Obtaining Turkish citizenship through property purchase has attracted the attention of many Iranians in recent years.
In January 2017, the Turkish government published amendments to the regulations governing the implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law in the TC Resmi Gazete (Official Gazette of Turkey). These amendments introduced a citizenship-by-investment program under which foreign nationals and their dependents who make an economic contribution to the country may become Turkish citizens. Such economic contributions are intended to stimulate the real estate market, increase foreign currency inflows, and create employment opportunities.
According to data reported by the Turkish Statistical Institute, approximately 40,000 homes were purchased across various Turkish cities by foreign nationals and investors from countries such as Russia, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States, as well as Middle Eastern countries including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
Turkish Residency Through Investment Starting from $200,000!
To obtain residency, you need to purchase a property worth at least $200,000, allowing you, your spouse, and your children under the age of 25 to apply for Turkish residency through investment, renewable every two years.
For Turkish citizenship, you can purchase a property worth more than $400,000 to obtain Turkish citizenship and a passport for yourself and your children under the age of 18.
The legal team at NEGIN GROUP is ready to assist you with your citizenship and passport process after your property purchase. You can purchase either a single property or multiple apartments to meet the investment requirements.
However, it is important to note that not every property qualifies for Turkish citizenship.
In the following sections, you will learn more about the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship through property purchase, eligible property types, the benefits of Turkish citizenship, and more.
Turkey is a country that places greater emphasis on attracting investment than on immigration. For this reason, its citizenship laws for foreign nationals are designed around investment programs. In 2022, the Turkish Parliament passed legislation increasing the minimum investment required for Turkish citizenship through property purchase (Türk Vatandaşlığı) to $400,000.
Under this legislation, foreign nationals seeking Turkish citizenship through property purchase must make a minimum real estate investment of $400,000. Turkish law does not explicitly restrict the type of property; the key requirement is meeting the minimum investment threshold.
Minimum Real Estate Investment Value
To obtain Turkish citizenship through property purchase, the property must have a value of at least $400,000. It may be residential, commercial, or office property, whether newly built or resale. The key requirement is that the amount stated in the title deed, official property valuation report, foreign currency purchase certificate (Döviz Alım Belgesi), and Certificate of Eligibility (Uygunluk Belgesi) must correspond to the required investment amount.
Restrictions on Shared Property Purchases
Under current regulations, Turkish citizenship cannot generally be obtained through jointly owned property in a way that allows multiple families to qualify from the same property. Each title deed can be used for a single family’s citizenship application, subject to the applicable regulations.
Restrictions on the Property Seller
The eligibility of a property may depend on the seller and the property’s previous ownership history. Properties transferred from certain foreign owners may not qualify for citizenship. Therefore, the property’s ownership history should be verified before purchase.
Restrictions Related to the Property Title Deed
A property previously used by another foreign national for a citizenship application may not be eligible for another citizenship application. The property’s title deed and transaction history should therefore be carefully reviewed before purchase.
Applying for Citizenship Through a Property Purchase
If the qualifying property investment meets the required threshold, the applicant can begin the citizenship process after completing the required purchase and documentation procedures. If multiple properties are purchased and their combined value meets the minimum investment requirement, the properties must be properly registered in the applicant’s name and comply with all applicable citizenship regulations.
If the cost of purchasing property in Turkey is beyond your budget, NEGIN GROUP has a special recommendation for you:
For those planning to buy a house in Turkey in Turkish lira, it is important to note that the minimum property purchase amount for Turkish residency is $400,000 or its equivalent in Turkish lira.
The investment required to obtain a Turkish passport should be calculated carefully, including applicable legal fees and taxes.
It is possible to buy property in Turkey in Turkish lira or even purchase a house in Turkey in euros; however, all documentation must comply with official regulations.
The cost of purchasing property in Turkey for residency becomes relevant only once the property’s official title deed has been registered in the buyer’s name.
To successfully complete this process, it is essential to check the minimum property purchase price in Turkey for obtaining residency and comply with all legal requirements.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through property purchase is one of the most popular routes for investment and immigration to Turkey. This pathway can be suitable both for individuals planning to live permanently in Turkey and for those seeking a long-term investment opportunity. Below are some of the key requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship through property purchase:
The applicant must be over 18 years old
Individuals under 18 may obtain Turkish citizenship through their parents and may be included in a parent’s citizenship application.
