Turkish Citizenship and the US E-2 Investor Visa

Many families look at Turkish citizenship partly because of the United States. Türkiye is on the US list of treaty countries for both trader (E-1) and investor (E-2) visas. A Turkish citizen who invests in and runs a business in the US can therefore apply for an E-2 visa. Citizens of many large countries, such as China, India, Russia and Brazil, cannot.

What the E-2 visa is

• A real business. You invest in a US business that you actively run, and you normally own at least 50% of it.
• A substantial investment. There is no fixed legal minimum. Advisers often see USD 100,000–250,000 for a typical operating business, depending on the sector and business plan.
• Up to 5 years, renewable. For Turkish citizens the visa is typically issued for up to five years and can be renewed as long as the business keeps operating.
• Family. Your spouse can work in the US, and unmarried children under 21 can live and study there.
• Not a green card. E-2 is a non-immigrant visa. It does not lead to permanent residence by itself.

The rule most guides leave out: 3 years of domicile

In December 2022 the US added a condition to the E-1 and E-2 visas in the National Defense Authorization Act. If you gained your treaty citizenship through investment, you must have been domiciled in that country for a continuous period of at least three years at some point before you apply.

This applies to Turkish citizenship by investment. Consulates may ask for evidence such as a lease or property deed, tax records, utility bills, school enrolment and bank statements. Turkish citizenship alone, without living in Türkiye, is not enough for an E-2 application.

Turkish citizenship opens the E-2 door, but only for investors who actually make Türkiye their home for three years.

A practical timeline

1. Months 0–6: Turkish citizenship. Invest USD 500,000 in a real estate or venture capital fund regulated by the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (SPK). The applicant and spouse visit once for biometrics, and the process typically takes 3–6 months.
2. Years 1–3: live in Türkiye. Move with your family, keep a home, register with the tax office and enrol your children in school. Your fund units are held for the same three years.
3. After 3 years: E-2 application. With your Turkish passport and proof of domicile, prepare your US business plan and apply for the E-2 visa at a US consulate.

Living in Türkiye has its own advantages. New residents can benefit from a 20-year tax exemption on foreign income, and Turkish citizens have access to public healthcare and free public schools. See what a Turkish passport gives your family.

Who this suits

• Families from countries without an E-2 treaty who want a long-term route to the US.
• Entrepreneurs ready to spend three years in Istanbul or another Turkish city before expanding to the US.
• Investors who also want a second citizenship and a base between Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Our conclusion

Turkish citizenship can be a strong first step towards the US E-2 visa, but it is a three-year plan, not a shortcut. Investors who plan for the domicile rule from day one avoid unpleasant surprises at the consulate. We can explain the fund route to Turkish citizenship, and we work with experienced lawyers in Türkiye; for the US side, please speak to a US immigration lawyer.

Sources: US Department of State – Treaty countries · E-1/E-2 domicile requirement (NDAA 2022) · E-2 visa overview · Join our LinkedIn group: E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

This page is general information, not legal, immigration, tax or investment advice. US visa rules are set by US authorities and may change; eligibility is decided case by case by the consulate. Please confirm your situation with a qualified US immigration lawyer. Turkish citizenship is granted by the Turkish authorities. Fund values can rise or fall.