Most Common Mistakes When Applying for Turkish Citizenship Through Investment
Foreign citizens often make costly mistakes when applying for Turkish citizenship without consulting an immigration lawyer. Here are the top 10 most frequently made mistakes when applying for Turkish citizenship through investment:
1) Improperly Notarized Documents
Foreign citizens require up to 10 different documents that must be properly notarized by authorities from different countries, depending on where the documents were issued, the language they are written in, and where they will be submitted. Submitting documents without internationally recognized confirmation will result in the rejection of the Turkish citizenship application.
2) Joint Ownership Registration for Both Spouses
The minimum investment limit for applying for Turkish citizenship through real estate investment is $400,000 per applicant. Spouses and minor children can apply through the main applicant. However, registering property worth $400,000 for both husband and wife means that two different applicants are investing $200,000 each. In this case, neither of them can apply for Turkish citizenship.
3) Paying Real Estate Fees to a Realtor
For the Turkish citizenship application, the real estate price must be paid directly to the seller. Paying the real estate fee to a realtor or anyone else other than the seller will result in the rejection of the application for Turkish citizenship.
4) Cash Payment for Real Estate
For the Turkish Citizenship Application, the cost of real estate must be paid through a bank. Cash payment for real estate will result in the rejection of the Turkish citizenship application.
5) Purchasing Property from a Foreign Citizen
For the Turkish citizenship application, the property must be purchased from a Turkish citizen. Buying property from a foreign citizen will result in the rejection of the application for Turkish citizenship.
6) Purchasing Property that Doesn’t Meet Requirements
Not all properties in Turkey can be included in the investment amount for the Turkish citizenship application. Purchasing unsuitable real estate will result in the rejection of the Turkish citizenship application.
7) Depositing without an Active Contract
While this may not directly impact the result of the Turkish Citizenship Application, making a substantial deposit without a valid sales contract for real estate poses a serious risk to the buyer.
8) Paying for Real Estate without an Active Contract
While this may not directly impact the result of the application for Turkish citizenship, paying the full cost of the property without prior registration of ownership rights in the land registry poses a serious risk to the buyer.
9) Paying for Property without Payment Security
All payments from real estate buyers must be secured to avoid the risk of default from the seller. That’s why real estate buyers should consult with a real estate lawyer experienced in property acquisition.
10) Spelling Errors and Inconsistencies
Any spelling error or inconsistency between submitted documents will lead to the Turkish Citizenship Application being rejected. For example, if the applicant’s surname in the passport does not match the surname on the birth certificate, or if the names of the applicant’s parents on the birth certificate do not match the names presented in the land registry, the application for Turkish citizenship will be denied. Such an error can cost the applicant many months and significant legal expenses.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment can be a challenging process for foreign citizens unfamiliar with Turkish laws and requirements. That’s why applicants for Turkish citizenship are advised to consult with an immigration lawyer.
Lawyer from Antalya Baris Erkan Celebi and his Law Firm in Antalya offer legal assistance and representation to foreign citizens who wish to apply for Turkish citizenship.