Investor Residence Permit

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.

• 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

• 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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

• 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.