Including Family Members in Turkey Investment Residency
Introduction
Turkey’s Investment Residency and Citizenship Program has become a popular route for families seeking security, mobility, and opportunity. With the latest updates in 2025, the process of including spouses, children, and even extended family has become more defined. This article provides a clear overview of how to include your loved ones in your Turkish residency or citizenship application under the current regulations.
Turkey’s Investment Residency & Citizenship Program – 2025 Overview
Before examining how family members can be included, it’s essential to understand the core framework of Turkey’s investment-based residency and citizenship scheme as updated in 2025. The program continues to attract international investors thanks to its flexibility, straightforward process, and attractive benefits for both individuals and families.
Qualifying Investment Options (2025 Update)
Applicants can choose from several government-approved investment routes. As of 2025, the minimum thresholds remain as follows:
- Real Estate Investment: Purchase property worth at least $400,000 USD, with a three-year no-sale restriction
- Capital Investment: Invest $500,000 USD in fixed capital
- Bank Deposit: Deposit a minimum of $500,000 USD into a Turkish bank account for at least three years
- Government Bonds: Purchase bonds worth $500,000 USD, held for three years
- Job Creation: Establish a business that creates at least 50 full-time jobs for Turkish citizens
Application Timeline and Efficiency
One of the key advantages of Turkey’s program is its relatively fast processing time:
- Residence permit is usually issued within 2 to 12 weeks
- Citizenship is typically granted in 3 to 6 months after submission of the full application
This makes it one of the most time-efficient citizenship-by-investment programs in the region.
No Residency or Language Requirements
The program is particularly attractive for international families because it does not require:
- Prior residence in Turkey
- Turkish language proficiency
- Any mandatory interviews or cultural integration assessments
Dual Citizenship Permitted
Applicants are not required to renounce their existing nationality, as Turkey allows dual citizenship. This provides greater flexibility for investors and their families, particularly those who wish to maintain strong ties to their home country while gaining access to the benefits of Turkish nationality.
Residency Before Citizenship: The Two-Phase Process
The process follows a phased approach:
- Initial Step: Obtain a short-term residence permit tied to the chosen investment
- Final Step: Apply for citizenship after fulfilling legal and procedural requirements
This two-stage structure offers a smooth transition for families relocating to Turkey and provides time to adapt while their citizenship application is processed.
Certainly! Below is the complete and refined section “Family Inclusion in Turkish Residency”, written with a natural tone, logical flow, and in line with 2025 updates. It includes proper subheadings, bullet points, and ensures coherence and reader-friendliness throughout:
Family Inclusion in Turkish Residency
One of the key advantages of Turkey’s investment residency framework is the opportunity to include immediate family members in the application from the very beginning. This allows the investor’s loved ones to relocate together, benefit from the same rights and privileges, and establish a new life in Turkey as a family unit. The Turkish legal system provides a clear structure for who qualifies and what entitlements come with family residence permits.
Eligible Family Members
Under the 2025 regulations, certain family members can be included in the investor’s residence permit application, provided that proof of relationship and dependency is properly documented. Eligible dependents include:
- Spouse – Legally married partners can be included without any additional investment.
- Children under 18 – Biological or legally adopted children below the age of 18 automatically qualify.
- Children over 18 with permanent disabilities – Adult children who are medically certified as permanently disabled may also be considered dependents, regardless of their age.
It’s important to ensure that all supporting documents—such as marriage and birth certificates—are duly notarized, apostilled, and translated into Turkish by a sworn translator before submission.
Benefits of the Family Residence Permit
Family members who receive residence permits under the main investor’s file enjoy a wide range of benefits that make living in Turkey both secure and practical:
- Legal right to reside in Turkey for the same duration as the primary applicant
- Access to public and private education, including international schools and Turkish universities
- Eligibility to enroll in the national healthcare system, or private insurance schemes accepted locally
- Renewable residence permits, typically granted for periods of up to three years, provided the main investor’s residency remains valid
In addition to these practical advantages, living in Turkey also opens doors to long-term cultural integration, language learning, and a pathway to Turkish citizenship after fulfilling the required legal conditions.
Family Inclusion in Turkey Citizenship-by-Investment
For many investors, acquiring Turkish citizenship is not only a strategic move for personal or business reasons, but also a way to secure a stable and prosperous future for their families. Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment program, updated in 2025, makes it possible to include eligible family members in the main application—without additional financial burden or complex procedures.
This inclusive framework allows spouses and children to benefit from the same fast-track naturalization process as the primary investor, provided certain conditions are met. Understanding who qualifies and under what circumstances is essential to planning a successful and comprehensive application.
