Your Guide to Turkish Citizenship for Foreigners: All Methods and the Application Process
The Republic of Turkey, with its rich history, strategic geographical location, and dynamic culture, is not merely a tourist destination but also a potential new home for many foreigners. With increasing economic stability and quality of life in recent years, interest in Turkish citizenship has significantly grown. Becoming a Turkish citizen offers numerous significant advantages, such as freedom of travel, ease of property acquisition, the right to work, and access to comprehensive social services like healthcare and education. So, how to get Turkish citizenship, and what pathways should be followed in this process? This comprehensive guide will explain the methods for obtaining Turkish citizenship for foreigners and the application process in detail.
Ways to Acquire Turkish Citizenship
The Republic of Turkey offers various ways for foreigners to acquire citizenship based on their different circumstances and intentions. Each method has its unique conditions and application processes.
a) General Application (After Long-Term Residence)
This is the most common path for foreigners who have resided in Turkey for a certain period and have integrated into society.
- Minimum 5 Years of Residence: You must have resided in Turkey continuously for at least five years with a legal residence permit. Departures from Turkey during this period should not exceed certain limits.
- Other Criteria: The applicant is expected to have good moral character, pose no threat to public order or national security, possess a regular income sufficient to support themselves and their dependents, and have an adequate level of Turkish language proficiency.
b) Citizenship by Marriage
For foreigners married to a Turkish citizen, obtaining Turkish citizenship is possible under specific conditions.
- Minimum 3 Years of Marriage: You must have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years, and the marriage must still be ongoing.
- Proof of Genuine Marriage: Evidence is expected to be provided that the marriage was not solely for the purpose of acquiring citizenship and that a genuine family unit exists (e.g., residing at the same address, common children, social references). The applicant must also not pose a threat to public order or national security.
c) Citizenship by Investment
Turkey offers foreigners who invest a certain amount in the country the opportunity to acquire citizenship quickly. This method has become quite popular in recent years.
- Real Estate Purchase of at Least 400,000 USD: Purchasing real estate worth at least 400,000 USD (or equivalent foreign currency/TL) and placing an annotation on the title deed stating it cannot be sold for three years.
- Minimum 500,000 USD in Deposit, Bonds, or Business Investment:
- Depositing at least 500,000 USD (or equivalent foreign currency/TL) in a bank operating in Turkey, with the condition that it is not withdrawn for three years.
- Purchasing government bonds worth at least 500,000 USD (or equivalent foreign currency/TL) and holding them for three years.
- Purchasing real estate investment fund participation shares or venture capital investment fund participation shares worth at least 500,000 USD (or equivalent foreign currency/TL) and holding them for three years.
- Creating employment for at least 50 people.
- Citizenship Process and Duration: Applications for citizenship by investment Turkey are processed faster than other methods, generally being completed within 3 to 6 months.
d) Exceptional Citizenship
This method is for individuals who have made or will make special contributions to Turkey.
- Successful Individuals in Science, Arts, Sports, Culture: Granted by proposal of the relevant Ministries and approval of the President to foreigners who have provided or are understood to provide outstanding services to Turkey in scientific, artistic, cultural, or sports fields.
- Other Exceptional Circumstances: Additionally, citizenship may be granted through this method to certain qualified foreigners who have made significant investments or created employment in Turkey, or who have contributed to technologies brought to or produced in Turkey.
e) Turkish Citizenship by Birth
Turkish citizenship is generally acquired based on the principle of descent.
- Turkish Citizen Mother or Father: Children born to a Turkish citizen mother or father become Turkish citizens regardless of their place of birth.
- Children Born in Turkey Without Other Citizenship: Children born in Turkey whose foreign parents cannot transfer their citizenship to them by birth (e.g., if the parents’ nationality does not grant citizenship by birth to children) are granted Turkish citizenship. This aims to prevent “statelessness.”
Application Process Step by Step
The Turkish citizenship application process varies depending on the chosen method but generally involves similar basic steps.
- Where to Apply?
- General applications, citizenship by marriage, and exceptional citizenship applications are usually made to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs in the province where the foreigner resides.
- For citizenship by investment Turkey applications, a preliminary application is typically made to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change or the institution related to the investment (e.g., Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency), and then directed to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
- Required Documents:
- Application petition (standard form).
- Passport or identity document.
- Valid residence permit (if any).
- Birth certificate.
- Marital status document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate, etc.).
- Criminal record certificate.
- Health report (regarding general health status).
- Biometric photograph.
- Diploma or professional certificate (if any).
- Documents proving income status.
- Investment document for applicants via investment (title deed, bank receipt, etc.).
- Turkish language proficiency certificate (for general application).
- Notarized Turkish translations of all foreign documents.
- Interview Process (if applicable): Especially for general applications and citizenship by marriage applications, applicants and their spouses, if any, may be subject to interviews regarding their adaptation to Turkish society, Turkish language knowledge, and the genuineness of the marriage.
- Average Processing Time and Evaluation Criteria: Processing times vary by method. The investment route is the fastest, while general application and marriage routes can take longer (average 6 months to 2 years). Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as national security, public order, general morality, health, and contribution to Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- “Can I leave Turkey during the citizenship application process?”
- For general citizenship applications, especially concerning the continuation of the 5-year residence period, long-term departures from Turkey can negatively affect the process. Short and essential travels usually do not pose a problem, but long and frequent absences may be considered an interruption of residence. This restriction is less stringent for citizenship by investment. If you have travel plans during the application period, it is important to get information from the relevant population directorate.
- “Can my family also become citizens with me?”
- Yes, in citizenship by investment Turkey applications, the applicant’s spouse and children under 18 can also acquire Turkish citizenship with the same application. In general application and citizenship by marriage, family members can apply separately or together if they meet the legal requirements.
- “Will I lose my previous citizenship after becoming a citizen?”
- Turkish Republic laws allow dual citizenship. This means that when you acquire Turkish citizenship, you do not lose your previous citizenship if your home country’s laws also permit it. However, since some countries’ citizenship laws do not allow dual citizenship, you might automatically lose your original citizenship if you acquire Turkish citizenship. It is important to check your own country’s laws.
- “Will I automatically be covered by SGK after obtaining Turkish citizenship?”
- After obtaining Turkish citizenship, if you start working for an employer in Turkey or establish your own business, you will automatically be included in SGK (Social Security Institution) coverage. If you are not working, you can still benefit from healthcare services by paying General Health Insurance (GSS) premiums, as you have the right to health coverage like any Turkish citizen.
Conclusion
Acquiring Turkish citizenship is a significant step for foreigners to establish a deep-rooted life in Turkey and fully benefit from all the opportunities the country offers. It is possible to apply for Turkish citizenship through various methods such as investment, marriage, long-term residence, or exceptional circumstances. Although each method has its unique challenges and advantages, the common denominator is that the process requires diligence and proper document management.
To avoid any mistakes in this complex process and ensure your application proceeds smoothly, seeking support from a specialized and reliable consultancy firm will be greatly beneficial. Remember, the path to Turkish citizenship will be much easier and more successful with well-informed steps. We wish you success in your new life in Turkey!
