How to obtain Turkish citizenship?

The different pathways to obtain Turkish citizenship

Turkish legislation provides several ways to acquire citizenship, each with specific requirements. Below are the main scenarios:

1. Naturalization through residence

One of the most common ways to obtain Turkish citizenship is naturalization after a long period of residence in Turkey.

REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET:

• • Legally reside in Turkey for at least 5 consecutive years, without interruption (except for temporary stays abroad that do not exceed six months).

  • Demonstrate an intention to settle in the country on a long-term basis (purchase of real estate, employment contract, marriage, etc.).

  • Have a sufficient command of the Turkish language to ensure integration into social life.

  • Not pose a threat to national security or public order.

  • Have sufficient income or stable employment to support yourself in Turkey.

Learning to speak Turkish therefore becomes an essential requirement for anyone wishing to integrate and obtain citizenship through naturalization.

2. Acquisition through marriage

Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant citizenship, but it does open the way to a simplified procedure.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Be married for at least three years.
• Prove genuine and continuous cohabitation with the Turkish spouse.
• Not pose a threat to national security or public order.

If these conditions are met, an application may be submitted to the competent authorities.

3. Naturalization by exceptional decision

In certain cases, citizenship may be granted by a special decision of the Council of Ministers (or the President of the Republic, depending on recent constitutional reforms). This applies to specific profiles, such as:

• Foreign investors

• Recognized artists

• Individuals who have provided exceptional services to Turkey

• High-level athletes

4. Acquisition through investment

Turkish citizenship by investment has been available since 2018 and attracts many foreigners who wish to settle quickly.

MINIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNTS (AT THE TIME OF WRITING):

Citizenship can be obtained quickly (generally 3 to 6 months) if all conditions are met. However, assistance from a Turkish lawyer is strongly recommended.

Application procedure: main steps

1. Preparing the file

The application file must include:

• Completed application form

• Passport

• Valid Turkish residence permit

• Birth certificate

• Proof of residence

• Proof of income or assets

• Certificate proving knowledge of Turkish

• Clean criminal record certificate

All foreign documents must be translated into Turkish and legalized or apostilled.

2. Submitting the application

The application is submitted to provincial directorates (İl Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık Müdürlüğü) or, in some cases, through Turkish consulates abroad.

3. Interview

An interview in Turkish is held to assess the applicant’s motivation and ability to integrate.

4. Administrative review

The file is forwarded to the relevant ministries for an in-depth review. This stage may take several months.

5. Final decision

If all requirements are met, a naturalization decree is issued and the Turkish citizenship certificate is delivered to the applicant.

Loss and renunciation of Turkish citizenship

It is also possible to renounce Turkish citizenship or to lose it, notably if one acquires another nationality without prior authorization (in cases where dual citizenship is not allowed).

Turkey generally allows dual citizenship, but some foreign countries require individuals to renounce their previous nationality. It is therefore important to check the legislation of the country concerned.

Importance of the Turkish language in the process

Knowledge of Turkish is a central criterion in all naturalization cases, except for exceptional naturalizations. It is therefore crucial to undertake serious training to learn how to express yourself and understand Turkish in administrative, legal, and social contexts.

Our online courses allow you to master the Turkish language at your own pace, with personalized support, giving you every chance to successfully integrate in Turkey and submit a successful citizenship application.