Turkish citizenship by descent allows an individual to obtain Turkish citizenship if they can prove their Turkish ancestry.
As you’ll come to find out, Turkish citizenship by descent is a way for applicants to get in touch with their family’s rich cultural history and comes with many benefits.
In this guide you will learn about:
- How to obtain Turkish citizenship by descent
- Who qualifies for citizenship by descent in Turkey
- Benefits of Turkish citizenship
- Alternative routes to Turkish citizenship and more
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship
Turkish citizenship not only opens doors to a country that’s rich in culture and history but also offers practical benefits like visa-free travel, economic opportunities, and a high quality of life, making it an attractive option for many around the globe.
- Strategic location: Turkey’s unique geographical position straddles both Europe and Asia, offering a strategic advantage for business and travel. It bridges East and West, providing easy access to various markets across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Visa free travel: Turkish citizens enjoy visa-free or visa –on arrival access to many countries worldwide, including various destinations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This facilitates easy travel for business, education, and leisure purposes.
- Economic opportunities: Turkey’s growing economy presents numerous investment and employment opportunities. The Turkish government offers incentives for foreign investors, including the Turkish citizenship by investment program, which allows individuals to obtain citizenship through real estate investments or capital contributions.
- Quality of life: Turkey is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, from beautiful beaches to majestic mountains. The cost of living is relatively low compared to many Western countries, yet it offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and modern amenities.
- Cultural and social harmony: Turkey is a melting pot of cultures, offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle while maintaining its unique traditions and heritage. The society is welcoming and diverse, allowing newcomers to integrate easily.
- Passport privileges: The Turkish passport offers a range of benefits including visa free travel to various countries, allowing you to travel more freely.
- Dual citizenship: Turkey recognizes dual citizenship, providing benefits of both countries as long as the other country recognizes dual citizenship.
- Property ownership: Turkish citizens are not restricted in purchasing or selling property in Turkey.
About Turkish Citizenship by Descent
Turkish Citizenship by Descent is a provision within the Turkish nationality law that allows individuals with Turkish ancestry to acquire Turkish citizenship.
This form of citizenship is granted to people who have at least one parent who is a Turkish citizen, regardless of where they were born. The idea behind citizenship by descent is to keep the bond strong between the Turkish state and its diaspora, ensuring that descendants of Turkish nationals have the right to become citizens themselves if they wish to do so.
To claim this citizenship, one typically needs to prove their parents’ Turkish citizenship through official documents, such as birth certificates, national ID cards, or passports. Once the lineage is established, and the paperwork is submitted, the authorities review the application, and the individual may be granted citizenship.
This pathway to citizenship values the importance of bloodline and heritage in the transmission of national identity and rights from one generation to the next.
It’s a common practice in many countries to strengthen cultural and familial ties to the nation, offering a sense of belonging and identity to those with Turkish roots living abroad.
Turkish Citizenship by Descent Eligibility Criteria
Turkish law dictates that the right to citizenship isn’t based on where you are born, but kinship instead. This means that even if you are born in Turkey, it doesn’t guarantee automatic citizenship.
For obtaining Turkish citizenship, the most important factor is the nationality of your parents at the time of your birth. If either one of them is a Turkish citizen, then citizenship will be passed down to you.
Acquiring Turkish citizenship can also be done through your ancestry, although it’s not as straightforward as through a Turkish citizen parent. However, if you can prove your Turkish or Ottoman ancestry, there is a good chance that you can become a Turkish citizen.
Turkish Citizenship by Descent Requirements
You must satisfy all the requirements set out by the Turkish government for citizenship by descent, as the Turkish authorities are meticulous about any claims of ancestry. Some of the documents you need to provide include:
- Certified copy of your birth certificate
- Birth certificate of one or both parents
- Marriage certificate of your parents if they were married at the time of your birth
- Proof of your current citizenship status or residency
- Completed application form
- Clean criminal record
- Sufficient knowledge of the Turkish language
- Verified proof of your Turkish ancestry
Providing Turkish authorities with the required documentation is crucial, but your most challenging part might be proving your Turkish lineage. It will go a long way if you have a Turkish passport of a grandparent, but according to the Turkish government, you must provide any of the following documents:
- Turkish Republic civil status registration papers
- Population identity books
- Passports and valid equivalent documents
- Declaration statements of citizenship issued by the Turkish consulates
Copies and records of these documents are kept in the Ottoman archives in Istanbul or Ankara, and must be verified by a notary to be accepted as part of your application.
