ISTANBUL (AA/APP):Turkey has received over 250 applications for citizenshipthrough investment worth nearly $100 million as of the end of 2018,according to the head of a mediation firm.Citizenship applications to Turkey are expected to boom in 2019 as thecountry eased its conditions in September, Akin Atalay, CEO ofVIPTurkishPass, told Anadolu Agency.A significant amount of foreigners that come to Turkey aim to benefit fromthe right of citizenship by purchasing houses, he said.The housing sector, which reached the income of $4.8 billion fromforeigners in 2017, is expected to sell houses to foreigners worth $10billion as of the end of 2018, he underlined.Atalay said people from Arabic countries, Iran and Turkic republics showthe most interest in buying real estate in Turkey, and underlined thatthere is also heavy demand from European countries, “contrary to popularbelief”.”Ten of thousands of British, German and Russian people have houses inTurkey. Most of them decide to have dual-citizenship when they see thesocial opportunities in Turkey,” Atalay stressed.He also said foreigners are mostly interested in Istanbul, theMediterranean resort city Antalya and industrial city Bursa.The Interior Ministry responds to the citizenship application in 45 days ifthe documents are complete, Atalay said.He noted that the naturalized Turkish citizens will have equal rights withthe other Turkish citizens such as tax and insurance premium discounts aswell as government support.”Several countries from all around the world have similar citizenshipprograms to attract people with education, investments andentrepreneurship,” he highlighted, saying qualified work-force and highcapital investments were basic factors for development.”We want to bring people from all around the world to invest in our countryand be a partner of our success story,” Atalay said, adding that Turkeytries to attract investments from foreign countries through the citizenshipregulation.He also said that foreigners should cooperate with a local expert andtrusted partners as the application process is “sensitive”.Atalay said the U.S. grants citizenship with an investment of $500,000 anda five-year wait; Germany with a €250,000 ($287,000) investment; Canadawith an investment of $400,000 or $800,000 deposit; and Greece with a housepurchase worth $250,000.Turkey’s conditions are easier; foreigners can acquire the citizenshipinstantly by investing $250,000, he added.Foreigners who invest $500,000 in Turkey, deposit $500,000 in Turkish banksor buy real estate worth $250,000 acquire the right of lifetime citizenship.Foreigners who commit to keep their investments, deposits or real estatesfor at least three years earn the right for citizenship instantly.Meanwhile, the right for citizenship can also be used for the families –spouse and children under 18 of the investors.Previously, these limits were $2 million for investment, $3 million fordeposit and $1 million for real estate.