Turkey Citizenship Guide 2026: Eligibility, Requirements & Routes

Turkish citizenship can be obtained in a number of ways, such as by naturalization, 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, this guide will take you through everything to know about Turkish citizenship.

Turkey Citizenship: Key takeaways

Turkey Citizenship can be obtained through descent, birth, marriage, naturalization, special merit, or investment.

Citizenship by investment requires a minimum of $400,000 in real estate or $500,000 in bank deposits, business, bonds, or job creation.

Processing times are 6 to 12 months for investment and marriage routes, and 1 to 2 years for naturalization.

Dual citizenship is permitted; applicants do not need to renounce their original nationality.

Key requirements include being at least 18 years old, in good health, demonstrating good moral character, and fulfilling route-specific criteria.

Benefits of Turkish citizenship include a strategic location, a robust real estate market, rich culture, and expanding business opportunities.

Benefits of Getting Turkish Citizenship

1. Visa-free travel: A Turkish passport lets you enter over 120 countries without a visa or with visa-on-arrival, including Japan, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa, and Argentina. Turkey visa free countries makes travel easier for both business and leisure.
2. Dual citizenship permitted: Turkey allows dual citizenship, meaning applicants are not required to renounce their existing nationality, provided their home country also permits it. This enables individuals to expand their global footprint while maintaining ties to their country of origin.
3. Full legal rights: As a Turkish citizen, you can live, work, and study in Turkey freely. Citizenship gives you permanent status, access to public services, voting rights, and the chance to pass citizenship to your children.
4. Strategic location: Turkey sits between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, acting as a gateway to key markets. This makes it a great base for international business, trade, and travel.
5. Access to the US E-2 Visa: Due to a treaty agreement between Turkey and the United States, Turkish citizens may be eligible to apply for the Turkey E-2 Visa, which allows qualifying applicants to reside and operate a business in the US.
6. Multiple pathways to citizenship: Turkey offers several routes to citizenship, including naturalization, marriage, descent, and economic investment. The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program is one of the fastest routes, allowing eligible investors to obtain citizenship within months, subject to meeting the required criteria.
7. Business and property opportunities: Turkey’s real estate market continues to experience strong growth, offering excellent potential for rental income when buying property in Turkey. Additionally, as the fourth most visited destination worldwide, Turkey is also ideal for holiday home investments.

For more information on one of the quickest ways to obtain Turkish citizenship. Read our Turkey Citizenship by Investment guide

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How to Get Turkish Citizenship in 2026

• Turkey Citizenship by Descent: CBD is available to those with at least one Turkish parent, regardless of where they were born. 
• Turkey Citizenship by Birth: Children born in Turkey can obtain citizenship by birth if they are unable to obtain their parents’ nationality, including stateless children. 
• Turkey Citizenship by Marriage: A spouse of a Turkish citizen can obtain citizenship if they have been married and live in the same home for more than three years. 
• Turkey Citizenship by Naturalization: Foreign nationals living in Turkey for over five years may obtain Turkey citizenship by naturalization. 
• Turkey Citizenship by Special Merit: Individuals who have made significant contributions in science, business, culture, or sports may be eligible. They must provide proof of impact on Turkish society or the economy.
• Turkey Citizenship by Investment: Foreign investors can obtain citizenship through approved investments, including real estate, bank deposits, capital investments, government bonds, or business creation. Spouses, minor children, and dependent children over 18 may also be included.

Comparison table of Turkish citizenship pathways

Turkey Citizenship Requirements 2026

The specific requirements for Turkish nationality may vary depending on the route taken, such as citizenship by investment, descent, marriage, or naturalization. Here are some general requirements:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Moral character: Good moral character with no serious criminal record.
• Health: Must be in good health.
• Language: Basic Turkish may be required for some routes.
• Financial means: Sufficient income to support self and included family members.

Route-specific requirements:

• By descent: Proof of parent’s Turkish citizenship.
• By marriage: Married to a Turkish citizen for three years, with cohabitation.
• By special merit: Significant contribution to Turkey’s society or economy.
• By investment: Minimum investment in approved categories and proof of funds; family members may be included.
• By naturalization: Legal residence in Turkey for at least five years is required, showing intent to settle.

Requirements for Turkish citizenship can get complicated. Working with trusted legal professionals ensures a smooth application process where all requirements are met. Global Citizen Solutions works alongside trusted Turkey citizenship lawyers, taking you step by step through the process.

How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship in 2026

Here are the general steps to applying for Turkish citizenship in 2026:

1. Step One: Determine eligibility: Confirm you meet the criteria for your chosen pathway. For example, investment amounts for the CBI program, marriage duration for the marriage route, or residency period for naturalization.
2. Step Two: Gather documents: Collect all required documents for your pathway, such as passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of residence, or investment proofs.
3. Step Three: Submit your application

• In Turkey: Apply at the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
• Abroad: Submit via your nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate.

4. Step Four: Pay fees and attend interviews/tests: Some pathways, such as naturalization or marriage, may require a Turkish language test or interview.
5. Step Five: Await processing and receive citizenship certificate: Processing times vary by pathway. Once approved, receive your certificate and apply for a Turkish passport.

Before applying for Turkish citizenship it is essential to understand the requirements to ensure a smooth process. Working with trusted Turkey immigration services is highly recommended.

Dual Citizenship in Turkey

Turkey allows dual citizenship. There is no requirement to renounce your current nationality, provided your home country also permits dual citizenship. One of the advantages of multiple citizenships is the ability to hold a second passport alongside 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. 

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