No disqualifying criminal record
One of the general requirements for Turkish citizenship is meeting the applicable security and criminal-record requirements.
No serious immigration violations in Turkey
Applicants must not have circumstances that prevent them from qualifying under Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment regulations.
No public-health grounds for exclusion
Applicants must meet Turkey’s applicable health and public-order requirements for citizenship.
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The purchased property must have a value of at least $400,000.
The property can be residential, commercial, or office space, whether newly built or previously owned. The key requirements are proper title deed registration and compliance with applicable regulations.
The property must not have previously been used by another applicant to obtain Turkish citizenship.
Purchasing property from foreign nationals is not permitted for citizenship purposes; the title deed must be transferred from an eligible Turkish seller.
By meeting these requirements, applicants can proceed with the relevant Turkish residency and citizenship procedures through property purchase.
When seeking residency or Turkish citizenship through property purchase, the following points are important:
Residency through property ownership in Turkey requires documents such as the official title deed, property valuation report, and foreign currency purchase certificate.
If multiple properties are purchased, their combined qualifying value must be at least $400,000, and the properties must be properly registered in the buyer’s name.
Property can also be purchased through an installment plan; however, buyers should be fully aware of the applicable requirements for purchasing a home in Turkey through installments.
For those planning to buy property in Turkey, it is essential to understand the applicable regulations and ensure that the title deed is properly registered in their own name.
Reviewing the requirements for buying a house in Turkey and accurately calculating the cost of purchasing property in Turkey for residency can help ensure a smoother and more efficient process.
Complying with the requirements for obtaining Turkish residency through property purchase and consulting qualified professionals can help reduce potential complications.
Turkish citizenship through property purchase can offer both an investment opportunity and a pathway to Turkish citizenship. By meeting the applicable Turkish citizenship requirements and the requirements for immigration to Turkey through property purchase, applicants may be able to obtain Turkish citizenship and a passport, subject to official approval and current regulations.
Turkish citizenship through property purchase: After learning about the different cities and neighborhoods and visiting the available properties, we help you select the right property.
Obtaining a Turkish tax identification number
Opening a bank account in your name to transfer the purchase funds to the seller’s account
Selecting the property or properties with a qualifying total value of at least $400,000
Having the property officially appraised by authorized SPK-licensed experts
Completing the title deed transfer
Applying for Turkish residency and citizenship
Obtaining the residence permit and proceeding with the citizenship application, subject to the processing times of the relevant authorities
When applying for Turkish citizenship through property purchase, applicants must prepare the required documentation. The exact documents may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the current regulations.
The commonly required documents include:
A Turkish translation of the applicant’s passport, notarized in Turkey
The applicant’s original birth certificate/identity document and a copy
Marriage certificate or marital-status document, with an official Turkish translation
A valid Turkish residence permit, where required
The relevant citizenship application form (such as Form VAT-4)
Receipt for the applicable application and service fees
Death certificate of a spouse, with an official translation and required certifications, where applicable
Marriage certificate with an official Turkish translation and notarization, where applicable
Birth certificates of children under 18, with official Turkish translations and notarization, where applicable
Important: If a child is approaching the age of 18, eligibility should be assessed as early as possible. Whether the child can be included in the parent’s citizenship application depends on the child’s age at the relevant stage of the application and the applicable Turkish regulations. Processing the application quickly does not by itself guarantee eligibility after the child turns 18.
By obtaining Turkish citizenship, you can open bank accounts in Turkey and conduct international financial and business transactions, subject to the bank’s requirements. (وزارت امور خارجه ترکیه)
You can establish and operate a company in Turkey under the applicable rules and benefit from the rights available to Turkish citizens and businesses.
Turkish citizenship provides access to the Turkish passport and its international travel benefits, although the number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations can change over time.
Turkish citizens can acquire agricultural land and undeveloped land, subject to applicable land and zoning regulations. (سرمایه گذاری در ترکیه)
As a Turkish citizen, you can generally benefit from the country’s public services, legal rights, and economic opportunities under the same framework applicable to Turkish citizens.
