“Psychology Matters Just as Much as Politics”: 10 Weekend Questions with Arda Sardaç

10 On The Weekend is IMI’s weekly (sometimes “almost on schedule”) feature. The concept is simple: we ask the same set of ten questions to different IMI Pro experts, so readers can get to know our guest better—more personally and informally than what typically happens in professional meetings.

This time, our guest is Arda Sardaç, founder and partner at Sardag Law Firm.

How do you usually spend your weekends?

My weekends are a balance between recharging and a strategic “switch” into a more reflective mindset.

On Saturdays, I usually start with a workout or a long walk along the Bosphorus, followed by time with friends and casual business dinners. Istanbul has such an energetic social rhythm, and I enjoy being part of it—new restaurants, private events, and sometimes late conversations.

Often, the most meaningful connections in our industry are formed outside the office.

Sundays are calmer: quality time with family, planning the week ahead, and revisiting the long-term strategy. For me, weekends aren’t an escape from business—they’re a space where ideas and relationships naturally take shape.

What are your three main business goals this year?

My three goals are:

• To position Turkey more strategically in the global conversation on investment migration—not as a “volume program,” but as an undervalued asset.
• To expand the international partner referral network, especially across Asia and the Gulf countries.
• To create structured solutions that connect Turkish citizenship with long-term mobility planning—including export and corporate frameworks.

What concerns you most about the business right now?

The market narrative.

Turkey remains one of the most “mispriced” investment citizenship programs in the world, yet it’s often misunderstood. I’m not worried about demand—I’m worried about the story being told. In our field, controlling the meaning behind the facts is crucial.

Which book is currently on your bedside table?

The Secret (Rhonda Byrne).

Not so much for the popular “law of attraction” idea, but as a reminder: it’s your mindset that shapes how you make decisions and how you carry them through to results. In investment migration, belief often comes before structure. Clients don’t just choose documents—they choose the feeling of optionality, stability, and the right positioning for the future. Psychology matters just as much as politics.

How and when did you first get into the investment migration industry?

I started working in this space in 2018, when I founded Sardag Law Firm.

At first, we focused on real estate transactions for foreign investors entering the Turkish market. Over time, the practice expanded: investment citizenship in Turkey, residence permit solutions, cross-border structures, and strategic advisory for clients who plan international mobility continuously or regularly.

Over the last seven years, we’ve built our positioning at the intersection of law, investment, and global mobility.

What moment do you consider the most “proud” as a service provider?

Recently, we successfully secured a client’s Turkish Green Passport through a structure that remains, to this day, largely underrecognized within the industry.

The process required a precise legal stance, correct corporate alignment, and strict compliance with export criteria. Once the decision was approved, it reinforced what I believe: innovation in this field isn’t about “workarounds”—it’s about a deeper understanding of the rules and boundaries than others have.

This win gave me both pride and fresh momentum.

What market development in investment migration surprised you the most over the past year?

The increasing sophistication of clients.

Today, investors aren’t just buying passports. They’re building jurisdiction portfolios: comparing tax risks, exit strategies, resale liquidity, and geopolitical factors. The market has grown up very quickly.

If you could go back ten years, what business decision would you change?

I would have started international expansion earlier.

The industry rewards early global positioning. At first, I focused on depth within the country. If I could return to the past, I would build cross-border alliances sooner.

Whose “industry personality” in investment migration do you respect the most?

I value professionals who put long-term reputation ahead of short-term volume.

This industry is built on trust. It’s those who protect institutional integrity and maintain disciplined positioning who ultimately set the direction for how the sector evolves.

If everything goes according to plan, what will you be doing in five years?

I see myself leading a multi-jurisdiction advisory structure connecting Turkey, the Gulf region, and Asia.

Our goal isn’t only to help with citizenship paperwork—it’s to design mobility strategies where investment, trade, and corporate structuring work within a much broader international framework.

If investment migration is more than just a “move” and truly a strategic asset, the team at Digital Nomad will help you understand the options and build a clear path toward an investment residence permit/citizenship. We support you at every stage—from assessing your goals and eligibility to document preparation and coordination—so your Turkey journey is transparent and well-planned.

Our Telegram channel about various types of Greek residence permits, digital nomad programs, and the Greek Golden Visa: @digitalnomadgr