Turkish Citizenship

Turkey offers several pathways for foreigners to obtain Turkish citizenship, including investment, marriage, long-term residence, and exceptional circumstances. The most popular route for investors is through the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program, which allows foreigners to acquire citizenship by purchasing real estate or making other qualifying investments.

Ways to Obtain Turkish Citizenship

  1. Citizenship by Investment
    • Investing in real estate or other qualifying assets.
  2. Citizenship by Marriage
    • Marrying a Turkish citizen and maintaining the marriage for at least 3 years.
  3. Citizenship by Long-Term Residency
    • Residing legally in Turkey for at least 5 years.
  4. Exceptional Citizenship
    • Granted based on contributions to Turkey (e.g., scientists, athletes, or special cases).
  5. Citizenship by Birth
    • Automatically granted to children born to a Turkish parent.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CIP)

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Turkish citizenship through investment, you must meet one of the following:

  1. Real Estate Investment:
    • Purchase real estate worth at least $400,000 (or equivalent in TRY).
    • Property must be held for a minimum of 3 years.
  2. Capital Investment:
    • Invest $500,000 (or equivalent) in fixed capital, government bonds, or Turkish banks for at least 3 years.
  3. Job Creation:
    • Create employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens.

Step-by-Step Process for Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

1. Purchase Eligible Property

  • Choose property worth at least $400,000.
  • Obtain a real estate valuation report (Ekspertiz Raporu) confirming the property’s market value.
  • Pay through a Turkish bank to document the transaction.

2. Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility

  • Apply to the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü) after purchasing the property.
  • They issue a certificate confirming that the investment meets the citizenship requirements.

3. Apply for a Residence Permit

  • Apply for a short-term residence permit under the investment program.
  • Required documents:
    • Passport and biometric photos.
    • Proof of property ownership (Tapu).
    • Health insurance.
    • Proof of investment.

4. Submit the Citizenship Application

  • Submit your application to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi) or the Citizenship Office (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri).

Required Documents:

  1. Application Form: Completed citizenship application form.
  2. Passports: Translated and notarized copies of your passport.
  3. Biometric Photos: Eight recent passport-sized photos.
  4. Residence Permit: Proof of valid residency in Turkey.
  5. Certificate of Eligibility: Issued by the Tapu Office or relevant authority.
  6. Civil Documents:
    • Birth certificate.
    • Marital status certificate (marriage/divorce/death certificates).
    • Apostille-certified and translated versions.
  7. Proof of Investment: Bank receipts, valuation reports, and Tapu documents.
  8. Background Check: Police clearance certificate from your home country.

5. Attend the Interview

  • The application process may include an interview with Turkish authorities to verify details.

6. Receive Turkish Citizenship

  • Citizenship approval typically takes 3–6 months. Once approved, you receive a certificate of naturalization and can apply for a Turkish passport.

Costs Associated with Citizenship by Investment

  1. Property Purchase Costs:
    • At least $400,000 for real estate.
    • Additional taxes and fees (around 3%–4% of the property’s value).
  2. Government Fees:
    • Citizenship application fee: 7,500–10,000 TRY (varies by family size).
  3. Other Costs:
    • Notary and translation fees.
    • Real estate valuation report fee: $1,000–$2,000.
    • Legal advisor fees (optional).

Other Routes to Turkish Citizenship

Marriage to a Turkish Citizen

  • Requirements:
    • Be married for at least 3 years.
    • Prove genuine intent of the marriage (not fraudulent).
    • Continue to live together as a married couple.

Long-Term Residence

  • Reside in Turkey legally for 5 consecutive years without significant interruptions.
  • Demonstrate financial stability and intent to settle in Turkey.
  • Provide no criminal record.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship

  1. Dual Citizenship:
    • Turkey allows dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your current nationality.
  2. Visa-Free Travel:
    • Access to over 120 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
  3. Access to Social Services:
    • Free public healthcare and education for citizens.
  4. Work and Business Opportunities:
    • Full rights to work, own businesses, and access financial benefits in Turkey.
  5. Turkish Passport:
    • Ranked among the top passports for mobility.