The right way to Apply for Turkish Citizenship as a Foreigner

Turkey gives a range of opportunities for foreigners looking to acquire citizenship, whether for business, lifestyle, or strategic journey benefits. With its unique position between Europe and Asia, vibrant tradition, and growing economic system, Turkish citizenship is an attractive option. Should you’re a foreign national interested in turning into a Turkish citizen, the application process is straightforward, particularly in the event you meet specific criteria. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how you can apply for Turkish citizenship as a foreigner.

Pathways to Turkish Citizenship

There are several legal routes to buying Turkish citizenship, every with its own set of requirements. The most common strategies embrace:

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by Marriage

Citizenship by Birth or Descent

Citizenship by Long-Term Residency

Exceptional Citizenship (granted by the President)

Let’s deal with the most popular route for many foreigners: citizenship by investment, and then briefly contact on different paths.

Citizenship by Investment

One of the fastest and most popular ways to obtain Turkish citizenship is through investment. This program requires a monetary contribution to the Turkish economic system, and it comes with a number of investment options:

Buy real estate worth at least $400,000, with a commitment not to sell it for at least three years.

Deposit at least $500,000 in a Turkish bank and keep the funds for a minimum of three years.

Invest $500,000 in government bonds or Turkish firms, additionally with a minimum three-12 months commitment.

Create jobs for no less than 50 Turkish citizens.

When you make the required investment and complete all paperwork, you may apply for citizenship, often without the necessity for Turkish language proficiency or residence prior to the application.

Steps to Apply for Turkish Citizenship

Regardless of the tactic, the application process generally contains the following steps:

Collect Required Documents

You’ll want:

Valid passport

Birth certificate

Proof of legal entry and residence (if applicable)

Marital status certificate

Proof of address in Turkey

Biometric photos

Police clearance from your home country

Documents associated to your investment (if applicable)

Translate and Notarize Documents

All documents not initially in Turkish should be translated and notarized. This step is critical and should be completed through certified translators.

Submit Application to the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs

Applications must be filed at a local office or Turkish consulate abroad. If you’re applying via investment, you’ll have to first receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the relevant authority (such as the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization for property investors).

Background Checks and Evaluate

The government conducts a background check to ensure you don’t pose a national security risk. This process can take several months.

Approval and Citizenship Certificate

As soon as approved, you’ll be issued a Turkish citizenship certificate. You possibly can then apply for a Turkish passport and enjoy the benefits of dual citizenship, if allowed by your country.

Different Routes to Citizenship

Marriage to a Turkish Citizen: After three years of marriage and cohabitation, you may apply for citizenship, provided the relationship is real and stable.

Long-Term Residence: Living in Turkey legally for 5 consecutive years might make you eligible, particularly when you can show integration, stable revenue, and good conduct.

Exceptional Citizenship: Granted to individuals with unique contributions in areas like sports, arts, or science, or those deemed useful to national interest.

Final Notes

Turkey doesn’t require candidates to surrender their previous citizenship, making it a dual citizenship-friendly country. The process, while bureaucratic, is quite accessible for individuals who meet the eligibility requirements. Whether you are looking to invest, live, or start a new life in a culturally rich and strategically situated country, Turkish citizenship offers a superb opportunity.