Citizenship application in one working day in Türkiye

The authorities of Türkiye have introduced a simplified administrative procedure for participants of the “Citizenship by Investment” (CBI) program. Starting from February 9, 2026, the Istanbul Migration Office allows foreign investors to complete all key stages of the process — from submitting biometric data to filing a citizenship application — within a single working day.

The innovation has been implemented by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in Istanbul and is aimed at reducing bureaucratic procedures. Applicants can now complete the legalization process in a single visit, without the need for repeated trips and long waiting times.

Previously, the procedure was two-stage: first, investors submitted biometric data to obtain a residence permit, after which they waited for approval for five to ten working days. Only then could they submit documents for citizenship. This required either a prolonged stay in the country or re-entry.

The updated system, informally called “One day — one visit,” provides for accelerated appointment scheduling and priority service. After submitting the document package, applicants receive an appointment date within 24–48 hours. Biometric data is collected without queues in a separate section, and if the documents are properly prepared, the residence permit is issued on the same day. A citizenship application can be submitted in the second half of the same day or the following morning.

The expedited processing service is provided on a paid basis. The cost is 44,000 Turkish lira (plus VAT) for the main applicant and 22,000 Turkish lira (plus VAT) for each family member.

At the same time, the conditions of the citizenship by investment program itself remain unchanged. The minimum investment threshold, including the purchase of real estate starting from 400,000 US dollars, the holding periods of assets, and the applicant verification procedures remain the same. The innovations concern exclusively the optimization of administrative processes and are aimed at increasing the attractiveness of Türkiye in the investment migration market.

Citizenship of Türkiye by investment: Complete guide for 2026

In 2026, Türkiye remains one of the leaders in the global investment immigration market. The citizenship program (CBI) attracts investors with its predictability, the absence of residency requirements, and the ability to process documents for the entire family. Despite clear rules, the process requires exceptional precision in document preparation to avoid delays.

Why do investors choose Türkiye in 2026?

The program has several key advantages. First, investment thresholds remain transparent: from 400,000 US dollars for real estate and from 500,000 US dollars for most other options. Second, the investor is not required to pass a Turkish language exam or reside in the country for a certain number of days. Third, along with the main applicant, the spouse and children also receive passports.

Available investment options

To participate in the program, it is necessary to choose one of the options and retain the asset in ownership for at least 3 years.

The most popular route is purchasing real estate. The minimum threshold is 400,000 US dollars. This can include both residential and commercial properties. It is important that, during the registration of the transaction, a special annotation is added prohibiting the sale of the property for 3 years.

Other options require investments starting from 500,000 US dollars. These include a bank deposit in a Turkish bank, the purchase of government bonds, shares in investment funds (real estate or venture capital), or direct investments into the share capital of a Turkish company. There is also an option to establish your own business with the employment of at least 50 Turkish citizens.

Step-by-step process of obtaining citizenship

The path to a passport in 2026 usually takes from 6 to 12 months and consists of several critical stages.

Everything begins with preparation: obtaining a Turkish tax number and opening bank accounts. Many of these steps can be completed remotely via power of attorney. This is followed by the stage of making the investment itself and collecting supporting documents: statements, valuation reports, and receipts.

A key milestone is obtaining the Certificate of Conformity. The relevant ministry reviews your investment for compliance with the law and issues official confirmation. Only after that can you submit documents for a special short-term residence permit for investors.

In 2026, an accelerated procedure for submitting biometric data is in place in Istanbul. Investors can complete this stage and submit the final citizenship application on a priority basis. After passing the due diligence check and approval of the application, the investor receives a Turkish ID card and a passport valid for 10 years.

Since Türkiye recognizes dual citizenship, the program remains an ideal tool for international mobility and creating a “backup plan” for family and business.

When choosing a suitable investment asset, particularly real estate that meets the requirements of the Türkiye citizenship program, it is important to consider not only the price but also the legal integrity of the transaction, proper documentation, and compliance with investment criteria.

To select the optimal real estate options for your goals and ensure proper support of the transaction at all stages, you can contact Stay Property. Leave your contact details in the online chat on the website, and we will be happy to advise you on current real estate options suitable for obtaining citizenship in Türkiye.