The Turkish passport (Türk pasaportu) stands out in 2025 as a gateway to global mobility and economic opportunity. Ranked 94th on the Global Passport Index, it provides visa-free to 66 countries, making it a compelling choice for international travelers and investors alike.
Whether favorable costs draw you, the benefits of Turkish passport ownership, or strategic advantages like eligibility for the E2 investor visa, this document offers far more than just international travel—it opens doors to dual citizenship, business environments, and a rich cultural heritage.
In this guide you’ll learn about:
Turkish Passport Overview
The Turkish passport is a biometric travel document issued by the Turkish Ministry of Interior to its citizens. It offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 85 countries, making it an increasingly attractive option for global mobility, business, and dual citizenship seekers.
Types of Turkish Passports
| Passport Type | Who Qualifies | Purpose / Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Burgundy (Ordinary) | Regular Turkish citizens | Standard international travel |
| Green (Special) | Former parliament members, top civil servants, mayors, spouses, unmarried children | Additional visa-free travel privileges |
| Grey (Service) | National athletes, select government staff, Red Crescent/Aeronautical Association employees, families | Official/government assignments |
| Black (Diplomatic) | President, ministers, judges, generals, ambassadors, senior Foreign Ministry staff | Diplomatic privileges, priority travel |
| Pink (Temporary) | Issued abroad for urgent travel | Short-term travel for emergencies |
Turkish Passport Ranking
According to the GCS 2025 Global Passport Index, the Turkish passport ranks 94th out of 198 global passports. This score is based on three different scoring systems, including:
- The enhanced mobility index: The Turkish passport ranks 93rd here. The score is compiled based on the travel benefits of each passport.
- The investment index: The Turkish passport ranks 63rd in this category, which focuses on the economy and investment options.
- The quality of life index: The Turkish passport ranks 136th here, with a focus on the quality of life for citizens, including healthcare, education, and safety.
Turkey Passport Rankings
8 Key Benefits of a Turkish Passport
Acquiring a Turkish passport opens doors to global travel, business, and lifestyle opportunities. Here are the main advantages of becoming a Turkish citizen:
- Visa-Free Travel to 85 Countries: Turkish passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 85 countries, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This makes international travel simpler and faster for both leisure and business.
- Business and Investment Opportunities: A Turkish passport provides access to Turkey’s double taxation agreements and the customs union with the EU, reducing financial and regulatory barriers. Entrepreneurs and investors can leverage the Turkey Citizenship by Investment program, opening doors to sectors like real estate, tourism, and local business ventures.
- Easier Access to the US E2 Investor Visa: Turkey’s bilateral agreements with the US make it easier for citizens to apply for the E2 visa from Turkey, ideal for those looking to start or invest in a business in the United States.
- Dual Citizenship Flexibility: Turkey allows dual citizenship, giving individuals from countries with restrictions an alternative path. The Turquoise Card offers additional work and residency privileges for highly skilled professionals.
- Cultural and Lifestyle Benefits: Becoming a Turkish citizen allows full immersion in Turkey’s rich history, traditions, and cuisine. From vibrant cities to stunning landscapes, Turkey offers a unique lifestyle that attracts both residents and tourists.
- Access to Quality Education: Citizens have access to high-quality education in Turkey, including primary, secondary, and higher education, ensuring excellent learning opportunities for families.
- Affordable Healthcare: Turkish citizens benefit from a growing healthcare system, providing quality medical care at more affordable rates than in the US and much of Europe. Understanding Turkey Citizenship by Investment healthcare can help you make the ideal choice for your family’s healthcare needs.
- Strategic Geographic Location: Situated between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey’s location is ideal for international business, trade, and travel, connecting citizens to key global markets. The country’s location is one of the top reasons to invest in Turkey in 2025.
Turkish Passport History and Evolution
The Turkish passport has undergone significant changes since the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, reflecting the country’s evolving international relations, security needs, and technological advancements.
Timeline of the Turkish passport
Turkish Passport Requirements
Whether you are entering Turkey as a visitor or applying for a Turkish passport as a citizen, the requirements differ. Here’s a detailed guide:
Visitors Entering Turkey
If you are traveling to Turkey as a foreign national, you must meet these general passport requirements:
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months (150 days) beyond your entry date and have at least one blank page.
- Visa requirements: Depending on your nationality:
- Visa-free: Citizens from countries like the UK, US, and EU can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
- E-visa or sticker visa: Citizens of other countries (e.g., South Africa) need to obtain an e-visa online or a sticker visa from a Turkish consulate before travel.
- Proof of Funds/Stay: You may be asked to show sufficient financial means, hotel bookings, or a return flight ticket at entry.
