Legal bases: With subparagraph (b) added to Article 12/1 of Law No. 5901 (July 28, 2016), two groups may acquire Turkish citizenship by Presidential decision:

1. foreigners who obtain a short-term residence permit under Article 31/1(j) of Law No. 6458 by making an investment in the scope/amount set by the President; and
2. Turquoise Card holders (and eligible family members), subject to national security and public order checks.

Who qualifies (summary). Foreign investors who meet one of the investment routes below (and hold the investment for at least three years) or holders of a Turquoise Card may apply for exceptional citizenship by Presidential decision.

Investment routes (meet any one)

• Fixed capital investment of ≥ USD 500,000 (or FX/TL equivalent), as determined by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. (3-year hold)
• Real estate purchase of ≥ USD 400,000 (or FX/TL equivalent) with a 3-year no-sale annotation in the title deed; supervised by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
• Employment creation for ≥ 50 people, as determined by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
• Bank deposit of ≥ USD 500,000 in a bank operating in Türkiye, held for at least 3 years (BDDK/BRSA).
• Government bonds worth ≥ USD 500,000, held for at least 3 years (Ministry of Treasury and Finance).
• Real estate investment fund (REIF) or venture capital investment fund (VCIF) shares of ≥ USD 500,000, held for at least 3 years (Capital Markets Board).
• Private pension system contribution of ≥ USD 500,000, invested in qualifying funds and kept for at least 3 years (Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency).

Note. Exact documentation and conformity certificates are issued by the relevant authority for each route; rules and practice notes are periodically updated—always confirm current guidance before filing.

Step-by-step (high level)

1. Select route & pre-check eligibility (threshold, valuation, clean title/pledge, banking).
2. Obtain a conformity certificate from the competent authority for the chosen route.
3. Apply for short-term residence under Article 31/1(j) (typically up to 1–5 years).
4. Citizenship application to the Ministry of Interior / DG Population & Citizenship Affairs for Presidential decision.

Turquoise Card holders. Turquoise Card confers indefinite work/residence rights and may provide a path to citizenship upon conditions and review.