CHOSEN FOR:

WHAT IS THE REQUIRED INVESTMENT AMOUNT FOR TURKISH CITIZENSHIP?

1) You and qualified members of your family can become Turkish Citizens by investing only $400,000 in Turkish Real Estate, such as apartment, house, villa, commercial or industrial property. You do not have to invest the total amount in one property. You could still qualify, if you buy several properties, which their aggregate value meets the required $400,000 investment;

2) You can also become a Turkish Citizen, if you deposit $500,000 in a Turkish Bank. This investment can be in U. S. Dollars, Euro or any other Currency that the Turkish Banks accept. This investment must be held only for 3 years. After this period, you can do whatever you wish with your money;

3) You can become a Turkish Citizen, if you buy at least $500,000 U.S. Dollars’ worth of Turkish Government Bonds;

4) You can become a Turkish Citizen by establishing a business for at least $500,000 U.S. Dollars or create at least 50 Turkish Jobs. You can also sell your shares in the business after 3 years.

YOU CAN INCLUDE YOUR FAMILY

The Turkish Citizenship via Investment Program allows you to include your family members, such as spouse and dependent children in your Citizenship Application with one investment.

WHAT ARE THE STAGES FOR OBTAINING TURKISH CITIZENSHIP VIA INVESTMENT?

Turkey’s citizenship via investment program has several stages, each of which requires due diligence and meticulous preparation, in order to comply with Turkish Laws and Regulations. All Applicants must show that they are of good Moral Character by going through a background check and provide:

• Police Reports – evidence of no criminal record;
• Various Documents, including financial statements, employment and/or business records, if any, proper identification documents such as birth certificate, passports, and address, etc.;
• Compliance with Turkish Immigration Laws…

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM STAY IN TURKEY REQUIREMENT?

Once the applicants are approved, they are free to come and go as they please. In other words, there is no minimum stay requirement to obtain, renew and retain your Turkish Citizenship and Passport.

TO WHAT COUNTRIES CAN YOU TRAVEL WITH A TURKISH PASSPORT?

A Turkish passport allows visa free travel (or visa on arrival) to 125 countries worldwide. Turkey may also join the European Union (EU). If so, then Turkish Citizenship will become even more valuable with visa free access to the EU. Turkey is a member of the E-2 Visa Treaty Agreement with the USA. This means Turkish Citizens are eligible to apply for US business visas and possible Green Cards, providing they qualify based on US Immigration Requirements.

CAN I HOLD MY CURRENT CITIZENSHIP?

Yes. Turkey allows you to hold more than one Citizenship.

DO I HAVE TO LEARN TURKISH TO BECOME A CITIZEN?

No. There is no language requirement test to obtain Turkish Citizenship through investment.

HOW DO I GET A TURKISH PASSPORT?

Once you obtain your Turkish Citizenship, you can apply for a Turkish Passport, which can be done remotely.

WOULD I QUALIFY FOR TURKISH CITIZENSHIP?

Maybe. Like all other countries that offer Residency and Citizenship via investment, Turkey has its own assessing system. Here at Chosen Lawyers, we assess your options carefully, and help you choose the best option for you. Our Turkish Chosen Lawyers offer a FREE & CONFIDENTIAL Evaluation. Please Note: Citizens of Armenia, Cuba, Cyprus, Nigeria and North Korea are not eligible for Turkish Citizenship by Investment.

CAN I SELL, CHANGE OR MODIFY MY INVESTMENT IN TURKEY?

Yes. However, you must wait for 3 years after you obtain your Turkish Citizenship.

CAN THE INVESTMENT AMOUNT CHANGE?

Yes. Originally the investment amount was set at $1 million U. S. Dollars, but in September 2018 it was reduced to $250,000. This reduction in Investment amount turned Turkey into the most popular country for Citizenship via Investment. Consequently, the Turkish Government raised its investment requirement to $400,000 in June 2022.

