How UAE Residents Can Secure Turkish Citizenship Through Investment
Table of Contents
The UAE has residents from all corners of the globe from professionals, business owners, and families who have settled and used the country as their home base. It provides a modern infrastructure, solid business prospects, and a very high quality of life. However, UAE citizenship is out of reach for most expats. Even extended residency has restrictions, including the ability to travel or reliance on work or investment visas.
One option that has grown in popularity is Turkish citizenship by investment and many residents explore how to get Turkish citizenship. The program offers clear rules, several investment choices, and a passport that opens doors to many countries.
This guide explains how UAE residents can apply for Turkish citizenship through investment. We’ll look at eligibility, the investment routes, timelines, costs, and practical tips to make the process smooth from start to finish.
Challenges Driving UAE Interest in Second Citizenship
No clear path to UAE nationality
For most expatriates, even decades of life and work in the Emirates won’t lead to an Emirati passport.
Residency linked to changing circumstances
Visas often depend on a job, business, or property ownership, and any change can affect your right to stay.
Passports with limited travel freedom
Many residents still face visa applications for large parts of the world, slowing travel plans and adding extra costs.
The need to secure family rights
A second citizenship can give spouses and children stability, education access, and freedom from sponsorship rules.
Retirement flexibility
Expats want the option to live abroad after their UAE working years.
Wealth and business diversification
Investors seek to spread assets and opportunities across multiple countries.
Why UAE Residents Choose Türkiye
For many UAE residents, Türkiye offers a rare mix of lifestyle benefits and smart investments. The citizenship program is simple. The investment routes are clear. Below are the key reasons:
No residency requirement
Keep your home and work in the UAE while enjoying full rights as a Turkish citizen.
Affordable property with rental potential
Buy property in Turkey for citizenship starting from USD 400,000, with the option to earn steady rental income.
Visa-free travel
A Turkish passport grants access to over 110 nations visa-free or visa-on-arrival. It also qualifies you for the US E-2 Investor Visa.
Include your family
A single application can include you, your spouse, and children under 18, keeping things easy.
Quick turnaround
With paperwork complete, citizenship can be granted in approximately six to eight months.
Safe and comfortable living
Türkiye provides modern infrastructure, quality healthcare, and a high level of security.
A smart property investment
Property prices in most regions of Türkiye have increased steadily with time, and you have the option to sell after holding for three years.
Strategic business location
Strategically located between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Türkiye provides easy access to major markets for trade and investment.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Real Estate
- To be eligible for Turkey Citizenship by Investment, the applicant is required to make a real estate investment in Turkey.
- An investment of a minimum US$400,000 in Turkish real estate, that is to be held for at least 3 years.
Other Investments
- You can also qualify for Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate investment fund shares or venture capital investment fund shares worth at least USD 500,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency).
- These must be held for a minimum of three years, and the investment must be confirmed by the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye.
Get professional guidance from our team to select the right property for investment and arrange a viewing. Connect with our experts today!
How UAE Residents Can Apply for Turkish Citizenship
For UAE residents, the process is straightforward when handled by an experienced team. We support you at every stage from the initial consultation to securing citizenship, and can also assist after you receive your passport, if needed. With the right guidance, most steps can be completed without disrupting your life in the Emirates. Here’s how it works:
1. Initial Consultation
We begin with an initial consultation to understand your goals and assess your eligibility. This step also confirms our role in guiding you through each stage of the citizenship process.
2. Get a Turkish Tax Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN is needed to open a bank account, buy property, and complete legal steps. We arrange this quickly for UAE-based clients.
3. Grant a Power of Attorney (POA)
A POA allows our legal team in Türkiye to act on your behalf. You only need to travel when your presence is required.
4. Validate POA and Open a Bank Account
Once the POA is ready, we open your bank account, prepare tax paperwork, and handle property transactions. This keeps all documents in line with Turkish rules.
5. Select Your Real Estate Investment
Choose from pre-approved properties that meet the citizenship program requirements. The minimum investment is USD 400,000.
6. Transfer Funds and Register the Deed
After sending the funds, the title deed is registered. This usually takes 14–21 working days, depending on location and paperwork.
