Turkish citizenship lawyer
Obtaining Turkish citizenship is a complex legal matter that requires strict adherence to the laws, preparation of numerous documents, and interaction with government bodies. There are many different legal mechanisms for acquiring a Turkish passport: naturalisation, descent, investment, and many others.
Working with an experienced lawyer on Turkish citizenship matters will not only simplify the entire process but also ensure strict adherence to all legal requirements. Thanks to professional legal support, you’ll be able to minimise potential risks and the likelihood of rejection. Our team of lawyers has many years of experience in immigration law and is ready to assist every client in achieving their goal.
How to obtain Turkish citizenship?
As of today, there are several mechanisms for acquiring Turkish citizenship, including through investment, descent, naturalisation, or marriage. Turkey provides clear conditions for each method, making the process accessible to a variety of applicants.
To begin with, it’s crucial to obtain professional advice from an experienced immigration lawyer. The specialist will help you choose the best way to acquire citizenship and explain all the requirements.
The next step involves gathering the necessary documents required for the application. Depending on the chosen method of obtaining citizenship, the following may be required:
- Passport;
- Birth certificate;
- Marriage certificate;
- Documents confirming investment or residence;
- Certificate of Proficiency in Turkish Language.
After preparing the documents, the application is submitted to the Turkish Ministry of Interior or through a consulate if the applicant is abroad. All documents must be properly certified and translated into Turkish. Once the application is submitted, the review process begins. This can take from several months to a year, depending on the complexity of the case. At this stage, authorities may request additional documents or information, as well as conduct an interview to verify proficiency in Turkish.
Upon completion of the application review, the authorities make a decision regarding the granting of citizenship. If the application is approved, the applicant is issued a citizenship certificate, after which they can apply for a Turkish passport.
Who can apply for Turkish citizenship?
The following categories of applicants can obtain Turkish citizenship:
- Foreign nationals who have continuously resided in Turkey for no less than 5 years;
- Investors who have invested at least $500,000 in business or job creation in Turkey;
- Individuals who have purchased property for no less than $400,000 with the commitment not to sell it for a period of 3 years;
- Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years at the time of application;
- People of Turkish descent;
- Foreigners who have made significant contributions to Turkey, exclusively by government decision.
There are also a number of general requirements. The applicant must be over 18 years old. Children can acquire citizenship along with their parents. The individual must provide a criminal record certificate from their country of residence. The applicant must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family, especially if applying for citizenship through naturalisation. Applicants via the naturalisation process must prove basic proficiency in the Turkish language.
Turkish citizenship by investment
The Turkish citizenship by investment programme was introduced in 2017 and offers foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain a passport based on fulfilling investment commitments.
An investor is required to purchase property valued at no less than $400,000. This can be either residential or commercial property. One of the key conditions is that the investor commits not to sell the property for a period of 3 years. This option is the most popular among investors.
Investors can also invest a minimum of $500,000 in Turkish businesses. This can involve setting up a new enterprise or investing in an existing business. Investments in Turkish venture capital funds are also permitted.
Another option is the creation of no fewer than 50 jobs for Turkish citizens. This presents an optimal opportunity for major entrepreneurs and businessmen who are expanding their operations within the country.
Regardless of the type of investment chosen, funds must be invested for a period of no less than 3 years. This condition allows Turkey to guarantee long-term economic benefits from the programme. The investor is not required to reside in Turkey before or after obtaining citizenship.
The process of obtaining citizenship through the programme takes a relatively short period of time — from 3 to 6 months. After the application is approved, the investor and their family can receive a Turkish passport. Eligibility for citizenship includes the main applicant, their spouse, and minor children.
How can one acquire Turkish citizenship by purchasing property?
To acquire Turkish citizenship, one must purchase property worth no less than $400,000. In doing so, the investor may buy one or several properties to reach the specified threshold.
