Turkish Citizenship Application
Turkish Citizenship Application: Required Documents and Process 2025 Foreigners who wish to become citizens of the Republic of Turkey must meet certain…
Turkish Citizenship Application: Required Documents and Process 2025
Foreigners who wish to become citizens of the Republic of Turkey must meet certain conditions and follow a set of procedures. Depending on the method of application, individuals must submit different documents and follow a specific process. In this article, we detail the required documents and application process for Turkish citizenship.
1. Ways to Apply for Turkish Citizenship
There are several ways to apply for Turkish citizenship:
1.General Path to Citizenship: This is the method for foreigners who have lived in Turkey for a long period and meet other requirements.
2.Citizenship through Marriage: Foreigners married to a Turkish citizen can apply for citizenship if certain conditions are met.
3.Citizenship by Birth: A child born to a Turkish citizen mother or father.
4.Exceptional Citizenship: Special cases for individuals who contribute to Turkey in economic, scientific, social, or sports fields.
5.Citizenship by Investment: Foreigners who make a certain level of investment in Turkey.
A. Citizenship by Birth
If a person is born within Turkey or to a Turkish mother or father, they automatically acquire Turkish citizenship.
📌 Conditions:
•If either parent is a Turkish citizen, the child directly acquires Turkish citizenship.
•Children born in Turkey with unknown or stateless parents are considered Turkish citizens by birth.
B. Citizenship through Marriage
Foreign nationals who marry a Turkish citizen can apply for citizenship after living together for 3 years, provided they meet certain criteria. However, to prevent fraudulent marriages, certain conditions are required.
📌 Conditions:
•There must be a genuine marriage relationship; fraudulent marriages will result in rejection.
•The couple must live together.
•There must be no threat to public safety.
C. Citizenship by Long-Term Residency
Foreigners who have lived in Turkey for at least 5 years with continuous residence permits can apply for citizenship.
📌 Conditions:
•Legal residence in Turkey for at least 5 years without interruption.
•Clean criminal record.
•Proof of financial self-sufficiency.
•Demonstration of integration into Turkish society.
D. Citizenship by Investment (Golden Passport)
Acquiring Turkish citizenship through investment has become one of the most popular methods in recent years.
📌 Investment Options:
•Purchase real estate worth $400,000 USD and hold it for at least 3 years.
•Deposit $500,000 USD in a Turkish bank.
•Establish a company that employs at least 50 people.
E. Citizenship through Descent
People of Turkish descent can apply for citizenship by proving their descent through official documents.
📌 Conditions:
•Official documents showing descent from Turkey or the Ottoman Empire.
•Residing in Turkey for at least 2 years.
2. General Path to Turkish Citizenship Application Requirements
To apply for Turkish citizenship through the general path, the following conditions must be met:
•At least 5 years of continuous residence in Turkey: The foreigner must have legally resided in Turkey for at least 5 years.
•No criminal record: A clean criminal record is required.
•Knowledge of Turkish: Basic Turkish proficiency is required for the interview process.
•Financial self-sufficiency: Sufficient financial means must be demonstrated.
•Adaptation to Turkey: The applicant must have established social and cultural ties with Turkey.
3. Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship Application
To ensure the application is complete, the following documents are required:
📌 Documents:
•Application Form (available from the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs).
•Passport or Identification Document.
•Biometric Photo (taken within the last 6 months).
•Residence Permit.
•Criminal Record.
•Health Report.
•Financial Documents (evidence of income).
•Turkish Language Proficiency Certificate (required for some applications).
4. Turkish Citizenship Application Process
Applications are generally submitted through the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs or Turkish Embassies/Consulates.
📌 Application Steps:
1.Gather the required documents and complete the application form.
2.Submit the application to the Population Office or Migration Directorate.
3.The application is reviewed, and a preliminary evaluation is made.
4.If accepted, a security investigation is initiated.
