For many foreign nationals, obtaining Turkish citizenship is a relevant and appealing goal. Holding a Turkish passport offers the freedom to live and work in the country, visa-free access to 126 countries, and access to various social benefits and tax incentives. There are several paths to becoming a citizen of the Republic of Turkey:
- Naturalizatio
- Investment in real estate or the Turkish economy
- Marriage to a Turkish citizen
- Citizenship through descent
- Exceptional service to the state
Citizenship Through Naturalization
Foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for over five years may apply for citizenship through naturalization. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Proficiency in Turkish (you’ll need to pass a language exam)
- No criminal record
- Financial means to support oneself and dependents
- Continuous residence in Turkey for the past five years (with no more than 180 days spent outside the country per year)
If any issues arise during the process, you can turn to specialized firms for assistance. For example, a lawyer in Antalya or other Turkish cities can help collect and submit the necessary documents.
Citizenship by Investment
If you have sufficient capital, you can obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment through one of the following options:
- A minimum capital investment of $500,000, confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Technology
- Purchase of real estate worth at least $400,000 (with a notarized contract including a three-year no-sale clause)
- Creating at least 50 jobs in Turkey
- Depositing a minimum of $500,000 in a Turkish bank, with a commitment to keep the funds for at least three years
- Purchasing government bonds or shares in an investment fund for a minimum of $500,000
Citizenship Through Marriage
If you marry a Turkish citizen, you are eligible to apply for a residence permit. After three years of living together as a married couple, you can apply for citizenship—provided you can prove the marriage is genuine and ongoing. This involves an interview with the Migration Office, and the applicant must speak Turkish proficiently.
Citizenship by Descent
Children automatically receive Turkish citizenship if at least one parent is a Turkish citizen. However, if the child was not registered with the Turkish population registry before turning 18, the authorities will first verify the legal basis for granting citizenship before issuing a passport.
Note: Turkey does not grant citizenship based on birthplace alone.
Citizenship for Exceptional Contributions
Foreigners who have made notable contributions to Turkey’s development may be granted citizenship in recognition of their achievements. These contributions may include:
- Major accomplishments in business or the economy
- Groundbreaking scientific discoveries
- Internationally recognized sports achievements
- Contributions to Turkish culture
Applicants in this category must first obtain a Turquoise Card. Three years after receiving the card, they may apply for full citizenship.
Expert Legal Support
To simplify the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship, consider working with a trusted Turkish citizenship law firm with expertise in immigration and naturalization cases. The attorneys at Tuncay&Barcın Law Office have extensive experience in their field and offer comprehensive services for legalizing your status in Turkey. From preparing documents and communicating with government authorities to guiding you through every step of the process — their support will help you obtain Turkish citizenship smoothly and in a short time.