Turkish citizenship through property purchase: Under the current regulations, applicants must:
Purchase a property with a minimum qualifying value of $400,000.
Or purchase multiple properties whose combined qualifying value reaches at least $400,000, subject to the applicable rules and registration requirements.
The property’s value is assessed based on factors such as its age, location, facilities, and market conditions by authorized valuation experts in Turkey. The valuation is documented in an Expertise Report (Property Valuation Report). This assessment helps prevent unrealistic property valuations and potential abuse of the citizenship-by-investment program.
For citizenship purposes, eligible properties may include villas, apartments, shops, commercial properties, and office properties, provided that the property and transaction meet all applicable citizenship requirements.
Applicants may also purchase multiple properties and combine their qualifying values to reach the $400,000 investment threshold, subject to the relevant regulations.
If you intend to purchase land, its eligibility should be carefully verified before purchase. Land without an eligible construction status may not qualify for the citizenship program. Where a qualifying property involves a construction project, the applicable construction and completion requirements must be met within the legally prescribed period.
Turkish citizenship through property purchase: One of the most important points to consider is the three-year holding requirement. The property purchased for citizenship purposes must generally not be sold for three years from the date of acquisition. After this period, the owner may sell the property, subject to the applicable regulations.
The property can generally be rented out, although rental activity is subject to Turkish rental and licensing regulations. Short-term and tourist rentals are subject to additional requirements.
There are generally three types of property rentals: long-term, short-term, and serviced/holiday-style rentals.
In a long-term rental, the tenant and landlord enter into a rental agreement. The agreement can be formally notarized, and the tenant may use the rental contract and registered address when applying for the relevant residence permit, where legally applicable.
The tenant is generally responsible for paying the agreed rent as well as applicable utility bills and building maintenance fees (aidat). Tenants may be Turkish citizens or foreign nationals.
Rent is commonly paid monthly, and the landlord may request a security deposit within the limits established by Turkish law. When the tenancy ends, the property and its furnishings are inspected, and the deposit is returned subject to any legitimate deductions for damage or unpaid obligations.
If you plan to rent your apartment to tourists for short periods, you should be aware that short-term rental activity in Turkey is subject to specific licensing and regulatory requirements.
Depending on the property and rental model, obtaining the appropriate authorization and complying with registration, tax, and reporting requirements may be necessary. For individual property owners, working with a licensed professional or property-management company can simplify the process.
The type and legal status of the property are critical when purchasing real estate for Turkish citizenship.
Not every property qualifies for the citizenship program. The property must meet the applicable requirements regarding its title deed, ownership history, valuation, purchase method, and legal status.
For commercial properties, the buyer should ensure that the transaction involves the full ownership/title deed (Tapu) and not merely the purchase of a business right, goodwill, or hava parası. Such rights alone do not constitute a qualifying real estate investment for Turkish citizenship.
Before making any payment, the property should therefore be reviewed by qualified legal and real-estate professionals to confirm that it meets the current citizenship requirements.
For short-term rentals of apartments or villas to tourists in Turkey, obtaining the required legal authorization is mandatory. The process may involve several steps, including registering the property with the Turkish Tax Administration, obtaining the appropriate tax registration for the rental activity, and completing the required registration or notification procedures with the local authorities.
Depending on the rental model and applicable regulations, the property owner may also need an active bank account in Turkey for handling rental income and related tax payments.
The owner must comply with the applicable tax filing and reporting requirements, including declaring rental income when required. Guest information and accommodation records must also be reported through the relevant official systems in accordance with Turkish law.
To simplify the process, many investors entrust their short-term rentals to licensed real estate or property-management agencies. These agencies can assist with guest check-in and check-out, legal rental documentation, tax procedures, and invoicing where applicable.
Complying with these regulations not only helps ensure that short-term rental activity is conducted legally, but also reduces potential legal and tax issues and helps protect your investment.
