Application for Turkish Citizenship Through 5 Years of Residence in Türkiye
One of the ways to acquire Turkish citizenship subsequently is by applying for citizenship after legally residing in Türkiye for 5 (five) years. This type of citizenship acquisition is also referred to as “Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Through the General Procedure.” The relevant conditions are regulated in Article 11 of the Turkish Citizenship Law.
What Are the Main Requirements for Citizenship Through 5 Years of Residence?
Having stayed outside Türkiye for no more than 360 days during the last 5 years and having resided in Türkiye under one of the following statuses: student residence permit, work permit, family residence permit, or residence permit based on property ownership.
How Long Does the Application Process Take?
The application process is completed in approximately 8 months.
[ 5-Year Residence Requirement ]
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[ Eligibility Assessment ]
├── Have you stayed abroad for more than 360 days?
└── What type of residence permit do you hold? (Student, Work, Family, or Real Estate)
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[ Application Submission ]
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▼ [ Evaluation & Security Background Investigation ]
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[ Final Decision ] (Average: 8 Months)
Requirements for Citizenship Application Based on 5 Years of Residence
In accordance with the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law and Article 11 of the Turkish Citizenship Law, the current requirements are listed below, reflecting both the legislation and our practical experience in citizenship applications:
1- Residence Requirement (5 Years) : The applicant must have resided continuously in Türkiye during the last 5 years. Continuous residence means that the total time spent outside Türkiye during this period must not exceed 1 year.
2- Eligible Residence Permit Types ;Applicants must have resided in Türkiye under one of the following statuses:
*Student Residence Permit
*Work Permit
*Family Residence Permit
*Residence Permit Based on Property Ownership
Persons who have resided in Türkiye solely under a tourist residence permit are not eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship through the 5-year residence route.
3- Intention to Settle in Türkiye: The applicant must demonstrate an intention to establish a life in Türkiye. Examples include:
*Purchasing real estate in Türkiye
*Establishing a business in Türkiye
*Relocating the headquarters of a business from another country to Türkiye
*Transferring personal funds to Türkiye
*Maintaining savings in Turkish banks
*Completing education in Türkiye
*Working in Türkiye under a valid work permit
*Marrying a Turkish citizen
4- Proof of Financial Means: The applicant must have sufficient income or a profession that enables them to support themselves while living in Türkiye.
5- Good Moral Character: The applicant must be of good moral character.
6- Turkish Language Proficiency: The applicant must be able to speak Turkish at a level sufficient to communicate in daily life. However, Turkish legislation does not require any specific language certificate or officially defined language level (such as B1) for citizenship applications.
7- Clean Criminal and Security Record: As a result of security and background investigations, the applicant must:
*Not be a member of, affiliated with, or connected to any terrorist organization;
*Not engage in activities against the national security or public order of the Republic of Türkiye;
*Not have any involvement with unlawful organizations related to international conflicts or armed activities.
Additional requirements include being legally competent (of full age and capacity) and not suffering from a disease that may pose a threat to public health.
Required Documents for Citizenship Application Based on 5 Years of Residence
Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Türkiye for 5 years and are eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship through the general procedure must prepare the following documents:
1- Copy of Passport
2- Two biometric photographs (50×60 mm, white background)
3- Residence permit valid for at least 5 more months
4- Application Form (VAT-3)
5- Birth Certificate – Apostilled – Translated into Turkish and notarized in Türkiye
6- Population Registration Certificate / Civil Status Record – Apostilled – Translated into Turkish and notarized in Türkiye
7- Marriage Certificate (if married) – Apostilled – Translated into Turkish and notarized in Türkiye
8- Proof of Financial Means – This may be demonstrated through:
*Bank account statements covering the last 6 months,
*Salary slips,
*Title deed documents.
-The income presented must be regular and sustainable.
9- Residence Duration Calculation Report – This document is called the “Residence Period Certificate” and is issued by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. 10- Details are explained in the following section.
11- Criminal Record Certificate – Apostilled – Translated into Turkish and notarized in Türkiye
12- Medical Report obtained from a State Hospital
13- Payment of the applicable government fee
Residence Day Count Application for Citizenship
The Most Critical Step: Verification of the 5-Year Residence Period
The most common reason for rejection of citizenship applications is the incorrect calculation of residence days in Türkiye. Ensuring that the periods spent abroad during the 5-year residence period do not exceed the legal limits and are accurately calculated is the first and most important requirement for approval.
Before submitting the citizenship application with the documents listed above, it is mandatory to obtain a residence day count assessment from the Citizenship Application Center located on Vatan Street (Vatan Caddesi).
Our law office conducts a comprehensive residence-day analysis in accordance with the criteria applied by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. We identify potential risks in advance and minimize the possibility of rejection.
You may authorize us through a power of attorney to handle this process on your behalf. Alternatively, you may personally visit the Citizenship Application Center and verify whether you meet the 5-year residence requirement without legal representation.
Furthermore, before collecting all application documents, it is possible to determine with certainty whether you satisfy the eligibility requirements for Turkish citizenship through 5 years of residence.
Pre-Application and Consultancy Services
Foreign nationals wishing to apply for Turkish citizenship after completing 5 years of residence in Türkiye must first undergo an eligibility assessment before submitting the official application.
Accordingly, it is a legal requirement to determine whether you qualify for citizenship by applying to the Citizenship Application Center before proceeding with the full application.
How Does the Citizenship Application Process Work?
For applications submitted in Istanbul, the competent authority is the Citizenship Application Center located on Vatan Street (Vatan Caddesi).
The process consists of two main stages:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Application and Eligibility Assessment;
You can submit a preliminary application by visiting the office on Vatan Street with the documents indicating the number of days, as shown in the image above, or by granting power of attorney to a lawyer.
Stage 2 – Main Application and Appointment
Once the preliminary assessment is approved, the remaining documents listed above are completed, an appointment is obtained, and the official citizenship application is submitted.
Let Us Handle Your Citizenship Application Without Requiring You to Visit the Citizenship Office
Our law office provides professional and efficient solutions throughout this complex and highly bureaucratic process.
*Save Time
By granting our office a power of attorney, you do not need to personally visit the Citizenship Application Center. We can complete the first-stage application on your behalf.
*Personalized and Efficient Service
Unlike large organizations with slow and complicated procedures, we provide individual attention to each client and ensure that all procedures are completed accurately and as quickly as possible.
*Full Process Management
Upon request, after successful completion of the first stage, we continue to manage the appointment process and the official citizenship application with the same level of diligence and professionalism.
Lawyer Cihat BALTAŞ
Lawyer Cihat BALTAŞ graduated from Police College in 2006, Police Academy in 2010, Yalova Law Faculty in 2016 with a degree and has worked and specialised in foreign law throughout his professional life. Cihat BALTAŞ, who is currently working as a lawyer in Kadıköy, Istanbul, is the founder of BaltaşGlobal law and consultancy office.