5.The Citizenship Commission reviews the application.
6.Upon approval by the Presidency, citizenship is granted.
5. Citizenship by Investment Conditions and Process
Turkey offers attractive opportunities for foreigners wishing to obtain citizenship through investment.
📌 Popular Methods:
•Real Estate Investment: Purchase real estate worth $400,000 USD.
•Bank Deposit: Deposit $500,000 USD in a Turkish bank.
•Establishing a Company: Set up a company employing at least 50 people.
📌 Process:
1.The investment is made, and official documents are prepared.
2.The application is submitted with property, bank, or company documents.
3.The application process usually takes about 3 to 6 months.
6. What to Do If the Turkish Citizenship Application is Rejected?
Some applications may be rejected for various reasons:
🚨 Reasons for Rejection:
•Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
•Negative criminal record.
•Suspicion of fraudulent marriage.
If your application is rejected, you can initiate a legal appeal process or file a lawsuit with the administrative court.
7. After Gaining Turkish Citizenship
Once citizenship is approved, the applicant must complete the following procedures:
📌 Identity and Passport Procedures:
•Apply for a Turkish ID card and passport.
•Gain the right to vote in Turkey.
•Access social security, education, and healthcare services.
8. Dual Citizenship and Turkish Citizenship
Some countries accept dual citizenship, while others do not. You should check the dual citizenship policies of your home country before applying.
9. Turkish Citizenship Application Process
The application process is as follows:
1.Prepare the required documents.
2.Apply to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship.
3.Interview phase: Turkish language proficiency and social integration tests may be required.
4.Evaluation and investigation: Authorities will review criminal records and other information.
5.Presidential approval: If approved, citizenship is granted.
6.ID card and passport application: After citizenship is granted, you can apply for a Turkish ID card and passport.
10. How Long Does the Citizenship Application Process Take?
The application process generally takes between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the completion of the interview, investigation, and official procedures.
11. Reasons for Rejection of Turkish Citizenship Application
Turkish citizenship applications may be rejected for several reasons. It’s important to understand the reason for rejection to plan your next steps.
📌 Reasons for Rejection:
•Incomplete or incorrect documents.
•Insufficient legal stay in Turkey.
•Negative criminal record.
•Failure to meet investment conditions.
•Suspicion of fraudulent marriage in marriage-based applications.
•Inability to prove financial sufficiency.
•Weak ties to Turkey.
•Non-compliance with dual citizenship laws.
12. What to Do if the Citizenship Application is Rejected?
If your application is rejected, you can take the following steps depending on the reason:
📌 A. Review the Rejection Decision
First, request the official letter that outlines the reasons for rejection from the Population Directorate or relevant authorities. This letter will help you understand why your application was denied.
📌 B. How to Appeal a Rejected Application
If you believe your application was wrongly rejected, you can file an appeal.
•Prepare an Appeal Letter: Explain why you believe the rejection was an error and submit any necessary documents.
• Where to Appeal:
•In Turkey, appeal to the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
•Abroad, appeal to the Turkish Embassy or Consulate.
•Appeal Deadline: You have 60 days from the notification of rejection to appeal.
📌 C. Legal Process: Filing a Lawsuit
If the appeal is unsuccessful, you can file a lawsuit at the Administrative Court.
📌 Conditions for Filing a Lawsuit:
•Individuals who believe the rejection is unjust can file a lawsuit at the Administrative Court.
•It is advisable to seek legal assistance from a lawyer.
•The lawsuit process generally takes between 6 months to 1 year.
13. Can the Citizenship Application Be Reapplied?
If your application is rejected, you may reapply based on your situation:
📌 Conditions for Reapplying:
•If the application was rejected due to missing documents, you can complete the missing documents and reapply.
•If the residence period was insufficient, you can reapply once the required period is completed.
•If the investment conditions were not met, you can reapply once the required investment is made.
