Global Mobility & Dual Nationality - Turkish Citizenship Lawyer: Bridging US and Turkish Legal Systems
Navigating U.S. immigration is complex, but for Turkish nationals, it involves an entirely separate layer of cross-border legal challenges. From managing dual citizenship and Mavi Kart transitions to documenting Turkish real estate sales for investor visas, Alaz Law provides specialized legal counsel that bridges the gap between the United States and Turkey.
Why Turkish Clients Need Specialized Legal Counsel
A Turkish family relocating to the U.S. or securing dual nationality doesn’t just file a visa petition. They simultaneously manage Turkish property sale records, military service obligations, FATCA reporting, and correspondence with the Turkish Consulate. An English-speaking attorney working through an interpreter often misses the cultural nuances and specific legal mechanics unique to Turkey.
At Alaz Law, our founder, Hasan Alaz, Esq., is licensed to practice law in both the United States and Turkey. This dual-licensure allows us to seamlessly handle matters that span both jurisdictions without relying on third-party translators or foreign co-counsel.
Dual Citizenship and the Turkish Blue Card (Mavi Kart)
A common misconception is that acquiring U.S. citizenship requires renouncing Turkish citizenship. Under Article 28 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, dual status is preserved unless you formally apply for a release permit (Çıkma İzni).
For those who must or choose to renounce their Turkish citizenship (often due to security clearances or specific employment restrictions), Turkey issues a Blue Card (Mavi Kart). The Mavi Kart grants former citizens almost all the rights of Turkish citizens—including the right to reside, work, and own property in Turkey—except for the right to vote, run for public office, or work as a civil servant. We guide clients through the strategic decision of maintaining dual nationality versus transitioning to Mavi Kart status.
Documenting Source of Funds from Turkey
Real estate sale proceeds and business liquidations in Turkey are the most common funding sources for E-2 treaty investor and EB-5 immigrant investor petitions. USCIS demands an unbroken, highly documented chain of custody for these funds.
Our firm specializes in tracing funds from Turkish title deeds (tapu) and corporate registries (Ticaret Sicil Gazetesi) through to the final SWIFT transfer to the U.S. We ensure that the documentation meets strict USCIS translation and apostille standards, and we navigate the Turkish Central Bank (TCMB) capital outflow regulations to prevent "lawful source" objections that frequently sink petitions handled by attorneys unfamiliar with the Turkish banking system.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
For U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, and stateless individuals looking to acquire a second passport, the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program offers one of the most straightforward pathways in the world. As a Turkish citizenship by investment lawyer, we handle the entire process from investment structuring to passport issuance.
2026 Investment Thresholds:
- Real Estate: Purchase property valued at a minimum of $400,000 USD.
- Capital Investment: Deposit $500,000 USD into a Turkish bank or invest in government bonds/funds.
- Job Creation: Establish a business that creates full-time employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens.
All investments must be held for a minimum of three years. We conduct rigorous due diligence on real estate properties to ensure they qualify for the CBI program and handle the issuance of the Certificate of Conformity (Uygunluk Belgesi).
FATCA, FBAR, and Military Service Obligations
Financial Reporting: Turkish nationals who obtain a U.S. Green Card or naturalize must comply with strict IRS reporting requirements. This includes filing an annual FBAR for Turkish bank accounts exceeding $10,000 in aggregate. Failure to comply can result in severe civil penalties and jeopardize Good Moral Character findings during naturalization.
Military Service: Male Turkish citizens residing in the U.S. retain military obligations under Turkish law. We assist clients in managing deferments, applying for the currency-based exemption (dövizle askerlik), or navigating the buyout (bedelli) process, ensuring that these foreign obligations do not conflict with U.S. immigration status or naturalization applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my Turkish citizenship if I naturalize in the US?
Yes. Under Article 28 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, Turkey allows dual citizenship. You do not automatically lose your Turkish citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen unless you formally apply for a release permit (Çıkma İzni), which then transitions you to Blue Card (Mavi Kart) status.
What is the minimum investment for Turkish citizenship in 2026?
As of 2026, the minimum investment thresholds for Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) are $400,000 for real estate purchases or $500,000 for bank deposits, government bonds, or capital investments. The investment must be maintained for a minimum of three years.
Do I have to report my Turkish bank accounts to the IRS?
Yes. U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, and resident aliens must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if the aggregate value of their foreign financial accounts, including those in Turkey, exceeds $10,000 at any point during the calendar year. FATCA regulations may also require filing Form 8938 with your tax return.
How does Turkish military service affect U.S. naturalization?
Male Turkish citizens entering the U.S. naturalization process must carefully handle the Selective Service question on Form N-400. Confusing U.S. Selective Service with Turkish military registration can lead to a Good Moral Character (GMC) denial. We assist clients in navigating buyout (bedelli) or currency-based (dövizle) exemptions to ensure smooth U.S. naturalization.
How do I document funds from a Turkish real estate sale for an E-2 or EB-5 visa?
USCIS requires an unbroken documentary chain showing the lawful source of funds. For Turkish real estate, this includes the title deed (tapu), official valuation reports, sale contracts, and bank transfer records. We also ensure compliance with Turkish Central Bank (TCMB) capital outflow regulations so the transfer channel does not raise USCIS objections.
Schedule a private consultation
Whether you are a Turkish national navigating the U.S. immigration system, or an international investor seeking Turkish citizenship, Alaz Law provides the cross-border expertise you need.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Dual citizenship, CBI programs, and IRS reporting requirements are highly complex and subject to change. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Author: Hasan Alaz, Esq. | Review date: July 17, 2026
