How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship for Foreigners in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
Five years ago, the majority of applications for Turkish citizenship by foreigners (around 70%) were based on marriage or naturalization. Today, the landscape has shifted, with nearly half of the applicants being investors and entrepreneurs. This article delves into the various pathways to Turkish citizenship, the reasons to obtain it, and the required documentation. Overall, becoming a Turkish citizen is straightforward, does not require renouncing your original nationality, and the costs are offset by the numerous benefits of Turkish citizenship.
Conditions for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship
The acquisition of Turkish citizenship is regulated by Law No. 5901 of the Turkish Civil Code. There are three main pathways to citizenship:
1. Naturalization: Reside in Turkey for more than five years with a residence permit, secure employment, and housing.
2. Investment: Invest in Turkish assets, such as purchasing property worth more than $400,000.
3. Marriage: Marry a Turkish citizen.
There are also rare and exceptional cases for obtaining citizenship, which will be discussed alongside the primary methods in this article.
Turkish Citizenship by Naturalization
To obtain citizenship by naturalization, the following conditions must be met:
• Residency: Reside in Turkey for five continuous years. Absences up to six months are allowed. If treated abroad, this period can be extended. Residence based on a student permit counts as half-time.
• Intention to Reside: Show intent to reside in Turkey through actions such as purchasing property, starting a business, or seeking employment.
• Language Proficiency: Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the Turkish language during an interview.
• Financial Stability: Prove the ability to sustain oneself and dependents in Turkey.
• Age Requirement: Be an adult according to one’s own country’s laws.
• Security and Morality: Not pose a threat to national security and public order, and have good moral character, as assessed during an interview.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Foreign investors can obtain Turkish citizenship within 6 to 12 months through a simplified process by meeting one of the following criteria:
• Real Estate Investment: Purchase property worth at least $400,000. The property can be sold after three years while retaining citizenship.
• Business Investment: Invest $500,000 in Turkish company shares or create at least 50 jobs in Turkey.
• Bank Deposit: Deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank for three years.
• Government Bonds: Purchase Turkish government bonds worth $500,000 and hold them for three years.
• Venture Capital: Invest $500,000 in a Turkish venture capital fund for three years.
Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
Foreigners can apply for Turkish citizenship three years after marrying a Turkish citizen. Continuous residence in Turkey is not mandatory if both spouses live abroad.
Turkish Citizenship by Descent
Foreigners of Turkic descent can apply for citizenship through a simplified process. This includes individuals of Uighur or Meskhetian Turk descent.
Birthright Citizenship
Children born to at least one Turkish parent automatically receive Turkish citizenship, regardless of the place of birth. Additionally, children born in Turkey who do not acquire citizenship from their parents are eligible for Turkish citizenship.
Citizenship by Adoption
Foreign minors adopted by Turkish citizens can obtain citizenship upon the adoption decision.
Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart)
The Turquoise Card grants permanent residence, work, and business rights in Turkey. The initial card is issued for three years, after which it can be extended indefinitely if no major violations occur.
Exceptional Cases
Certain foreigners can receive Turkish citizenship on exceptional grounds, such as significant contributions to Turkey’s industrial, scientific, cultural, economic, or social projects, or for humanitarian reasons like refugees.
Why Live in Turkey?
Turkey’s appeal to expatriates is growing, with over a million foreigners holding residence permits as of March 2024. Key advantages include:
• Climate: Enjoy a Mediterranean climate on the coasts and a continental climate inland.
• Quality of Life: High-quality public services, modern housing, and abundant fresh produce year-round.
• Culture and History: Rich historical and cultural heritage.
• Healthcare: Modern medical facilities and affordable healthcare services.
• Education: Quality education systems with international standards.
• Residency: Easier to obtain residency by renting or purchasing property.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship
• Simple and Quick Process: Applications are processed within 180 days, typically around three months.
• Dual Citizenship: Retain your original nationality.
• Family Inclusion: Include multiple family members in one application.
• Visa-Free Travel: Access to 110+ countries, including Japan and Singapore.
• Business Opportunities: Lower tax rates, subsidies, and strategic location for international business.
Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship
Alongside the application form (VAT FORM 6), the following documents are needed:
1. Valid passport with at least six months remaining.
2. Six passport-sized photos.
3. Birth certificate.
4. Marital status certificate.
5. Power of attorney (if applicable).
6. Criminal record certificate.
All documents must be apostilled in the home country, translated, and notarized in Turkey. For investment-based citizenship, additional documents such as proof of investment and relevant ministry certificates are required.
Reasons for Denial of Turkish Citizenship
There are several common scenarios in which Turkey may deny citizenship to applicants:
• Tourist Visa: If the applicant has resided in Turkey on a tourist visa and applies for citizenship on that basis. A tourist visa does not demonstrate the intent to reside permanently in the country, which is a crucial requirement for obtaining Turkish citizenship.
• Marriage-Based Citizenship: Applications can be denied if the marriage is dissolved or if one spouse files for divorce during the application process. The law states that the applicant must have been married for at least three years and the marriage must not be a sham. Although the law does not specify that the marriage must be intact during the review process, a denial can be contested under these circumstances.
• Separate Living Arrangements: Citizenship applications based on marriage are likely to be denied if security services find that the spouses live separately. Appeals can be made if proof of cohabitation and a genuine marriage can be provided.
• Criminal Record: Applicants with a criminal record are frequently denied citizenship. However, not all types of convictions are grounds for denial, and denials can often be successfully contested with the help of citizenship lawyers.
If an application is denied, the applicant has 60 days to appeal the decision and provide additional explanations for the reasons for the denial.
Dual Citizenship
Turkish law allows for dual citizenship. Retaining one’s original citizenship does not affect the acquisition of Turkish citizenship. However, due to the principle of reciprocity in international law, if another country enforces a single citizenship policy, Turkey will not permit its citizens to hold dual nationality with that country. Countries that do not permit dual citizenship include Austria, Georgia, Montenegro, Tanzania, Azerbaijan, India, the Netherlands, Thailand, Bahrain, Indonesia, Nepal, Ukraine, China, Poland, UAE, Japan, Djibouti, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Andorra, Estonia, Malaysia, and Slovakia.
Military Service for Adult Male Citizens
Turkey mandates compulsory military service for male citizens who have reached the age of 21. Foreigners who obtain Turkish citizenship after the age of 22 are not subject to conscription, as stipulated by Law No. 6519, published in the Official Gazette on January 22, 2014. Each year, only 21-year-old male citizens are conscripted unless there are specific reasons for extending the draft age. However, if an immigrant enters Turkey before turning 21 and later becomes a citizen at, for example, age 30, they must still complete military service because they entered the country before turning 22.
Paid Exemption from Military Service
Turkish military law allows for a paid exemption from mandatory service. The exemption fee changes annually and is set at 182,608 lira (approximately $5,600) for 2024. To qualify for a paid exemption, an application must be submitted to the local conscription office ahead of time.
Conclusion
Obtaining Turkish citizenship offers numerous benefits, including simplified residency and investment opportunities, as well as strategic advantages from Turkey’s geographic location and thriving economy. Whether through naturalization, investment, or marriage, the process is designed to be accessible and rewarding for those seeking a new life in Turkey. With the added advantage of dual citizenship, Turkey provides a versatile option for global citizens looking to expand their horizons and enjoy a unique blend of cultural heritage, economic opportunity, and high quality of life.
