As Akkas & Associates Law Firm, a leading full-service law firm in Istanbul providing comprehensive legal services since 1992, our experienced Turkish citizenship lawyers understand that acquiring Turkish citizenship is a significant milestone for many individuals and families worldwide.
Acquiring Turkish citizenship through investment is an attractive opportunity for many foreign nationals, offering benefits like visa-free travel and dual citizenship. However, the process can be complex and requires expert legal guidance to navigate effectively. Leveraging the expertise of experienced Turkish citizenship lawyers is essential to navigate the process smoothly and maximize the benefits of this remarkable opportunity.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Turkish Citizenship?
- Primary Pathways to Turkish Citizenship
- Pathway 1: Turkish Citizenship by Investment – The Golden Opportunity
- Pathway 2: Turkish Citizenship by Naturalization (Ordinary Naturalization)
- Pathway 3: Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
- Pathway 4: Turkish Citizenship by Birth or Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
- Pathway 5: Exceptional Citizenship for Special Contributions
- General Documents and Application Process Tips
- Contact our Turkish Citizenship Lawyers in Istanbul
Why Choose Turkish Citizenship?
Beyond the intrinsic value of holding a passport from a nation that bridges East and West, Turkish citizenship offers a myriad of benefits. These include:
- Global Mobility: The Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 118 countries, enhancing international travel and business opportunities.
- Economic Opportunities: Turkey boasts a dynamic and growing economy, offering investment prospects and a favorable business environment.
- Strategic Location: Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey serves as a hub for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
- Quality of Life: Enjoy a high quality of life with affordable living costs, excellent healthcare, and a welcoming society.
- Family Inclusion: Most citizenship programs allow for the inclusion of spouses and dependent children under 18, providing a holistic solution for families.
- Dual Nationality: Turkish law permits dual nationality, meaning you generally do not have to renounce your current citizenship.
Understanding these advantages is the first step in appreciating the value of a Turkish passport. Now, let’s delve into the primary avenues for acquiring Turkish citizenship.
Primary Pathways to Turkish Citizenship
Turkish citizenship grants individuals full rights and privileges within the Republic of Turkey, including the right to live, work, and invest freely within the country’s borders. Turkish citizens can visit 118 countries without a visa or by getting a visa on arrival, making the Turkish passport one of the most valuable travel documents globally.
The Turkish government has streamlined several citizenship pathways to attract qualified foreign investors, professionals, and individuals who can contribute to the country’s economic and social development.
Turkey offers several legal routes to citizenship, each tailored to different profiles and circumstances:
| Pathway | Key Requirements | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by Investment | Minimum $400,000 real estate purchase or $500,000 bank deposit; hold for 3 years | Approx. 6 months |
| Citizenship by Residency | Continuous legal residence in Turkey for 5 years, language proficiency, stable income | Typically 1 year after 5-year residency |
| Citizenship by Marriage | Married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years, genuine marriage proof | Varies, usually 1-2 years |
| Citizenship by Birth or Descent | At least one Turkish parent | Immediate at birth or via registration |
| Special Merit (Turquoise Card) | Exceptional achievements in science, culture, business, or sports | Case-by-case basis |
Pathway 1: Turkish Citizenship by Investment – The Golden Opportunity
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program remains one of the most popular and fastest routes for foreign nationals. Introduced to attract foreign capital and stimulate the Turkish economy, this program offers a streamlined path to citizenship in a relatively short timeframe, often within 3 to 6 months.
Qualifying Investment Options:
To be eligible for Turkish citizenship by investment, applicants must make one of the following qualifying investments, which must generally be held for a minimum of three years:
- Real Estate Purchase: The most favored option involves purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 USD. This can be a single property or multiple properties. The property must be valued by a government-approved appraiser, and stricter regulations are in place to prevent fraudulent property evaluations. For those considering this route, it’s crucial to perform thorough due diligence on the property and engage with reputable real estate professionals.
- Bank Deposit: Deposit at least $500,000 USD into a Turkish bank account, with the condition to maintain the deposit for three years. The deposit can be in USD, EUR, or Turkish Lira.
- Fixed Capital Investment: Make a fixed capital investment of at least $500,000 USD in a Turkish business, as attested by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. This could involve investing in manufacturing, technology, or other industrial sectors that contribute to Turkey’s economic growth.
- Government Bonds: Purchase government bonds worth at least $500,000 USD, held for a minimum of three years.
- Job Creation: Establish a business that creates employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens, as verified by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services. This option requires sustained employment for three years.
The Investment Process:
The process for citizenship by investment generally involves:
- Choosing an Investment: Selecting the most suitable investment option.
- Due Diligence: Conducting comprehensive due diligence on the chosen investment.
- Opening a Turkish Bank Account: Essential for transferring investment funds.
- Completing the Investment: Finalizing the property purchase, bank deposit, or other qualifying investment.
- Obtaining a Certificate of Conformity: This is issued by the relevant government authority, confirming the investment meets the criteria.
- Applying for a Residence Permit: A short-term residence permit is usually granted to allow the applicant to stay in Turkey while the citizenship application is processed.
- Submitting the Citizenship Application: A detailed application, including personal background, investment proof, and all notarized and translated documents, is submitted to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
- Security Checks and Approval: The Ministry of Interior conducts thorough background checks.
- Receiving Citizenship: Upon approval, the applicant and included family members are granted Turkish citizenship.
Given the significant financial implications and legal complexities of the investment route, securing expert legal guidance is paramount. Akkas & Associates Law Firm specializes in this area, ensuring a smooth and compliant process for our clients.
Pathway 2: Turkish Citizenship by Naturalization (Ordinary Naturalization)
For foreign nationals who have resided in Turkey for an extended period, citizenship by naturalization offers a viable pathway. This method is based on demonstrating continuous residence and integration into Turkish society.
