Turkish Citizenship for Foreigners

This study meticulously details the legal principles and application stages for a foreign national seeking to acquire Republic of Turkey citizenship under the Turkish Citizenship Law (Law No: 5901) and within the framework of relevant legislation.

1. General Principles Regarding the Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship

Turkish citizenship can fundamentally be acquired in two different ways: Citizenship Acquired at Birth and Citizenship Acquired Subsequently.

●       Citizenship Acquired at Birth:

○       Principle of Descent (Jus Sanguinis): A child born to a Turkish citizen mother or father is a Turkish citizen, regardless of the place of birth.

○       Principle of Place of Birth (Jus Soli - exceptional): A child born in Turkey to foreign parents does not acquire Turkish citizenship. However, children born in Turkey whose parents are unknown or who are stateless are Turkish citizens.

●       Citizenship Acquired Subsequently: This refers to citizenship obtained through a decision of the competent authority, adoption, marriage, exceptional circumstances, or immigration to Turkey, provided certain conditions are met. Your client's application will be evaluated under this category.

2. Methods of Acquiring Turkish Citizenship Subsequently by Decision of Competent Authority

Pursuant to Article 10 of the Turkish Citizenship Law, foreigners who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship by decision of the competent authority may acquire Turkish citizenship by decision of the Ministry of Interior, provided that they meet the conditions specified in the law. These methods and conditions are detailed below:

2.1. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship in General (Turkish Citizenship Law Article 11)

This method is the most common application route for foreigners wishing to acquire Turkish citizenship and requires the cumulative fulfillment of specific conditions.

a) Conditions:

1.     To be of Full Age and Have Discretionary Power According to Their Own National Law: The foreigner must be of legal age according to their own country's laws and possess the capacity to exercise their rights (discretionary power). If stateless, they must meet these conditions according to Turkish law.

2.     To Have Resided in Turkey Continuously for Five Years as of the Application Date: This is one of the most important conditions. They must have lived in Turkey continuously for at least five years with a residence permit or through other legal means. Continuous residence means not having been abroad for more than a total of six months within the residence period. Residences for educational or medical purposes, or for work or tourism purposes, may be evaluated under specific conditions for the calculation of this period.

3.     To Confirm Their Decision to Settle in Turkey by Their Conduct: It is not sufficient for the foreigner to be physically present in Turkey; they must also prove their intention to settle permanently. This can be demonstrated through conduct such as:

○       Acquiring immovable property in Turkey.

○       Establishing a business in Turkey.

○       Making investments in Turkey.

○       Engaging in commercial activities.

○       Marrying a Turkish citizen.

○       Having previously applied for Turkish citizenship.

○       Learning Turkish.

○       Enrolling their children in education in Turkey.

○       Other behaviors demonstrating adaptation to Turkish culture and lifestyle.

4.     Not to Have a Disease That Poses a Danger to Public Health in Terms of General Health: 

The applicant must not have a contagious or serious disease that could pose a risk to the public health system in Turkey. This is confirmed by health reports.

5.     To Be of Good Moral Character: 

The foreigner must be recognized as having good morals and being trustworthy in the eyes of society. This is demonstrated by a clean criminal record, not having engaged in behavior contrary to general moral rules, and having adapted to social order. Not being involved in illegal activities is included in this scope.

6.     To Be Able to Speak Turkish Sufficiently: 

The foreigner is expected to have a basic level of Turkish, sufficient to communicate in daily life, express themselves, and understand simple topics. This condition may be tested during an interview.

7.     To Have a Regular Income or Profession in Turkey to Support Themselves and Their Dependents: 

The foreigner must have a regular income obtained through legal means in Turkey or a profession that can support themselves and any dependent family members. This aims to prevent undeclared employment and ensure they do not become a burden on society.

8.     Not to Pose an Obstacle in Terms of National Security and Public Order: 

It is essential that the foreigner does not pose any threat to the security or public order of the Turkish State. Involvement with terrorist organizations, organized crime activities, or behavior that could disrupt the internal peace of the country are evaluated in this context. A detailed investigation by relevant security units is conducted to determine this condition.

b) Application Process:

1.     Application Authority: Generally, Turkish citizenship applications are made to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs in the province where the foreigner resides. Abroad, applications can be made to Turkish Republic foreign representations (embassy or consulate general).