Citizenship Eligibility for Spouse and Children
Under current regulations, immediate family members may be included directly in the investor’s citizenship application, assuming they are part of the family unit at the time of submission. This includes:
- Spouse – Legally recognized partners are automatically eligible for inclusion under the same application file.
- Children under 18 – Minor children, whether biological or legally adopted, are considered dependents and may obtain citizenship alongside the main applicant.
- No additional investment is required – The inclusion of a spouse and children does not raise the minimum investment threshold. The original qualifying amount—such as $400,000 in real estate—remains sufficient.
It is important to note that all family members must be listed during the initial application. Attempts to add a spouse or child later may require a separate procedure or delay their eligibility.
Special Case: Dependents with Disabilities
Turkey’s citizenship policy also accounts for the needs of adult children with special circumstances. In 2025, the law continues to recognize:
- Children over 18 with permanent disabilities – Regardless of age, children who are medically certified as permanently disabled can be included as dependents in the citizenship application.
- Medical documentation required – A valid report issued by a recognized medical authority must confirm the nature and permanence of the disability. This documentation must be translated and notarized in accordance with Turkish legal standards.
This provision ensures that families with special needs members are not excluded from the pathway to Turkish citizenship, and allows all members to benefit equally from the rights and privileges that come with it.
Including Parents and Extended Family
While Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment program offers a straightforward path for immediate family members such as a spouse and dependent children, the inclusion of parents and adult children requires a different approach. These individuals are not automatically eligible for citizenship under the main application but may still have viable pathways to residency through separate legal mechanisms.
Understanding these distinctions is essential for investors who intend to relocate with a broader family circle or provide support for elderly or dependent relatives.
Parents and Adult Children
As of 2025, Turkish law does not allow parents or adult children (over 18 and not disabled) to be included in the investor’s citizenship application. However, this does not mean they are excluded from relocating to Turkey altogether.
Such family members may be eligible to apply for a long-term residence permit, provided that they meet certain conditions:
- Demonstrated financial dependence on the primary applicant (e.g., elderly parents without income or adult children who are financially supported)
- Proof of continuous care or responsibility by the main applicant
- Submission of relevant documents (translated and legalized), including income statements and affidavits of support
Although this residence status does not lead to automatic citizenship, it offers legal stay in Turkey with access to healthcare, housing, and family life, especially in multi-generational households.
Legal Alternatives for Extended Family Members
For those wishing to bring extended family into Turkey on a more permanent basis, there are a few alternative legal avenues worth considering:
- Sponsorship by Turkish citizen children – Once the investor or their minor children acquire Turkish citizenship, they may eventually sponsor their own parents under family reunification policies. However, this process is subject to strict eligibility rules and may take several years.
- Independent residence applications – Parents or adult children may also consider applying for residence permits independently, such as through property ownership, retirement residence schemes, or long-term tourist stay (with sufficient financial means and private insurance).
It is essential to note that these routes are distinct from the citizenship-by-investment track and require separate applications, fees, and documentation. Legal advice is strongly recommended when exploring such options to ensure full compliance with Turkey’s immigration framework.
Certainly! Below is the refined section “Process & Timeline”, written with coherence, smooth transitions, and a natural, formal yet accessible tone. The content reflects the latest updates as of 2025 and offers practical guidance for families.
Process & Timeline
Once you’ve determined your preferred investment route and confirmed the eligibility of your family members, understanding the step-by-step process and expected timelines becomes essential. Turkey’s investment residency and citizenship pathway is known for its efficiency and transparency, making it easier for families to plan their move with confidence.
Step-by-Step Process for Family Inclusion
The process of including your family in both the residency and citizenship applications follows a clear and structured sequence. While the core investment is made by the main applicant, family members are added to the application through coordinated documentation and legal procedures. Here is how the process typically unfolds:
- Select the qualifying investment
Choose from eligible routes such as real estate, bank deposit, or capital investment, based on your financial strategy and timeline.
- Apply for the initial residence permit
Submit the application through the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, including the main applicant and eligible family members.
- Prepare and submit family documentation
Collect required documents such as marriage certificates, birth records, proof of guardianship (if applicable), and valid passports. All documents must be translated into Turkish, notarized, and apostilled as per Turkish legal standards.
- Apply for Turkish citizenship
After the residence permits are issued, the citizenship application is submitted jointly for the investor and included dependents.
Throughout this process, working with an experienced legal advisor or licensed agent can significantly reduce delays and ensure compliance with the latest procedural requirements.
Estimated Timelines
While each application is assessed individually, the Turkish government has maintained a relatively swift processing schedule, even with the 2025 updates. Families can generally expect the following:
- Residence permit:
Issued within approximately 2 to 12 weeks, depending on the completeness of documentation and local processing times.
