Turkish Citizenship by Descent: The Ultimate Guide on Applying in 2025

Turkish Citizenship by Descent allows individuals to claim their heritage by obtaining citizenship through documented Turkish ancestry. Grounded in the principle of Jus Sanguinis (right of blood), this legal route under Turkish Citizenship Law allows you to become a citizen of Turkey if at least one parent was a Turkish national, regardless of whether you were born in Turkey or abroad.

Whether you’re connected to modern Turkey or trace your lineage back to the Ottoman Empire, this process allows you to connect with your family’s legacy.

With proper proof of ancestry, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or civil registration document, and the successful submission of an application form via a Turkish Consulate or the Ministry of Interior (Turkey), you can obtain the many benefits of Turkish citizenship, including the right to live, work, and travel freely within Turkey.

In this ultimate guide you will learn about:

• What is Turkish Citizenship by Descent?
• Benefits of Turkish citizenship
• Turkish Citizenship by Descent eligibility criteria
• Turkish Citizenship by Descent document requirements
• How to obtain Turkish Citizenship by Descent: Step by step
• Turkish Citizenship by Descent processing time
• Alternative pathways to Turkish citizenship
• Turkish Citizenship by Investment

What is Turkish Citizenship by Descent?

Turkish Citizenship by Descent refers to the right to acquire Turkish citizenship based on one’s ancestral ties to Turkey, specifically through a Turkish parent. Governed by the Turkish Citizenship Law, this pathway is distinct in that it relies entirely on proof of ancestry, not place of birth or residency.

Unlike naturalization or investment-based routes, this process is heritage-driven and deeply rooted in Jus Sanguinis. It reflects the state’s commitment to preserving legal and cultural bonds with descendants of Turkish nationals, particularly those living abroad.

Applicants must demonstrate direct lineage to a Turkish citizen parent using validated documentation. Commonly required records include birth certificates, marriage certificates, civil registration documents, and, in some cases, employment certificates that help confirm identity links. Supporting documents must undergo document translation and apostille authentication to meet international legal standards.

Applications are reviewed by the Ministry of Interior (Turkey) and can typically be submitted through a Turkish Consulate. While the process is procedural, it represents more than just a legal formality—it recognizes familial ties, national identity, and the legacy passed down through generations.

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. Turkish passport visa free countries facilitate easy travel for business, education, and leisure purposes.

Economic opportunities

Turkey’s growing economy presents numerous opportunities for citizens, including access to a dynamic job market, business prospects, and public services. Individuals who acquire Turkish citizenship by descent can fully participate in the country’s economic and social systems without the need for additional permits or residency requirements.

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.

Turkish Citizenship by Descent Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Turkish citizenship by descent, at least one parent must have been a Turkish citizen at the time of your birth. Citizenship is inherited through direct lineage, not based on birthplace.

If applying through a Turkish citizenship by descent grandparent or Ottoman ancestor, eligibility is not guaranteed. You must prove the citizenship status of your parent in the line of descent. These cases may be subject to generational limitations and require thorough proof of ancestry.

Acceptable documentation includes a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or civil registration document, all of which must be officially translated and accompanied by apostille authentication.

Turkish Citizenship by Descent Document 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.

How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Descent: Step by Step

Follow these steps to apply for Turkish citizenship by descent:

1. Confirm Eligibility
   Verify that at least one parent was a Turkish citizen at the time of your birth. Consider consulting a legal expert for complex cases involving Ottoman ancestry or generational limitations.

2. Collect Required Documents
   Prepare essential items, including your birth certificate, passport, proof of ancestry, civil registration document, and marriage certificate (if applicable).

3. Translate and Authenticate
   All foreign-language documents must be professionally translated into Turkish, notarized, and have apostille authentication.

4. Complete the Application Form
   Accurately fill out the official application form for Turkish citizenship.

5. Submit Your Application
   Submit the full application and documents to the Turkish Consulate abroad or the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs in Turkey.

6. Attend Interview (If Required)
   Some applicants may be called for an interview to confirm direct lineage and validate submitted documents.

7. Await Approval
   The Ministry of Interior (Turkey) will review your file. Upon approval, you will be granted Turkish citizenship.

Turkish Citizenship by Descent Processing Time

The processing time can range from several months to up to two years, depending on the complexity of the case. Applications based on a Turkish parent are typically processed faster than those requiring verification of distant ancestry or Ottoman lineage.

Turkish Citizenship by Descent Grandparent Clause

Turkey does not offer a formal “grandparent clause” for citizenship by descent. However, individuals with a Turkish grandparent may still apply if they can establish an unbroken legal lineage through their parent. This means the applicant’s parent must have held Turkish citizenship at the time of the applicant’s birth.

Claims based solely on grandparental connection, especially involving ancestors from the Ottoman period, require extensive archival evidence and are often reviewed under discretionary assessment. Such cases may involve accessing Ottoman population records, family registries, or historical civil documentation not typically required in standard applications.

Due to the historical complexity and lack of automatic rights, applications based on a Turkish grandparent are not guaranteed approval. They are often subject to legal interpretation rather than explicit statutory rights.

Alternative Pathways to Turkish Citizenship

Citizenship by descent isn’t the only method for being granted Turkish citizenship. Under Turkish citizenship 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 live 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 you can apply for Turkish citizenship if you are born in Turkey, even to parents who are not citizens. There are some conditions, including parents not being able to 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 significantly impacted Turkey’s economy or social development.

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:

1. Real estate purchase: Acquire a property worth at least $400,000.
2. Bank deposits: Deposit at least $500,000 into a Turkish bank account.
3. Government Bonds: Invest $500,000 into government bonds.
4. Fixed capital investment: Invest a minimum of $500,000 into a Turkish business.
5. Investment fund shares: Commit a minimum of $500,000 into a venture capital fund or real estate investment fund.
6. 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

What is 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.

What are the benefits of acquiring Turkish citizenship through descent?

Acquiring Turkish citizenship grants you the full rights of a Turkish citizen, including access to public services, the ability to work and live in Turkey without restrictions, and eligibility for a Turkish passport, which offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries.

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?

Yes, there’s an application form for Turkish citizenship by descent. The process follows the “right of blood” (jus sanguinis) set out by the Turkish Nationality Act and requires proof of lineage from a Turkish parent.

Can I get Turkish citizenship by descent if my grandparents were born in Turkey?

Yes, you can apply for Turkish citizenship by descent if your grandparents were born in Turkey, but you will be required to prove your family connection with official documents like birth certificates.

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 you 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.

How to prove Turkish ancestry?

Proving Turkish citizenship ancestry is simple if applying with a Turkish parent with their Turkish birth certificate. For further generational lineage you may need more documentation including passports, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and more.

Can I apply for a Turkish passport immediately after being granted Turkish citizenship by descent?

Yes, once you’ve been granted Turkish citizenship, you may apply for a Turkish passport through the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs or your nearest Turkish consulate.

How can someone acquire Turkish citizenship through descent?

Turkish law allows for the acquisition of citizenship by descent. This applies to individuals born to at least one Turkish citizen parent, whether born in Türkiye or abroad, regardless of any other nationalities acquired at birth.