Update 12.05.2022 For the Turkish Citizenship by Investment, the minimum real estate value for Turkish Citizenship was increased from $250,000 to $400,000. Moreover; A foreigner can apply for Turkish Citizenship if he deposits $500,000 or its equivalent in the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency system. Official Gazette Publication: 400.000 Dollars Citizenship Official Gazette
Turkey citizenship [1] (Law no. 5901 on) defines the principles and the procedures regarding the conduct of affairs and processes related to the acquisition and loss of Turkish citizenship. [2] Turkish citizenship may be acquired by birth or after birth[3]. Turkish citizenship may automatically be acquired by birth on the basis of descent or place of birth.[4] On the other hand Turkish Citizenship Act specifies three main ways to acquire Turkish citizenship after birth. Accordingly, Turkish citizenship may be acquired after birth (i) by decision of the competent authority, (ii) by adoption or (iii) by choice.[5]
HOW CAN FOREIGNERS BE TURKISH CITIZEN? Foreigners can acquire Turkish citizenship in two ways.
1- BY BIRTH; Turkish citizenship acquired by paternity or place of birth.
- Turkey citizenship by paternity
Marital or extramarital child who was born in or outside Turkey from a Turkish citizen mother or father, is a Turkish citizen.
- Place of birth
The child born in Turkey but cannot acquire citizenship of any country by birth depending on the foreign mother or father and the found child whose parents cannot be identified is a Turkish citizen as of birth.
2- SUBSEQUENT; it is the Turkish citizenship which was acquired by means of a Competent Authority’s decision, Exceptional case, Marriage, Adoption and right of choice.
- Acquiring Turkish Citizenship by a Competent Authority’s Decision
Any adult foreigner who resided in Turkey for uninterrupted 5 years and who has the ability to distinguish can apply for Turkish Citizenship with the decision of a Competent Authority provided that he/she confirms that he/she has decided to settle in Turkey with his/her behaviours, does not have a diseases which may pose a danger to the public health, is able to speak Turkish adequately, has the income or job to make a living for himself/herself and any dependent people and does not constitute a drawback in terms of National Security and public order.
Turkey citizenship by investment
People who bring industrial facilities to Turkey or provide or are thought to provide extraordinary services in scientific, technological, economic, social, sportive, cultural and artistic areas and for whom the related ministries have submitted justified offers. Foreigners and those who have residence permit in accordance with International Protection Law and Turquoise Card holders and their foreign spouses, underage or dependent children of them or their spouses, Foreign individuals who are deemed necessary to be granted Turkish Citizenship. Foreigners who are considered as immigrants can acquire Turkish citizenship exceptionally with the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers provided that such individuals does not constitute a drawback in terms of National Security and public order. On the other hand, foreigners who meet the following criteria shall be evaluated in that scope and they can apply for Turkish Citizenship exceptionally with the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers:
- Proven by the Ministry of Economy to make fixed capital investment in the amount of minimum USD 500.000;
- Proven by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanism to purchase real estate in the amount of minimum USD 400.000 provided that it is registered in the Title Deed Registry not to be sold for three years;
- Proven by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to provide employment for at least 50 people;
- Proven by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency to deposit minimum USD 500.000 in banks operating in Turkey provided that such amount shall be kept in the banks for three years;
- Proven by the Undersecreteriat of Treasury to purchase State debt instruments in the amount of minimum USD 500.000 provided that such instruments are kept for three years;
- A regulation regarding the Turkish Citizenship Law was added to Article 20, which regulates the conditions for the exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship. It was also decided that citizenship rights should be provided for foreigners investing in capital market instruments and other investments. According to this, a share of real estate investment fund participation of at least 1.5 million dollars or foreign investors who hold a venture capital investment fund share and keep it for three years will be entitled to Turkish citizenship. Criteria and Steps for Citizenship Application of Foreign Investors
- Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years can apply for Turkish citizenship.
