.

Do I need to live in Türkiye?

No. There is no minimum stay requirement.

Is my family included?

Your spouse and children under 18 are included in the same application.

Can we meet in Dubai?

Yes. Contact our Dubai partner Mr. Deniz, loan representative, on +971 56 466 9006 (WhatsApp or phone), or use the form on this page.

This page is general information and not an investment offer, tax or legal advice. Investment involves risk and the value of fund units may go up or down. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Citizenship is granted by decision of the Turkish authorities. Details of the citizenship stage should be confirmed with your lawyer. Last reviewed: October 2026.

Talk to the team that manages the funds

Tell us about your family and timeline. We will get back to you in English, Turkish or your own language.

WhatsApp: +90 542 188 02 81 Email serkan@ftportfoy.com