Investment, Rental Income and Exit Strategy Explained

Turkish Citizenship for Iranian Citizens in 2026: Investment, Rental Income and Exit Strategy Explained

In 2026, Iranian citizens can obtain Turkish citizenship by investing at least $400,000 in real estate. The property can be rented out, sold after 3 years, and citizenship remains permanent.

Search queries such as “Turkish citizenship for Iranians”, “Turkey citizenship by investment Iranian citizens” and “buy property in Turkey get passport” continue to grow, reflecting a clear shift: Iranians are no longer looking for a passport alone - they are looking for a legal structure that preserves capital, generates income and allows a safe exit.

This guide explains how Turkish citizenship works for Iranian citizens in 2026, why it is considered one of the most investor-friendly programs, and how to structure the process correctly.

Can Iranian Citizens Get Turkish Citizenship in 2026?

Yes. Iranian citizens are fully eligible for Turkish citizenship by investment under the current legal framework.

• Turkey does not impose nationality-based restrictions on Iranian applicants.
• Approval depends on investment structure, valuation, documentation and compliance, not citizenship.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment: Core Rules

As of 2026, the main parameters are:

• Minimum investment: $400,000
• Investment through: Real estate
• Citizenship timeline: Approximately 6–12 months
• Spouse and children included
• No residence requirement before or after approval

This program remains one of the fastest and most predictable citizenship routes available to Iranian families.

One Property or Several? A Key Advantage of Turkey

One of the most important - and often misunderstood - advantages of the Turkish program is that investors are not limited to a single property.

What Is Allowed

• Purchase one property worth $400,000+
• Purchase two or three properties whose total value exceeds $400,000
• Build a diversified property portfolio

All properties are combined into one citizenship application, provided:

• Each property is legally eligible
• Official valuation reports are issued
• Ownership is correctly registered

This flexibility makes Turkey fundamentally different from many other citizenship programs.

Can the Properties Be Rented Out? Yes - Immediately

A critical advantage for Iranian investors:

✅ Properties purchased for citizenship can be rented out from day one.

This means:

• Long-term rental income is allowed
• Short-term rental (where legally permitted) is allowed
• Rental income does not affect the citizenship process
• The investment continues to work while citizenship is processed

For many Iranian families, this turns citizenship into a working asset, not frozen capital.

You can explore properties suitable for citizenship and rental income here:

👉Real estate in Turkey

What Happens After 3 Years? (The Most Important Question)

Turkish citizenship requires a mandatory holding period of 3 years.

After these three years:

• The properties can be sold
• Turkish citizenship remains permanently
• The passport is not revoked
• There are no additional conditions

❗ This is a crucial point: Turkish citizenship is not tied to permanent property ownership - it is tied to the initial investment obligation. Once that obligation is fulfilled, the passport cannot be taken away due to sale of the property.

Why This Model Is Especially Attractive for Iranians

For Iranian citizens in 2026, this structure solves several key problems simultaneously:

• Capital preservation outside Iran
• Legal ownership in a stable jurisdiction
• Passive income during holding period
• Potential capital growth
• Guaranteed exit strategy after 3 years
• Second passport retained permanently

This is why many investors consider Turkish citizenship not an expense, but a capital restructuring tool.

Residence Permit vs Citizenship: Strategic Difference

A residence permit:

• Must be renewed
• Does not grant a passport
• Depends on continued compliance

Citizenship:

• Is permanent
• Does not require renewal
• Provides full rights
• Protects long-term mobility

Many Iranian families start with residence permits and later upgrade to citizenship once the investment strategy is clear.

Common Risks for Iranian Investors

Despite the attractiveness of the program, mistakes are common, especially among Iranian buyers.

Typical problems include:

• Properties priced artificially to reach $400,000
• Incorrect valuation reports
• Splitting investments incorrectly
• Working with unlicensed intermediaries
• Fake or “bait” listings

Understanding how these scams work is critical: 👉 Bait Properties in Turkey: How Buyers Are Misled by Low Prices

Why Licensed Agencies Matter in Citizenship Deals

Citizenship by investment is not a standard real estate transaction. It requires:

• Precise valuation
• Correct sequencing of purchases
• Compliance with citizenship regulations
• Accurate documentation

That is why working with a licensed agency is essential.

Learn how licensing protects buyers: Why a Licensed Real Estate Agency Matters in Turkey

Always verify the agency before proceeding: 👉 10-Minute Guide to Verifying a Real Estate Agency in Turkey

Why Systematic Investors Choose RestProperty

In 2026, experienced investors no longer look for “property sellers”. They look for risk filters and structuring partners.

Many foreign buyers work with licensed international agencies such as RestProperty, which:

• Operate with 20,000+ verified properties
• Serve clients from 30+ countries, including Iran
• Have international offices (Turkey, Dubai, Thailand, Northern Cyprus)
• Have 20+ years of uninterrupted market presence

A separate level of trust among investors is associated with Nihat Tufan, whose reputation is built on repeat investors, entrusted mandates and off-market assets rather than aggressive marketing.

Why large licensed agencies are often safer - and even more cost-efficient:Why Property Is Often Cheaper and Safer with Large Real Estate Agencies in Turkey: An Honest Breakdown

What a professional property portfolio actually means: 👉 What a Real Estate Portfolio Really Means

FAQ for Iranian Citizens

Can Iranians buy several properties for citizenship?
Yes. Multiple properties can be combined into one citizenship application if the total value meets the threshold.

Can properties be rented out during the 3-year period?
Yes. Rental income is allowed and does not affect citizenship.

Will citizenship be cancelled if the property is sold after 3 years?
No. Once the holding period is completed, citizenship remains permanently.

Is Turkish citizenship inherited by children?
Yes. Children included in the application receive full citizenship rights.

Conclusion: Why Turkish Citizenship Is One of the Best Investments for Iranians in 2026

For Iranian citizens, Turkish citizenship offers a rare combination:

• Second passport
• Income-generating real estate
• Predictable exit
• Long-term legal security

Unlike many global programs, Turkey allows investors to earn, exit and keep their passport - making it one of the most rational and flexible citizenship options available in 2026.