There are multiple ways that a foreigner who wants to acquire Turkish citizenship can apply, and each way has its own application conditions. In this information note, we have explained the ways and conditions of obtaining Turkish citizenship in general terms.
What Are The Ways To Qualify For Turkish Citizenship?
Turkish citizenship can be acquired through the decision of the competent authority, adoption, exercise of the right to choose and investment.
-Acquiring Turkish Citizenship by Decision of the Competent Authority
A foreigner who wants to acquire Turkish citizenship can acquire it with the decision of the competent authority if he meets the conditions specified in the Law. However, meeting the required conditions does not provide an absolute right to acquire citizenship.
The requirements for application are:
To be mature and discriminating according to their own national law or, if stateless, according to Turkish laws.
Residing in Turkey for five consecutive years, backwards from the date of application
Confirming with his/her actions that he/she has decided to settle in Turkey
Not having a disease that poses a danger to general health
Having good morals
Being able to speak Turkish enough
To have an income or occupation that will provide for himself and his dependents in Turkey
Not to be in a situation that would constitute an obstacle in terms of national security and public order.
This type of acquisition is also called gaining Turkish citizenship in the general way.
-Obtaining Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Foreigners who meet one of the following conditions and are not in a state to threat national security and public order can acquire Turkish citizenship.
Conditions for acquiring Turkish citizenship by investment:
Foreigners who bring a fixed capital investment of at least 500,000 USD or equivalent in foreign currency or Turkish lira, or
Those who have purchased immovable property worth at least USD 250,000 or equivalent in foreign currency or have signed a preliminary sales contract, provided that they do not sell within three years from the date of purchase (It will increase to USD 400,000 soon after its publication in the Official Gazette.)
Those who deposit a minimum of USD 500,000 in Turkish banks, provided that it is not withdrawn for three years, or those who purchase government debt instruments
Those who purchase real estate investment fund participation shares or venture capital investment funds with at least 500,000 USD or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish lira
Those who employ at least 50 people.
-Obtaining Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
Marriage with a Turkish citizen does not directly give a foreigner right to acquire Turkish citizenship. However, foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and whose marriage continues can apply to acquire Turkish citizenship. In applicants;
Living in family unity,
Not engaging in an activity incompatible with the union of marriage,
Conditions not to be in a situation that would constitute an obstacle in terms of national security and public order are sought.
Foreigners who acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage, in case of decision to nullify the marriage, retain their Turkish citizenship if they are in good faith in marriage.
-Acquiring Turkish Citizenship Through Adoption
A minor who has been adopted by a Turkish citizen may acquire Turkish citizenship as of the date of the decision, provided that he does not have a situation that would constitute an obstacle in terms of national security and public order.
-Acquiring Turkish Citizenship with the Right to Choose
Children who lose their Turkish citizenship due to their parents can acquire Turkish citizenship by using their right to choose within three years from their adulthood.
How Long Does İt Take For Citizenship Applications To Be Concluded?
If citizenship applications are made individually, they are concluded in an average of 2 years, while applications made through a lawyer give results within 6 months.
I Have Been Residing İn Turkey With A Residence Permit For 5 Years, Can I Apply For Turkish Citizenship?
Although the answer to this question is YES in general terms, the type of residence held when applying is of great importance here. As a matter of fact, if you are a person residing in Turkey with a 'Student Residence Permit' or 'Touristic Residence Permit' at the time of application, your application will not even be considered. Since it is a process that includes this and many other details, it is strongly recommended that applications for Turkish citizenship be made through a lawyer.
You can contact us via our website, e-mail address or contact numbers to get more detailed information about how to acquire Turkish citizenship from the Ünal & Partners Legal Team, what are the ways to acquire Turkish citizenship or the conditions for obtaining Turkish citizenship.
Ünal § Partners Legal Team
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