7. Apply for Your Residence Permit and Give Biometrics
We submit your residence permit application. You’ll need to visit Türkiye to provide fingerprints and other biometric data.
8. Submit Your Citizenship Application
With your residence permit in hand, we file your citizenship application. Authorities then collect your biometrics, run background checks, and review your documents.
9. Approval and Passport Collection
Once approved, you register an address and complete a final biometric step in Türkiye or at the Turkish Consulate in the UAE. Your passport is then issued and can be collected locally.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Eligibility
- 18+ years old — required for the main applicant under Turkish law.
- Clean criminal record — mandatory; background checks are conducted in both the country of citizenship and the country of residence.
- Hold investment for 3 years — applies to all qualifying investment routes (real estate, deposit, bonds, funds, job creation).
- Legal entry to Türkiye — must enter legally for the residence permit stage.
Required documents
- Passport copies, birth certificates, proof of address, photos — all standard in Turkish CBI applications.
- Turkish TIN — needed to open a bank account and for property purchase.
- Police clearance certificates — required from each country where the applicant has lived for more than 6 months in the last 5 years.
- Proof of health insurance — needed for the short-term residence permit step.
- Marriage/divorce/death certificates — applicable for family members to confirm status.
Additional Documents for Property-Based Applications
If applying through a real estate investment, the following extra documents will also be needed:
- A property valuation report issued and approved by the Capital Market Board
- Land Registry Certificate — proof of ownership and 3-year no-sale restriction.
- Sales agreement — required if buying off-plan or from a developer.
- Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi) — required from 2022 for all property purchases by foreigners.
Note:
The UAE is not in the Hague Apostille Convention, so legalisation via UAE MoFA + Turkish Consulate is indeed required for all UAE-issued official documents.
How UNO Capital Helps
Many UAE residents choose Türkiye for a second citizenship. It offers clear investment options, a straightforward application process, and strong passport benefits, including visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries. Beyond travel advantages, Türkiye provides a secure environment, a growing economy, and strategic access to European, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets, making it an attractive choice for both lifestyle and long-term investment.
At UNO Capital, we work with clients to help them achieve second citizenship and residency. Our presence in the UAE, Türkiye, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean allows us to connect investors, professionals, and families to opportunities that deliver both mobility and long-term security.
Whether you are applying for Turkish citizenship or exploring other residency programs, we give tailored advice to help you choose the right path. We manage the process from start to finish, saving you time and avoiding delays.
All set to start your path toward citizenship? Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts by calling +971 4 393 0 393 or sending an email to info@uno-capital.com.
FAQs About Turkish Citizenship for UAE Residents
Can someone living in the UAE apply for Turkish citizenship by investment?
Yes. UAE residents, regardless of nationality, can apply for Turkish citizenship by investment if they meet one of the approved options, such as real estate purchase, a fixed bank deposit, or buying government bonds.
What is the minimum investment for Turkish citizenship?
The most common route is buying property in Turkey for citizenship with a total value of at least USD 400,000. This property must be held for a minimum of three years.
Do I have to live in Türkiye to get or keep my citizenship?
No. The Turkey citizenship by investment program does not require you to live in Türkiye either before your application or after you are approved. This makes it ideal for Turkey citizenship for UAE residents who prefer to stay in the Emirates.
How long does the Turkish citizenship process take?
If your Turkey citizenship application is complete and accurate, the process can take about six to eight months, although the timeframe can vary.
Can I include my family members in one application?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 can be included in the same Turkey CBI program application. In some cases, dependent adult children with disabilities may also qualify.
Will I have to pay tax in Türkiye if I become a citizen?
Not necessarily. Tax obligations depend on whether you are considered a resident in Türkiye and where your income is sourced. Simply obtaining Turkey citizenship by investment does not make you liable for Turkish tax on worldwide income. We recommend consulting a qualified tax lawyer for more detailed guidance.
Can I buy more than one property to reach the USD 400,000 limit?
You can combine several eligible properties for your citizenship through real estate in Türkiye, provided the total valuation of the properties meets the minimum investment requirement.
Will my property in Türkiye increase in value?
While no investment is guaranteed, many Turkey passport by investment holders have seen property prices rise in sought-after areas, along with the chance to earn rental income during the three-year holding period.
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