Take a look at our Turkey Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Descent
Here are the steps to obtain Turkish citizenship by descent:
- Research: There are strict eligibility criteria which are best understood alongside a legal expert or immigration specialist to ensure you have everything needed from the start.
- Gather documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents for a complete application, including birth certificates, proof of descent, passports, identity card, and a family registration certificate (if necessary).
- Notarization and translation: Documents that are not in Turkish must be translated and notarized.
- Completed application: You must complete your citizenship application form in full to ensure there are no delays.
- Submit the complete application: At this stage you can submit your application form and all accompanying documents to the Turkish consulate or local Turkish embassy if you are outside the country.
- Attend interviews: Some applications require an interview to prove legitimate Turkish lineage.
- Citizenship approval: Once everything is complete, submitted, and reviewed you will receive Turkish citizenship approval, making you a legal citizen of Turkey.
Overall, obtaining Turkish citizenship by descent is a straightforward process as long as you have the required documents and complete your application in full.
Alternative Pathways to Turkish Citizenship
Citizenship by descent isn’t the only method for being granted Turkish citizenship. Under Turkish law, there are various ways to get Turkish citizenship. Here are the basics:
- Citizenship by marriage: Foreign citizens can apply for Turkish citizenship by marriage if they are married to a Turkish citizen. The couple must be living together and have no hidden motive behind the union. Valid marriage certificates are essential for the application.
- Citizenship by birth: Here, the applicant has the right of soil (jus soli). This means if you are born in Turkey, even to parents that are not citizens, you can apply for Turkish citizenship. There are some conditions, including that parents cannot be in the country temporarily (tourists).
- Citizenship by naturalization: You can obtain Turkish citizenship by naturalization once you have been in the country for a minimum of five years. Other requirements include having a clean criminal record, sufficient knowledge of the Turkish language, and showing your intent to live and settle in Turkey.
- Turkey citizenship by special merit: This falls under Exceptional Turkish Citizenship. Here, the applicant possesses a Turquoise Card and can apply for Turkish citizenship by making noteworthy contributions in various fields such as culture, sports, science, and business. You must prove these contributions have made a significant impact on Turkey’s economy or social development.
There is also another way to obtain Turkish citizenship; Turkish citizenship by investment.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment
If you don’t fall into any of the previous categories for citizenship, you can acquire citizenship through an investment. This means that you have to make a sizeable investment in Turkey’s economy, after which you can claim Turkish citizenship.
Requirements
According to Turkish authorities, there are six ways for foreigners to become Turkish citizens through investment:
- Real estate purchase: Acquire a property worth at least $400,000.
- Bank deposits: Deposit at least $500,000 into a Turkish bank account.
- Government Bonds: Invest $500,000 into government bonds.
- Fixed capital investment: Invest a minimum of $500,000 into a Turkish business.
- Investment fund shares: Commit a minimum of $500,000 into a venture capital fund or real estate investment fund.
- Job creation: Open a business in Turkey that provides at least 50 jobs.
The Turkish citizenship by investment program is a fantastic alternative for those that don’t have a Turkish parent or Turkish relatives. It offers everyone options for obtaining citizenship in Turkey as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Additionally, you’ll be investing in one of the top 20 economies in the world.
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 Turkish Citizenship by Descent
How long does it take to get Turkish citizenship by descent?
The process for obtaining Turkish citizenship by descent can take up to two years. You’ll need to provide documents proving your Turkish ancestry, like birth certificates, and any records of name changes, plus your passport or ID.
Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Turkey allows for dual nationality. However, it depends on whether your home country allows dual citizenship.
Who is banned from obtaining Turkish citizenship?
Citizens of Armenia, Cuba, Nigeria, North Korea, and Syria are banned from obtaining Turkish citizenship.
Is there a Turkish citizenship by descent application form?
Can I get Turkish citizenship by descent if my grandparents were born in Turkey?
Can adopted children get Turkish citizenship?
Yes, under Turkish citizenship law, a child adopted by a Turkish citizen automatically gains Turkish citizenship if they are under 18 at the time of the adoption application.
Can I get Turkish citizenship by descent?
You may be eligible for Turkish citizenship by descent if you have a Turkish mother, a Turkish father, or other Turkish relatives where you can prove legitimate Turkish ancestry.
What documents are needed for Turkish citizenship by descent?
Some of the documents include, certified copy of your birth certificate, parent(s)’ birth certificate, parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable), proof of current citizenship or residency, completed application form, clean criminal record, Turkish language proficiency, and verified proof of Turkish ancestry.