2.     Required Documents: An application form, passport or travel document, identity document, civil status document (marriage certificate, divorce decree), birth certificate, residence documents, documents showing income status, health report, language proficiency documents (if requested), two biometric photographs, and a receipt showing that the application fee has been paid are required. Originals of documents and notarized Turkish translations are necessary.

3.     Interview and Investigation: After the application, an interview is conducted with the foreigner. In this interview, Turkish proficiency, intention to settle in Turkey, and general knowledge are assessed. Additionally, security units conduct an investigation to determine if the applicant poses any obstacle in terms of national security and public order. These investigations aim to gather detailed information about the foreigner's background, their situation in their home country, and their activities in Turkey.

4.     Evaluation and Decision: The relevant authorities (Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs and the Ministry of Interior) evaluate all collected information and documents. If it is determined that the conditions are fully met and there are no negative findings, Turkish citizenship is granted by decision of the Ministry of Interior. If a negative decision is made, the grounds for refusal are notified to the applicant, and administrative judicial review is available.

2.2. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship in Exceptional Cases (Turkish Citizenship Law Article 12)

This article offers the opportunity for foreigners who can make significant contributions to Turkey or who have special circumstances to acquire Turkish citizenship without fulfilling general conditions.

a) Conditions:

1.     Persons Who Bring Industrial Facilities to Turkey or Who Have Performed or Are Deemed to Perform Extraordinary Services in the Fields of Science, Technology, Economy, Society, Sports, Art, and Culture: This category targets major investors who will make concrete contributions to the country's development, internationally recognized scientists, athletes, artists, or individuals with special talents. They may be proposed by relevant ministries (e.g., Ministry of Industry and Technology, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Youth and Sports).

2.     Persons Whose Naturalization is Deemed Necessary: Individuals whose naturalization is critically important for Turkey's national interests fall into this category. This usually covers situations that require the state's special discretionary power and involve confidentiality.

3.     Persons Accepted as Immigrants: Persons of Turkish descent who have strong ties to Turkish culture and are accepted as immigrants by a Cabinet decision.

4.     Persons Who Make a Certain Amount of Fixed Capital Investment: As of 2025, foreigners who make a fixed capital investment of at least 500,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency/Turkish Lira, as determined by the Ministry of Interior. This investment must be confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.

5.     Persons Who Purchase Immovable Property of a Certain Value: As of 2025, foreigners who purchase immovable property worth at least 400,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency/Turkish Lira, as determined by the Ministry of Interior. A annotation must be placed in the land registry records stating that the property will not be sold for at least three years, and this must be confirmed by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. This investment can be fulfilled with a single property or with multiple properties totaling the required amount.

6.     Persons Who Create a Certain Number of Jobs: As of 2025, foreigners who create employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens, as determined by the Ministry of Interior. This must be confirmed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

7.     Persons Who Hold a Certain Amount of Deposits in Banks: As of 2025, foreigners who deposit at least 500,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency/Turkish Lira in banks operating in Turkey and undertake not to withdraw this deposit for at least three years, as determined by the Ministry of Interior. This must be confirmed by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency.

8.     Persons Who Purchase Government Debt Instruments: As of 2025, foreigners who purchase government debt instruments worth at least 500,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency/Turkish Lira, as determined by the Ministry of Interior, and undertake to hold them for at least three years. This must be confirmed by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.

9.     Persons Who Purchase Real Estate Investment Fund Participation Shares or Venture Capital Investment Fund Participation Shares: As of 2025, foreigners who purchase real estate investment fund participation shares or venture capital investment fund participation shares worth at least 500,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency/Turkish Lira, as determined by the Ministry of Interior, and undertake to hold them for at least three years. This must be confirmed by the Capital Markets Board.

b) Application Process:

1.     Proposal and Examination: Exceptional citizenship applications are evaluated upon the proposal of the relevant ministries (Ministry of Industry and Technology for economic investments, other ministries for other fields).

2.     Ministry of Interior Decision: The situation of the proposed foreigners is evaluated by the Ministry of Interior, and a final decision is made. In this process, some conditions such as residence period or Turkish language proficiency, as required for general citizenship, are not sought.