As mentioned earlier, there are various types of properties that may qualify for Turkish citizenship through property investment, provided that the property and transaction meet the applicable legal requirements. Based on your goals and budget, you can consider different types of real estate:
New-build properties and apartments are often among the most popular options recommended by real estate consultants in Turkey. These properties typically offer modern construction, attractive architectural designs, high-quality materials, and a range of amenities.
If your goal in obtaining Turkish citizenship through property investment is permanent residence and personal use of the property, a new-build apartment can be a suitable option. Modern facilities and construction standards can provide a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
If your budget is below $400,000 or you do not plan to live in the property yourself, investing in installment-based real estate can be an attractive option.
Depending on the project, you may pay part of the purchase price as a down payment and the remainder over an installment period of 12 to 60 months.
However, for a citizenship application, the payment structure, title deed status, officially recognized property value, and timing of the qualifying investment must comply with the current Turkish citizenship regulations. Simply purchasing a property through installments or signing a pre-sale agreement does not automatically make the property eligible for citizenship.
Purchasing a resale property is not necessarily the simplest route to obtaining a Turkish passport and requires careful due diligence and professional guidance. With new-build properties, the property’s value and transaction documentation can often be more straightforward to verify. However, with resale properties, differences may arise between the title deed value, official valuation, and other transaction documents.
Less-experienced investors may encounter difficulties at this stage. Therefore, before purchasing a resale property, it is essential to carefully review the title deed, official valuation report, ownership history, and payment documentation to ensure that the property meets the requirements for Turkish citizenship through property purchase.
Purchasing a residential property is not the only option for obtaining Turkish citizenship; qualifying commercial properties may also be considered. When purchasing commercial real estate, factors such as the property’s location, rental potential, and income-generating capacity are particularly important.
By selecting a commercial property in a suitable location and renting it out, investors may generate rental income while benefiting from potential capital appreciation. However, rental income does not itself guarantee that property installments or citizenship requirements will be met.
With the variety of available options, investors can consider new-build, installment-based, resale, or commercial properties, provided that the selected property and transaction comply with the current Turkish citizenship regulations.
Paying close attention to construction quality, official title deed status, property valuation, ownership history, and location is essential for making a sound real estate investment and successfully pursuing Turkish citizenship.
Turkish citizenship through property purchase in Alanya and Turkey: Under the applicable regulations, if you obtain Turkish citizenship through a qualifying property purchase, you are generally required to retain the property for at least three years. After the three-year holding period, you may sell the property, subject to the applicable regulations. This requirement applies to the citizenship-by-investment route; if you are purchasing property solely for Turkish residency purposes, the three-year holding requirement does not generally apply.
Turkish citizenship through property purchase: A property title deed can generally be used only once for a citizenship application. Therefore, for a citizenship-by-investment application, the property must be purchased from an eligible Turkish individual or legal entity. Properties purchased from certain foreign owners may not qualify.
This restriction applies to the citizenship route. For Turkish residency, purchasing a property from a foreign owner may be possible, subject to the applicable residency requirements.
Turkish citizenship through property purchase: One of the key advantages of Turkish citizenship by investment is that there is no continuous physical-presence requirement for maintaining citizenship. Applicants are not required to live continuously in Turkey simply because they obtained citizenship through property investment.
Turkish citizenship through property purchase: Purchasing a property through installments or investing in an under-construction project can potentially qualify for Turkish citizenship, provided that the transaction meets all applicable legal requirements.
However, if the qualifying purchase has not yet been fully paid, the citizenship application may not be able to proceed until the required payment conditions have been satisfied and the necessary documentation has been obtained.
In installment purchases, buyers should also confirm in advance that the developer will provide all documents required for the citizenship application once the payment obligations have been completed.
Turkish developers are not necessarily legally required to issue every type of consent or document requested by a buyer. Therefore, when purchasing a property through installments for citizenship purposes, it is essential to confirm the developer’s obligations and obtain the necessary commitments in writing before signing the purchase agreement.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through company registration: Registering a company in Turkey can be a lower-cost option for pursuing Turkish citizenship compared with purchasing property. If you establish a company in Turkey and maintain a valid work permit for five consecutive years, you may be eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship after completing the required period, subject to meeting all applicable conditions.
Paying your own social security contributions throughout the five-year period is mandatory.
The company must employ at least five Turkish citizens.
