Turkey is a transcontinental country in Europe and Asia, bordered by the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west. It has a rich cultural heritage, and a strategic location that has made it a hub for trade and commerce for thousands of years.
The country has a diverse population of over 84 million people, with most practicing Islam. However, Turkey has a secular constitution and a democratic government that operates under a presidential system.
Turkey’s economy is the 19th largest in the world by GDP, with a mix of modern industries and traditional agriculture. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is a major financial center and tourist destination known for its historic sites, bazaars, and vibrant culture.
Turkey is also famous for its cuisine, a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian flavors. Popular dishes include kebabs, meze, baklava, and Turkish delight.
Turkey is home to many historical and cultural sites, including the ancient city of Troy, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia, and the ruins of Ephesus. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, natural hot springs, and ski resorts.
Turkey offers a citizenship by investment program that allows foreign investors to acquire Turkish citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the country. The program was introduced in 2017 and has since become one of the world’s most popular citizenship by investment programs.
To qualify for Turkish citizenship through investment, the applicant must make a minimum investment in one of the following categories:
Real estate investment
The applicant can purchase a property or multiple properties in Turkey with a minimum value of $400,000 and hold onto the investment for at least three years.
Capital investment
The applicant can invest at least $500,000 in a Turkish company or a Turkish investment fund and hold onto the investment for at least three years.
Bank deposit
The applicant can deposit at least $500,000 in a Turkish bank account and hold the deposit for at least three years.
Government bonds
The applicant can purchase government bonds worth at least $500,000 and hold onto the bonds for at least three years.
Once the investment has been made, the applicant can apply for Turkish citizenship, which typically takes six months to a year to process. The applicant must also fulfill specific additional requirements, such as passing a security check and demonstrating proficiency in the Turkish language.
Turkey’s citizenship by investment program offers several benefits, including access to the country’s growing economy and business opportunities, visa-free travel to over 110 countries, and the ability to live and work in Turkey without a work permit.
Turkish Passport
The Turkish passport is an official document that allows Turkish citizens to travel internationally. It is issued by the Turkish government and is recognized as one of the most powerful passports in the world.
The Turkish passport is typically maroon and features a Turkish coat of arms in the center. The passport includes the holder’s photograph, name, birthdate, passport number, signature, information about the issuing authority, and the passport’s expiration date. The words “TURKIYE CUMHURIYETI” (Republic of Turkey) are written above.
One of the significant advantages of holding a Turkish passport is the visa-free access it provides to many countries worldwide. As of 2021, Turkish citizens can travel to over 110 countries without a visa or obtain a permit upon arrival.
the Turkish government has recently implemented a new e-visa system that allows Turkish citizens to apply for and receive electronic visas online for many countries, further simplifying the visa application process. Turkish passport holders can travel to over 110 countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Some of the most notable countries that Turkish citizens can visit without a visa or with a visa on arrival include:
Japan
Turkish citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
Singapore
Turkish citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa.
Hong Kong
Turkish citizens can last up to 30 days without a visa.
Georgia
Turkish citizens can stay up to 1 year without a visa.
Tunisia
Turkish citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
South Korea
Turkish citizens can last up to 90 days without a visa.
Malaysia
Turkish citizens can last up to 90 days without a visa.
Qatar
Turkish citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa.
Indonesia
Turkish citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa.
Thailand
Turkish citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa.
It is important to note that visa-free policies can change anytime. So, it is always a good idea to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information. In addition to visa-free travel, Turkish citizens can also apply for electronic visas (e-visas) for many countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, which allows for a simpler and more streamlined visa application process.