2.3. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Marriage (Turkish Citizenship Law Article 16)

Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not directly grant Turkish citizenship; however, it provides the right to apply for Turkish citizenship under certain conditions.

a) Conditions:

1.     To Have Been Married to a Turkish Citizen for at Least Three Years: The marriage must have lasted at least three years and must be ongoing at the time of application.

2.     The Marriage Must Continue: The marital union must exist legally and factually at the time of application.

3.     To Live Within a Family Union: There must be a factual situation indicating that the spouses are living together as a family unit. Situations that create the appearance of a continuing marital union while living separately are not accepted.

4.     Not to Engage in Activities Incompatible with the Marital Union: The applicant must not abuse the marriage, must live in a genuine family union with their Turkish citizen spouse, and must not engage in behaviors indicating that the marriage was made solely for the purpose of acquiring citizenship. Being married to another person or engaging in extramarital affairs may be considered activities incompatible with the marital union.

5.     Not to Pose an Obstacle in Terms of National Security and Public Order: It is essential that the applicant does not pose any threat to the security or public order of the Turkish State. This condition is strictly sought in all citizenship applications.

b) Application Process:

1.     Application Authority: Applications for citizenship by marriage are also made to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs in the province where the foreigner resides. Abroad, applications are made to Turkish Republic foreign representations.

2.     Required Documents: An application form, passport, marriage certificate, family registration sample, residence permit, and two biometric photographs taken within the last two years are requested.

3.     Interview and Investigation: After the application, an interview is conducted with both the applicant foreigner and the Turkish citizen spouse, separately and/or together. In these interviews, it is investigated whether the marriage is genuine, whether the family union continues, and whether there is any situation incompatible with the marital union. Additionally, security units conduct an investigation into the foreigner's national security and public order status.

4.     Evaluation and Decision: If it is determined that the conditions are met as a result of the examination and interviews, a citizenship decision is made by the Ministry of Interior.

2.4. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Adoption (Turkish Citizenship Law Article 17)

A foreigner adopted by a Turkish citizen may acquire Turkish citizenship under certain conditions.

a) Conditions:

1.     To Be Adopted by a Turkish Citizen: The adoption decision must have been issued by Turkish courts.

2.     Not to Pose an Obstacle in Terms of National Security and Public Order: It is essential that the adopted person does not pose a threat to the security or public order of the Turkish State.

3.     Not to Be of Full Age at the Time of Adoption: The adopted person must not have reached legal age (i.e., not have completed 18 years of age) at the time the adoption decision was made. Citizenship cannot be acquired through the adoption of adults.

b) Application Process:

1.     Application Authority: Provincial Directorates of Population and Citizenship Affairs or foreign representations.

2.     Required Documents: Certified copy of the adoption decision, identity and birth certificate of the adopted person, identity document of the adopting Turkish citizen, and other relevant documents.

3.     Examination and Decision: A decision is made by the Ministry of Interior based on the examination of documents and the security investigation.

2.5. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Right of Option (Turkish Citizenship Law Article 21)

Acquisition of citizenship by right of option generally refers to the re-acquisition of Turkish citizenship by persons who have lost it or by persons in special situations specified in the Law, by exercising this right within certain periods.

a) Conditions (Examples):

●       Persons Who Lost Turkish Citizenship with Permission and Their Descendants: Children of persons who obtained permission to lose Turkish citizenship, if they lost citizenship due to their parents, may re-acquire Turkish citizenship by exercising the right of option within three years of reaching legal age.

●       Situations Specified in Turkish Citizenship Law Provisional Article 1: Some special legal regulations have granted the right of option to persons who lost Turkish citizenship during certain periods.

b) Application Process:

1.     Application Within the Period: The application is made to the Provincial Directorates of Population and Citizenship Affairs or foreign representations within the periods specified in the law (usually within three years of reaching legal age).

2.     Required Documents: Documents showing previous citizenship status, lineage, and intention to exercise the right of option.

3.     Examination and Decision: The right to citizenship is acquired upon examination of documents and approval by the relevant authorities.

