Turkey, with its warm climate, rich history, delicious cuisine, and relatively straightforward path to citizenship, offers a wealth of advantages for those considering a second passport. Let’s delve into the numerous benefits that Turkish citizenship provides for travel, business, and living by the sea.
Travel Benefits of Possessing a Turkish Passport
- Global Mobility
- Turkish passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 113 countries, including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
- US Visas
- Turkish citizens can easily obtain a dual-purpose B-1/B-2 US tourist and business visa, valid for 10 years, with the possibility of remote extension after expiration.
- Trips to Europe
- Turkish citizens are eligible for a C-2 Schengen visa, valid for 5 years, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
- Unrestricted Access to Turkey
- Turkish citizens can enter Turkey at any time, even if its borders are closed, providing a reliable haven and exit option during global travel restrictions.
Entrepreneurial Advantages of Turkish Citizenship
- US E-2 Visa
- Entrepreneurs can secure an E-2 visa, allowing them to live and operate a business in the US, with the visa being renewable indefinitely.
- Free Trade Zones
- Turkey has 18 free trade zones offering tax waivers and incentives, encouraging export-oriented investments and production.
- Investment Incentives
- Four distinct investment incentive programs offer benefits like VAT exemptions, customs duty reliefs, and corporate tax cuts, varying by region.
- Double Taxation Avoidance
- Turkey has agreements with 82 countries to avoid double taxation, ensuring citizens do not pay taxes in both countries.
Advantages of Residing in Turkey
- Sunny Climate
- Turkey enjoys around 300 sunny days annually, with mild winters and warm, dry summers, perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Strategic Location
- Geographically straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey boasts excellent connectivity with major highways and railways linking both continents.
- Low Cost of Living
- The cost of living in Turkey is relatively low, with comfortable living possible for $1,000—1,500 per month.
- High-Quality Healthcare
- Turkey has 34 Joint Commission International accredited clinics, providing top-notch medical services and advanced procedures.
- Education Opportunities
- Numerous international kindergartens and schools offer bilingual and multicultural environments, with curricula taught in English and other languages.
- Higher Education
- Home to over 200 universities, six of which rank in the top 500 globally, with tuition fees starting at around $250 per year and eligibility for scholarships.
- Bologna Process Participation
- Turkey’s involvement in the Bologna Process ensures recognition of Turkish degrees across EU countries, facilitating student exchanges.
- Culinary Delight
- Turkish cuisine, known for its diversity and health benefits, is abundant and affordable in local markets.
- Warm Hospitality
- Turkish people are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality towards foreigners, making the country welcoming for new residents.
- Expatriate Community
- A thriving expat community exists in major cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Ankara, enhancing the international appeal of living in Turkey.
Advantages of Securing Turkish Citizenship by Investment
- Family Inclusion
- Investment-based citizenship extends to immediate family members, including spouses and children under 18, with residence permits for parents and adult children.
- No Relocation Requirement
- Citizenship by investment does not require residing in Turkey or passing language or history proficiency tests.
- Variety of Investment Options
- Investment options include real estate, business investments, bank deposits, government bonds, and investment funds, each with a minimum investment of $400,000 to $500,000.
- Refundable Investments
- After three years, investors can sell their investments, including real estate, business shares, and bonds, to recoup their funds.
- Real Estate Appreciation
- Turkey’s housing market appreciates by 15—25% annually, offering potential profits upon selling property after three years.
- Dual Citizenship
- Turkey recognizes dual citizenship, allowing investors to retain their original nationality, provided their home country permits it.
- Expedited Process
- The citizenship acquisition process is straightforward and can be completed remotely within 6—8 months, handled by a program agent.
In summary, Turkish citizenship provides a comprehensive array of benefits that enhance travel freedom, business opportunities, and quality of life. Whether you’re seeking a strategic investment, a better lifestyle, or enhanced global mobility, Turkey offers a welcoming and advantageous option.