- Acquiring Turkey Citizenship by Adoption
Underage child adopted by a Turkish citizen can acquire Turkish citizenship as of the decision date provided that there is no drawback in terms of national security and public order.
- Acquiring Turkey Citizenship by Right of Choice
Children, who lost citizenship depending on their parents who cease to be a Turkish citizen by getting a permit, can acquire Turkish citizenship by using their right of choice within three years after they come of age.
- Turkey Citizenship by Birth
The child who was born inside or outside of Republic of Turkey borders, and who was born from Turkish citizen mother or father is Turkish citizen. As place of birth, the child who was born in Turkey, but who can’t get citizenship of any country due to her/his father and mother, and whose mother and father can’t be detected, has Turkish citizenship beginning from the birth.
- Turkey Citizenship by Naturalization
The competent authority is The Regulation of Turkish Citizenship and the citizenship approvals are made by Council of Ministers. The applications are made as through general, marriage, establishment of ancestral ties and exceptional applications.
- Turkey Citizenship by Descent
According to the Turkish Law, acquiring Turkish citizenship by descent is not possible. But, if the inheritance is an immovable and has 1.000.000 USD value, exceptional citizenship application can be made providing to be added 3-year not selling guarantee on title records..
- Turkey Citizenship and Military Status
If the person has completed his military services in his own country and if the person can certify it, he wil be exempt from military services in Turkey according to Turkish Law. The registration procedures for military service are conducted key to Article 2 of the Military Service Law No. 1111. According to this article of code, if the foreigners are 22 or over when they get accepted for Turkish citizenship, they will be exempt from military services in Turkey.
- Restoration of Turkey Citizenship
People who lose Turkish citizenship by getting alienage permit and people who lost their citizenship depending on their parents who did not use their right of choice within three years can reacquire Turkish Citizenship by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers without considering the residency time in Turkey provided that there is no drawback in terms of national security.
STEP BY STEP TURKEY CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION
Applications in relation to acquiring and losing Turkish citizenship shall be submitted in person or with a power of attorney for using such right to the;
Governorate (Provincial Birth Registration Office) in the province where the applicant resides in the country; or
The Embassies or Consulates of the Republic of Turkey abroad.
EXAMPLE FORMS FOR CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS
- Turkey citizenship by paternity
VAT-1 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at VAT-1 Form PDF
- Birth Place
VAT-2 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at VAT-2 Form PDF
- Acquiring Turkish citizenship with the decision of a Competent Authority
VAT-3 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at VAT-3 Form PDF
- Exceptional Turkish citizenship
VAT-4 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at VAT-4 Form PDF
- Restoration of Turkish citizenship
VAT-5 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at VAT-5 Form PDF
- Turkish citizenship by marriage
VAT-6 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at VAT-6 Form PDF
- Acquiring Turkish citizenship by adoption
VAT-7 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at VAT-7 Form PDF
- Acquiring Turkish citizenship by right of choice
VAT-8 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at VAT-8 Form PDF
HOW TO CALCULATE RESIDENCY PERIODS?
For a foreigner, residency means residing in Turkey in accordance with the Turkish laws. In terms of validity and calculation of residency time for the foreigner who wants to acquire Turkish citizenship;
How long the foreigner resided in Turkey is determined with the residence permit issued by the Immigration Office and the document which shows the entrance and exit dates in Turkey.
The foreigner who want to acquire Turkish citizenship may be outside Turkey no longer than six months in total during the required residency period. The time period outside Turkey, which does not exceed six months in total, shall be evaluated within the anticipated residency period.
If the foreigner is outside Turkey for longer than six months in total within the residency period or stays in Turkey without valid residence permit or without getting a residence permit for longer than six months; the residency period shall be interrupted and residency period before this date shall not be taken into consideration.
Residing in Turkey without a legal residence permit or with a permit which is legal but does not specify the intention of settlement in Turkey; residing in Turkey with residence permits for asylum or immigration applicants, refugees, education, touristic, accompanying a student, treatment or foreign missionary personnel identification cards issued by diplomatic organizations or consulates shall not be accepted as valid residency in acquiring Turkish citizenship.