Turkey, which officially is called “Republic of Türkiye,” is an influential and important country in the world fusing the two continents of Asia and Europe together. Turkey is home to over 85 million people of various ethnic backgrounds. Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city, and its commerce and financial hub. Istanbul is also the largest city in Europe. Turkey is the hallmark of human history. It is the cradle of cultures and convergence of civilizations; and one of the earliest conclaves of farming and industry. Turkey’s rich cultural tapestry has been interwoven by many empires ranging from the Sumerians to the Hittites, Lydians to Persians, Byzantines to Seljuks and Ottomans. The hospitable, visionary and talented Turkish People have cherished and protected their magnificent heritage throughout history. This intergenerational deference has turned Turkey into an unparalleled Open-Air-Museum. Turkey is blessed with a wide range of climatic and geographic diversity. Turkey has magnificent mountains, green plains, mysterious caves, alluring seas and many other natural formations of unmatched beauty.

Turkey is home to all types of sports and activities, such as the adrenaline-inducing outdoor sports ranging from hiking to climbing, skiing to surfing, horseback riding to plunging into the deep meditative ecstasy within, with the whirling Dervishes of Konya. Turkey is ready to be savored—one moment at a time. One of the most precious and diverse treasures of Turkey is, of course, the Turkish cuisine. Turkey’s culinary bounty is the culmination and collage of cultures and fervor of flavors—evolved over centuries of written and unwritten history. Today Turkey offers a long menu of limitlessly scrumptious dishes. Turkey’s soothing melody of music and live entertainments are beyond description of words—they must be felt by presence. World famous cruise ships include the bustling blue ports of Turkey on their journeys. Passengers of these cruise ships visit and explore the magnificent cities of Istanbul, Izmir and Kusadasi. Ferries between Northern Cyprus and Mersin and between Bodrum, Marmaris and the Greek islands provide for other alternatives to get to Turkey. Turkey also offers world-class airports, which conveniently connect Turkey to the world, with hundreds of direct and thousands of connecting flights. It is also possible to explore different corners of Turkey by entering the country via multitudes of highways through neighboring countries located in both Asia and Europe. Turkey is among the larger countries of the region in terms of territory and population. Its borderlines mark a much greater territory than that of any European Country. In 1963, Turkey became an associate member of the European Community; it began accession talks with the EU in 2005.

When people sit down to eat in Turkey, there’s no such thing as a quick bite. Every dish is a work of art passed on from heart to heart for generations. Turkish food is indeed a delight to taste buds and a pleasure to observe. Table is filled with melt-in-your mouth roasted eggplant, grilled whole fish, savory greens smothered in sour cream, potato and lamb stew. Green salads with shredded cheese, fresh peppers and smoked eggplant dips with creamy melted cheese are as exotic as they appear. You’ll never leave a meal feast in Izmir feeling less than fully grateful for the bounty of nature and essence of nurture!

In Turkey, coffee isn’t a break — it’s a sobering celebration. The thick brew takes time to simmer, and the wait is filled with joyous conversations over the Delicious and Colorful Turkish Delights, which add to the anticipation of soul-piercing savor. Turkish coffee is made by adding coffee grounds and water to a small pot, and then it is left to simmer for several minutes. Sugar is added during brewing, since the coffee is poured straight from the pot into the cup, without strains or filters. Make sure, you heed the counsel of your Barista admonishing you not to stir your coffee; and leave a little in the bottom of your cup. That is sweet advice; if defied, it will leave a bitter taste in your soul, and a delayed, but heartfelt laughter on your face.

With a population of almost 16 million residing in the greater metropolitan Istanbul, it is Turkey’s and Europe’s biggest and greatest cosmopolitan city. Istanbul is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. Istanbul’s boundaries extend onto both the European (Thrace) and the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus. This unique and strategic geography makes Istanbul the only metropolis in the world connecting and occupying two continents. Istanbul is one of the most ancient cradles of civilization, and it served as the capital city for the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). Istanbul was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

