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.

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 Pakistani Investors

Q: 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.

A practical guide for Pakistani families and overseas Pakistanis considering the USD 500,000 fund route.

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Türkiye and Pakistan share deep historical and cultural ties, and Turkish citizenship by investment is an increasingly popular choice for Pakistani business owners and overseas Pakistanis in the UK, the Gulf and North America. Through the fund route you invest at least USD 500,000 in units of an eligible Turkish real estate investment fund, hold them for three years, and your spouse and children under 18 receive citizenship with you – typically within 3–6 months.

This guide explains the benefits, the points Pakistani applicants should check, how the money should move and which documents to prepare. It is written by FT Portföy, a portfolio management company licensed by the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye.

Why Pakistani families choose Türkiye

Mobility: visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 110 countries and territories with a Turkish passport.
US E-2 investor visa: Türkiye is an E-2 treaty country; Turkish citizens can apply for the E-2 visa.
Culture and lifestyle: a familiar culture, halal lifestyle and a large international community in Istanbul.
Education: children can live and study in Türkiye, including at international and English-language universities.
Location: direct flights to Pakistan, the Gulf, Europe and Central Asia.
Regulated investment: capital invested in a CMB-supervised fund, assets held at Takasbank, units registered in your own name.

Dual nationality: what to check

Türkiye permits dual citizenship. Pakistan allows its citizens to hold dual nationality only with countries covered by its dual nationality arrangements. Before applying, check with the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports or a Pakistani lawyer whether these arrangements cover Türkiye at the time of your application and what notifications are required. The answer may affect which family member is the main applicant.

Moving the funds

On the Turkish side, the rule is clear: the investment must arrive from abroad in foreign currency into your own Turkish bank account and be converted to Turkish lira with a foreign exchange purchase certificate (DAB).

Overseas Pakistanis usually transfer from their bank in the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar or elsewhere – the simplest route.
Residents of Pakistan must follow State Bank of Pakistan foreign exchange regulations for outward remittances; your bank and tax advisor will confirm what is permitted and what documentation is needed.

Keep full records of the source and transfer of funds – banks in both countries will ask for them.

Step by step

Introductory call – family, timeline and transfer route.
Fund documents – issuance document and subscription agreement, signed remotely.
Tax number, power of attorney and accounts – in Istanbul, or remotely through a power of attorney signed at the Turkish consulate or apostilled in Pakistan.
Transfer and conversion – with a DAB certificate.
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 – handled by your lawyer.
Turkish ID cards and passports – typically 3–6 months from start.

Documents Pakistani applicants usually need

Investment stage

Passport
Utility bill in your name as proof of address
Turkish tax number
Power of attorney
Bank transfer records

Citizenship stage

Passports of all family members
NADRA birth certificates (as advised by your lawyer)
NADRA marriage certificate
Apostille and sworn Turkish translations
Biometric photographs

Confirm exact legalisation requirements (apostille or consular legalisation) with your lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum investment?

USD 500,000 (or equivalent foreign currency) in units of an eligible real estate investment fund, held for three years.

Can I keep my Pakistani passport?

Türkiye allows dual citizenship. Whether you can keep Pakistani nationality depends on Pakistan's dual nationality arrangements at the time – please confirm with the relevant Pakistani authority or a lawyer.

I live in Dubai – can I apply?

Yes. Many of our Pakistani investors live in the Gulf and transfer funds from their bank there.

Is my whole family included?

Your spouse and children under 18 are included. Children aged 18 or over need their own qualifying investment.

Do I have to live in Türkiye?

No. There is no minimum stay requirement.

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