Employees must have formal, full-time employment contracts. Part-time or project-based employment is not accepted for this purpose.
Employees’ salaries and social security contributions must be officially paid and properly documented.
Avoid fictitious employment and fraudulent documentation. Inspections, particularly during the first year, may involve detailed reviews of the company’s activities and employment records.
Establishing an international business and accessing commercial opportunities in Turkey
The possibility of obtaining a work permit and accessing relevant financial services and facilities
Easier access to European and regional markets
To successfully pursue citizenship through this route, all administrative, employment, and financial procedures must be carried out correctly and in compliance with Turkish regulations. Professional guidance from NEGIN GROUP can also help make the citizenship application process smoother.
For more information about company registration in Turkey, click here:
Company Registration in Turkey
Another route to obtaining Turkish citizenship is investment through a Turkish bank. Under the current investment framework, if you deposit $500,000 (or the equivalent amount in major currencies such as euros or British pounds) in an eligible Turkish bank for three years, you may qualify to apply for Turkish citizenship, subject to meeting all applicable requirements.
At the time of the investment, you must commit to maintaining the deposit for three years in accordance with the applicable regulations.
During this period, the deposit may earn interest, with the applicable returns paid according to the terms of the deposit agreement.
The investment amount is generally required to be held in the form and currency specified by the citizenship regulations and banking procedures.
Before making the investment, you will need to open the appropriate bank account(s) in Turkey.
After completing the required investment and currency procedures, the bank provides the necessary official documentation confirming the investment, which is used as part of the citizenship application.
Open a bank account in Turkey using the required identification and tax-registration documents.
Transfer $500,000 or the equivalent qualifying amount to your bank account.
Complete the required investment and deposit procedures and obtain the relevant confirmation from the bank.
Submit the citizenship application together with the required identification documents and proof of the three-year investment commitment.
Receive Turkish citizenship and apply for a Turkish passport after completion and approval of the legal procedures.
After the required three-year investment period has been completed, the investment may generally be released in accordance with the applicable banking and citizenship regulations.
For more information about investment in Turkey, click here:
Turkish citizenship through property purchase: Many buyers and investors choose properties that are still under construction because they are often offered at more attractive prices than completed properties. However, ready-to-move-in properties also offer several important advantages:
When purchasing a completed property in Turkey, you can take possession of it immediately and do not have to wait for the construction to be completed. In some installment-based purchases, possession may also be possible after the initial payment, depending on the project terms.
You can visit the property in person, inspect its location and condition, identify its advantages and disadvantages, and then decide whether it meets your needs. With properties under construction, some aspects of the finished property may still differ from what was initially expected.
The title deed is generally ready for transfer, allowing ownership to be registered in the buyer’s name once the transaction is completed. This can facilitate applications for property-based residency or citizenship, provided all applicable requirements are met.
If the property is purchased as an investment, you may be able to generate rental income immediately after taking possession and finding a suitable tenant, subject to applicable rental regulations.
One of the main advantages is saving time and effort. The property-search and purchase process can often be completed much faster than with a property that is still under construction.
One of the main disadvantages of completed properties is that their prices may be higher, while sellers may have less flexibility when negotiating discounts. This type of property may therefore be more suitable for buyers with a larger budget.
Installment payment options may be more limited, and some properties require a substantial portion or the full purchase price to be paid upfront.
After purchasing the property, the buyer may discover defects or details that they do not like and that may be difficult or impossible to modify.
Some issues may be repairable, but resolving them can require additional time and expenses.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through legal employment in Turkey is one of the potential routes to long-term residence and citizenship. Under Turkish law, foreign nationals who have maintained legal employment and residence for the required period may become eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship, provided they satisfy the additional statutory requirements.
The first step is to find a legal job with a Turkish company and be formally employed.
Under this route, you generally need an employment relationship with a Turkish employer who can submit the necessary application for a work permit (Çalışma İzni) on your behalf.
A Çalışma İzni is a Turkish work permit that allows foreign nationals to work legally in Turkey.
Obtaining a work permit can involve additional requirements, particularly during the initial application. Depending on the position and employer, the employer may need to demonstrate that the employment complies with the requirements applicable to hiring foreign workers.
