How Ukrainians Can Acquire a Turkish Passport by Investment

People move around the world for all kinds of reasons. Some do it to be reunited by family, others for work, and some because they want to study at a particular university. Many people move to several different countries in their lifetimes, while others find the one, they love to call their new home quickly. 

Unfortunately, many people also choose to make the move because of safety concerns, or because there are fewer opportunities in their home country. Many Ukrainians currently fall into this category, and for those people, there are many options. Let’s take a closer look at How Ukrainians Can Acquire a Turkish Passport by Investment.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Like many governments, the government of Turkey has created a so called “golden visa” program that allows high net worth people to fast track their immigration process. This doesn’t remove all the requirements for immigration, but it does speed up the process and makes it a lot easier to apply. 

Unlike most immigration programs, people who apply for these kinds of programs don’t need family in the country, or a job offer, or even to be accepted for studies. You simply need to meet the investment requirement, and as long as you meet all the other immigration requirements, you can get priority processing. 

What’s interesting about Turkey is that unlike many other countries (especially in Europe) they don’t expect you to first be a permanent resident and then become a citizen. Instead, you can go straight to getting citizenship and a Turkish passport once you qualify and complete your processing. This means you can make a permanent home in Turkey and don’t have to worry about reapplying every few years. 

Can Ukrainians Acquire Turkish Passport?

Yes. Anyone who meets the immigration requirements and can provide the required investment can become a citizen of Turkey under this program. 

The investment amount starts at $250,000, and you have to invest in a property or investment fund approved by the Turkish government. 

You also need to prove that you are not a criminal or security risk, and you and your family will need to provide various pieces of documentation to the Turkish government. Once all of that is done though, you can get a Turkish passport and make a permanent home in the country for as long as you choose to. 

What Is the Minimum Investment?

If you want to take advantage of the Turkish citizenship by investment program, you need to invest a minimum of $250,000. That does not include the application fee or any legal fees you might pay for the application process. 

What Are the Options?

In order to qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment program, you will need to invest in one of the following options:

• A minimum of $250,000 in Turkish real estate
• At least $500,000 in a fixed capital contribution for the prescribed duration
• Deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank account and keep it there for the prescribed period
• Buy $500,000 in Turkish government bonds
• Invest $500,000 in a Turkish real estate investment fund
• Start a business in Turkey that creates 50 local jobs

As you can see, in most cases, the investments you make in Turkey to become a citizen have every possibility of appreciating over time. So, while the Turkish government and economy benefits from your investment, you can also profit over time. 

Documentation

In order to apply for Turkish citizenship by investment, you will need to complete the application form and provide the following:

• Copies of your passport and the passports of any accompanying family members
• Passport photos to the specifications provided by the Turkish government
• Proof of your investment
• Proof of your address
• Police clearance certificates for any family members over 18, usually from every country you have lived in for over six months
• Birth certificates and marriage certificates

Usually, documents for immigration purposes either need to be originals or they need to be certified or notarized copies. So, make sure you know what the requirements are. You might also be asked for additional documentation, such as proof of where your funds come from or other supporting documents. 

Once you arrive in Turkey, you will probably also need additional documentation, such as copies of your qualifications, your children’s school records and translated driver’s licenses and so on. There are many documents required for any immigration process though, and they can change from time to time, so it’s always best to check the government website when you apply. 

Fees

There are several fees involved in the Turkish citizenship by investment application besides the investment itself. So, you should budget to cover some or all of the following:

• Application fees of $400 per applicant
• Notary fees to certify and verify documents
• Property transfer fees if you choose to purchase property for your application
• Investment fees if you choose to invest instead of buying property
• Travel costs
• Costs to settle in Turkey

There’s no denying that immigration can be an expensive process, but it does also give you peace of mind, and that is priceless. 

Timeline

Once you have submitted a complete application and provided you meet all the requirements for the Turkish citizenship by investment program, you can expect to complete the process within 90 to 120 days. So, you could have a Turkish passport within just three or four months. 

Why Turkey Are a Great Country for Ukrainian People

Turkey is a stable G20 country that has a rapidly growing economy. The country has several big cities, including the capital of Istanbul, and it’s seen as the gateway between Europe and Asia. 

The school and medical systems in Turkey are good, and the climate and culture are pleasant. You will find lots to see and to in Turkey, and the Turkish passport offers visa free travel to many countries around the world, so it’s a great base for travel. 

If you apply for the Turkish citizenship by investment program, you can bring your spouse, children, and dependent parents with you too, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking to relocate your whole family.

Once you are a Turkish citizen, you can also apply for a five-year E2 Visa to live and work in the USA if you qualify for that program. 

What Is Lifelike in Turkey?

Turkey has a mild, Mediterranean climate, and is relatively warm most of the year. It has several beautiful stretches of coastline on Mediterranean and Black Seas, and there is a very active tourism industry in the country. 

Istanbul, once known as Constantinople has been a European powerhouse city for centuries and is still one of the most interesting cities in Europe. It is full of museums, cultural and historical attractions and more, but is still a thoroughly modern metropolis. Here you will find Michelin starred restaurants and designer boutiques aplenty, and there are always luxury yachts and watercrafts on the water. 

Turkish people are generally friendly, and the lifestyle is quite laid back and relaxed. 

FAQ

What religions are there in Turkey?

If religion is important to you, you will be pleased to know that Turkey has a variety of religions including Christianity and Islam. It’s generally considered a tolerant country, where people from all races and religions coexist harmoniously. 

Can I submit documents in Ukrainian?

No. As with most country’s immigration programs, you will need to have your Ukrainian documents translated into Turkish for the immigration process, and you will need to use a government approved translator for the process. 

How far is it from Turkey to Ukraine?

Turkey is about 1,200kms from Ukraine, and flights vary from about 6 hours for the shortest direct flight to about 13 hours for longer flights. So, it’s still not so far to travel when you want to visit home. 

Can you be a dual citizen of Turkey and Ukraine?

Yes. Turkey allows dual and even multiple citizenship, so even if you become a Turkish citizen, you don’t have to give up your citizenship of Ukraine. 

Will I have to learn Turkish to live in Turkey?

Yes – probably. About 17% of the Turkish population speak English, but the majority – about 90% speak Turkish as their mother tongue. So, while you might be able to get by without learning Turkish in the big cities, if you plan to see the country, you might want to learn the local language! 

What skills are in demand in Turkey?

If you are hoping to get a job or start a business in Turkey, you will probably find it easier if you have the following skills and qualifications:

• Doctors and medical professionals
• Lawyers and legal professionals
• Bankers and finance professionals
• Business executives
• Accountants and CFOs
• Dentists and orthodontists
• Professors and teachers
• Pilots
• Marketing professionals

Remember that you might need to have your credentials verified to work in some of these professions, and that you might need to get a local license or certification before you can work in your profession.