Turkey offers multiple pathways for foreign nationals seeking Turkish citizenship. Governed by Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship and the associated regulations, these pathways include investment, marriage, and long-term residence, each with specific requirements. This guide outlines the main legal options for foreign nationals to obtain Turkish citizenship, focusing on eligibility, the application process, and legal considerations.
One of the most popular routes for foreign nationals to obtain Turkish citizenship is through investment. Introduced in 2017, the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program allows foreigners to acquire citizenship by making a qualifying investment in Turkey.
Investors must submit an application to the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM), providing evidence of the investment and meeting other criteria such as clean criminal records and health insurance. The process can take several months, and applicants are granted permanent residency before final approval for citizenship.
Foreign nationals married to a Turkish citizen can apply for citizenship after three years of marriage. To qualify, the marriage must be genuine and continuous, and the couple must demonstrate that they are living together in Turkey.
Applicants must prove that their marriage is not fraudulent and that they have not engaged in activities that could harm public order or national security. In cases of divorce, the foreign national may lose eligibility unless they meet other criteria for citizenship.
The application for citizenship through marriage is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. The process includes interviews and background checks to verify the validity of the marriage.
Children born to a Turkish parent, whether inside or outside of Turkey, are automatically granted Turkish citizenship. However, children born to foreign parents in Turkey are not automatically eligible for citizenship unless one of the parents is a Turkish citizen.
Individuals who can prove Turkish descent can apply for citizenship. This typically involves providing documents such as birth certificates and records that show a direct lineage to a Turkish citizen.
Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Turkey for five consecutive years can apply for Turkish citizenship. During this time, the individual must have maintained a valid residence permit and not left Turkey for extended periods.
Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the Turkish language, financial stability, and a clean criminal record. In addition, they must prove that they have integrated into Turkish society, such as through employment or social ties.
Applications are submitted through the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM), and the applicant may be required to attend an interview to assess their integration into Turkish life.
In 2023, the Turkish government increased the minimum real estate investment requirement for citizenship from $250,000 USD to $400,000 USD. This move aimed to attract high-value investors while regulating the growing demand for Turkish citizenship by investment.
Turkey has streamlined the citizenship-by-investment process, reducing the time it takes for applicants to receive residency and eventually citizenship. This is part of an ongoing effort to attract foreign investment to boost the Turkish economy.
Turkey offers a variety of pathways for foreign nationals to obtain citizenship, each with its own specific requirements and processes. Whether through investment, marriage, or long-term residence, understanding the legal framework and staying updated on recent changes can help applicants successfully navigate the citizenship application process.