An honest look at what a Turkish passport offers investors – and what it does not.
Turkish citizenship by investment is chosen by families from Asia, the Middle East, Africa and beyond for one reason above all: it gives a permanent second nationality with real practical benefits – travel, business, education and security for the next generation. Below we explain those benefits in detail, including the limits, so you can decide with clear expectations.
Turkish citizens can travel visa-free or with a visa on arrival / e-visa to more than 110 countries and territories, including Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Brazil, South Africa and many countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa. The exact list changes over time; check the current rules before you travel.
What it does not include: Turkish citizens currently need a visa for the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. For many applicants a Turkish passport still makes these applications easier than with their current passport, but a visa is required.
Türkiye has a treaty of commerce with the United States that makes Turkish citizens eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa. The E-2 allows an investor to live and run a business in the US based on a substantial investment in a US enterprise, and can be renewed as long as the business operates. Many nationalities – for example Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Vietnamese or Nigerian citizens – are not eligible for the E-2 on their current passport. E-2 eligibility is assessed by the US authorities and requires a separate US investment.
Türkiye permits dual citizenship, so Turkish law does not require you to give up your current nationality. Whether you can keep it depends on your home country's law – for example, India does not allow dual citizenship, while many other countries do. Check your own country's rules before applying.
As citizens, you and your family can live in Türkiye without a residence permit, work without a work permit, and access Turkish public and private schools and universities, including the many English-language university programmes in Istanbul and Ankara. Türkiye has modern private healthcare and a large international community.
There is no requirement to live in Türkiye before or after obtaining citizenship. Many investors keep their life and business where they are and use Turkish citizenship as a long-term option for the family.
More than 110 countries and territories are accessible visa-free, with a visa on arrival or with an e-visa. The list changes, so check before travelling.
No. Turkish citizens currently need a Schengen visa.
No. Citizenship is permanent. The investment must be held for three years, after which you can redeem it under the fund's rules.
Yes. Children born to a Turkish citizen acquire Turkish citizenship by descent.
Military service rules depend on age and personal situation; ask your lawyer for advice relevant to the men in your family.
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.
Related: Turkish citizenship by investment 2026 – requirements and process · Turkish citizenship through fund investment (USD 500,000) · FT Portföy – home
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