Key Requirements for Naturalization:
- Continuous Legal Residence: Applicants must have resided legally in Turkey for at least five consecutive years prior to the application date. During this period, applicants should not have stayed outside Turkey for more than six months.
- Intention to Settle: Demonstrate a genuine intention to settle permanently in Turkey. This can be evidenced by having a stable job, owning property, or establishing a business.
- Financial Self-Sufficiency: Provide proof of sufficient income to support yourself and your dependents without becoming a burden on the state. This can include bank statements, employment contracts, or proof of business ownership.
- Good Moral Character: Applicants must have a clean criminal record from both Turkey and their home country and exhibit good behavior.
- Turkish Language Proficiency: Possess a basic understanding of the Turkish language, which is generally assessed during an interview. While not a rigorous exam, it’s important to demonstrate an ability to communicate.
- No Threat to Public Order or National Security: The applicant must not pose any threat to Turkey’s public order or national security.
- No Contagious Diseases: A medical certificate from a recognized Turkish hospital or clinic may be requested to confirm the absence of diseases that pose a threat to public health.
The process for ordinary naturalization is typically longer than the investment route, often taking between 12 and 18 months, or even longer depending on individual circumstances and the workload of the authorities.
Pathway 3: Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically confer Turkish citizenship. However, it provides a pathway for foreign spouses to apply for citizenship after meeting specific conditions, highlighting the principle that family unity is valued.
Conditions for Citizenship by Marriage:
- Duration of Marriage: The foreign national must have been legally married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years at the time of application.
- Genuine Marriage: The couple must be genuinely living together as a family unit and maintaining the marital union. Authorities may verify this through interviews, home visits, or document checks.
- No Activities Incompatible with Family Unity: The applicant must not engage in activities that are incompatible with the marriage union, nor pose a threat to national security or public order.
- Good Faith: If the marriage ends due to the death of the Turkish citizen spouse after the three-year period, the foreign spouse can still apply, provided the marriage was entered into in good faith. Similarly, if the marriage is annulled by a court decision, citizenship may be retained if the marriage was in good faith.
The application process for citizenship by marriage typically involves interviews and detailed questions to ascertain the authenticity of the marriage. It is advisable to seek legal counsel to prepare thoroughly for this process. Akkas & Associates has extensive experience in assisting clients with Turkish Citizenship by Marriage applications.
Pathway 4: Turkish Citizenship by Birth or Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
Turkish nationality law is primarily based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood). This means that citizenship is acquired through parentage, regardless of the place of birth.
Key Scenarios for Citizenship by Birth:
- Child of a Turkish Parent: A child born to a Turkish mother or a Turkish father (within or outside of marriage) is a Turkish citizen from birth. This applies whether the child is born in Turkey or abroad.
- Adoption: A minor adopted by a Turkish citizen automatically becomes a Turkish citizen if under 18 years old on the date the application for adoption was made.
For individuals born abroad to Turkish parents, registration of the child’s birth at the nearest Turkish consulate is usually all that is needed to confirm citizenship. Turkish law allows for dual nationality, so individuals born with multiple nationalities are not typically required to choose one upon reaching adulthood.
Pathway 5: Exceptional Citizenship for Special Contributions
Turkey also offers a pathway to exceptional citizenship for individuals who have made or are expected to make significant contributions to the country. This includes those with outstanding talents, notable services, or those deemed beneficial to the national interest.
Examples of Exceptional Contributions:
- Science and Technology: Individuals with exceptional scientific discoveries or technological advancements.
- Arts and Culture: Artists, musicians, or cultural figures who have achieved international recognition.
- Sports: Athletes who have represented Turkey or achieved significant international success.
- Strategic Investments: Individuals whose investments, while not meeting the standard CBI thresholds, are considered to be of strategic importance to the country.
Applications under this category are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Ministry of Interior and often require substantial documentation and verification of the individual’s contributions.
General Documents and Application Process Tips
While specific document requirements vary by application method, some general documents are almost always needed:
- Valid passport and copies (with notarized Turkish translations).
- Biometric photographs.
- Birth certificate or equivalent document.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of legal residence in Turkey (residence permits).
- Criminal background checks from all countries of residence.
- Medical insurance.
- A receipt showing payment of applicable service fees.
Important Tips for a Smooth Application:
- Accuracy and Completeness: Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and properly translated and notarized. Errors or omissions can lead to significant delays or even rejection.
- Professional Legal Assistance: Navigating Turkish immigration law and citizenship procedures can be complex. Engaging an experienced Turkish immigration lawyer, such as Akkas & Associates, can significantly streamline the process, prepare your documentation, act as a liaison with authorities, and increase the chances of a successful application.
- Timelines Vary: Be aware that processing times can vary widely depending on the chosen pathway and the current workload of government agencies.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any updates or changes in Turkish citizenship law.
Contact our Turkish Citizenship Lawyers in Istanbul
By enlisting the support of top-tier Turkish citizenship lawyers, you gain a competitive advantage in the pursuit of Turkish citizenship by investment. Our experienced legal team possesses an in-depth understanding of the intricate application procedures and specific requirements, ensuring a seamless and successful process.
For those pursuing naturalization, our Turkish citizenship attorneys help clients meet residency requirements, including securing residence permits and demonstrating language proficiency. With a focus on resolving any legal obstacles and maintaining transparent communication.
Our Turkish citizenship attorneys ensure a smooth application process. For personalized assistance in achieving Turkish citizenship, contact our expert Turkish citizenship lawyers today and start on a journey toward securing your Turkish citizenship through investment.
Please fill out and submit the form below to make an appointment.
