The process of obtaining a citizenship in Turkey

Turkish citizenship

Procedure for obtaining Turkish citizenship

Lots of foreigners apply for Turkish citizenship every year. Here is a short summary of what you need to fulfill to be able to apply for Turkish citizenship.

1 – Turkish citizenship by birth

If one of the parents is a Turkish citizen, the child will automatically be given Turkish citizenship.

2 – Turkish citizenship for adults

a) Application

The applicant must:

• be of age and able to act according to the law
  
• have been a resident in Turkey for at least five years and must not have left the country for more than six months during this period.
  
• not have any diseases that endanger the public health.
  
• have a basic knowledge of the Turkish language.
  
• show how they support themselves financially in Turkey.
  
• not have a criminal record.
  

The chances to get a Turkish citizenship can improve if the applicant has a valuable contribution to the Turkish society and/or its culture.

b) Application through marriage.

This is probably the easiest way to become a Turkish citizen. The rules that must be fulfilled are:

• the applicant must be married to a Turkish citizen for minimum three years.
  
• the couple must live together at the same address.
  
• the applicant is no threat to national nor public safety.
  
• the applicant must be accepted by the husband’s/wife’s Turkish family.
  

c) Application by investment.

According to the new law from 31/12/17, foreigners can get Turkish citizenship through investments in Turkey if one of the following demands are met.

• the applicant buys a property in Turkey for minimum 1 million USD.
  
• the applicant invests in a company in Turkey for minimum 2 million USD.
  
• the applicant employs at least 100 persons in Turkey.
  
• the applicant makes a deposit to a Turkish bank for at least 3 million USD.
  
• the applicant invests minimum 3 million USD in Turkish bonds.
  

In order to obtain the citizenship, the applicant is not allowed to change the investment for at least three years.

d) Application for re-acquisition of Turkish citizenship.

Those who have lost their Turkish citizenship can reapply for it after living in Turkey for at least three years.