Turkey Citizenship: Updated Guide on Becoming a Turkish Citizen

There are several ways to acquire Turkish citizenship, including through marriage, descent, birth, naturalization, special merit, and investment. As an attractive destination for families, retirees, and entrepreneurs, Turkey is becoming an increasingly popular choice for both investors and leisure seekers.

Getting Turkish citizenship is especially appealing to foreign nationals seeking a second passport, offering visa-free access to over 120 countries. Additionally, as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Turkey presents excellent investment opportunities, with real estate being a leading route for citizenship by investment.

Whether you’re looking to invest, settle in this beautiful country, or secure a second passport, understanding your Turkish citizenship options is essential.

In this article, you will learn about:

• Benefits of Turkey citizenship
• Pathways to Turkish citizenship
• Turkish citizenship requirements
• Step by step application process for Turkish citizenship

7 Benefits of Obtaining Turkish Citizenship

Turkey is renowned for its natural landscapes, unique tourist attractions, and mild Mediterranean climate. Additionally, Turkish citizenship offers numerous practical benefits beyond its well-known tourist spots.

1. Enhanced mobility

The Turkish passport gained with Turkish citizenship gives the holder increased visa free travel to over 120 countries. Turkish passport visa free countries include Japan, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa, and Argentina.

2. Strategic location

Situated between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Turkey is the ideal location for international business. Whether you want to start a new business or ensure your established company is in the perfect location, Turkey has fantastic potential for entrepreneurs and businesses.

3. Fast track to citizenship by investment

Obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment is one of the top options for potential investors in Turkey. As one of the quickest citizenship programs, you can obtain Turkey citizenship in as little as 3-6 months.

4. Access to the US E-2 Visa program

Turkey has a treaty with the USA allowing Turkish citizens to apply for a US E-2 Visa. Once you become a Turkish citizen, you can be eligible to apply for an E-2 visa. This visa is a path to legal residency in the United States.

5. Investment opportunities

Turkey is full to the brim with investment opportunities for foreign investors. The Turkish property market is booming, with rentals on the rise year on year. Additionally, as the fifth most popular holiday destination in the world, the potential for holiday home investment properties is fantastic.

6. Simple application

Unlike other citizenship programs, Turkey’s citizenship by investment program is one of the simplest, with no language requirements, no minimum stay, and a quick application process.

7. Second passport

Once you claim Turkish citizenship you are eligible for a Turkish passport. The Turkish passport can offer sensational benefits, including mobility, ease of travel, and access to a variety of business markets across the globe.

How to Get Turkish Citizenship

Turkish citizenship by descent

Turkish Citizenship by Descent allows individuals with Turkish ancestry to obtain citizenship if they have at least one Turkish parent, no matter where they were born.

This law helps maintain strong ties between Turkey and its diaspora, giving descendants of Turkish nationals the right to become citizens.

To apply, individuals must prove their parent’s Turkish citizenship using official documents like birth certificates, national ID cards, or passports.

Turkish citizenship by birth

Children born in Turkey to foreign parents may acquire Turkish nationality if they cannot obtain their parents’ citizenship. A stateless child born in Turkey is considered Turkish at birth.

Turkish citizenship by marriage

The Turkish law for granting citizenship by marriage states that the spouse of a Turkish national may be granted citizenship if they have been married and have lived together for at least three years. The application must be submitted to relevant authorities in Turkey or a Turkish Embassy or Consulate outside the country.

The law for citizenship by marriage doesn’t state that applicants are required to live in Turkey with a Turkish residence permit; however, Turkish immigration authorities may consider the possession of Turkish residence permits when evaluating citizenship by marriage applications.

Turkey citizenship by naturalization

To obtain Turkish citizenship through naturalization, you typically must have legally resided in Turkey for at least five years, maintain good moral character, and possess basic Turkish language skills.

Turkey citizenship by special merit (Turquoise Card)

Individuals possessing a Turquoise Card in Turkey may become eligible for Turkish citizenship by special merit by demonstrating noteworthy contributions and achievements in various fields, such as science, business, culture, or sports. The criteria for obtaining citizenship typically involve showcasing a substantial impact on these sectors, thereby contributing significantly to Turkey’s social and economic development.

Turkey citizenship by investment

Turkey citizenship by investment is a citizenship program established by the Turkish government to attract foreign direct investment to the Turkish economy. For those wondering, “Does Turkey sell citizenship?,” Turkey’s citizenship by investment program requires economic contributions through a range of investments curated to develop the Turkish economy and society. These include:

• Investing $400,000 in real estate
• Depositing $500,000 into a Turkish bank account
• Making a $500,000 fixed capital investment into a Turkish business
• Contributing $500,000 in government bonds
• Investing $500,000 into a real estate investment fund
• Creating 50 full-time jobs in the country

Investors of the Turkey citizenship by investment scheme can add their family members to their citizenship application, including their spouse, dependent children under 18, and indefinitely dependent children over 18.

Turkey Citizenship Requirements

To qualify for Turkish nationality, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have legally resided in Turkey with a valid residence permit for at least five years (if applying through residency)
• Be in good health
• Demonstrate good moral character
• Possess basic Turkish language skills (if required for the specific route)
• Be a tax resident and have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family members

The specific requirements may vary depending on the route taken, such as citizenship by investment, descent, marriage, or naturalization.

Document Requirements for Turkish Citizenship

In addition to the documents confirming your right to obtain citizenship in Turkey, gather all the necessary documents required to apply for Turkish citizenship, including:

• Proof of a clean criminal record
• A language proficiency certificate
• Your birth certificate
• Your children’s birth certificate (if applicable)
• Proof that you pay taxes (if applicable)
• Proof of health insurance (if applicable)

A sworn translation into Turkish must accompany documents in a foreign language.