The modern Turkish name İstanbul can be attested, in a range of different variants. Etymologically, it derives from many historical, lingual and cultural shifts in this beautiful city. It is said that Istanbul originally meant “in the city”, “to the city” or “downtown”. Byzantium is the first known name of the city. When Roman emperor Constantine I made the city the new eastern capital of the Roman Empire on May 11, 330, he conferred on it the name Nova Roma (“New Rome”). Constantinople (“City of Constantine”) was the name by which the city became widely known. It remained the principal official name of the city throughout the Byzantine period, and the most common name used for it in the West until the early 20th century. Istanbul has also been nicknamed “The City on Seven Hills” because the oldest part of the city was built on seven hills (just like Rome). The hills are represented in the city’s emblem with seven triangles. Two of many other old names of Istanbul are Vasilevousa Polis (the Queen of Cities), which rose from the city’s importance and wealth throughout the Middle Ages; and Dersaadet, originally Der-i Saadet (the Door to Happiness) which was first used towards the end of 19th century and is still remembered today. Istanbul has been praised for its opulence, natural allure and rich cultural heritage by emperors, poets, and historians, so much so that the French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte said: “If the entire Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.” The first human footprint in Istanbul is found on the Anatolian side, and it belongs to the Copper Age period, with artifacts dating from 5500–3500 BC. A port settlement dating back to the Phoenicians has been discovered in nearby Kadıköy (Chalcedon). When the Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the capital was moved from Istanbul to Ankara.

Istanbul and the Bosphorus Istanbul is located in the North-West Marmara Region of Turkey. It encloses the southern Bosphorus which places the city on two continents—the western portion of Istanbul is in Europe, while the eastern portion is in Asia. The city boundaries cover a surface area of 1,539 square kilometers, while the metropolitan region, or the Province of Istanbul, covers 6,220 square kilometers.

The city has a Mediterranean climate with hot and humid summers; and cool, rainy and often snowy winters. Yearly precipitation for Istanbul averages 640 millimeters (25.2 in). The summer months between June and September bring average daytime temperatures of 28 °C (82 °F). The coldest month is January with 5.6 °C (42 °F). The weather becomes slightly cooler as one moves toward eastern Istanbul.

Throughout its long history, Istanbul has acquired a reputation for being a cultural and ethnic melting pot. As a result, there are many historical mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces, castles and towers to visit in the city. Some of these historical structures reflect the heart and soul of Istanbul. The famous Maiden’s (Leander’s) Tower, one of the symbols of Istanbul, was originally built by the ancient Athenian general Alcibiades in 408 BC to control the movements of the Persian ships in the Bosphorus strait.

Istanbul has a population of 11,372,613 residents according to the latest counts, it is the most populous city in Turkey and Europe. Currently Istanbul has 54 municipalities, and stretches over an area of about 100 km. The rate of population growth in the city is currently at 3.45%.

According to the 2000 census, there were 2691 active mosques, 123 active churches and 26 active synagogues in Istanbul; as well as 109 Muslim cemeteries and 57 non-Muslim cemeteries. Religious minorities include Greek Orthodox Christians, Armenian Christians, Catholic Levantines and Sephardic Jews.

The city has many public and private hospitals, clinics, laboratories and numerous medical research centers. Many of these facilities are equipped with world-class medical equipment, which has contributed to the recent upsurge in “medical tourism” to Istanbul. Most Medical Tourists come from the United States, Western European countries such as England and Germany where governments send patients with lower income to Istanbul for the relatively inexpensive service of high-tech medical treatment and operations. Istanbul has particularly become a global destination for laser eye surgery and plastic surgery. The city also has an Army Veterans Hospital in the military medical center.

Istanbul was ranked third best city in Europe after Rome and ahead of Paris in the 2007 World’s Best Cities rankings by Travel + Leisure magazine. Istanbul is becoming even a richer tapestry of diverse social, cultural, and commercial activities. World famous pop stars fill stadiums, activities like opera, jazz, ballet and theater continue throughout the year. The Istanbul International Film Festival is one of the most important film festivals in the world, while the Istanbul Biennial is another major event of fine arts. Istanbul Archaeology Museum, established in 1881, is one of the largest and most famous museums of its kind in the world. The museum contains more than 1,000,000 archaeological pieces from the Mediterranean basin, the Balkans, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.

