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Presidential Decree No. 418 — Art. 12, Law No. 5901

Turkish Citizenship via Real Estate

Acquire Turkish real estate with a TKGM-appraised value of USD 400,000 or above under Presidential Decree No. 418 (19 September 2022). The property is registered in the applicant's name via Tapu transfer; a statutory three-year transfer restriction applies from the date of citizenship approval. Rental income during the holding period is permitted under Law No. 6098. Turak Law provides full Tapu legal representation and CBI application management.

Key Facts
Minimum InvestmentUSD 400,000 (TKGM appraised)
Hold Period3 years from citizenship approval
Income During HoldRental income permitted
Rental RepresentationTurak Law drafts your lease contract
Typical Timeline8–12 months
Travel RequiredOptional — PoA available
Family IncludedSpouse + children under 18
Property TypesResidential, commercial, land
Multiple PropertiesAllowed to reach threshold
TBB RuleNo commission if Turak Law provides legal services
Attorney HandlingFull legal representation

What Turak Law Handles

Real estate CBI cases have constituted the majority of Turak Law's Article 12 caseload since 2019. The scope below reflects the full procedural sequence from property due diligence through citizenship approval and post-approval holding period management.

Property Guidance

Turak Law advises on TKGM eligibility for specific properties — new development, resale, commercial, or residential — and confirms whether the target property has been previously used in a CBI application (a disqualifying condition under TKGM registry rules).

TKGM Valuation Coordination

Turak Law coordinates engagement of a TKGM-licensed independent appraiser. Per TKGM General Circular 2024/1, the appraisal report must be issued within three months of the citizenship application submission date.

Tapu Legal Representation

Turak Law represents the client at the Land Registry Office (Tapu Müdürlüğü) under Power of Attorney for the formal Tapu transfer. Prior to signing, title deed history is reviewed for encumbrances, prior mortgages, and ownership chain integrity.

CBI Application Filing

Following Tapu registration, Turak Law coordinates TKGM Conformity Certificate (Uygunluk Belgesi) issuance, assembles the full NVİ dossier, and submits to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

Rental Representation

Rental of the CBI property during the three-year holding period is permitted under Law No. 6098 (Turkish Code of Obligations). Turak Law represents the client in tenant negotiations, prepares a legally compliant Turkish lease contract with certified translation, and advises on rental income tax obligations.

Exit Strategy (After 3 Years)

When your lock-in ends, we manage the property sale — Tapu transfer to buyer, title clearance, and capital repatriation.

TBB Compliance Note

Per Turkish Bar Association (TBB) professional conduct rules, an attorney providing legal services in a real estate transaction may not simultaneously receive a sales commission on that transaction. Turak Law's engagement is as legal representative — not as a real estate agent or sales intermediary. No commission is received from developers or sellers in cases where Turak Law also provides legal representation.

Key Rules to Know

01

Minimum appraised value: USD 400,000 (TKGM appraisal, not asking price)

02

Property must not have been previously used for CBI by another applicant

03

Property cannot be sold or transferred for 3 years post-citizenship approval

04

A bank transfer from the buyer's account is required — cash purchases are not accepted

05

Property can be residential, commercial, land, or a combination

06

Multiple properties can be combined to reach the USD 400,000 threshold

07

Off-plan (under-construction) purchases are eligible if Tapu is issued

08

Valuation report must be issued within 3 months of the citizenship application date

Rules are based on current TKGM circulars and Ministry of Interior guidelines as of 2026. Requirements may change. Turak Law monitors all regulatory updates.

Common Questions

Can I buy the property before engaging Turak Law?

Yes, but we strongly recommend engaging us before signing any purchase contract. We review the title deed, check for encumbrances, confirm TKGM eligibility, and verify the property has not been previously used for another CBI application.

Can I combine multiple properties to reach USD 400,000?

Yes. Multiple properties can be combined — for example, two apartments totaling USD 400,000 in TKGM appraised value. Each property requires its own Tapu and TKGM appraisal report.

Can I rent out the property during the 3-year hold?

Yes. You may rent out your property and earn rental income throughout the 3-year holding period. The only restriction is that you cannot sell or transfer the Tapu within those 3 years.

What is the TKGM appraisal and is it different from the asking price?

The TKGM appraisal is an official government valuation conducted by authorized appraisers. It must show USD 400,000 or above. The TKGM appraised value and the market asking price may differ — we ensure the property meets the threshold before you commit.

Do I need to travel to Turkey to complete the purchase?

Not necessarily. The process can be completed via Power of Attorney. However, some clients prefer to visit for the Tapu signing. We advise on the best approach for your situation.

General information only. Book a consultation for advice tailored to your situation.

Real Estate Pathway

Schedule a Consultation on the Real Estate Pathway

An initial consultation covers TKGM eligibility criteria, due diligence scope for your target property or portfolio, projected timeline, and full cost structure including government fees and Tapu transfer tax.

Turkish Citizenship - Real Estate Pathway (USD 400,000) | Turak Law Office