In the event that the person, who resided in Turkey with residency reasons which were not accepted in acquiring Turkish citizenship, is granted residency permit afterwards, pervious residency periods shall be taken into consideration. This provision shall not apply to people who were in Turkey with touristic residence permit.
WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TURKISH CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION?
The application is submitted by filling in the forms drawn up by the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs according to the type of acquiring Turkish citizenship.
Photograph, copies of passport, residence or work permit, marriage, adoption and birth certificates and power of attorney, if any, as well as medical certificate, etc. shall be enclosed in the form according to the application type.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE DURING APPLICATION? WHAT ARE THE TRANSACTIONS THAT THE APPLICANT IS REQUIRED TO DO?
The documents and statements in relation to applications for acquiring Turkish citizenship with the decision of a Competent Authority or by marriage may be verified at Security Authorities and other required authorities. Applicants and the spouse who is a Turkish citizen shall be interviewed.
The file consisting of documents submitted by the applicants or obtained from relevant authorities for acquiring Turkish citizenship by birth or restoration of Turkish citizenship and the interview results if any shall be submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs to be investigated and concluded. Applicants can check the status of the citizenship application online.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION?
Application for Turkish citizenship is referred to the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs by the authority where the application is submitted. Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs ensures that deficiencies are completed if any and sends positive or negative results to the relevant authority following necessary investigation and research. Applicants are notified by SMS or e-mail during the procedure.
WHEN IS THE CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION CONCLUDED?
Applications may be concluded in a time period between 6 months and 2 years.
HOW TO CHANGE NAME AND SURNAME, EXAMPLE FORMS
Each foreigner who acquire Turkish citizenship has the right to choose a Turkish name and surname. The foreigner may use such right while filling in application forms, in other words during application provided that the name and surname complies with the Turkish alphabet. After the citizenship is acquired, such requests shall not be taken into consideration and a court decision may be required.
CAN FOREIGNERS OF TURKISH ORIGIN BE TURKISH CITIZEN?
Foreigners who were Turkish citizen by birth but acquired other citizenships afterwards and the children who lose Turkish citizenship depending on them can apply for Turkish citizenship again. In that case, they have the right to apply without considering residency conditions. For the foreigners of Turkish origin who are citizens of foreign countries since birth, there is no different practice since 31.12.2011.
HOW TO BE A TURKISH CITIZEN WITH IDENTIFICATION CARDS FROM THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE?
Foreigners of Turkish origin, who wants to acquire Turkish citizen by claiming that he/she has an identification card in his/her name since the Ottoman Era, is obliged to prove such claim with documents including his/her identity such as birth registration or identification card. In addition, the ones who lost Turkish citizenship for any reason, who were not registered because of not being able to notify in overall and local registrations can reacquire Turkish citizenship.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO FOREIGNERS WHO WILL APPLY FOR TURKISH CITIZENSHIP FROM EXPERTS
- Being a citizen of the Republic of Turkey is a privilege. For that reason, it is recommended that all foreigners who apply for Turkish citizenship;
- Should not have a condition which may constitute a drawback in terms of national security and public order;
- Sunulan belge ve bilgilerin doğru olduğunu;
- Exaggerated or misleading information and documents should not be submitted just to gain Turkish citizenship.
- For foreigners applying for Turkish citizenship due to marriage with a Turkish citizen; having children from this marriage and maintaining the marriage in good faith will be advantageous for them. Marriage should not be done only to gain citizenship.
- They are also advised not to rely on information and advice provided by third parties or organizations other than the relevant and competent authorities.
Hi,
I have several questions in regards to citizenship by property.
1. Can one purchase more than one property in different areas that
when collected together equal to 25000?
2. Can one rent out any of the properties?
3. Can one sell any of the property in less than three years to buy a
new property. In other words, if I bought a 250k house in istanbul
then decided to kove to Ankara after one year (not three), can I sell
the house in Istanbul to buy the one in Ankara?