Turkish Citizens Applying for a Passport
Turkish citizens must provide specific documents and follow different processes depending on the type of passport.
1. Ordinary (Burgundy) Passport
- Where to Apply: Turkish Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü).
- Documents Required:
- Turkish ID card (T.C. Kimlik)
- Recent biometric photos
- Old passport (if renewing)
- Application fees
2. Green Passport (Special Service Passport)
- Eligibility: Former parliament members, high-ranking civil servants, certain journalists, mayors, and eligible family members.
- Documents Required:
- Application to the Ministry of Interior
- Turkish ID card
- Biometric photos
- Old passport
- Any required legal approvals
3. Turkish Passport via Citizenship (for Foreigners)
Foreign nationals must first obtain Turkish citizenship before getting a passport. Requirements vary by route:
- Investment: Minimum $400,000 real estate or $500,000 in fixed capital investment, bank deposit, government bonds, or investment fund share.
- Other Routes: Marriage, employment, exceptional merit, or naturalization after 6 years of residency.
- Documents Required for Citizenship:
- Passport copies
- Birth/marriage certificates
- Biometric photos
- Proof of investment (if applicable)
- Criminal record certificate
- Health insurance
Turkish Passport Price 2025
The Turkish passport cost are based on the duration of validity, here are the updated Turkish passport price in 2025:
| Passport Validity Period | Fee (TL) |
|---|---|
| 6 months | 2,351 |
| 1 year | 2,439 |
| 2 years | 5,644 |
| 3 years | 8,012 |
| 10 years | 11,281 |
There is also an additional 1,137 TL passport book fee.
How to Get Turkish Passport
Various pathways are available to acquire a Turkish passport, starting with obtaining some form of Turkish citizenship. The methods to acquire Turkish citizenship include:
- Turkey Citizenship by Investment: Foreign nationals can gain Turkish citizenship by investing in the country. This includes purchasing real estate worth $400,000 or more, making eligible business investments, or placing fixed-term bank deposits. These investments are processed through the Turkey Citizenship by Investment program, allowing applicants and their families to qualify for a passport.
- Turkey Citizenship Through Naturalization: Foreign residents who have legally lived and worked in Turkey for at least 6 years may apply for citizenship. Applicants must demonstrate residence, employment, and integration into Turkish society before they can obtain a Turkish passport.
- Citizenship Through Marriage: Marriage to a Turkish citizen allows eligibility for citizenship after 3 years of residency in Turkey. Applicants must show that the marriage is genuine, and in some cases, continued cohabitation may be required. Once citizenship is granted, they can apply for a Turkish passport.
- Turkey Citizenship by Descent: Individuals born outside Turkey with Turkish ancestors may claim Turkey Citizenship by Descent. This applies even if they were not born in Turkey, and once citizenship is confirmed, they are eligible for a Turkish passport.
- Turkey Citizenship by Birth: Children born to at least one Turkish parent automatically qualify for citizenship. These individuals can apply for a Turkish passport immediately upon registration.
- Turkey Citizenship Through Exception: Turkey may grant citizenship to individuals with exceptional contributions in areas such as science, culture, sports, or business. Eligibility and documentation requirements are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and citizenship grants the right to apply for a Turkish passport.
Whatever pathway you choose to obtain Turkish citizenship, working with a Turkey immigration lawyer is highly recomended to ensure you find the ideal pathway for your needs.
Turkish Passport Renewal
A Turkish passport remains valid for between six months to ten years, depending on the option selected for the application. The process of issuing and renewing passports in Turkey falls under the jurisdiction of the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship, a division of the Turkish Ministry of Interior.
Steps to renewing a Turkish passport
- Step one: Get in touch with the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy.
- Step two: Complete the renewal application form.
- Step three: Compile necessary documents, including the existing valid passport and proof of residence.
- Step four: Cover the relevant fees.
- Step five: If necessary, schedule and attend an appointment.
- Step six: Present the application in person.
- Step seven: Await processing and then retrieve the renewed passport.
Replacing an expired, damaged, or lost passport in Turkey
- Step one: If your passport has been lost or stolen, report it to Turkish authorities immediately.
- Step two: Collect necessary documents such as the Turkish passport application form, expired passport, and a biometric photo.
- Step three: Pay the renewal fees
- Step four: Hand in the application and documents at a Turkish consulate or embassy.
Dual Citizenship in Turkey
Turkey recognizes and permits dual and multiple citizenships, regardless of your current nationality. You are not required to relinquish your original passport or citizenship from your country of origin. This flexibility allows new Turkish passport holders to maintain ties to their native countries while also benefiting from establishing a permanent connection with Turkey. Bear in mind that dual citizenship in Turkey is contingent on whether your home country is one of the countries that allows dual citizenship.
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.