Istanbul has numerous historic shopping centers, such as the Grand Bazaar (1461), Mahmutpaşa Bazaar (1462) and the Egyptian Bazaar (1660). The first modern shopping mall was Galleria Ataköy (1987), which was followed by dozens of others in the later decades, such as Akmerkez (1993) which is the only mall to win both “Europe’s Best” and “World’s Best” awards by the ICSC; Metrocity (2003); Cevahir Mall (2005) which is the largest mall in Europe; and Kanyon Mall (2006) which won the 2006 Cityscape Architectural Review Award for its interesting design. İstinye Park (2007) and City’s Nişantaşı (2008) are two new malls, which are almost exclusively dedicated to world-famous brands.

Along with the traditional Turkish restaurants, many European and Far Eastern restaurants and numerous other cuisines are also thriving in the city. Most of the city’s historic pubs and winehouses are located in the areas around İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu. The 19th century Çiçek Pasajı (literally Flower Passage in Turkish, or Cité de Péra in French, opened in 1876) on İstiklal Avenue can be described as a miniature version of the famous Galleria in Milan, Italy. Pano, established in 1898, and the neighboring Viktor Levi, established in 1914, are among the oldest winehouses in the city and are located on Hamalbaşı Avenue near Galatasaray Square. Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi (literally Republic Winehouse), called this way since the early 1930s but originally established in the early 1890s, is another popular historic tavern and is located in the nearby Sahne Street. The famous Nevizade Street, which has rows of historic pubs next to each other, is also in this area. Other historic pubs are found in the areas around Tünel Pasajı and the nearby Asmalımescit Street. Some historic neighborhoods around İstiklal Avenue have recently been recreated, such as Cezayir Street near Galatasaray Lisesi, which became known as La Rue Française and has rows of francophone pubs, cafés and restaurants playing live French music. Istanbul is also famous for its historic seafood restaurants, such as Aleko’nun Yeri in Yeniköy on the European side of the Bosphorus, or Koço Restaurant on the Asian side of the city. The most popular seafood restaurants are generally found along the shores of the Bosphorus and by the Marmara Sea shore towards the south of the city.

There are thousands of nightclubs in Istanbul, but the most popular open air summer time seaside night clubs are found on the Bosphorus, such as Reina, Sortie and Anjelique in the Ortaköy district. Babylon and Nu Pera in Beyoğlu are popular night clubs. Istanbul Arena in Maslak frequently hosts the live concerts of famous singers and bands from all around the world. Q Jazz Bar in Ortaköy offers live jazz music in a stylish environment.

With a population of about 4.3 million residing in the greater metropolitan Izmir, it is the third biggest city in Turkey, after Istanbul and Ankara. Izmir is also Turkey’s second largest port after İstanbul. Izmir is located in Southwest of Turkey along the Aegean Sea. The city of İzmir is composed of 9 metropolitan districts (Balçova, Bornova, Buca, Çiğli, Gaziemir, Güzelbahçe, Karşıyaka, Konak, and Narlıdere), each with its own distinct features and temperament. Modern Izmir is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in the world dating back about 3,500 years. It is Turkey’s first port for exports and its free zone. Izmir is a technological and cultural hub, which houses many mega companies. Izmir is widely regarded as one of the most liberal Turkish cities in terms of values, ideology, lifestyle, dynamism and gender roles. The city hosts an international arts festival during June and July, and the Izmir International Fair, one among the city’s many fair and exhibition events, is held in the beginning of September every year. It is served by national and international flights through Adnan Menderes Airport and there is a modern rapid transit line running Southwest to Northeast. The Modern Province of Izmir is also the home of many ancient cities of Ephesus, Pergamon, Sardis and Klazomenai, and centers of international tourism such as Kuşadası, Çeşme, Mordoğan and Foça.