4. I know that a father can give the citizenship to spouse and
children under 18, but what about children above 18? What if they are
married? Can children above 18 also get the citizenship if their
father makes the investment or is it only for children under 18?
5. How long does the entire process until you are granted the
citizenship and the passport take?
6. Does one have to come to Turkey to do the process? If yes, cant
he/she send his daughter/son instead?
7. If I am interested in using your services, how can I know the
costs? Could you provide me with a quote for all services in regards
to citizenship by investment (property). Thanks.
Hello, Please, find the answers to your queries attached below:
1. Can one purchase more than one property in different areas that
when collected together equal to 25000? – Amount of 250.000 USD is subjected towards a single or multiple properties, which can be either residential or commercial. Properties can be located in different areas, there is no restriction in this topic until all of them is purchased after 19.09.2018.
2. Can one rent out any of the properties? – All of the properties can be rented, there is no obligation to reside in purchased properties.
3. Can one sell any of the property in less than three years to buy a new property. In other words, if I bought a 250k house in istanbul then decided to kove to Ankara after one year (not three), can I sell the house in Istanbul to buy the one in Ankara? – It is not possible to sell the properties under any conditions before three years passes. At the first stage of Turkish citizenship application, related annotations are placed in Title Deed, what makes it impossible to sell the property earlier.
4. I know that a father can give the citizenship to spouse and
children under 18, but what about children above 18? What if they are
married? Can children above 18 also get the citizenship if their
father makes the investment or is it only for children under 18? – Only investor, their spouse and children under 18 years old can benefit from Turkish Citizenship by Investment program. Children above 18 years old can be eligible for residence permit in Turkey after parents acquire Turkish citizenship.
5. How long does the entire process until you are granted the
citizenship and the passport take? – The whole application process until receiving Turkish passport takes approximately 4 months upon the investment.
6. Does one have to come to Turkey to do the process? If yes, cant
he/she send his daughter/son instead? – Your presence in Turkey is not required during the process if you entitle someone else to handle all required procedures on your behalf on basis of Power of Attorney.
7. If I am interested in using your services, how can I know the
costs? Could you provide me with a quote for all services in regards
to citizenship by investment (property). – Our company provides assistance on every stage throughout Turkish Citizenship by Investment application. We assist our clients during purchase procedures and to open a bank account in Turkey, provide guidance to obtain required documents, prepare application file and submit the application on behalf of foreigners basing on notarized Power of Attorney. After the application is submitted, we track the progress until receiving the result and after it is approved, we provide assistance during application for Turkish ID and passport.
Our fee for Turkish Citizenship application for you and your family is 10.000 USD, 50% is paid upon contract signature, rest upon completion of the process. This fee already includes governmental fees, property appraisal, obligatory health insurance, translation and notary costs. The only cost that is not included is fee for title deeds, which is 4% of the value of property (to be shared equally between seller and buyer).
Please, feel free to contact me if there would be further questions.
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Hello
I have 1 daughter with Turkish man but we are not married yet. I’m living in turkey almost 5 years. Do I have right to apply for turkish citizenships?
Regarding
Hello,
You can be eligible for Turkish citizenship application after 3 years of being married to a Turkish citizen. Otherwise, if you stay in Turkey for five years uninterruptedly on basis of work permit or residence permit for property owners you can also submit the application on this basis. Being a parent of child, who is Turkish citizen does not make you eligible for Turkish citizenship application.
Kind Regards,
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Dear sir, I have been living in turkey for past 2 years and I do attend university, my parents have obtained Turkish citizenship by real estate investment.
Is there any rules regarding if I can obtain Turkish citizenship or permanent residence visa?
Hello,
You can not apply for Turkish citizenship on basis of your parents’ citizenship, however you are eligible for residence permit extension on this basis. As you are studying in Turkey, you can be eligible for Turkish citizenship application if after graduation you transfer your student residence permit to work permit under condition that the total residency on basis of student residence permit and work permit will be at least 5 years. During mentioned five years you should not spend more than one year in total and more than 6 months in a row outside of Turkey.
