Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program Attracts $15 Billion from 40,000 Applications, Says Former Interior Minister

According to former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu, Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment (CIP) program has received 40,000 applications, generating $15 billion in investments. The program has faced scrutiny due to allegations that leaders of International crime organisations have obtained Turkish citizenship.
Soylu strongly denies these claims, stating that “the claim that drug lords were granted citizenship is a great slander” against both himself and the Republic of Turkey.

Soylu explained that Turkish law prohibits granting citizenship to individuals with criminal records, those under ongoing investigations, or individuals with Interpol red notices. He emphasised that the application process includes thorough vetting by multiple intelligence agencies that investigate applicants in their local jurisdictions. During his tenure, Soylu implemented new security measures, which included integrating red notice alerts into the screening system and uploading images of known members of international criminal organisations to border control checkpoints.

He stated that the system “automatically revokes” citizenship when it detects new red notices for naturalised citizens, though he did not specify how this process ensures due process. Additionally, he made a clear distinction between residence permits and citizenship, suggesting that media reports often conflate the two categories. Soylu insisted that the Citizenship by Investment policy “is correct” and strengthens Turkey’s economy by attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and creating jobs.