Izmir city is one of the oldest conclaves of the Mediterranean basin. The 2004 discovery of Yeşilova Höyük and the neighboring höyük of Yassıtepe, situated in the plain of Bornova, reset the starting date of the city’s past further back than was previously thought. Archeological discoveries are testaments of the fact that various cultures inhabited this beautiful area as far away as 6500 to 4000 BC. Izmir Province is an outdoor Museum, as well as a beautiful and modern location to live life as it is meant to be.

From feasting with the locals in its beautiful restaurants to travelling back in time at ancient monuments, or just basking on the beach under the golden rays of glorious sun, Izmir is a truly laid-back city. In Izmir, you can mix with locals whose roots in the area date back to ancient times. Here are a few of many wonderful experiences you can enjoy in Izmir: Ancient Monuments Here are some of the amazing ancient monuments you should check out, as they really are amongst the best places to visit in Izmir and the world.

Any list of things to do in Izmir has to start at the ancient monument of Agora. Surrounded by hillside homes, bustling markets, and tall buildings, Agora is just a part of the everyday landscape for most residents. A True testament to past, present and future. Inside the Agora grounds, the ruins of a Roman-Greek marketplace transport you back to the days when Izmir was an important stop on the Silk Road. The archways on the lower floor of the 2,000-year-old marketplace are still intact; and the same clear and crisp water that quenched the thirst of the ancient civilizations still bubbles out of the fountains and runs through channels today. Izmir is a true Shangri-La!

The ancient Roman city of Ephesus was once a hugely popular stop on the Silk Road; and it is now one of the most popular places to see in Izmir, which about 2 million people visit it yearly. In ancient times, people from all over the world sailed to the ports of Izmir, to stock up on exotic spices and fruits or indulge in Luxurious Turkish Garments.

High on a hilltop overlooking the modern town of Bergama sits the Pergamon Acropolis, which was once a seat of power in the 2nd Century BC. The site is best known as the location of the Pergamon Altar, a colossal construction with soaring pillars. The highlight of Pergamon is the site of the world’s steepest ancient theatre that hangs dizzyingly off the hillside; in its glorious days, this site housed the congregation of fierce gladiators, talented actors and powerful orators.

This Ancient outdoor Spa is created by the natural hot springs that flow down the hillside. After exploring the ancient temples of Hierapolis, and strolling along the narrow pathways of Pamukkale, you can dip in these healing hot mineral pools, and refresh your body and soul just the way the Ancient Kings and Queens did ions ago.

Izmir beaches consist of a u-shaped and sheltered bay, meandering around the colossal coastline for many kilometers. One of the best joys of Izmir is taking a stroll on the long shoreline, and soaking in blue waters of the sea; or basking under the golden rays of the sun. Should you wish to mingle with the crowd or go for a romantic night out with your better half, Izmir beaches are unabashedly the conclaves of joy, and the mergers of souls.

City of Konya is located in the Province of Konya. This Province’s total area is 40,838 km2, making it the largest province in Turkey, and its total population is about 2,500,000 people. Lake Tuz Gölü is located in Konya, which is the second largest lake in Turkey. This beautiful lake has provided the entire country’s salt needs for ions. And the largest freshwater lake in Turkey is Lake Beysehir, which is a national park; and it is also located in Konya Province. This colossal Lake attracts thousands of people to its two beautiful beaches and twenty-two colossal islands, every year.

The city of Konya was the capital of Seljuk Sultanate of Rum about 1000 years ago. The Seljuks conquered and controlled most of central Anatolia, which was then called ‘Rum’— a derivative of the word ‘Roman’. The Seljuk Dynasty chose Persian as its official language, despite the fact that they were from Central Asia, and of Turkic origin. At the time, Konya was an essential part of the Silk Road. This is why there are reminiscent of many stunning architecture, castles, caravanserais and bazaars along the Silk Road from Capppadocia to Konya and beyond. More importantly, the city of Konya was the refuge for many intellectuals, artists, poets, philosophers and spiritual mystics from the greater Persian Empire, who fled the devastating onslaught of Mongols. Among these refugees was a 12-year-old boy, who became the most famous and popular mystic poet in the world: Jalal al-Din Muhammad Balkhi a.k.a. Rumi. Rumi’s wisdom and passion for love and peaceful co-existence has broken all boundaries of race, religion, language, national origin or creed.