Kind Regards,
Hello,
I heard that the people with work permit can apply for the Citizenship after 3 years and not 5. Is that true?
Hello,
Turkish citizenship application on basis of work permit can be submitted after being work permit holder uniterruptedly for five years. Tşimeframe of three years applies to applications based on marriage.
Kind Regards,
Hi,
I’ve been working in Turkey for almost 10 years, yet I still haven’t applied for citizenship (I’m a US citizen). It seems the university I work at will close (forever) in August. So in September I won’t have a job. If I apply for citizenship now (I am currently employed) will this take care of the “you must be employed” requirement, or do I also need to be employed whenever the application process if over (e.g. in 6 months)?
Thanks for any advice,
Sami
Dear Sami,
You need to be employed in Turkey during the evaluation process of your Turkish citizenship application on basis of work permit. If you find new employer before the university will be closed, transfer of your work permit can be made to the new workplace so you would not loose your right for Turkish citizenship application.
Kind Regards,
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To whom it may concern!
Greetings!
Just want to ask how to get a turkish citizenship and how long is the process it takes. I am married to a turkish man since September 10, 2007 up to present we are happily married we have 1 baby and already got her citizenship and ID my concern is me and my husband already submit the necessary documents to the Turkish embassy here in the Philippines the birth certificate and our marriage contract with the Aposstille in the Embassy but until now I dont get any Kimlik ID thats why everytime me and my daughter visit our family in Turkey I always have to get a tourist visa just to go there with my daughter to be with our family in Turkey for at least a month . Can you please help me and advice me what I need to do just to get a citizenship so that it will be good for our family to stay together and easy access in going back and forth here in the Philippines in Turkey. I did pass my documents in the Turkish Embassy for a long time here in the Philippines already!
Thank you for your attention for this important matters!
Hello,
Evaluation of Turkish citizenship application on basis of marriage takes up to two years. During the evaluation process you need to either obtain residence permit in Turkey or get a visa to enter the country.
Good Morning
I would like to discuss my eligibility for citizenship and if you can kindly assist with this. I also would like some advice regarding my current work permit.
Do you have a number I can call on to discuss these matters and fees.
Hello,
We provide services regarding Turkish citizenship by investment applications. For detailed information you can contact us at info@expatguideturkey.com
Kind Regards,
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Hi,
Thanks for creating the helpful page. I want to ask for the documents required for the application of Turkish citizenship?
What are the documents required for?
Thanks
Hello,
Thank you for your comment.
Documents required for Turkish Citizenship application depends on the type of application. For example, documents needed for application based on marriage will differ from the application on basis of investment.
Kind Regards,
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I have been staying in Turkey for almost 9 years without a break, I would like to apply for Turkish Citizenship – Please let me know the proceeduers, rule & whether I become a holder for the Social Security Fund/Pension Fund and the Tax benefit.
Hello,
Thank you for your comment.
If you have been staying in Turkey for last 5 years on basis of work permit or residence permit for property owners and you did not spend more than 1 year outside of the country during this time, you may be eligible for Turkish citizenship application. If you acquire Turkish citizenship, you would have the same rights as Turkish citizens by birth.
Kind Regards,
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1. I bought a flat in Turkey 5 years ago for about 150,000 usd. I am resident in Turkey from only one year.
Can I buy another flat for about 100,000 usd and then apply for Turkish citizenship?
2. Concerning the fixed deposit of 500,000 usd, is it obligatory to have it in a Turkish state bank or in any private bank in Turkey?
Thanks and regards
Hello,
Thank you for your comment.
As by the rules of Turkish Citizenship by Investment program, property investment in amount of at least 250.000 USD must be made after 19.09.2018. Deposit can be made in any bank operating in Turkey. For more details regarding Turkish Citizenship by Investment, you can contact us at: info@expatguideturkey.com.
Kind Regards,