Turkey Citizenship: All You Need To Know

Embarking on the journey to Turkish citizenship opens the door to a rich tapestry of history, culture, and opportunity at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Need to know how to get the Turkish Citizenship? Worry Not! We’ve got you covered for this!

This guide aims to navigate you through the intricate pathways of acquiring Turkish citizenship, whether through investment, residency, or descent. Unravel the complexities and discover the steps to becoming a part of Turkey’s vibrant community.

Let’s dive in!

What Is Citizenship In Turkey?

Turkey has several different ways to acquire citizenship. One of the most common ways to obtain Turkish citizenship is through birth to a Turkish parent, but there are other ways to become a citizen.

These include:

Naturalization: Individuals who have resided in Turkey legally for five years may apply for naturalization.
Marriage: Foreigners married to a Turkish citizen for three years may be eligible for citizenship.
Investment: Foreigners who invest significantly in Turkey (such as property, business, or capital investment) may be eligible for citizenship.
Exceptional circumstances: In rare cases, individuals may be eligible for citizenship if they have exceptional circumstances, such as a humanitarian crisis in their home country or being stateless.

Naturalization

As a foreign national, you can apply for naturalization if the given conditions are met, such as:

You have an adequate command of the Turkish language,
You’re no threat to public order or national security,
You’ve been living in Turkey for a continuous period of 5 years,
You have a good character.

Marriage To A Turkish Citizen

If you marry a Turkish citizen, you can be eligible for Turkish citizenship after three years.

The main criteria are as follows:

You’re still married during the time of application,
You’re engaging in any activity that contradicts your union,
You’re not in a situation that is a danger to the nation.

What Is The Process Of Applying For Citizenship In Turkey?

The process for applying for citizenship in Turkey varies depending on the circumstances. However, some general steps include:

Preparing the required documents may include a valid passport, residency permit, marriage certificate, birth certificate, and other supporting documents.
Applying for citizenship through the relevant government agency, such as the Directorate General of Migration Management.
Going through the application process, which may include an interview, background check, and language test.
Waiting for a decision on the application. The processing time may vary depending on the circumstances of the application.

What Are The Advantages Of Being Granted Citizenship In Turkey?

There are several advantages of being granted citizenship in Turkey.

These include:

✅ Freedom To Live And Work In Turkey: Citizens have the right to live and work in Turkey without any restrictions.

✅ Access To Public Services: Citizens can access public services, including healthcare, education, and social services.

✅ Right To Vote And Participate In Government: Citizens have the right to vote and participate in government, including running for office.

✅ Travel Benefits: Citizens can travel visa-free to many countries worldwide, including the EU.

✅ Economic Benefits: Citizens may be eligible for certain benefits, such as loans and tax incentives.

What Are The Required Documents You Need To Apply For Citizenship In Turkey?

The required documents include:

Application form
Passport copy
Photos
Receipts of fee payments
Police clearance certificate
A permit provided by the notary regarding the processing of the applicant’s data
Document proving that the required investment was made

After you’ve completed the above steps, you can apply for Turkish citizenship.

To be a valid applicant, you must deliver the documents you’ve collected to get the residence permit, the biometrics, and a copy.

The Turkish Ministry of Internal Affairs processes the documents in about three months.

What Is Turkish Citizenship By Investment?

Turkish citizenship by investment is available in different investment types. These include property acquisition, capital transfer, or the creation of jobs.

It usually takes three to four months to complete the process and get your passports.

Getting A Turkish Passport By Property Acquisition

Property acquisition is one of the most popular investment options. As the Turkish real estate market is growing, many foreign investors choose to buy a house in Turkey for investment or to live in.

The requirement is to buy a property worth a minimum of 11,120,320 TRY ($400,000).

Getting A Turkish Passport By Capital Transfer

You can also take the route of capital transfer to get a Turkish passport. The minimum capital investment amount is 14,159,800 TRY ($500,000).

The transfer can either be completed as a deposit in a Turkish bank, a contribution to government bonds, or an investment in fund shares.

Obtaining Turkish Citizenship By Creating Jobs

Creating employment for Turkish citizens is another way of getting citizenship in Turkey. The main requirement is to employ at least 50 Turkish people.