How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship

Your grounds for eligibility to obtain Turkish nationality will determine the Turkish citizenship process. This can include a Turkish language test or attending interviews to support your Turkish citizenship application:

The following steps are generally required to become a Turkish citizen and obtain a Turkish passport.

1. Step one: Determine your eligibility

Before submitting a citizenship application, ensure that you meet the criteria for the path to citizenship. For example, making the required investment for the Turkish citizenship by investment program.

2. Step two: Gather required documents

Ensure that you have all the necessary documents for your chosen Turkey citizenship pathway. This can include passport copies, marriage certificate, proof of residence, etc.

3. Step three: Complete application form

Obtain the relevant Turkish citizenship application form from the relevant Turkish authorities. If you live abroad, you can obtain the relevant documents from your nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate.

4. Step four: Submit your application

You can submit your application in person at the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs in Turkey. Ensure that you provide all required and supporting documents with the application form.

Important to note: Spouses of main applicants are also required to apply for citizenship in person.

5. Step five: Pay application fees

Be prepared to pay the applicable processing fees. These fees can vary depending on your chosen method and may change over time, so check with the relevant authority for the most up-to-date information.

6. Step six: Attend interviews and Turkish language tests (if required)

For certain pathways, like marriage or naturalization, you will need to attend interviews and demonstrate proficiency in Turkish and sufficient knowledge of Turkish customs.

7. Step seven: Await processing

The processing time for your application can vary depending on the chosen pathway, your circumstances, and the workload of the authorities.

8. Step eight: Receive your Turkish citizenship certificate

After completing the citizenship application process, you will receive an official document or a certificate of Turkish citizenship. This certificate is essential for various administrative purposes.

9. Step nine: Apply for a Turkish passport (if desired)

Once you become a Turkey citizen, you can apply for a Turkish passport. It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures can vary based on your path to Turkish citizenship.

Turkey Citizenship Processing Time

The time it takes to apply for Turkish citizenship varies based on your path to acquiring citizenship. Turkey citizenship by naturalization can take a few months to a couple of years before applicants are granted citizenship.

The Turkey citizenship by investment program has a short processing time of three to six months, provided applicants complete the required investment and have the necessary documents to prove their investment.

Dual Citizenship in Turkey

Turkey allows dual citizenship. There is no need to renounce your current citizenship, provided your country of original citizenship also allows dual citizenship. The advantage of multiple citizenships is that it will allow you to hold a second passport with your Turkish passport.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Citizenship

Is it easy to get Turkey citizenship?

Obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment, especially in real estate, is often a straightforward process with an immigration specialist. Other pathways, such as naturalization or marriage, come with specific requirements and challenges.

Does Turkey have mandatory enlistment?

Turkish law states that every male Turkish citizen between 20 and 41 must fulfill military service-six months for non-commissioned officers and privates and 12 months for reserve officers and reserve sergeants. Serving in the military in your home country is reasonable grounds for exemption from mandatory enlistment in Turkey. Additionally, if you obtain citizenship after 22, you’re exempted from Turkish military service.

Can an American become a Turkish citizen?

Yes, Americans can obtain Turkish citizenship through naturalization, investment, marriage, or birth to a Turkish parent. As Turkey and the United States allow dual citizenship, individuals can have dual or multiple citizenship with the US and Turkey.

What is the fastest way to get Turkish citizenship?

The fastest route to getting Turkish citizenship is by investing in the Turkey citizenship by investment program. After fulfilling the required investment, applicants are granted Turkish citizenship and a Turkish passport within three to six months.

How much does Turkey citizenship cost?

The cost to obtain Turkish citizenship depends on your chosen pathway. For example, the minimum investment for the Turkish CBI program is $400,000, while an option like citizenship by marriage will only cost the application fees.

How can I get Turkish citizenship?

You can acquire Turkey citizenship through marriage, descent, birth, naturalization, special merit, and by investment.

What are the requirements for Turkish citizenship?

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have legally resided in Turkey with a valid residence permit for at least five years (if applying through naturalization)
• Be in good health
• Demonstrate good moral character
• Possess basic Turkish language skills (if required for the specific route)

Can foreigners apply for Turkish citizenship?

Absolutely, there are a variety of pathways for Turkey citizenship. The most popular for foreign nationals is the Turkish citizenship by investment program.

How long does it take to get Turkish citizenship?

It depends on the chosen pathway. For example, the Turkey citizenship by investment program takes about 3-6 months.

What is the fastest way to obtain Turkish citizenship?

The fastest route to Turkish citizenship is the Turkey citizenship by investment program, which takes around 3-6 months.

Can I get Turkish citizenship by investment?

Yes, the program is available to foreign nationals who want to obtain Turkish citizenship in exchange for investment into the country.

What are the investment options for Turkish citizenship?

• Real estate: $400,000
• Bank deposit: $500,000
• Government bonds: $500,000
• Investment funds share: $500,000
• Capital investment: $500,000
• Job creation: Create 50 full-time jobs

Is dual citizenship allowed in Turkey?

Yes, Turkey allows dual citizenship. If the applicants home country also permits dual citizenship, then one may acquire a second passport.

Do I need to speak Turkish to get citizenship?

A basic understanding of Turkish is usually required for standard citizenship applications and may be assessed during an interview, though it is not always mandatory. However, for fast-track routes like investment-based citizenship, language proficiency is generally not required.

Can I get Turkish citizenship through marriage?

If you have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and your marriage is ongoing, you may apply for Turkish citizenship.