Ways to Acquire Turkish Citizenship Afterwards
There are generally two main ways to acquire Turkish citizenship:
1- Becoming a Turkish citizen by birth,
2- The second way is the subsequent acquisition of Turkish citizenship. In this article, we will focus on the subsequent acquisition of Turkish citizenship.
The subsequent acquisition of Turkish citizenship is possible through different legal processes. The most common methods among these are:
✅ $400,000 USD INVESTMENT: Acquisition of Turkish citizenship through investment,
✅ 5 YEARS RESIDENCE: Acquiring citizenship by residing in Turkey for 5 years,
✅ MARRIAGE: Acquiring citizenship through marriage to a Turkish citizen.
In recent years, especially citizenship through investment and long-term residence-based citizenship applications are being heavily used by foreigners, and we also handle applications in this scope. Each application type has its own specific conditions, procedures, and evaluation processes. Therefore, it would be the most appropriate choice to work with law offices that can evaluate your specific application and provide you with tailored solutions.
Types of Subsequent Turkish Citizenship Applications
Citizenship law in Turkey covers a wide range, from rights acquired by birth to subsequent applications. According to the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, the ways to acquire citizenship are primarily as follows:
*Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Birth (based on lineage or place of birth)
*Subsequent Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship
*Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship through Adoption
*Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Citizens of the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)
*Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship through the Right to Choose
*Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship as a Migrant
*Re-acquisition of Turkish Citizenship (with or without a residence requirement)
*Acquisition of citizenship through a $400,000 USD investment
Although Turkish law offers many alternatives, in this article we will focus on the three most frequently encountered and preferred methods in practice:
✅ Through investment
✅ By residing uninterruptedly in Turkey for 5 years
✅ Through marriage to a Turkish citizen.
1- Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Through Investment – 400,000 USD
Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship through investment is generally done by purchasing a property in Turkey. Individuals can apply for Turkish Citizenship by purchasing a property worth more than 400,000 USD.
Applying for Turkish Citizenship through investment is a complex and time-consuming application process specific to itself. To summarize the process in general:
1- A suitable property for the Citizenship application is found in Turkey and purchased.
2- After purchasing the property, an application is made to the Turkish State, stating that this property will be used for citizenship.
3- A commitment is given that the purchased property will not be sold for 3 years.
4- A residence permit application is made to the Directorate of Migration Management, and the citizenship application process begins with this application.
5- After obtaining the residence permit in Turkey, a citizenship application is made at the Population Directorate.
6- After the citizenship application is made, your citizenship application concludes with the approval of the President approximately 5 months later.
7- You can obtain your Turkish passport from the Turkish Consulate or from the Population Directorate in Turkey, as you prefer.
In the citizenship application, one person is the investor. The investor’s spouse and children can also apply for Turkish Citizenship together with the investor if they wish. Considering the entire process in general, citizenship applications handled by our office generally conclude within 7 months, including the purchase of the property.
Is it necessary to come to Turkey during the citizenship application process?
– Yes, you need to come to Turkey twice: first, for the residence permit application and fingerprinting, and second, during the citizenship application. Our attorney will accompany you during these procedures and will carry out other procedures on your behalf while you are not in Turkey.
For more detailed information: https://www.baltasglobal.com/en/turkish-citizenship-by-investment/
2- Citizenship Through 5 Years of Residence in Turkey
A person who has stayed uninterruptedly in Turkey for 5 years with a residence permit or work permit qualifies to apply for citizenship through the general application route. The meaning of ‘interruption’ here is not having been abroad for more than one year within the 5-year period. Individuals who meet this basic condition can apply for citizenship.
Looking briefly at the other conditions here, according to Article 11 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, the conditions for applying by residing in Turkey for 5 years through the general application route are as follows:
1- Residing uninterruptedly in Turkey for 5 years with a residence permit or work permit
2- Decision to settle in Turkey: The existence of actions indicating a desire to live in Turkey, such as acquiring property, establishing/making investments, relocating a business center, working, marriage, family application, being a relative of a citizen, or completing education in Turkey.
3- Adapting to society and not living contrary to general moral rules.
4- Being able to speak Turkish at a sufficient level. No specific Turkish level is definitively set for the Turkish Citizenship application. The law states the Turkish requirement as “Knowing Turkish at a level sufficient to adapt to life in society.”
5- Having an income or profession.
What Level of Turkish is Required in the Citizenship Interview?
There is no definitive level (A1, B1, etc.) in the law for Turkish Citizenship. The condition is: “Knowing Turkish at a level sufficient to adapt to society.”
In practice: During the short oral interview conducted by the officer during the application, basic daily communication (introducing oneself, understanding/answering simple questions) is expected. This corresponds approximately to the A2 level. An official certificate is not mandatory.
3- Citizenship Application Through Marriage to a Turkish Citizen
The basic condition to know here is that the foreign person must remain married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years. After 3 years of marriage, the foreign person can apply for citizenship.
Conditions for citizenship application through marriage to a Turkish citizen:
1- Being married and living together for at least 3 years
2- Living within the family union
3- Respecting and adhering to the moral values of Turkish society
4- Not posing a problem for the social order
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.