2.6. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship as an Immigrant (Turkish Citizenship Law Article 22)

This article regulates the acquisition of Turkish citizenship by foreigners, especially those of Turkish descent or with certain cultural ties, upon their immigration to Turkey.

a) Conditions:

●       To Be of Turkish Descent and Accepted as an Immigrant to Turkey: Persons of Turkish descent who are accepted as "immigrants" in accordance with the procedures specified in the Law may acquire Turkish citizenship upon obtaining immigrant status. It is essential that these persons have strong ties to Turkish culture and identity.

●       Not to Pose an Obstacle in Terms of National Security and Public Order: This condition is sought, as in other ways of acquiring citizenship.

b) Application Process:

1.     Acquisition of Immigrant Status: First, the foreigner of Turkish descent must apply to the relevant authorities (e.g., Directorate General of Migration Management) for immigrant status and acquire this status.

2.     Acquisition of Citizenship: Upon obtaining immigrant status, Turkish citizenship is acquired by decision of the relevant authority.

3. Common Steps and Important Considerations in the Turkish Citizenship Application Process

Although the citizenship acquisition methods mentioned above involve different conditions and processes, there are common steps that applicants generally need to follow and important considerations they need to pay attention to:

a) Common Steps:

1.     Preparation of Required Documents: The documents specifically determined for each type of citizenship (passport, identity document, birth certificate, civil status document, residence documents, income statement, health report, biometric photographs, etc.) must be prepared completely. Notarized Turkish translations of foreign language documents are mandatory. Submitting fake or misleading documents will directly lead to the rejection of the application and legal sanctions.

2.     Submission of Application: The application is made in person to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (affiliated with the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs) in the province where the foreigner resides, or to Turkish Republic foreign representations (embassy or consulate general) abroad. In some cases (e.g., citizenship by investment), applications may also be channeled through relevant ministries.

3.     Interview: An interview is generally conducted with the foreigner applying for citizenship. In this interview, the applicant's Turkish language proficiency, adaptation to Turkey, interest in Turkish culture and lifestyle, intention to settle in Turkey, and other conditions related to the application are assessed. In citizenship applications by marriage, in-depth interviews are conducted to ascertain whether the marriage is genuine and whether the family union continues.

4.     Security Investigation and Archive Screening: A detailed investigation and archive screening are conducted by the National Intelligence Organization, General Directorate of Security, and other relevant security units regarding the applicant. This investigation aims to determine whether the foreigner poses any risk in terms of national security and public order. Citizenship applications from individuals with ties to terrorist organizations, a history of organized crime, or any situation that could threaten the country's security are rejected.

5.     Evaluation and Decision: All information, documents, interview results, and security investigation reports are meticulously evaluated by the relevant authorities (Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior). If it is determined that the conditions are fully met and there are no negative findings, Turkish citizenship is granted by decision of the Ministry of Interior.

6.     Issuance of Citizenship Certificate: After the citizenship decision, a citizenship certificate is issued showing that the foreigner is a Turkish citizen. With this document, a Turkish identity card and passport can be applied for.

b) Important Considerations:

1.     Legal Consultation: The process of acquiring Turkish citizenship can be complex from a bureaucratic and legal perspective. Making an accurate and complete application is of great importance for expediting the process and achieving a positive outcome. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to seek support from a lawyer or a consultant specializing in citizenship law.

2.     Timeframes: The time it takes for citizenship applications to be finalized can vary depending on the application method, the completeness of documents, and the depth of the security investigation. Some exceptional cases or citizenship by investment applications may be finalized more quickly, while general applications may take longer.

3.     Rejection and Right to Appeal: If the application is rejected, the grounds for refusal are notified to the applicant. Against this decision, there is a right to file an appeal in administrative courts (Administrative Court) within 60 days from the notification date.

4.     Dual Citizenship: Turkish law, in principle, accepts dual citizenship. However, the citizenship laws of the foreigner's own country may stipulate the loss of their own citizenship upon acquiring another. This requires the applicant to research their own country's relevant legislation.

5.     Consequences of Acquiring Citizenship: Upon acquiring Turkish citizenship, the person gains full rights and obligations under the Turkish Constitution and laws. This includes rights and obligations such as the right to vote and be elected, the right to enter public service, and military service obligation (for males).

This document serves as a general guide for your client regarding the process of acquiring Turkish Republic citizenship. As each individual's situation may differ, it is highly recommended to seek detailed legal consultation before applying.