•If the application was rejected due to a criminal record, you can reapply after a certain period.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Turkish Citizenship Application
1.What documents are required for a Turkish citizenship application?
The required documents for a Turkish citizenship application vary depending on the type of application, but generally include the following:
• Copy of identity card or passport
• Residence permit in Turkey
• Birth certificate
• Criminal record
• Documents showing income status
• Biometric photo
• Health report (in some cases)
2.How many years do I need to live in Turkey to apply for citizenship?
Generally, foreigners who have resided in Turkey for 5 continuous years can apply for citizenship. For those married to a Turkish citizen, this period is 3 years.
3.How long does it take to process a Turkish citizenship application?
The processing time for applications generally ranges from 6 months to 2 years. The process can be extended due to factors such as high demand or missing documents.
4.Can I obtain citizenship by making an investment in Turkey?
Yes. You can obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate worth 400,000 USD or more or by making an investment of 500,000 USD in capital.
5.Will I lose my previous citizenship when I become a Turkish citizen?
This depends on whether the country of your original citizenship allows dual nationality. Turkey permits dual citizenship.
6.Can I obtain Turkish citizenship by marriage?
Yes, but you must be married for at least 3 years and maintain a genuine family life.
7.Does every child born in Turkey automatically become a Turkish citizen?
No. Children with a Turkish mother or father automatically become Turkish citizens. However, children of foreign parents do not automatically acquire Turkish citizenship by birth.
8.How many years of residence in Turkey are required to apply for citizenship?
• For general citizenship applications, 5 years
• For those married to a Turkish citizen, 3 years
• For investment-based applications, immediate citizenship right
9.Can I reapply if my application is rejected?
Yes, you can reapply after addressing the reasons for rejection and providing any missing documents.
10.Why might my citizenship application be rejected?
The most common reasons include:
• Incomplete or incorrect documents
• Insufficient residence time in Turkey
• Serious criminal offenses in the criminal record
• Engaging in activities that disrupt public order
11.Can I change my surname after obtaining Turkish citizenship?
Yes, after obtaining Turkish citizenship, you can request a surname change at the civil registry office.
12.Is Turkish citizenship required to work in Turkey?
No. You can work in Turkey with a work permit. However, certain professions (such as law, medicine, and pharmacy) require citizenship.
13.Can I apply for Turkish citizenship online through e-government?
No, citizenship applications must be made in person at the Directorate General of Migration Management or the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
14.Can my family also obtain citizenship after I become a Turkish citizen?
Yes, your spouse and children under the age of 18 can also acquire citizenship along with you.
15.Is there an interview for Turkish citizenship?
Yes. In the final stages of your application, you may be interviewed by authorities regarding Turkish culture and language proficiency.
16.Will I have to serve in the military after obtaining Turkish citizenship?
Military service requirements for men over the age of 18 may vary depending on personal history and age. However, those who acquire citizenship through investment may be exempt from military service.
17.Is it mandatory to know the language for Turkish citizenship?
Yes, basic knowledge of Turkish is required for Turkish citizenship.
18.Can my child acquire citizenship if born in Turkey?
If either parent is a Turkish citizen, the child automatically becomes a citizen. A child born to foreign parents cannot acquire Turkish citizenship by birth.
19.Is it mandatory to own property in Turkey to apply for citizenship?
No. If applying through investment, purchasing real estate is required. However, there is no obligation to own property for general citizenship applications.
20.Is it mandatory to reside in Turkey to apply for citizenship?
Yes. In most cases, you must reside in Turkey for a specific period in order to apply for citizenship.
Conclusion
If your Turkish citizenship application is rejected, do not panic. Learn the reason for rejection and take appropriate legal steps.
•If the rejection was due to missing documents, reapply after completing the necessary documents.
•If you believe the rejection was based on a wrongful evaluation, use your appeal rights.
•If the rejection was legally unjust, file a lawsuit at the Administrative Court.
