Relocate to the US and UK Through Turkish Citizenship

Updated: 28 March 2023

Your Guide to Turkish Citizenship by Investment

At Get Golden Visa, we helped hundreds obtain of investors from India to get citizenship by investment in Turkey.

Contact us and speak to our citizenshşp advisors who can assist you with your inquiries regarding getting a Turkish passport by investment.

Important Notice: Ankara Agreement—which used to allow those who hold a Turkish passport to apply for a special business visa—is no longer in operation, meaning it’s not an option for relocating to the UK anymore. 

Turkish citizenship paves the way for fast relocation to both the UK and the US due to the availability of some special programs that allow Turkish citizens to relocate to these countries and establish businesses. 

If you’re planning to reside and work in the UK or the US but are a citizen of a country that does not provide any convenience for relocating to one of these countries; Turkey citizenship is probably the step to put you on a fast track to your desired destination.

Read on if you’re intrigued to learn about the programs that allow moving to the UK or US with Turkish citizenship.

This guide includes:

How To Become a Turkish Citizen

There are a couple of ways that you can become a Turkish citizen. See some of your options below:

  • By descent: You have the right to apply for Turkish citizenship if one or more of your ancestors—parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents—is Turkish. This is the most effortless way you can obtain Turkish citizenship, however not applicable to most people.
  • By naturalization: If you’ve legally resided in Turkey for at least five years, you’ve become eligible to apply for citizenship. This process can involve work or marriage.
  • By investment: There are programs in Turkey that allow you to get citizenship by investment. This is the easiest way to obtain Turkish citizenship for those who’re not of Turkish descent.  

Investment Options

There are certain types of investment options you need to choose from. These investment options are as follows: 

  • An investment of at least $400,000 worth of real estate 
  • Investing a minimum of $500,000 cash in fixed assets approved by the Ministry of Industry and Technology
  • Establishing a company and employing at least 50 Turkish people (investing an amount of minimum $250,000)
  • Depositing at least $500,000 in a Turkish bank on condition of not withdrawing it for at least 3 years
  • Buying at least $500,000 worth of government bonds on condition of not selling them for at least 3 years
  • Buying at least $500,000 worth of venture capital investment fund shares or real estate investment fund shares on condition of not selling them for at least 3 years

After completing the investment and following the required steps, you can obtain your Turkish passport upon approval. The process of obtaining Turkish citizenship takes as short as three to four months.

Once you get Turkish citizenship, you can initiate the procedures to relocate to the US or the UK. 

Speak to Our Advisors in Turkey

Get Golden Visa is a bespoke investment advisory firm. Since 2014, we’ve provided more than 20,000 prospective real estate investors with advice. Contact us and talk to our independent real estate advisors to help you with your property search in Turkey and acquiring citizenship. 

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    Documents Required for Turkish Passport Application

    You’ll need to deliver the following documents to become a valid applicant:

    1. Valid passport
    2. Birth certificate
    3. 4 photos (for the passport)
    4. Marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates (if applicable)
    5. Receipts of the fee payments
    6. Documents showing that the required investment was made
    7. Residence permit for Turkey

    Relocating to the US Through Turkish Citizenship 

    Turkish Citizenship by InvestmentUSA E2 Investor Visa
    Processing time: 3-4 monthsProcessing time: 5 months
    Minimum investment amount: $400,000Minimum investment amount: None
    Residency requirements: NoneResidency requirements: Flexible

    Turkey and the US have treaties that regulate navigation markets and commerce between the said countries. These treaties also allow Turkish citizens to effortlessly and cost-effectively relocate to the US by benefiting the US E2 Investor Visa program. 

    The E-2 visa does not carry an immigration status but is valid for five years and can be renewed every two years unless the visa holder somehow becomes ineligible.

    Taking the route to obtain Turkish citizenship to get an E2 US Investor Visa is more favorable because this type of visa does not impose investing a predetermined minimum amount. The EB-5 Visa Program, on the other hand, requires an investment amounting to at least $800,000. Moreover, you can include your spouse and children in the E2 Visa Program, which offers considerably long-term residencies. 

    Turkish Citizenship by Investment Overview and RequirementsUSA E2 Investor Visa Overview and Requirements
    Investment in either real estate or bondsInvestment in a bona fide enterprise in the US
    Family inclusion (for spouses and children under 18)The ability to bring your spouse and children under the age of 21 who are not married 
    No requirements to declare income or foreign-owned assetsThe proof of adequate capital to invest
    Turkish citizenship is permanentRelocate to the US and extend the visa for an additional two years after two years

    Relocating to the UK Through Turkish Citizenship

    Turkish Citizenship by InvestmentUK Turkish Businessperson Visa
    Processing time: 3-4 monthsProcessing time: 3-4 months
    Minimum investment amount: $400,000Minimum investment amount: None
    Residency requirements: NoneResidency requirements: Flexible

    The Ankara Agreement enables Turkish citizens to relocate to the UK under the ECAA visa. Benefiting from this agreement between Turkey and the European Economic Community, those who hold a Turkish passport can live and work in the UK on the condition that they either establish a business or work in the specific field they’ve stated on their visa.

    Becoming a Turkish citizen as a first step to obtaining residency in the UK is an extremely reasonable option because it’s effortless, cost-effective, and takes as short a period as 12 weeks for you to acquire your businessperson visa. 

    The business visa allows you to reside and work in the UK for 12 months at once, but if you meet the requirements at the end of this period, it’s renewable. Moreover, after working in the UK and holding the Ankara Agreement visa for at least 4 years, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency.

    Requirements of the Ankara Agreement UK and Turkey

    You’ll need to demonstrate some proof to the UK officials to be eligible for the business visa. 

    To establish your own business, you’re required to prove:

    • Your business will be viable
    • You have the adequate financial means to start a business
    • You’ll have a fair share of revenues that’ll cover you and your family without the requirement of a second job
    • You’ll have sufficient resources to pay your share to maintain the business

    To work or become a partner at an existing company, you’re required to:

    • Be actively involved in the management of the business
    • Your investment and services are actually needed 
    Turkish Citizenship by Investment Overview and RequirementsUK Turkish Businessperson Visa Overview and Requirements
    Investment in either real estate or bondsA viable business plan and adequate financial means to start a business
    Family inclusion (for spouses and children under 18)The ability to bring your spouse and dependent children to the UK
    No requirements to declare income or foreign-owned assetsEvidence of your ability to support yourself and your dependents throughout your stay, such as bank statements
    Turkish citizenship is permanentRelocate to the UK and extend the visa for an additional three years after one year

    Relocate to the US and UK Through Turkish Citizenship: Conclusion

    Becoming a Turkish citizen allows you to create a fast route for relocating to the UK or the US. The process to create this route is, indeed, very brief and effortless. Furthermore, you won’t need to worry about renouncing your original citizenship as you become a Turkish citizen, because Turkey allows dual citizenship. This means that, on top of all these advantages that enable you to work and reside in the UK or the USA, Turkish citizenship allows you to hold on to the rights that your original citizenship provides you with.

    FAQ

    Is moving to USA from UK by Turkish citizenship possible?

    Yes, moving to USA from UK with Turkish citizenship İs possible. Turkish citizens are eligible for E2 Treaty Investor Visa. So if you’re a Turkish citizen living in the UK, you can check out the E2 scheme and see if you meet the criteria.

    Can Turkish citizens move to the US without a visa?

    No, Turkish citizens need a valid visa to live in the US. However, E2 Treaty Investor Visa is an option for those who have a viable business plan. This scheme is available to Turkish citizens and it helps them start a new business and life in the US.

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