The Ultimate Guide to Obtain Turkish Citizenship
A common question for many people is how to obtain Turkish citizenship. Obtaining Turkish citizenship can be achieved through several pathways, each with its specific requirements and procedures. Below is an overview of the main methods:
A. Obtain Turkish Citizenship through Investment
This is one of the most popular and fastest ways to obtain Turkish citizenship.
1. Real Estate Investment:
– Purchase real estate worth at least $400,000 USD.
– The property must be held for a minimum of 3 years.
– The property can be residential, commercial, or land.
– Applications typically take 3-6 months to process.
2. Capital Investment:
– Invest at least $500,000 USD in fixed capital, as confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
3. Job Creation:
– Establish a business that creates jobs for at least 50 Turkish citizens, as confirmed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
4. Government Bonds:
– Invest $500,000 USD in government bonds with the condition of holding them for at least 3 years.
B. Obtain Turkish Citizenship through Marriage
– Marry a Turkish citizen and remain married for at least 3 years.
– You must demonstrate that the marriage is genuine (not fraudulent).
– Citizenship is granted after completing this period, provided there is no evidence of any activity against the national security or public order of Turkey.
C. Citizenship by Birth
– Children born to at least one Turkish parent are automatically granted Turkish citizenship, regardless of where they are born.
D. Obtain Turkish Citizenship through Naturalization
To apply for Turkish citizenship via naturalization, the following conditions must be met:
1. Residence for 5 Years:
– You must hold a valid residence permit for at least 5 consecutive years.
– During these 5 years, you may leave Turkey temporarily, but the total time spent outside the country cannot exceed 180 days (6 months) across the entire 5-year period.
2. Demonstrate Intent to Reside in Turkey:
– You must show your intent to settle in Turkey. Evidence can include:
* Owning property in Turkey.
* Being employed or running a business in Turkey.
* Enrolling in Turkish educational institutions.
* Having family ties (spouse, children) in Turkey.
3. Good Character:
– You must not have a criminal record or pose a threat to national security or public order.
4. Proficiency in Turkish:
– You need to demonstrate basic proficiency in the Turkish language. This is usually assessed during an interview with officials.
5. Financial Stability:
– You must prove you can support yourself and your dependents financially while living in Turkey.
6. No Pending Legal or Immigration Issues:
– Ensure that your residence permits and immigration status have been maintained without gaps or violations during the 5-year period.
Here is the Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Turkish Citizenship:
1. Obtain a Residence Permit
Apply for a residence permit that allows you to live in Turkey legally. Types of residence permits include:
– Short-term Residence Permit (for property owners or other purposes).
– Family Residence Permit (if married to a Turkish citizen).
– Work Permit (can act as a residence permit).
2. Live Continuously in Turkey for 5 Years
– Keep track of your time spent outside Turkey.
– Ensure that your total absences do not exceed 180 days in 5 years.
3. Prepare the Required Documents
– Application form.
– Valid residence permit.
– Passport and notarized Turkish translation.
– Birth certificate.
– Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements, employment contract).
– Evidence of integration into Turkish society: (Property deed, work contracts, or school enrollment).
– 4-6 biometric photos.
– Criminal record certificate (from your home country and Turkey).
– Certificate of Turkish language proficiency (if required).
4. Submit the Application
– Applications are submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management or the Civil Registration and Citizenship Directorate in your province.
5. Attend the Citizenship Interview
– After submitting your application, you will be invited for an interview.
– Officials will assess your knowledge of Turkish, integration into society, and intent to reside in Turkey.
6. Await Decision
– The evaluation process can take 6-24 months, depending on your case.
– You will be informed if additional documents or information are needed.
7. Receive Citizenship
– Upon approval, you will take an oath of allegiance and receive your Turkish ID and passport.
Important Notes:
– Short Gaps in Residence: If you fail to renew your residence permit on time, your 5-year period may be reset.
– Marriage or Family Ties: Having a Turkish spouse or children can strengthen your application but is not mandatory.
– Language Requirement: Basic proficiency in Turkish is often sufficient and is typically assessed through conversation during the interview.
E. Obtain Turkish Citizenship through Exceptional Cases
In some cases, citizenship can be granted directly under exceptional circumstances:
– Individuals with Turkish heritage who can prove family connections.
– Those providing extraordinary services in fields such as science, culture, sports, or arts.
– Foreigners deemed beneficial to Turkey for reasons like economic or social contributions.
F. Citizenship for Refugees
Refugees who are granted asylum and live in Turkey may apply for naturalization under special circumstances to obtain Turkish Citizenship. However, this process often takes longer and has stricter requirements.
Application Process for All Methods:
1. Prepare the Required Documents:
– Passport and notarized translation.
– Birth certificate.
– Proof of residence (for naturalization).
– Proof of investment (if applying through the investment program).
– Marriage certificate (for citizenship by marriage).
2. Submit the Application:
– Applications are made through the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management or via Turkish consulates abroad.
3. Wait for Approval:
– Processing times vary depending on the pathway. Citizenship by investment is usually the fastest, taking 3-6 months.
4. Oath of Citizenship:
– Upon approval, you may be required to attend a citizenship ceremony to take an oath.
If you still have doubts or questions about how to obtain Turkish Citizenship, reach out to us today to connect with the best consultants who will guide you step-by-step through the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship with ease and confidence!