Turkey for Iraqi Nationals

Turkey is an amazing country that straddles the line between Europe and Asia. It has some amazing cities, there’s a lot of opportunity, and it’s an expat friendly destination. 

Which might explain why it has become such an attractive destination for Iraqis who are looking to put down roots in a new country. 

If you are considering making the move to Turkey but aren’t sure where to start, this guide to Turkish citizenship by investment for Iraqi nationals will tell you how this type of immigration might help you to move to Turkey and create a new home for yourself and your family. 

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Usually, when you want to move to another country, you need to have a job offer, or be accepted as a student at a local university. Sometimes, countries recruit people within demand skills to become part of their workforce, and of course, there are family reunification programs in many countries. 

However, for many people, they don’t quite fit into any of those categories. 

The good news is that there is another option, sometimes called a “golden visa.” In Turkey, this is called Turkish citizenship by investment, and here’s how it works:

• Turkey is hoping to attract high net worth individuals who want to invest in various programs in the country
• People who have the funds required to make that investment and meet other immigration requirements have the option of bypassing the need for a job offer or to prove their skills
• By completing the application and making the investment, they (and usually their families) can move to Turkey in a shorter time and with less paperwork and administrative delays

In essence, it’s a way to leverage your financial means to skip to the front of the immigration line. 

While you still have to meet all the other immigration requirements, you can get your application processed quickly and easily. 

Turkish Citizenship by Investment for Iraqi Nationals

Many countries that offer golden visa programs first require people to become permanent residents, and then after a prescribed number of years, they are eligible to apply for citizenship. 

Turkey has eliminated that step for people who meet the investment and immigration requirements, so you can go from applying to citizenship and a new passport in as little as three months. 

Can Iraqis Buy Property in Turkey?

Yes. In 2012, the Turkish government changed the law to allow people from certain countries (including Iraq) to purchase property in Turkey. 

However, if you apply for citizenship by investment in Turkey, you would be a Turkish citizen anyway, so you would not be restricted from owning property, working, studying, or starting a business in turkey, if that were what you would like to do. 

Types of Properties Can Iraqis Buy in Turkey

If you are not a Turkish citizen, and you hold an Iraqi passport, you can purchase most kinds of property, including all kinds of residential property, commercial properties, hotels, and apartment buildings. 

Basically, any kind of developed land and property can be purchased by Iraqis. 

The only real exception to this rule is that Iraqis cannot buy undeveloped or agricultural land. 

Again, however, if you use the citizenship by investment program to become a citizen of Turkey, these kinds of restrictions would not apply. 

Required Documents for Iraqis Property Ownership in Turkey

Before Iraqi citizens can purchase property in Turkey, there are certain documents they will need to have, including:

• A tax number for the person who will be the legal owner of the property
• An official, notarized translation of your Iraqi passport into Turkish
• Two passport sizes photographs
• Proof of payment of the title deed fees for the property, with the applicable land registry

You or your official representative also need to be present in order to complete the transaction. 

Residence Permit for Iraqis Investors in Turkey

If you want to buy property in Turkey as an Iraqi but don’t plan to apply for citizenship through the citizenship by investment program, you can apply for a temporary residence permit as a real estate investor instead. 

This is usually issued for a year and allows you and your family to live in Turkey for one year at a time. This permit is renewable, and once you have been a resident in Turkey for five years, you are also eligible to apply for citizenship. So, this is a longer route to a Turkish passport, but will still allow you to make Turkey your permanent home. 

This is a good option if you’re not sure if you want to make a permanent move to Turkey. 

Investment Amount

If you want to become a Citizen of turkey by investing in the country, you will need to have USD 500,000 to invest in a Turkish treasury bond or government approved investment. 

You will get the money back at the end of the investment period, but you do need to leave it in the investment for at least three years. 

This amount is the same for single people, or for people who are moving to Turkey with a family of four and will cover up to four people in total. 

Document Requirements for Moving to Turkey

Even when you apply for citizenship by investment in Turkey, you still need to meet the general immigration requirements. Which means you will need to provide a variety of documentation, including:

• A notarized copy of your passport – and you will have to send your passport to the Turkish government when your application is approved to get your visa
• Four passport sized photographs that meet government specifications
• A medical certificate by an approved doctor
• Police clearance certificates from any countries you have lived in since the age of 18
• Original birth certificates
• Original marriage certificates
• Bank and financial statements
• A bank reference letter
• Information about the source of your funds

Most of these documents must be originals, but in some cases, notarized copies are acceptable.

The government may also ask for additional information and documentation at their discretion. You will need to provide similar documentation for all accompanying members of your family too. 

Can You Have Dual Citizenship?

Yes. Turkey allows people who become Turkish citizens to retain their original citizenship if they choose to, provided their country allows dual citizenship. This means that you can have a Turkish passport in addition to your Iraqi passport if you choose to. 

If you choose not to retain your Iraqi citizenship, you should contact the Iraqi government to begin the process of renouncing your citizenship. 

Processing Time

The processing time for Turkish citizenship by investment is relatively quick, and most applications can be completed in around three months. If the government needs to request information or if you forget to provide something they request, this process can be extended. 

Key Benefit of the Turkey Citizenship for Iraqi Nationals

There are several reasons why people from Iraq are flocking to Turkey under the citizenship by investment program, including:

• A pleasant climate 
• Well-developed big cities like Istanbul
• Visa free travel to 105 countries with a Turkish passport
• Access to Turkey’s well-developed healthcare and medical systems
• The ability to work and study unrestricted in Turkey
• Low cost of living
• The opportunity to bring your family with you
• No restrictions on property ownership

Turkey is a very well-developed country with good infrastructure and is often seen as the gateway to Europe and beyond. It makes a great base for travel and business and is relatively stable. There are some very well-developed cities in Turkey, and there’s a rich culture and history to explore. 

Contact Us

Whether you’re already considering moving to Turkey or just starting to find out about citizenship by investment in Turkey, Smart Citizenship can help. 

We’ve been helping people to move around the world for many years, and our team is very knowledgeable about golden visa and citizenship by immigration programs. Contact us to discuss your plans, and to find out what your best options for moving to Turkey are.