How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship – Turkey, a captivating blend of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse cultural heritage, has attracted numerous foreign nationals. With its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, along with its strong economy, Turkey presents a plethora of opportunities for those seeking a new home.

If you are considering applying for Turkish citizenship, this guide will walk you through the standard process step by step.

How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship

Below are what to note about applying for Turkish citizenship

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I. Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for Turkish citizenship, it is essential to determine if you are eligible. There are several ways to qualify for citizenship in Turkey, including:

  1. Birth: Individuals born to a Turkish mother or father can obtain citizenship by descent.
  2. Marriage: Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years may apply for citizenship.
  3. Investment: Investing a minimum of $250,000 in Turkish real estate, $500,000 in government bonds, or establishing a business that employs at least 50 Turkish citizens can grant you eligibility.
  4. Long-term residency: Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Turkey for at least five years without interruption may be eligible for citizenship.
  5. Exceptional circumstances: Individuals who have made significant contributions to Turkey’s economy, culture, or science may be granted citizenship by the President’s decision.

II. Required Documents

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To apply for Turkish citizenship, you will need to gather the following documents:

  1. Application Form: Complete the Turkish citizenship application form, which can be found on the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Interior’s Directorate General of Migration Management.
  2. Identity Documents: Provide a valid passport or equivalent identification document from your country of origin and four passport-sized photographs taken within the last six months.
  3.  Birth Certificate: An original or certified copy of your birth certificate and a notarized translation if the document is not in Turkish.
  1. Proof of Residency: A valid Turkish residence permit or proof of uninterrupted legal residence in Turkey for the required duration, depending on your eligibility criteria.
  2. Marriage Certificate: If applying based on marriage to a Turkish citizen, provide an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate along with a notarized translation if the document is not in Turkish.
  3. Proof of Investment: For applicants seeking citizenship through investment, provide the necessary documents that confirm your investment, such as title deeds, bank statements, or a letter from the Turkish Employment Agency.
  4. Criminal Record: A document that certifies you have no criminal record from your country of origin, along with a notarized translation if the document is not in Turkish. Additionally, provide a document from the Turkish authorities stating that you have not been involved in any criminal activities in Turkey.
  5. Health Certificate: A report from an authorized health institution in Turkey that certifies you are free from any infectious diseases and have a sound mental health.
  6. Language Proficiency: Proof of Turkish language proficiency, typically through a certificate from a recognized institution or a language proficiency exam.

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 Application Process

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, follow these steps to apply for Turkish citizenship:

  1. Submit your application: Depending on your eligibility criteria, submit your application form and required documents to the relevant Turkish authority. This could be the Directorate General of Migration Management, a Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, or a Turkish consulate or embassy in your country of origin.
  2. Attend an interview: After submitting and reviewing your application, you may be required to interview Turkish officials. The interview will assess your suitability for citizenship, including your Turkish history, culture, and language knowledge.
  3. Await the decision: The relevant authorities will review your application and make a decision. The processing time for Turkish citizenship applications can vary, but it typically takes around 3 to 6 months.
  4. Obtain a Citizenship Certificate: If your application is approved, you will be issued a Turkish Citizenship Certificate. You can use this document to obtain a Turkish ID card and passport.

 Dual Citizenship

Turkey allows dual citizenship, which means you can retain your original citizenship while also holding Turkish citizenship. However, it is essential to check the regulations of your country of origin to ensure they also permit dual citizenship.

Who is eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship?

A1: Individuals may be eligible for Turkish citizenship through birth, marriage to a Turkish citizen, investment, long-term residency, or exceptional circumstances, such as significant contributions to Turkey’s economy, culture, or science.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process a Turkish citizenship application?

The processing time for Turkish citizenship applications varies but typically takes around 3 to 6 months.

What documents are required for a Turkish citizenship application?

The required documents include a completed application form, valid passport or equivalent identification document, birth certificate, proof of residency, marriage certificate (if applicable), proof of investment (if applicable), criminal record, health certificate, and Turkish language proficiency certificate.

 Do I need to speak Turkish to apply for citizenship?

Yes, applicants for Turkish citizenship are generally required to demonstrate a certain level of Turkish language proficiency through a recognized language certificate or proficiency exam.

Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Turkey allows dual citizenship. However, it is essential to check the regulations of your country of origin to ensure they also permit dual citizenship.

Conclusion

Applying for Turkish citizenship is a standard process that involves fulfilling the eligibility criteria, gathering the required documents, and submitting an application. While the process can be lengthy and require a lot of paperwork, the benefits of Turkish citizenship, such as visa-free travel to over 100 countries and access to an expanding economy, make it an attractive option for many foreign nationals.

Proper planning and a thorough understanding of the requirements allow you to navigate the Turkish citizenship application process smoothly and successfully.