One of the key conditions of the programme is the commitment to retain the acquired property for no less than 3 years. This is established at the time of transaction and registered in the Turkish land cadastre. During this period, the property cannot be sold or transferred to another person.
The applicant must provide evidence that the funds used to purchase the property were obtained legally (bank statements, income certificates, and other financial documents). Also, ensure that the seller is the legal owner of the property and has all the necessary documents.
After purchasing property, it is necessary to obtain a certificate confirming that the investment meets the requirements of the programme. This is issued by the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning.
The main advantage of this programme is the fact that property in Turkey remains a stable and profitable asset, especially in popular regions such as Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum.
Turkish citizenship through a bank deposit
To acquire citizenship through a bank deposit, the applicant must place a deposit of no less than $500,000 in a Turkish bank. The account must be opened in the applicant’s name, and the sum must remain untouched for no less than 3 years.
A deposit can be placed in any Turkish bank that is registered and licensed by government bodies. After making the deposit, the applicant must obtain official confirmation from the bank regarding the presence of the deposit and its amount. This confirmation is then submitted to government bodies for processing the citizenship application.
After obtaining the certificate, the applicant can submit an application for citizenship to the Turkish Ministry of Interior or through a consulate. The application must be accompanied by all necessary documents, including proof of deposit, passport details, and other certificates such as a clean criminal record.
What are the advantages of Turkish citizenship?
One of the main advantages of Turkish citizenship is the opportunity for visa-free or simplified entry into more than 110 countries. Turkish citizens can also obtain visas on preferential terms for countries within the Schengen Area.
Another strong point of Turkey is its strategic location between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making it an important economic and logistical hub. The country offers numerous opportunities for business and investment, and Turkish citizens can:
- To freely conduct business, work, or invest in various sectors, including real estate, tourism, manufacturing, and finance;
- Make use of government business support programmes and tax incentives for new entrepreneurs and investors.
Turkey permits dual citizenship and also offers favourable tax conditions for individuals and businesses: benefits for residents and investors, and no income tax for citizens who are not tax residents of Turkey.
Turkish citizens have access to a modern healthcare system that offers both public and private medical services of a high standard. The country is home to numerous international schools and universities that provide education in English, making it an attractive place for obtaining a quality education.
The primary advantage of Turkey is its stable macroeconomic environment. Over the past few decades, the country has demonstrated a high level of economic growth. The population here is increasing rapidly, which creates a dynamic demand for various kinds of goods and services.
Can one obtain Turkish citizenship through marriage?
A foreign national can apply for Turkish citizenship if they have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years. This period starts from the date of the official marriage registration, and at the time of application, the marriage must still be valid.
The applicant needs to gather a set of documents that verify compliance with the programme’s requirements. The document package typically includes:
- Свидетельство о браке;
- The passports of both spouses;
- Evidence of cohabitation (tenancy agreements, utility bills);
- Certificate of No Criminal Record
- Passport-sized photographs.
It’s crucial to confirm that the marriage is genuine, rather than a sham. Turkish authorities may request evidence such as joint bank accounts, rental agreements, or utility bills registered in both spouses’ names. If the marriage is dissolved before the citizenship process is completed, this could be grounds for denying the passport application.
Can students obtain Turkish citizenship?
Foreign students are not entitled to obtain Turkish citizenship solely on the basis of their studies. However, a prolonged stay in Turkey, associated with studying and subsequent employment, may assist foreign students in applying for citizenship through naturalisation. To do this, one must have lived in the country continuously for no less than 5 years on a legal basis.
After completing their studies, students may stay in Turkey and obtain a work visa. Working and residing in Turkey on a legal basis can also enable students to apply for citizenship through naturalisation in the future. Legal employment, entrepreneurship, or investment can expedite the process of acquiring citizenship.
The applicant needs to prepare a series of documents:
- Passport;
- Evidence of residence in Turkey for 5 years;
- Certificate of No Criminal Record
- Evidence of financial stability (income from employment, business, etc.);
- Confirmation of knowledge of the Turkish language.
