Chinese 
English 
Turkish 
Arabic 
Russian 
Turkish citizenship by government bonds is an investment route that allows foreign investors to apply for exceptional Turkish citizenship by purchasing qualifying government debt instruments.
Under the 2026 Procedures and Principles of the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the relevant instruments include Turkish Lira-denominated government domestic debt securities and Turkish Lira-denominated lease certificates issued in domestic markets by Hazine Müsteşarlığı Varlık Kiralama A.Ş.
Therefore, although the process is commonly referred to as “citizenship by government bonds,” the more accurate legal term is Turkish citizenship by government debt instruments.
Current 2026 Requirements
The foreign investor must purchase at least USD 500,000 or equivalent foreign currency amount of government debt instruments through a deposit or participation bank operating in Türkiye.
The investor must also undertake to keep the relevant government debt instrument in the investment account for at least 3年.
Before the investment, the relevant foreign currency amount must be sold to the bank for sale to the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye. The Turkish Lira obtained from this transaction must be used to purchase Turkish Lira-denominated government debt instruments on the same day or the following business day. The foreign currency sale and the investment must be made through the same bank.
Can the Investment Return Be Used?
Yes. During the 3-year holding period, provided that the principal investment amount is not reduced, the investor may benefit from the return generated by the relevant instrument, such as interest, coupon payments, or lease certificate returns.
The term “lease certificate return” does not refer to real estate rental income. It refers to the return generated by lease certificates, which are included within the scope of qualifying government debt instruments.
Instruments with Less Than 3 Years to Maturity
As a rule, government debt instruments with less than 3 years remaining to maturity should not be used for citizenship applications. The selection of the appropriate instrument is the responsibility of the bank and the investor.
What Happens If the Market Value Drops?
If the market value of the government debt instrument decreases after purchase due to market conditions and falls below the minimum investment threshold, this does not by itself affect the citizenship application or acquisition.
However, the investor must not reduce the investment amount voluntarily through sale, transfer, or similar transactions during the 3-year period.
Application Through the Bank
The application is not filed directly with the Ministry of Treasury and Finance by the investor. The bank submits the required documents to the Ministry by official letter. Applications submitted directly by the investor or representative to the Ministry are not taken into consideration.
Our Legal Services
Our law firm provides legal support for Turkish citizenship applications through government debt instruments, including pre-investment eligibility review, control of the banking process, preparation of documents, power of attorney procedures, follow-up of the Ministry of Treasury and Finance conformity letter, citizenship-based residence permit application, and follow-up before the Population and Citizenship Affairs authorities.
结论
The 2026 rules have made Turkish citizenship applications through government bonds and lease certificates more technical and bank-centered. In addition to the investment amount, the foreign currency sale to the Central Bank, use of the same bank, selection of the correct instrument, 3-year holding undertaking, and official notification process must be carefully managed.
