Introduction
The Turkish citizenship by investment program includes a private pension system (BES) route. It may suit investors who prefer pension funds to real estate or a bank deposit, but the funds carry market and currency risk. Regulation and custody are safeguards; neither guarantees capital or returns.
USD 500,000 contribution and three-year commitment
The official investment guidance requires a contribution of at least USD 500,000 or its foreign-currency equivalent to funds determined by the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency (SEDDK), with a commitment to remain in the system for at least three years. SEDDK confirms whether the investment satisfies the citizenship condition. Citizenship still depends on the authorities’ separate decision.
Which pension company and funds?
The Pension Monitoring Center (EGM) says foreign applicants may approach any pension company for a citizenship BES plan. Türkiye Hayat Emeklilik is one provider, not the only legally available intermediary. The citizenship plan has specific eligible funds: a fund listed on BEFAS or another platform is not automatically approved for this route. The plan excludes funds whose titles contain “foreign” or “external debt instruments,” including such BEFAS funds. Confirm the current permitted list and plan terms before payment.
Custody and investment risk
Licensed portfolio managers manage pension investment funds. Takasbank records fund units by participant and monitors fund transactions. The system is overseen by SEDDK, the Capital Markets Board and other relevant institutions. This separation and supervision do not create a state guarantee or bank-deposit insurance for the value of pension funds. EGM expressly states that BES provides no guaranteed return.
Fund choice and account access
Within the options permitted by the citizenship plan, participants can assess funds against their risk profile, past performance and expenses. General BES rules allow up to 12 fund-allocation changes each year and up to 20 funds per change, but plan-specific limits and processing cut-offs must be checked. EGM’s BES Mobil and the provider’s account tools can show balances and fund information; displayed figures do not predict future returns.
Limits during the first three years
EGM explains that participants in citizenship pension plans cannot change plans, combine accounts for retirement or transfer the contract to another pension company during the first three years. Leaving early can break the investment condition for the citizenship route. Before any partial payment, withdrawal or change, obtain a current legal and plan-level assessment.
Fees, tax and withdrawal after three years
Citizenship BES plans do not charge an entry fee or a management expense deduction, according to EGM, but the selected funds can still bear fund operating and other permitted expenses. A 1.09% annual cap applies only to some fund categories; other categories have different caps. A withdrawal after the three-year commitment is not an automatic five-business-day payout: EGM describes a formal exit request and generally up to 20 business days after the signed exit form reaches the pension company. Withholding depends on the applicable rules and the investor’s situation; it should not be described as a universal 15% charge.
State contribution: 2025 versus current rules
The BES state contribution was 30% during 2025 and changed to 20% from 1 January 2026, subject to annual limits and vesting rules. EGM states that Turkish citizens and Blue Card holders may receive this contribution. A foreign applicant should not assume a state contribution on the citizenship investment before obtaining an eligible status. This contribution is separate from any guarantee of fund returns.
How IGA Law Firm assists
We review eligibility and the permitted plan, coordinate the contribution evidence and SEDDK conformity process, prepare residence and citizenship filings as applicable, and help the family plan the post-three-year legal steps. Fund selection, performance, tax treatment and international transfers require individual financial and tax advice in addition to legal review.
Source and review date
This article is dated 2025 and was legally reviewed on 14 October 2026. Fund lists, contribution rules, tax treatment and administrative practice may change; confirm the rules applicable on the transaction date.
Official Invest in Türkiye citizenship routes
EGM participant guide: citizenship BES plan, restrictions, fees and exit