Konya is the transformation and resting place of the most beloved poet, messenger of love and peaceful co-existence in the world, Rumi. Today, city of Konya attracts millions of people of all faiths, nationality and creeds to the Mausoleum of Rumi, where you can learn about his life and reflect upon your own. Famously known as the Green Dome, the tomb is where Rumi rests. This revered mausoleum was built by an architect from Tabriz, Iran, about 800 years ago—one year after Rumi’s passing. The tomb is inscribed with calligraphy and inscription belts consisting of couplets taken from Rumi’s Masnavi and Divan-ı Kebir.

Konya is most known around the world for its whirling dervishes’ devotional ceremony called “Sema,”. This meditative tradition is an unparallel and unforgettable site for the senses of everyone who had the honor of sitting silently and observing this deep and powerful introspection.

At least 9500 years old, Çatalhöyük is a neolithic located a short distance southeast of the city of Konya. This site is one of the oldest human settlements, which is named by UNESCO as an important World Heritage Site.

The city of Çatalhöyük is the hallmark of mankind’s transformation from hunters and gatherers to farmers and civilized dwellers.

Çatalhöyük is also a site, where art, both painting and sculpture, made their most powerful debut.

Çatalhöyük had no streets. Homes were built right up against each other and the people traveled over the town’s rooftops and entered their homes through holes in the roofs. Communal ovens were built above the homes, and group activities were performed in this elevated space as well.

Indeed, these homes were the birth and resting places of the people, who lived there. The dead were buried under the floors of the houses and some skulls were removed and plastered to resemble live faces. The burials at Çatalhöyük show no significant variations based on wealth or gender. The only bodies which were treated differently, were those of children, which were decorated with beads and covered with ochre.

Art was an essential ingredient of life in the conclave of Çatalhöyük.

Many figurines have been found at the site, the most famous of which illustrates a large woman seated on or between two large felines. The figurines, which illustrate both humans and animals, are made from a variety of materials but the largest proportion are quite small and made of barely fired clay. These casual figurines are found most frequently in garbage pits, but also in oven walls, house walls, floors and left in abandoned structures. The figurines often show evidence of having been poked, scratched or broken, and it is generally believed that they functioned as wish tokens or to ward off bad spirits.

There are claims that Çatalhöyük was probably one of the most complicated societies of its time. Archaeologists believe that at a time when most of the world’s people were hunters and gatherers, as many as 10,000 people lived at Çatalhöyük. This is a very important testament to understanding the evolutionary stages of human civilization.

This first butterfly sanctuary in Turkey, and the largest in Europe, opened its doors to the public in 2015. It is home to about 10,000 butterflies from 45 distinctly different species; they live and breed amongst meticulously cultivated tropical plants. You can find exhibits and information on butterflies and their classifications through interactive presentations and documentary shows, which describe the lives of butterflies and their magical life cycles.

Right near the Rumi’s Tomb is the ancient and historical Bedesten Bazaar, which has been the center of commerce for generations. It was built by Kadri Çelebi in 1538, during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. This Bazaar has withstood the test of time, and it is Konya’s most important shopping places. It has around 40 streets, and it is frequented by multitudes of local people and tourists.

Kultur Park is located near the Alaeddin Hill. This is a beautiful place to visit day or night. In day time you can visit the amphitheater, stroll the rose gardens and watch the beautiful swans sailing along the park’s tranquil ponds. And as the sun sets, the beautiful lightshows take away any fatigue in your bones and soul—a true savoring and memorable experience for the entire family.

Do you wish to see Turkey’s giant leap into modern technology and industry? If so, check out Turkey’s first interactive and bilingual institution, which offers hands-on exhibitions on science, technology & space, film screenings and even a planetarium. For instance, you can find exhibits about human anatomy, solar systems and the universe. This magnificent center also hosts star-gazing with powerful telescopes, so you can glimpse at the moon and the infinite heaven. If you are with children, this is a great opportunity to bond with your youngsters through education and introspection.