Does Turkey Give Citizenship to Pakistanis? Eligibility & Requirements

Turkey has become one of the most attractive global destinations for international investors, offering a unique blend of high-yield real estate opportunities and a powerful tier-2 passport. For Pakistani families, business owners, and cross-border investors, the Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program presents a rare combination of lifestyle appeal, asset diversification, and global mobility.
The most frequently asked question we receive at Best House Turkey is straightforward: Can Pakistani citizens legally get Turkish citizenship?
The answer is a definitive yes. Pakistani nationals are fully eligible to apply under the exact same legal framework as European or Gulf investors.
The Republic of Turkey does not apply any nationality-based restrictions to its investment program. Applications are strictly evaluated on financial compliance, clean background checks, and legal documentation.
If you meet the financial threshold and your funds are legally traceable, your nationality is never a barrier. This predictability allows Pakistani families to plan their relocation or investment safely from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, or anywhere globally.
While the government allows citizenship through bank deposits ($500,000 USD) or business setup, over 90% of Pakistani applicants opt for real estate investment.
Instead of locking up cash in a bank, you buy a tangible asset in a booming market. Prime locations like Istanbul, Antalya, and Bursa offer excellent capital appreciation and strong rental income in USD or Euros.
To ensure your application moves smoothly through the Turkish ministries, you must fulfill these 6 non-negotiable criteria:
| Requirement | What It Means for Pakistani Applicants |
| Minimum Investment | At least $400,000 USD in official property value. |
| Official Banking Channels | Funds must move via wire transfer from your account to the seller’s bank. |
| Title Deed (Tapu) | Must be legally registered under the main applicant’s name. |
| Official Valuation (Ekspertiz) | A government-approved appraiser must verify the property’s market value. |
| Clean Background Check | Zero serious criminal records or international travel bans. |
| 3-Year Holding Period | You must agree not to sell the property for at least 3 years. |
One of the primary reasons Pakistani parents choose Turkey over European programs is its inclusive family structure. Your investment automatically extends full citizenship rights to:
The Main Investor
The Legal Spouse
All Children Under 18 Years Old
Important Note on Dependent Children: Children over 18 cannot be included in the main application unless they have a severe physical or mental disability requiring permanent parental care, backed by official medical reports.
The process takes an average of 3 to 6 months. Here is the exact chronological sequence you will follow with the Best House Turkey legal and sales team:
1.Citizenship-Eligible Property Selection: Week 1-2.
We curate a custom portfolio of properties with clean title deeds. Not every property on the market is eligible; we filter out risky projects to secure your investment.
2.Secure International Fund Transfer:Week 3.
You transfer the funds from your local or international bank account to Turkey. The Central Bank of Turkey processes this and issues a mandatory Foreign Exchange Certificate (DAB).
3.Title Deed Transfer & Appraisal:Week 4.
The property is registered at the Title Deed Office (Tapu) with a 3-year restriction clause. Simultaneously, the official appraisal report is issued.
4.Conformity & Residence Permit:Month 2.
The Ministry issues your Certificate of Conformity (Uygunluk Belgesi). We then apply for and receive your investor-specific short-term residence permit.
5.Final Citizenship Submission & Passport Delivery:Month 3-6.
Our in-house lawyers submit your complete document file to the Directorate General of Migration Management. Once cleared, you pick up your Turkish passports at the government office or the closest Turkish Embassy in Pakistan.
Because moving funds internationally from Pakistan can involve capital controls, avoiding technical mistakes is crucial:
Using Cash or Unofficial Channels (Hawala/Hundi): Never use informal money transfer networks. Every single dollar must flow transparently through central banking systems with accurate reference codes.
Mismatched Invoices: The amount listed on your bank transfer receipt, the property’s declared value at the title deed office, and the appraisal report must all match or exceed $400,000 USD.
Buying from Another Foreign National: The seller of the property must be a Turkish citizen or a registered Turkish development company. You cannot get citizenship by buying a house from another foreign investor.
Navigating a foreign real estate market and legal code requires local, battle-tested expertise. Best House Turkey bridges the gap for Pakistani buyers by providing:
100% Pre-Approved Portfolios: We do not waste your time with unqualified properties. Every project we show you is legally cleared for the $400,000 USD threshold.
Remote Power of Attorney (POA) Management: You don’t need to travel back and forth. You can grant POA to our legal team via the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi, and we will handle the purchase, deed transfer, and residency steps on your behalf.
Post-Purchase Property Management: Once you get your passport, we manage your tenants, collect your USD rental yields, and maintain your asset.
Q: Can I buy multiple smaller properties in Istanbul or Bursa to reach $400,000?
A: Yes. You can buy two or three apartments (e.g., $200,000 each) as long as the applications are submitted together and all properties meet the official appraisal criteria.
Q: Does Pakistan allow dual citizenship with Turkey?
A: Yes. Pakistan has a dual nationality agreement with Turkey. This means you can officially hold both passports simultaneously without renouncing your Pakistani citizenship.
: Can I open a bank account in Turkey as a Pakistani citizen before getting residency?
A: Yes. Our team assists you in getting a Turkish Tax Number and opening your official Turkish bank account within a single day.
Q: Can I rent out the property immediately after buying it?
A: Absolutely. You can start earning rental income from day one. The only restriction is that you cannot sell the property for 3 years.

This content has been prepared by Best House Turkey Real Estate Consultants.
Yasemin Us
Whatsapp: +905326073701
Phone: +908503080717