Details of Turkish Citizenship through the Private Insurance Fund (BES) in 2026

Obtaining Turkish citizenship through the Private Insurance Fund (BES) is an attractive pathway for foreign investors seeking Turkish citizenship by investment. The Bireysel Emeklilik Sistemi – BES program requires a minimum investment of at least $500,000 into a private pension scheme approved by the Turkish government.

This investment must be held for at least three years to qualify for citizenship. During this period, the funds cannot be withdrawn, ensuring a long-term commitment to Turkey’s economic development.

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Legal Grounds and Requirements for Turkish Citizenship via BES

The legal basis for citizenship through BES is grounded in Turkey’s investment law reforms, which allow foreign nationals to acquire citizenship by contributing to specific economic sectors. The key requirements include:

• Minimum Investment: $500,000 deposited into a private pension fund approved by the Turkish government.
• Holding Period: The investment must be held for a continuous period of at least three years.
• Non-Withdrawal Clause: Funds cannot be withdrawn during the three-year period.
• Documentation: Submission of proof of investment, valid identification, and other personal documents.

Upon fulfilling these criteria, investors and their immediate family members become eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship.

Advantages of Turkish Citizenship through BES

1. Financial Returns: Unlike some investment programs where funds are locked without returns, BES investments are managed by professional pension funds, offering potential financial growth over time.
2. Visa-Free Travel: Turkish citizenship grants access to visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 118 countries, enhancing global mobility.
3. Family Inclusion: Citizenship extends to spouse and dependent children under 18.
4. Dual Citizenship Permitted: Turkey allows dual citizenship, enabling investors to retain their original nationality.
5. No Residency Requirement: Investors are not required to reside in Turkey during the investment period.
6. Long-Term Security: The pension fund investment aligns with Turkey’s economic growth, offering stability and security.

Comparison: BES vs Other Turkish Citizenship Investment Options

Investment Route	Minimum Investment	Holding Period	Withdrawal Allowed	Returns Potential	Residency Requirement
Private Insurance Fund (BES)	$500,000	3 years	No	Yes	No
Real Estate	$400,000	3 years	No	Yes	No
Bank Deposit	$500,000	3 years	No	Yes	No
Government Bonds	$500,000	3 years	No	Yes	No
Business Investment	$500,000	3 years	No	Yes	No

The BES program stands out for its combination of financial returns and citizenship benefits, making it a strategic choice for investors prioritizing both security and long-term growth.

Unpacking the Private Insurance Fund (BES) Pathway to Turkish Citizenship

The Private Insurance Fund (Bireysel Emeklilik Sistemi – BES) offers a distinct and attractive route to Turkish citizenship. This option, which gained prominence with amendments to the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law, allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship by making a qualifying investment in the country’s private pension system.

The core requirement for this pathway is an investment of at least USD 500,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency or Turkish Lira) into a private pension scheme approved by the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency (SEDDK). This investment must be maintained within the private pension system for a minimum of three years.

Unlike some other investment options, the BES route offers a unique blend of securing a long-term financial future while simultaneously fulfilling the requirements for Turkish citizenship. It transforms what might otherwise be a static investment into a strategic financial planning tool.

Understanding Turkish Citizenship by Investment in BES

Acquiring Turkish citizenship has become an increasingly viable option for foreign nationals, particularly through investment strategies such as the Private Insurance Fund (BES). At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, we provide comprehensive legal guidance to facilitate this process, ensuring compliance with Turkish citizenship laws and maximizing the potential for a successful application.

The Turkish government has introduced various investment schemes to attract foreign investors, one of which is the Private Insurance Fund (BES). This system allows foreign nationals to obtain Turkish citizenship by investing in a private pension scheme, contributing to the country’s economy while securing a future in Turkey.

Legal Grounds of Turkish Citizenship by Private Insurance Fund (BES) Investment

Legal Grounds for Citizenship through BES

According to Article 20, Paragraph 2(f) of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law, as amended and published in the Official Gazette dated May 13, 2022, No. 31834, “foreigners who invest a minimum of 500,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency into funds determined by the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency, and who keep the investment in the private pension system for at least three years, are eligible for exceptional Turkish citizenship.

These foreign currency amounts must be deposited in a bank operating in Turkey and sold to the Central Bank of Turkey before the investment. The procedures for this are determined by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT), which has published the “Instruction on Foreign Currency Sales to the Central Bank of Turkey under the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law.”

Akkas & Associates Law Firm, with its extensive experience, assists clients in understanding and navigating the legal requirements of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and its related regulations.

Our team ensures that all aspects of the investment and application process comply with the stipulated legal grounds, providing a seamless and efficient path to obtaining Turkish citizenship through the BES investment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Turkish citizenship through the BES, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Minimum Investment: The applicant must invest a minimum of 500,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency, as stipulated by Turkish law, into a private pension scheme. The exact amount may be subject to change, so it is advisable to consult with a legal expert for the current requirements.
2. Investment Duration: The investment must be maintained for at least three years. During this period, the funds should remain within the private pension scheme without withdrawal.
3. Age and Health: There are no specific age or health requirements for investing in the BES; however, standard conditions for obtaining Turkish citizenship apply.

Steps to Apply for Turkish Citizenship via BES

1. Choose a Pension Scheme: Select an authorized private pension scheme that meets the legal requirements set by the Turkish government.
2. Make the Investment: Deposit the required minimum amount into the chosen pension scheme. Ensure that the investment is structured to comply with the three-year holding period.
3. Document Preparation: Gather and prepare all necessary documentation, including investment proof, passport copies, biometric photos, and other required legal documents.
4. Application Submission: Submit the citizenship application through the appropriate Turkish authorities, along with all supporting documentation.
5. Approval Process: The application will be reviewed by Turkish officials, and if all criteria are met, the applicant will be granted Turkish citizenship.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship through BES

• Economic Stability: Investing in a Turkish private pension scheme provides financial security and contributes to long-term economic stability.
• Citizenship for Family: The primary applicant’s spouse and dependent children can also obtain Turkish citizenship.
• Travel Freedom: Turkish citizenship offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide.

Why Choose Akkas & Associates?

As Istanbul’s premier full-service law firm specializing in citizenship law since 1992, Akkas & Associates offers unmatched expertise and personalized service:

• Proven Track Record: Decades of successful citizenship applications.
• Comprehensive Legal Support: From investment advice to final citizenship approval.
• Multilingual Team: Fluent in English, Turkish, Arabic, and Russian.
• Strong Government Relations: Facilitating faster and smoother application processing.
• Tailored Strategies: Customized legal solutions based on your unique circumstances.

Our experienced Turkish citizenship lawyers team ensures that your investment complies with all regulatory requirements, facilitating a smooth transition to Turkish citizenship.

Akkas & Associates has been Istanbul’s leading provider of citizenship by investment law services, having successfully obtained more than 560 passports by investment for our clients.

Selcuk Akkas, Attorney at Law, Patent & Trademark Attorney & Mediator

Contact us for Turkish Citizenship with BES Applications

Acquiring Turkish citizenship through investment in the Private Insurance Fund (BES) is a viable option for foreign investors. By making a qualifying investment in an approved private pension scheme and maintaining it for a minimum of three years, investors can secure Turkish citizenship for themselves and their families.

This pathway provides economic benefits and access to visa-free travel across many countries. Akkas & Associates Law Firm offers expert legal guidance to navigate this process efficiently. For detailed information and assistance with your Turkish citizenship application through BES, contact Akkas & Associates Law Firm today.