- Citizenship approval:
Finalized in around 3 to 6 months from the date of application, assuming all eligibility and investment criteria have been met.
It’s worth noting that these timelines apply to both the main investor and included family members, as long as they are part of the original application. Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or family members are added at a later stage.
Certainly! Below is the professionally refined “Costs & Documentation” section, written with coherence, variation in vocabulary, and a natural flow that aligns with the tone and factual standards for 2025:
Costs & Documentation
Understanding the full financial and administrative scope of Turkey’s investment residency and citizenship program is essential—especially for families planning to relocate together. Beyond the primary investment, there are several related expenses and documentation requirements that applicants must prepare for. These costs and formalities are predictable and manageable when approached with careful planning and the right professional support.
Fees & Expenses
While the headline investment—such as real estate or a fixed capital deposit—is the most significant financial commitment, families should also anticipate a range of additional expenses associated with legal procedures, documentation, and government processing.
Here is a breakdown of the typical costs involved as of 2025:
- Investment requirement:
Minimum of $400,000 USD for real estate, or $500,000 USD for other investment routes (e.g., bank deposit, capital injection, or government bonds)
- Legal and advisory fees:
Vary depending on the service provider, but generally range between $3,000 and $8,000 USD, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of family members
- Application and administrative fees:
- Government application processing: approx. $400 USD per family
- Private health insurance (mandatory): around $700 USD per person, depending on age and provider
- Notarization, sworn translations, and document legalization: costs vary but should be budgeted at $500–$1,000 USD for a family of three
- Passport issuance fees:
Once citizenship is approved, each family member must apply for a Turkish passport, which typically costs around $500 USD per person
It’s advisable to work with a licensed attorney or authorized agency to help avoid hidden costs or procedural delays.
Documents Required for Family Members
To successfully include your spouse and children in both residency and citizenship applications, a series of legal documents must be prepared in advance. These documents serve as proof of identity, relationship, and legal standing. As per Turkish immigration and civil law, the following are typically required:
- Marriage certificate – for spouse inclusion
- Birth certificates – for all children, indicating parental relationship
- Police clearance certificates – for applicants over 18, issued by the relevant authorities in the country of residence
- Apostilles or legalizations – all civil documents must be apostilled or legalized in accordance with the Hague Convention (or through consular channels where applicable)
- Turkish translations – all documents must be translated into Turkish and certified by a sworn translator
Accuracy, consistency, and proper formatting of these documents are crucial. Any discrepancies, expired documents, or missing legalizations can lead to delays or even rejections.
Post-Citizenship: Adding Family Members Later
For investors who marry or have children after acquiring Turkish citizenship, adding new family members involves separate legal steps. Unlike the initial application, citizenship is not automatically granted to newly added relatives. Understanding the correct procedures can help avoid delays and complications.
Adding a Spouse or Child After Citizenship
- Spouse:
Must apply for a family residence permit. After three years of marriage and residence in Turkey, they may apply for citizenship through naturalization. - Children:
- Newborns may be eligible for Turkish citizenship by descent, depending on parental status and timely registration.
- Other children (e.g., adopted or from previous marriages) generally require a residence permit first, followed by naturalization.
- No automatic rights:
Citizenship is not granted solely based on marriage or parenthood after naturalization. Each application is processed independently.
Legal & Tax Considerations
- Inheritance and property:
Turkish inheritance laws apply to assets in Turkey. Marital agreements and estate planning may help clarify property rights.
- Taxation:
Turkey taxes residents only on income earned within the country. New family ties do not affect taxation unless financial activity occurs locally.
Conclusion
Including your family in Turkey’s Investment Residency and Citizenship Program is not only possible—it’s also increasingly streamlined under the 2025 regulations. Whether you are applying with your spouse and children, planning for extended family, or considering future additions after citizenship, understanding the legal framework and timelines is key. With careful preparation and the right documentation, you can secure a new beginning in Turkey—not just for yourself, but for those closest to you.
FAQ
Can I include my spouse and children in my Turkey investment application?
Yes. Your legally married spouse and children under 18 (or over 18 if they have permanent disabilities) can be included in both the residency and citizenship applications without needing to increase the investment amount.
What happens if I get married or have a child after receiving Turkish citizenship?
In such cases, your new spouse or child must apply separately—typically through a residence permit first. Citizenship is not granted automatically and must be pursued through naturalization or descent.
Are parents or adult children eligible under the main investor’s application?
No. Parents and adult children are not considered core dependents for citizenship. However, they may apply for a long-term residence permit if they can show financial dependence or meet other legal conditions.
Do family members included in the application receive the same rights as the main applicant?
Yes. Once approved, family members receive the same residency or citizenship rights, including access to healthcare, education, and the ability to live and work in Turkey.