Can one obtain Turkish citizenship by descent?
If the applicant has relatives with Turkish citizenship, this can serve as a basis for obtaining a passport. The following categories of individuals can acquire Turkish citizenship by descent:
- Children who have at least one parent who is a citizen of Turkey, regardless of where they were born;
- Grandchildren or great-grandchildren of Turkish citizens, provided they supply documents confirming the familial relationship;
- Foreign children adopted by Turkish citizens.
To apply for Turkish citizenship by descent, you will need to prepare the following documents:
- The applicant’s birth certificate, which confirms familial ties with a citizen of Turkey;
- Certificates of citizenship of parents or ancestors;
- Parents’ marriage certificate (if required);
- 4-6 passport-sized photographs;
- Additional documents: birth certificates of grandparents or other proof of family relationships.
Following the successful review of the application, the applicant is issued a Turkish passport and identity card, confirming their citizenship.
How do I apply for Turkish citizenship?
Before beginning the application process, it’s important to understand on what grounds you are claiming Turkish citizenship. Depending on the basis for your application, the list of required documents may vary. The main documents that may be needed include:
- Applicant’s foreign passport;
- Свидетельство о рождении;
- A certificate of no criminal record (from the country of origin or the country where the applicant has lived for the past 5 years);
- Proof of residence in Turkey (e.g., lease agreement, utility bills);
- Documents confirming the source of income;
- Turkish identification number (if applicable);
- Confirmation of Turkish language proficiency (for naturalisation).
If you’re applying for citizenship through investment, you may need to provide documentary evidence of your investments (a property purchase agreement, a bank statement about the deposit, etc.).
The next step is to fill out an application for citizenship. The application can be obtained from the Turkish Ministry of Interior or downloaded from their official website. It is important to correctly fill in all the fields and attach all the necessary documents to the application. They must be translated into Turkish and notarised if they were issued in another country.
When submitting an application, it is necessary to pay a government fee for the processing of documents. You may be invited for an interview with representatives of government bodies. The interview typically involves checks on proficiency in the Turkish language, integration into society, and other indicators.
Once the review process is completed, you will be notified of the decision. If the decision is favourable, you will receive a citizenship certificate, after which you can apply for a Turkish passport and identity card.
The Role of a Lawyer in Turkish Citizenship
The solicitor will make every effort to ensure that the citizenship application process is as smooth and efficient as possible. At the initial stage, the expert will assess the client’s legal options based on their current status, provide recommendations on necessary steps, and forecast potential risks. The solicitor’s advice will help the client better understand the procedure and avoid mistakes in the future.
Additionally, the solicitor will provide expert assistance during the document collection and preparation stage, including translation and notarisation. The lawyer will prepare and fill out the citizenship application in accordance with legal requirements, as well as monitor the progress of the case to avoid any delays. If necessary, the solicitor can challenge a citizenship refusal by presenting additional evidence and arguments.
Our firm offers comprehensive support in obtaining Turkish citizenship, starting from consultations and document collection, through to representing the client’s interests before governmental bodies.
How our law firm can assist with Turkish citizenship
Our team specialising in Turkish citizenship acquisition is comprised of experienced migration law professionals who possess extensive knowledge and years of experience working with foreign nationals. We understand that the citizenship acquisition process requires precision, professionalism, and attention to detail, hence our team is prepared to provide clients with comprehensive support throughout all stages of the process.
We are ready to offer our clients the following legal services:
- Studying the legal basis for obtaining citizenship;
- Development of a detailed legal strategy for obtaining a Turkish passport;
- Representation before state authorities and in courts;
- Filing appeals and other international legal remedies;
- Consultations on citizenship matters;
- Collection and preparation of the necessary documents, including notarisation and translation into Turkish;
- Oversight of the application review process and interaction with government bodies.
We always stay in touch, providing answers to questions and advice at every stage of the process. Contact us right now for a consultation.
