How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment Through Company Formation in 2026?

Türkiye has emerged as one of the most attractive jurisdictions for global investors seeking a combination of business opportunity, strategic geography, and access to citizenship. Among the various investment routes, Turkish citizenship by investment through company formation stands out as a structured, compliant, and commercially meaningful option in 2026.

At Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, a top-tier, full-service company formation and governance firm based in Istanbul, we have been advising international investors in multiple languages since 2017. Our corporate lawyers team provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of how foreign entrepreneurs can leverage company formation in Türkiye as part of a broader Turkish citizenship by investment strategy.

Table of Contents

Since 2017, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has stood at the forefront of the Turkish legal landscape, guiding thousands of international entrepreneurs through the complexities of the Turkish market. As a top-notch full-service firm based in Istanbul, we specialize in seamless business integration and legal excellence.

For investors looking toward 2026, the strategic path to a Turkish passport through company formation remains one of the most lucrative and secure methods to gain a foothold in both European and Asian markets.

Obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment is not merely about a passport; it is about establishing a legacy in a G20 economy. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the “Capital Investment” route via company formation in Türkiye.

1. The 2026 Investment Threshold: What You Need to Know

The Turkish government continues to incentivize foreign direct investment (FDI). Under the current regulations, the most common route for entrepreneurs is the Fixed Capital Investment.

To qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment, you must make a minimum fixed capital investment of USD 500,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency). This capital must be injected into a Turkish entity and must be certified by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Unlike the real estate route, this investment allows you to actively run a business, potentially generating high yields while your citizenship application is processed.

2. Choosing the Right Legal Structure

Efficiency in governance starts with the right foundation. In Türkiye, foreign investors typically choose between two main structures:

• Limited Liability Company (LS): Ideal for small to medium-sized ventures.
• Joint Stock Company (AS): Better suited for large-scale operations and those planning to go public or bring in multiple tiers of investors.

Our team at Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm ensures that your corporate charter is drafted to meet both your commercial goals and the stringent requirements of the citizenship Decree.

3. Navigating the Company Formation Required Documents

Speed is of the essence when your citizenship timeline depends on corporate registration. Preparing the company formation required documents accurately is the most critical step to avoid delays. Generally, you will need:

• Notarized passport translations of all shareholders.
• Turkish Tax ID numbers (which we obtain on your behalf).
• A Power of Attorney (PoA) to allow us to handle filings at the Chamber of Commerce.
• Evidence of the USD 500,000 capital transfer through the Turkish banking system.

4. Understanding Company Formation Costs

Transparency is a core value at our firm. When calculating your initial budget, you must account for various company formation costs beyond the primary investment. These include:

• Chamber of Commerce Registration Fees: Official fees for the trade registry.
• Notary and Translation Fees: Costs for legalizing foreign documents.
• Capital Deposit Requirements: A portion of the capital (for Joint Stock Companies) must be deposited into a Competition Authority account.
• Office Lease and Virtual Office Fees: Necessary for establishing a legal registered address in Istanbul.

5. The Role of Governance and Director Residency

A common question we receive involves the management of the new entity. In Türkiye, a company can be 100% foreign-owned. However, the legal representative or director must fulfill certain roles.

While there is no strict director residency requirement for the owner to live in Türkiye permanently to maintain the company, having a local address or a residency permit can significantly simplify banking relations and social security (SGK) registrations. For those seeking citizenship, we manage the director residency nuances to ensure that the “active business” requirement of the investment is met without creating unnecessary tax burdens.

6. Integrating a Work Permit in Türkiye

While the citizenship application is pending (which typically takes 6 to 9 months), many investors wish to begin managing their operations immediately. To legally work and manage your company on the ground, obtaining a work permit in Türkiye is essential.

As a business owner, you are eligible for an “Investor Work Permit.” This not only regularizes your status but also serves as strong evidence of your commitment to the Turkish economy, which the Ministry of Industry and Technology looks upon favorably when issuing the Certificate of Conformity for your citizenship file.

7. The 3-Year Holding Requirement

To maintain your eligibility and prevent the revocation of citizenship, the USD 500,000 investment must be held within the company for at least three years. During this period, our firm provides ongoing corporate governance and accounting oversight to ensure that the capital remains intact and the company stays in good standing with the Turkish Trade Registry.

Contact us for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Since 2017, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has been Istanbul’s trusted partner for international entrepreneurs and investors seeking to establish their presence in Türkiye. Our multilingual team of experienced corporate and immigration attorneys provides comprehensive support throughout the entire citizenship by investment process—from initial company formation through final citizenship approval.

We understand that obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment represents a significant commitment of both capital and time. Our personalized approach ensures that every aspect of your application is handled with precision, from preparing company formation documentation to liaising with government authorities on your behalf.

Don’t navigate this complex process alone. Contact Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm today for a confidential consultation. Let our three years of experience in Turkish corporate law and immigration services work for you. Reach out to our Istanbul office to discuss your citizenship investment goals and discover how we can transform your vision into reality.