Turkey Citizenship: The Ultimate Guide

Turkish citizenship can be obtained in a number of ways, such as by naturalisation, marriage, birth, or economic investment. Those who hold multiple nationalities are permitted to hold dual citizenship in Turkey.

In recent years, Turkey has emerged as a top choice for families, entrepreneurs, and retirees looking for a second home in a country that bridges Europe and Asia.

Turkish citizenship offers significant advantages for foreign nationals seeking a second passport, including visa-free travel to over 120 countries. With its dynamic economy, rich cultural heritage, and growing real estate market, Turkey also presents excellent opportunities for those looking to invest.

Whether you’re planning to invest, move permanently, or simply expand your global mobility options, understanding how Turkish citizenship works is an important first step.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

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

7 Benefits of Getting 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

Holding a Turkish passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 120 countries, including Japan, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa, and Argentina. Turkish citizenship makes international travel easier and more flexible.

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

The Turkish citizenship by investment program allows investors to obtain Turkish citizenship in as little as three to six months — one of the quickest timelines globally. With minimal bureaucracy and no residency requirement, it’s an efficient pathway to a second nationality.

4. Access to the US E-2 Visa program

Thanks to a treaty agreement between Turkey and the United States, Turkish citizens are eligible to apply for the US E-2 Visa. This visa provides the opportunity to reside, work, and invest in the U.S. under favorable terms.

5. Investment opportunities

Turkey’s real estate market continues to experience strong growth, offering excellent potential for rental income and capital appreciation. As the fifth most visited destination worldwide, Turkey is also ideal for holiday home investments.

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 program established by the Turkish government to attract foreign direct investment and stimulate economic growth across sectors such as real estate, banking, and capital markets. 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

The first step to acquire Turkish citizenship is meeting Turkey’s citizenship requirements. 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 Turkish citizens (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 requirements and 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

How to Get Turkish Citizenship?

You can get Turkish citizenship by investing in real estate, making a financial deposit, creating jobs, or residing in Turkey for five years. Each option has specific Turkey citizenship requirements, like background checks and proof of funds. Professional legal help can make the process smoother and faster.

Is it easy to get Turkey citizenship?

Getting 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 to get Turkish citizenship?

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

What are the Turkey citizenship requirements?

The Turkey citizenship requirements are as follows:

• 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 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.