For foreign investors seeking Turkish citizenship without the complexities of purchasing real estate or establishing a business, the bank deposit route offers a straightforward and fully compliant path. Under the Turkish citizenship investment program, eligible applicants can obtain citizenship by depositing a minimum of USD 500,000 into a Turkish bank account, subject to holding requirements. In this guide, we explain every step of the bank deposit citizenship pathway, including eligibility, the application process, required documentation, and how legal guidance can ensure a smooth and successful outcome.
Important Note
The information in this article is based on current regulations. As legal requirements may change, always consult a qualified Turkish citizenship lawyer for the most up-to-date guidance before proceeding.
Turkish citizenship via bank deposit is one of the investment pathways available under the Turkish citizenship by investment program. Under this option, a foreign national deposits a minimum of USD 500,000 (or equivalent in another convertible currency) into a Turkish bank. The deposit must be maintained for a legally prescribed period, currently 3 years, as verified by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK).
This method is especially attractive for investors who wish to meet the citizenship investment requirement without dealing with property valuation reports, title deed procedures, or company formation. The process is well-documented and offers a passive investment structure while generating potential interest income.
The bank deposit route is open to foreign nationals who meet the following criteria:
There are no requirements regarding age, education, or professional background. The program is accessible to investors from most countries, subject to standard eligibility and security checks.
The minimum deposit required for Turkish citizenship via bank deposit is USD 500,000 or the equivalent in another convertible foreign currency such as EUR or GBP. The exchange rate at the time of deposit determines whether the equivalent amount meets the threshold.
The funds must be transferred to a Turkish bank operating under BDDK regulation. Once the deposit is completed, the bank issues a certificate confirming the deposit amount, currency, and compliance with the citizenship program requirements. This certificate must then be submitted to the relevant Turkish authorities as part of the citizenship application in Turkey.
Minimum USD 500,000
Fixed-rate deposit required for citizenship eligibility, subject to regulatory confirmation
Under current regulations, the deposit must remain in the Turkish bank for 3 years. This holding period is verified by the BDDK and is a core condition of citizenship approval. The deposit cannot be withdrawn, transferred out of Turkey, or used as collateral for loans during this period.
After the 3-year period elapses, you are free to withdraw or repatriate the funds without affecting your Turkish citizenship status. The deposited amount may earn interest during the holding period, depending on the bank and account type, allowing investors to generate a return while meeting citizenship requirements.
The application process for bank deposit citizenship Turkey involves several stages requiring careful attention to regulatory and administrative detail. Here is the step-by-step overview:
Open a Turkish Bank Account
Select a BDDK-regulated Turkish bank and open an account. You will need your passport, tax identification number, and proof of address. Your citizenship lawyer can assist with bank selection and account setup.
Transfer the Funds
Transfer at least USD 500,000 (or equivalent) to your Turkish bank account. Ensure the transfer is properly documented and the source of funds is clearly identifiable for compliance purposes.
Obtain the Bank Certificate
The bank will issue a certificate confirming the deposit amount, currency, and that it meets BDDK regulatory requirements for the citizenship program. This is a critical document for the application.
Obtain Conformity/Eligibility Confirmation
The applicant must obtain the required conformity confirmation from the competent Turkish authority (BDDK). This official letter confirms that the deposit meets all regulatory requirements under the citizenship program.
Submit Your Citizenship Application
Your complete file — including the bank certificate, conformity confirmation, and all supporting documents — is submitted to the relevant Turkish authorities for review and processing.
Receive Approval and Obtain Citizenship
Once the application is approved, you receive your Turkish citizenship decree. You can then apply for a Turkish passport and national ID card for yourself and eligible family members.
A complete application for Turkish citizenship by bank deposit requires the following documents:
Document Compliance
All foreign-language documents must be notarized, apostilled, and accompanied by certified Turkish translations. Your Turkish citizenship lawyer can manage the document preparation and certification process to avoid delays.
Yes. One of the significant benefits of the Turkish citizenship investment program is that it extends to immediate family members. When you apply through the bank deposit route, your spouse and dependent children under the age of 18 can be included in the same application without requiring additional investment.
This means the entire family can receive Turkish citizenship through a single USD 500,000 deposit. Each family member will receive their own Turkish passport and national ID card once the application is approved.
It is important to ensure that marriage and birth certificates are properly apostilled and translated, as these documents are required to prove the family relationship. Children who turn 18 during the application process may face additional scrutiny, so it is advisable to initiate the application well before a child's 18th birthday.
The bank deposit pathway offers several distinct advantages over other investment routes:
Passive Investment
No property management, maintenance, or company operations required
Interest Income
The deposit may earn interest during the holding period, unlike real estate
Faster Processing
No property valuation, title deed, or construction permit delays
Full Repatriation
Withdraw and repatriate your entire deposit after the 3-year period
Family Included
Spouse and children under 18 receive citizenship with one deposit
Clear Documentation
Well-defined regulatory framework with straightforward compliance
To ensure your application proceeds without unnecessary delays, avoid these common mistakes:
While the bank deposit route may appear straightforward, the regulatory framework involves multiple government authorities — including the BDDK, the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior — each with its own requirements and procedures.
A qualified Turkish citizenship lawyer helps you navigate this landscape by:
Merve Bayrak Law Office provides end-to-end legal support for foreign investors pursuing Turkish citizenship by bank deposit. Our services cover every stage of the process — from initial eligibility assessment and bank selection to document preparation, BDDK conformity confirmation, application submission, and post-approval passport issuance.
We understand that each investor has unique circumstances, and we tailor our approach accordingly. Whether you are an individual investor or applying with your family, we ensure that your application is complete, compliant, and processed efficiently. Our team is experienced in managing Turkish citizenship by investment applications across all investment routes and provides clear, transparent communication throughout the process.
If you are considering Turkish citizenship via bank deposit, the team at Merve Bayrak Law Office is ready to guide you. We provide a free initial consultation to assess your eligibility, explain the process in detail, and answer any questions you may have.
Schedule a consultation with our experienced Turkish citizenship lawyers. We handle every aspect of the bank deposit application — from bank selection to passport issuance.
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