G&K PARTNERS · TURKISH CITIZENSHIP
Turkish Citizenship by Private Pension (BES)
Understand the qualifying pension plan, permitted funds and three-year commitment before making a contribution.
The qualifying BES route
A qualifying contribution of at least USD 500,000 or its foreign-currency equivalent must be placed in the private pension system in funds determined by SEDDK, with the required three years in the system. A standard pension contract should not be assumed to satisfy the citizenship framework.
Choose a citizenship pension plan
SEDDK’s circular describes a new contract under a pension plan bearing the citizenship designation. Before signing, ask the pension company to identify the exact plan, eligible funds, documents and conformity process. Compare the legal restrictions with your need for liquidity and your understanding of investment risk.
Contribution and conversion evidence
The pension company and its designated bank coordinate the funding and currency-conversion documentation. Confirm the bank details and sequence before transfer. Retain the transfer record, conversion evidence, contribution receipt, contract number and effective date as part of a consistent file.
The first three years
The citizenship pension framework limits plan changes, certain account combinations and transfers to another company during the initial three-year period. A pension arrangement therefore should not be selected on the assumption that it can be freely moved or restructured. Obtain written confirmation before attempting any change.
Fund eligibility is not a performance guarantee
Only funds allowed under the citizenship framework can be used. Pension investments have product-specific risks and costs; eligibility does not guarantee a return or protect against every change in investment value. Request the current fund disclosures and an explanation of the financial terms from the pension provider.
Conformity and the immigration file
The pension company assembles the evidence required under the regulatory process. SEDDK is the competent conformity authority. Once the qualifying investment is confirmed, the residence, family documentation, attendance and citizenship stages must still be completed. The pension contract does not substitute for the citizenship application.
Questions to resolve before signing
Which plan and funds will be used? When does the holding period start? Which actions are restricted? How will the company document the contribution and obtain conformity confirmation? What are the relevant costs, risks and release steps? Ask for written answers and retain them with the contract.
BES, bank deposit or property?
BES involves a regulated pension structure; a bank deposit involves a banking restriction; property involves a real-estate transaction and title risk. The investment thresholds alone do not explain these differences. Compare the paperwork, restrictions and asset exposure before deciding.
Legal support for the pension route
G&K Partners can review the proposed legal structure, coordinate the application documents and powers of attorney, and assist with residence and citizenship procedures. The pension company’s investment disclosures and regulatory responsibilities remain separate from our legal engagement.
Family, travel and documents
Family eligibility must be assessed individually, including children approaching adulthood or dependency questions. Plan at least one visit for required personal attendance and fingerprints. A power of attorney can support permitted steps, but does not remove mandatory attendance. The final appointment plan is confirmed for the case.
No guaranteed citizenship or timetable
Investment conformity is one part of the exceptional citizenship process. Administrative checks, public-order and security assessment and the final decision remain with the competent authorities. Neither approval nor a fixed completion period is guaranteed.
Related guidance
Official sources & legal references
- Invest in Türkiye — investment routes
- SEDDK — private pension circular, Section K
- NVI — citizenship questions and application procedure
Source check: 3 November 2026. Administrative requirements can change. Source checking is not a claim that an individual legal review has been completed.
Discuss your citizenship application
Tell us your preferred investment route, family circumstances and intended travel dates. G&K Partners can define the legal work and the documents needed before you commit funds. Please do not send passports or sensitive financial records through an initial enquiry.
Questions clients ask
Is BES the same as a bank deposit?
No. BES is a private pension structure with qualifying plans and funds; it has different contractual and investment features.
Can any pension plan be used?
No. The plan and funds must meet the citizenship framework. Ask the pension company to confirm the qualifying structure before signing.
Who confirms conformity?
SEDDK is the regulatory authority for this route. The pension company coordinates the required submission and evidence.
Can I change the plan during the first three years?
The citizenship pension framework restricts certain plan changes, account combinations and transfers. Obtain written advice before changing the arrangement.
Are returns guaranteed?
No. Citizenship eligibility is not a guarantee of investment performance. Review the provider’s fund disclosures and financial terms.
Can my family be included?
An eligible spouse and minor or dependent children may fall within the investor framework, subject to individual assessment and documents.
Does BES remove the residence procedure?
No. Investment conformity does not replace the applicable investor residence and citizenship stages.
What should I ask before transferring?
Confirm the plan, funds, bank instructions, conversion evidence, effective date, restriction and conformity process.
Can I complete the process without visiting Türkiye?
Do not plan on an entirely remote process. Required personal attendance and fingerprints cannot be replaced by a power of attorney.
Will citizenship approval let me leave BES early?
Do not assume so. The investment commitment and the citizenship decision are separate; check the holding and release requirements before acting.