Both the employer and the employee may need to prepare and submit supporting documents, including:
Formal employment contract
Employer and company identification documents
Work permit application form
Applicant’s identification documents, including passport and photographs
Valid residence permit, where applicable
Educational qualifications and professional documents relevant to the position
The first year of employment is an important stage in maintaining legal employment status. During this period, it is essential to ensure that social security contributions and applicable taxes are properly reported and paid and that the employment relationship remains legally valid.
Maintaining compliant employment records can help with subsequent work-permit procedures.
Foreign nationals who have completed the legally required period of residence and employment may be eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship, provided they meet the other statutory requirements.
The citizenship process may involve reviewing the applicant’s residence history, employment records, social security contributions, tax compliance, and other legal and security requirements.
For more information about obtaining a Turkish work permit, click here:
Obtaining Turkish citizenship and a Turkish passport through real estate investment is one of the most popular routes to Turkish citizenship. Under the current Turkish regulations, eligible applicants can apply by purchasing qualifying real estate with a minimum value of $400,000.
The qualifying value of a property or multiple properties must meet the $400,000 threshold.
To prevent irregularities, the property’s value is verified through an authorized property valuation report (Expertise Report).
After the purchase, the property must generally be held for at least three years and cannot be sold during this period.
For citizenship purposes, the property must meet the applicable requirements regarding its seller and ownership history; purchases from certain foreign owners may not qualify.
Apartments, villas, shops, commercial properties, and offices
Land with qualifying construction status, subject to the applicable construction and citizenship requirements
No continuous residence requirement: You can obtain Turkish citizenship without being required to live continuously in Turkey.
Installment purchases may be possible, provided that the investment and payment structure satisfy the applicable citizenship requirements.
The citizenship process may be completed within several months, depending on document preparation, official procedures, and government processing times.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through property investment can provide an opportunity to combine real estate investment with a pathway to a second citizenship, subject to approval by the Turkish authorities.
For a free consultation, visit the NEGIN GROUP website or contact our team. NEGIN GROUP’s experienced professionals can assist you with property purchase and investment procedures in Turkey and Alanya.
There are several routes to Turkish citizenship, including:
Purchasing qualifying real estate with a minimum value of $400,000
Making a qualifying investment in Turkey, such as a $500,000 bank deposit or creating 50 jobs
Marriage to a Turkish citizen, subject to the applicable legal requirements
Long-term legal residence in Turkey and applying for citizenship after meeting the statutory requirements
The citizenship process through property investment may generally take several months, depending on the applicant’s circumstances, document preparation, and the processing time of the relevant authorities.
No. The minimum qualifying real estate investment for the citizenship-by-investment route is $400,000. Purchasing a property below this threshold may, if all other conditions are met, provide a basis for applying for a property-based residence permit, but it does not qualify for citizenship through the real estate investment program.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship does not automatically cancel Iranian nationality under Turkish law. However, the legal consequences of dual nationality should also be assessed under Iranian law, as nationality rules can differ between countries.
Yes. Subject to the applicable legal requirements, the main applicant’s spouse and children under 18 may be included in the citizenship application.
Yes. Other qualifying routes may include bank investment, job creation, certain employment and business-based routes, marriage to a Turkish citizen, and long-term legal residence, provided the applicant meets the specific requirements of each route.
Potential benefits include:
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, subject to each country’s current entry rules
Access to the rights and services available to Turkish citizens
The ability to establish businesses and make investments in Turkey
Access to education and other public services under the rules applicable to Turkish citizens
Yes. A property purchased for citizenship purposes generally must be held for at least three years. After the required holding period has ended, the property can generally be sold, subject to the applicable regulations.
Depending on the investment route, required documents may include:
Valid passport
Property title deed (for real estate investment)
Property valuation and investment-related documents
Bank deposit or other investment documentation, where applicable
Criminal-record certificate, where required
Photographs and identity documents for eligible family members included in the application
Yes, certain business and employment-based routes can lead to eligibility for Turkish citizenship. For example, an investor who creates employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens may qualify to apply under the relevant investment provisions, subject to official approval and all applicable requirements.
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