How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship: A Comprehensive Guide
The number of foreigners wishing to apply for Turkish citizenship is increasing every year. Individuals in various situations—such as those who have resided in Turkey for a long time, made investments in the country, or are married to a Turkish citizen—can apply for Turkish citizenship. Becoming a Turkish citizen offers many advantages, in addition to the opportunity to build a more settled life in Turkey. This comprehensive guide will answer the question, “How to get Turkish citizenship?” by explaining the application methods and process step-by-step.
Who Can Apply for Turkish Citizenship?
The right to apply for Turkish citizenship varies depending on the nature of a foreigner’s ties to Turkey. Here are the main application categories:
- Foreigners Who Have Legally Resided in Turkey for at Least 5 Years: Foreigners who have continuously lived in Turkey with a legal residence permit for at least five years can apply for citizenship through the general route. This process includes limits on entry and exit from the country during this period.
- Those Married to a Turkish Citizen: Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and whose marriage is genuinely ongoing can apply for citizenship through marriage. This involves processes related to verifying the authenticity of the marriage.
- Those Wishing to Obtain Citizenship by Investment: Foreigners who make a certain amount of investment in Turkey (e.g., real estate purchase, bank deposit, job creation) can quickly obtain Turkish citizenship.
- Individuals Contributing to Turkey Culturally, Scientifically, or Sportively (Exceptional Citizenship): Foreigners who have made or are understood to make significant contributions to Turkey in the fields of science, arts, sports, or culture can be granted citizenship exceptionally, upon the proposal of relevant ministries and approval of the President.
- Those Descending from a Turkish Citizen Parent (Citizenship by Birthright): Children born to a Turkish citizen mother or father automatically become Turkish citizens at birth, regardless of their place of birth. Children born in Turkey who would otherwise be stateless due to their parents’ nationality are also accepted as Turkish citizens.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The Turkish citizenship application process varies depending on the path you choose, but generally involves similar basic steps. It’s important to follow each step carefully for a smooth process.
- Eligibility Check:
- First, you need to determine which citizenship acquisition path is suitable for you. Is it the general application, citizenship by investment, citizenship by marriage, or an exceptional circumstance? Each path has its own specific requirements.
- Document Preparation:
- Application Form: A standard application form obtained from the relevant institutions is filled out.
- Passport and Residence Permit: The foreigner’s passport and valid residence permit (if any) in Turkey. Notarized Turkish translations of all foreign documents are required.
- Criminal Record Certificate: A clean criminal record certificate obtained from both your home country and Turkey.
- Health Report: A health report indicating your general health status may be requested.
- Income Statement: Documents showing that you have a regular income sufficient to support yourself and your dependents.
- Biometric Photograph: Biometric photos taken within the last six months, meeting the required specifications.
- Turkish Spouse’s ID Copy: For those applying through marriage, a photocopy of the Turkish spouse’s identity card and marriage certificate.
- Investment Documents: For those applying via investment, documents proving your investment such as title deeds, bank receipts, or company incorporation documents.
- Other Documents: Additional documents that may be requested depending on the situation, such as birth certificate, marital status document (divorce, death, etc.), diploma or professional certificate.
- Application Location:
- If you are in Turkey, you generally apply in person at the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs in the province where you reside.
- If you live abroad, you can apply at the Turkish consulates to which you are affiliated.
- Evaluation Process:
- Your application will be thoroughly examined by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs under the Ministry of Interior.
- Security Investigation: A comprehensive security investigation will be conducted on you.
- Interview: If necessary, you may be subject to an interview to assess the authenticity of your marriage or your level of adaptation to Turkish society.
- Process Duration: The evaluation process can vary depending on the application type, the completeness of the file, and the depth of the security investigation, generally taking between 6 months and 2 years to complete.
Online Tracking and Notifications
It is now possible to track your Turkish citizenship application process online.
- Tracking via e-Devlet: You can easily monitor the status of your application through the e-Devlet portal under the “General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs” services. This allows you to know at which stage your application is.
- Missing Documents and Additional Requests: If any documents are missing from your application or if additional information is requested, you will be notified by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. These notifications are usually sent via email, SMS, or through the e-Devlet system. Fulfilling these requests as soon as possible is important to speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- “Can I leave Turkey during the citizenship application process?”
- Generally, you can leave Turkey during the citizenship application process, but long-term and frequent departures, especially for applications based on residence duration (like the general application), can negatively affect the process. The evaluation of this situation may vary depending on your application type, so it’s best to get information from the relevant Population Directorate if you have travel plans.
- “If my application is rejected, can I reapply?”
- Yes, even if your application is rejected, you can reapply after learning the reason for the rejection, addressing any deficiencies, or meeting the requirements for a different citizenship application route. You also reserve the right to appeal the rejection decision.
- “Can my children and spouse be included in my application?”
- Generally, in citizenship by investment applications, the applicant’s spouse and children under 18 can also acquire Turkish citizenship under the same application. For other application routes, spouses and children are evaluated separately or together if they meet the legal requirements.
- “Is there an oath or interview required for the application?”
- Yes, especially for applications through marriage or general applications, applicants and their Turkish spouses (in case of marriage) may be subject to an interview. These interviews are conducted to assess the authenticity of the marriage, the level of adaptation to Turkish society, and Turkish language proficiency. The citizenship oath is a ceremonial stage that takes place after the citizenship decision is made.
Conclusion
Becoming a Turkish citizen is a significant milestone for foreigners, and it is often a long and meticulous process. Different requirements and conditions apply to each type of application. To ensure your application proceeds smoothly and is approved, it is crucial to prepare the necessary documents completely and accurately, be knowledgeable about the process, and act in accordance with the law.
If you are unsure about the complexity of the process or specific details, seeking professional guidance from an expert in this field can make things much easier for you. Remember, with the right steps and a conscious approach, achieving your dream of Turkish citizenship is possible.
