There are many reasons you might want to consider moving to another country. Unfortunately, there aren’t always that many options available. 

Most immigration programs require you to have a job offer, be reuniting with family or be planning to study in the chosen country. Many also take a long time, and it’s not unheard of for immigration processing to take a year or more. 

If you’re from Russia and are looking to move quickly and to skip the temporary and permanent residency requirements many countries have, Turkish citizenship by investment for Russians might be the best possible solution. Here’s what you need to know about this process, and how you and your family can make a new home in Turkey. 

Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program

Many countries around the world have created what is known as “golden visa” programs. These are immigration programs that are aimed at high-net-worth individuals, offering them fast track immigration with fewer requirements in return for an investment in various government approved programs. 

Turkey has taken this an extra step with their Turkish citizenship by investment program for Russians and other people. Instead of requiring you to first apply for permanent residence, and then reapply for citizenship a few years later, this program allows you to apply directly for citizenship. Which means that if you apply and are approved, you will get a new passport and will be a naturalized Turkish citizen. 

Can Russians apply for Turkish CIP?

Yes. Currently, Russians can apply for the Turkish citizenship by investment program. Like everyone else, you will need to meet the general immigration requirements, and you will need to be able to make the required investment. 

However, it should be noted that immigration requirements and programs can change at any time, with very little warning. There’s always a chance that Turkey might change its foreign and immigration policy for Russian citizens, so if you are considering this option, it’s best to make your inquiry and application as soon as you can. 

Minimum Investment of the Program

There are several investment options for the Turkish citizenship by investment program, which we will get to in a moment. 

The cheapest option for this kind of immigration to Turkey is to buy property. If you choose this option, your minimum investment amount will be $250,000, not including application fees, legal fees or closing costs. 

All of the other options available for this immigration program have a minimum investment amount of $500,000. All amounts are in US dollars, and again, none of these include the cost of the application or any fees or commissions you need to pay to brokers or investment managers. 

What Are the Investment Options of the Program?

There are various investment options for the Turkish citizenship by investment program for Russians. You can invest money in a Turkish bank account, buy government bonds, invest in a real estate fund, make a capital deposit, start a business that creates 50  or more new jobs in the area, or purchase property. 

All of the investment options do require you to keep your money invested for a minimum period, but most will allow you to recoup your investment when that period elapses. 

How Long Does It Take to Process?

Very often, immigration is a very slow process. It’s not unheard of to wait a year or even more to get a decision under normal circumstances. 

Expedited processing is one of the reasons why golden visa programs like the Turkish citizenship by investment for Russians program is so popular. 

Provided you meet all the requirements for the program and can make the necessary investment, you can have your processing completed and get your new passport within 90 to 120 days from application. Which means that for most people, this process will take between three and four months – which is lightning fast in the immigration world! 

Fees

Aside from the investment you need to make to qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment for Russians, there are also application and processing fees to be paid. 

You will need to pay $400 for every application you submit, as well as $250 for every person who accompany you. But the good news is you can bring your spouse, your children, and your dependent parents with you, so this is a great way to make a fresh start for your family. 

If you choose to hire someone to help you with your application, you will also need to pay fees for that, and you will also have to pay any fees and costs associated with the investment itself. 

Finally, there are additional costs like courier fees for documents, costs to apply for birth certificates, police clearance certificates and so on, costs to notarize documents as necessary and costs for photographs for your new passport. Then, of course, there are the costs associated with travelling to your new home. 

So, aside from the investment itself, you can expect to pay anything from a thousand dollars and upwards for the complete application and all the things you need to do to complete and submit it.

Which Locations Are Best for Russians in Turkey?

The best locations for Russians moving to Turkey are the same for any other type of person moving to Turkey. Because of the language barrier (most people outside of big cities don’t speak any language other than Turkish) it’s always best to choose one of the bigger cities. 

Some of the bigger cities in Turkey include Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa and Antalya. 

It is usually more expensive to live in big cities, but since this is also where most of the amenities are, it’s a good place to start your life in Turkey. You can always move elsewhere after you’ve found your feet, learned a little of the language and done some exploring! That’s one of the benefits of citizenship – no restrictions on where you can live and what you can do for a living! 

Why Turkey Are a Great Country for Russian People ?

One of the biggest attractions for Russians looking to move to Turkey right now is that you have the option of becoming a citizen directly. With the current situation in Ukraine, there’s no telling what might happen in the coming months and years, and a second passport is a great tool to maintain your lifestyle. 

Aside from that, there’s the climate. Unlike Russia, which is often cold and snowy, Turkey has a warm Mediterranean climate, so you will rarely see snow unless you go looking for it!

Turkey has great culture and history too, and the food is both familiar and exotic, so it’s an adventure all on its own! 

The Turkish passport can get you visa free travel to over 100 countries, and you can also apply for an E2 visa to live and work in the USA for up to five years once you are a Turkish citizen. 

Turkey has a well-developed health system (especially in the big cities), and the education system is more than adequate too. This makes Turkey a great choice if you are looking to move with your whole family and checks all the most important infrastructure boxes. 

Finally, Turkey is a stable country with a rapidly growing economy, so you can settle in safety and security and start or continue your business or profession with minimal fuss. 

FAQ

How long does it take to travel from Turkey to Russia?

If you’re thinking of taking advantage of the Turkish citizenship by investment program for Russians, you might be worrying about how long it will take to get home for a visit. Don’t worry – the flight from Istanbul to Moscow is less than three hours! 

What kind of paperwork do I need to apply?

In order to apply for the Turkish citizenship by investment program for Russians, you will need to be 18 years or older, and you will need a valid passport. You will need to provide various personal documents including a birth certificate, marriage certificate if you are married, and police clearance certificates from countries you have lived in for more than six months since you turned 18. All your accompanying family members will have to provide the same documentation. 

Are there any people who can’t apply for this program?

The immigration department in Turkey will generally decline applications if you are a security or criminal risk to the country or people of Turkey. However, besides that, you don’t need any specific education credentials or work experience to qualify for this program. 

Can you be a citizen of Turkey and Russia at the same time?

Yes. Turkey allows both dual and multiple citizenship. So, you can take up Turkish citizenship without renouncing your Russian citizenship – provided that is still allowed by Russia! 

Is it hard to settle in a new country?

Immigration is always difficult in some ways. Being away from family and friends can be challenging, as can learning new customs and languages. However, it’s also exciting, and it provides a wide range of opportunities many immigrants can’t find in their home countries.