Minimum USD 500,000 investment in the economy of Turkmenistan
⏱️ Duration
Up to 5 years, aligned with passport validity
👪 Dependants
Yes
Children under 16 included automatically; those 16 and older require separate approval
🛂 Citizenship Path
Yes — after 7 years
The residence permit itself grants the right to reside; after 7 years of permanent residence, holders may apply for Turkmenistan citizenship by naturalization, subject to knowledge of the Turkmen language, a legal source of income, and commitment to…
Turkmenistan's Investor Residence Permit allows foreign nationals who invest at least USD 500,000 in the country's economy to obtain residency. The program is established under Article 14 of the Law on Migration (No. 290-IV of 31 March 2012, as amended), which lists qualifying investment as one of the grounds for a residence permit. The Law on Foreign Investments (2008) further supports the program by granting permanent residence rights to foreign persons who fully own enterprises with foreign investments. The permit is administered by the State Migration Service, with final approval granted by the President of Turkmenistan.
Requirements
Investment of at least USD 500,000 in the economy of Turkmenistan, either in an existing or new business
Foreign investment may consist of money, securities, other property, property rights with monetary value, or exclusive rights to intellectual property
Foreign direct investment requires possession or purchase of at least a 10% interest in the authorized capital of an enterprise
A certificate of income or a guarantee from a Turkmen citizen who undertakes to support the applicant
Medical clearances confirming no psychiatric, dermatological, or serious infectious diseases
Clean criminal record
Applicants must be at least 18 years old
Required Documents
Petition addressed to the President of Turkmenistan (established template)
Valid foreign passport with minimum 6 years validity
Autobiography
Proof of investment in Turkmenistan's economy (at least USD 500,000)
Certificate of income or guarantee from a Turkmen citizen
Three passport-style photographs on white background
National ID card and copies of previously issued visas
Birth certificates for children and marriage certificate if applicable
Medical clearances (HIV, STI, psychiatric)
Educational diplomas and employment record
Proof of local address registration
Criminal record certificate
Application Process
Applicants submit a petition addressed to the President through the State Migration Service. Those located outside Turkmenistan submit through Turkmen diplomatic representations or consular institutions abroad. The State Migration Service processes the application and submits recommendations to the President for approval. Processing takes up to 6 months from submission. Entry visa processing takes 10-15 business days, with a 4-day expedited option available. There is no online application option.
Duration & Renewal
The residence permit is valid for up to 5 years, aligned with the validity period of the holder's travel document. It is renewable upon continued compliance with permit conditions, with renewal applications submitted through the State Migration Service.
Family Members
Children under 16 are automatically included in a parent's residence permit. Children aged 16 and older must apply separately and require Commission approval. Birth certificates and marriage certificates must be provided for all dependants.
Tax Implications
Tax residency is determined by the 183-day rule. Residents are taxed on worldwide income at a personal income tax rate of 10% on employment, business, interest, royalties, real estate income, and capital gains. Non-residents are taxed only on Turkmenistan-sourced income. Foreign company branches are taxed at 20%. Enterprises with foreign investment enjoy customs duty exemptions on contributed capital and equipment.
Path to Citizenship
After 7 years of permanent residence, holders may apply for Turkmenistan citizenship by naturalization. Requirements include knowledge of the Turkmen language, a legal source of income, and commitment to uphold the Constitution. Turkmenistan does not allow dual citizenship, so obtaining citizenship would require renunciation of prior nationality.
Important Considerations
The residence permit application requires presidential approval, which adds a discretionary element to the process.
Foreign investors who fully own enterprises with foreign investments receive freedom of movement across Turkmenistan's territory and multiple-entry visa rights for at least one year.
The investment route provides immediate eligibility without the 2-year prior residence requirement that applies to the general residency pathway.
Residence permit holders must maintain a legal source of income in Turkmenistan and carry personal identification at all times.
A 2025 amendment to the Law on Migration introduced electronic visa (e-Visa) provisions processed through the State Migration Service's information system, though the residence permit itself still requires the traditional application process.