What Investment Options To Acquire Turkish Citizenship?

There are several investment types that you can choose from:

Investing a minimum of 11,120,320 TRY ($400,000) in real estate.
Investing at least 14,159,800 TRY ($500,000) of cash in fixed assets established by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
Setting up a company that employs at least 50 Turkish workers (investing an amount of a minimum of 7,079,875 TRY ($250,000)
Depositing at least 14,159,800 TRY ($500,000) in a Turkish bank, not to withdraw it for at least 3 years.
Buying at least 14,159,800 TRY ($500,000) worth of government bonds, not to sell them for at least 3 years.
Buying at least 14,159,800 TRY ($500,000) worth of venture capital investment fund shares or real estate investment fund shares not to sell for at least 3 years

How To Get Citizenship In Turkey – Real Estate Investment Route?

Step 1. Choose A Property: The first step is choosing the property you want to purchase. Turkey’s real estate market offers different alternatives for different criteria and needs.
Step 2. Follow Legal Steps: Once you choose the property, you can execute a power of attorney. This step is optional, though.
Step 3. Complete The Property Investment: After you sign the promissory sale and purchase agreement, make the sale transaction and complete your investment.
Step 4. Submit Your Documents: After completing the first three steps, the documents must be submitted for residency permit application. For this, obtain the real estate value assessment report and certificate of conformity first.
Step 5. Get Your Citizenship Approval: After the requirements have been completed, get your Turkish citizenship. You can now apply and get a Turkish passport.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Turkish Passport?

Turkey is a nation with a beautiful history and a great future. Therefore, having a Turkish passport is a source of pride for many people, which they consider a natural gift.

The country is a combination of the ancient and modern Western world. Therefore, getting Turkish citizenship holds many benefits.

✅ Get Full Medical Assistance

One of the main benefits of being a Turkish citizen is the medical services.

You get complete medical assistance and access to its healthcare systems once you become a Turkish citizen. This means that you and your family are entitled to benefit from all the medical rights.

Healthcare in Turkey comprises a mix of private and public health services, which are top-notch. What’s more important is that emergency care is free for Turkish residents, including those who don’t have state health insurance.

✅ Live, Work, And Study In Turkey

One of the biggest reasons people are moving to Turkey is that the Turkish passport gives you and your family the right to live, study, and work there. For starters, there are free education and university reimbursement plans for students.

If you’re a student or have children, you can avail of its benefits. Also, you can benefit from pension programs as a Turkish citizen. Overall, you and your family can enjoy the Turkish high-standard lifestyle.

✅ Get Travel Visas Easily

Turkish citizens can quickly get Schengen, UK, or USA travel visas if they submit the proper documentation. If you’re from a country where getting a visa is difficult, being a Turkish citizen will help.

Plus, you can enjoy visa-free travel to many countries with your Turkish passport.

These countries include Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, and many other Latin American countries. You can also visit many countries in the Balkan region without a visa.

✅ Access To The USA By E-2 Visa

Turkey has a treaty with the USA that allows Turkish citizens to apply for an E-2 investor visa. Once you become a Turkish citizen, you can be eligible to apply for an E-2 visa. This visa helps you get residency in the USA.

✅ Enjoy A High-Quality Life At Affordable Costs

Turkey is cheaper than many European countries. So, if you want to be close to Europe but spend less, Turkey is an ideal base. Housing, food, and utilities are cheaper in Turkey, especially if you have income in foreign currency.

What Does A Turkish Passport Cost?

Once you’ve acquired Turkish citizenship, you can apply for a Turkish passport.

A Turkish passport valid for six months will cost you around 1,274 TRY ($45). If you want a 10-year valid one, the amount is 4,106 TRY ($145).

Conclusion

As the final chapter of your Turkish citizenship journey approaches, it’s clear that the process is more than just paperwork; it’s a gateway to becoming part of a diverse and dynamic nation.

Armed with the right information and guidance, you’re now ready to embrace the privileges and responsibilities that come with calling Turkey home. Welcome to your new beginning in a land where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly.

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