Turkish Citizenship Guide: Step-by-Step 2025

How to Get Turkish Citizenship: 2025 Guide

Turkey, strategically positioned between Europe and Asia, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, economic opportunities, and a central location. Gaining Turkish citizenship opens the door to a vibrant lifestyle, access to a growing economy, and the freedom of visa-free travel to more than 110 countries. Whether you’re looking to invest in real estate, start a business, or relocate, understanding the process of acquiring Turkish nationality is essential.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Turkish citizenship, its benefits, the pathways to acquire it, and the legal requirements. Let’s explore how you can secure a Turkish passport and enjoy the many privileges of being a Turkish national.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship

Becoming a Turkish citizen offers numerous advantages, including:

• Visa-Free Travel: Turkish citizens can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to over 110 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and several South American nations. Turkey is also negotiating visa-free travel with the European Union.
• Dual Citizenship: Turkey allows dual citizenship, meaning you can keep your original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Turkish nationality.
• Access to a Thriving Economy: Turkey boasts one of the largest and most dynamic economies in the world. Turkish citizenship offers the opportunity to invest and do business in a favorable environment.
• Residency Rights: Turkish citizens can live, work, and study in Turkey without restrictions. They also gain access to free healthcare and public education.
• Family Inclusion: Turkish citizenship can extend to your spouse and children under the age of 18, ensuring your entire family can enjoy the benefits.
• Pathway to the EU & U.S. Residency: As a member of the EU Customs Union, Turkey maintains strong ties with Europe. Turkish citizens can also apply for the E-2 Investor Visa, which grants residency in the United States.

How to Acquire Turkish Citizenship

There are several pathways to obtain Turkish citizenship. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:

1. Citizenship by Investment

Introduced in 2018, Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) allows investors to acquire citizenship through qualified investments. Available options include:

• Real Estate Investment: Buy property worth at least $400,000 and hold it for a minimum of three years.
• Capital Investment: Invest $500,000 in Turkish capital markets or deposit the same amount in a Turkish bank for three years.
• Insurance Investment: Invest $500,000 in Turkish Private Pension Insurance funds for a minimum of three years.
• Job Creation: Establish a business that creates at least 50 jobs for Turkish citizens.
• Government Bonds: Invest $500,000 in Turkish government bonds or other approved financial instruments for three years.

Once the investment is made, the citizenship process can take anywhere from three to six months.

2. Citizenship by Marriage

Foreign nationals married to a Turkish citizen can apply for Turkish nationality after three years of marriage. The couple must prove that they are living together in a genuine marriage. If divorced before the three years, the foreign spouse loses eligibility.

3. Citizenship by Descent

If you have a Turkish parent, you are eligible for Turkish citizenship by descent, regardless of where you were born. You must provide proof of your Turkish parentage, such as birth certificates and family records.

4. Citizenship by Naturalization

Foreign nationals who have resided in Turkey for at least five consecutive years may apply for Turkish nationality through naturalization. Applicants must meet several criteria:

• Residency: Live in Turkey for five uninterrupted years.
• Good Character: No criminal record.
• Financial Stability: Sufficient income to support yourself and your dependents.
• Turkish Language Proficiency: A basic understanding of the Turkish language.
• Commitment to Stay: Intention to settle in Turkey.

Once naturalized, applicants gain full citizenship rights, including voting and holding public office.

Required Documents for Turkish Passport

Applicants must provide the following documents:

• Passport and birth certificate (translated into Turkish)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of investment (for investment applicants)
• Proof of Turkish ancestry (for citizenship by descent)
• Residence permit and address registration
• Criminal background check
• Proof of income or financial stability

Additional documents may be required based on the specific application type.

Applying for Turkish Citizenship

The process of acquiring Turkish nationality involves these steps:

1. Application Submission: Submit your citizenship application along with the necessary documents to the Directorate General of Migration Management or the Turkish Embassy.
2. Investment Verification: If applying through investment, Turkish authorities will verify the investment meets all criteria.
3. Background Check: A check will be conducted to ensure the applicant meets character requirements.
4. Approval: After approval, you will be granted Turkish citizenship and receive a Turkish passport and national ID card.

The entire process typically takes three to six months, depending on the application’s complexity.

Costs of Turkish Citizenship

Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in obtaining Turkish nationality:

• Investment Amount: Minimum investment is $400,000 for real estate or $500,000 for other investments.
• Service Fees: Hiring a lawyer or consultancy for your application can cost between $25,000 to $35,000.
• Government Fees: There are administrative fees, around $2,500, which cover notarization, translation, and various taxes.

Key Considerations for Turkish Citizenship

Before applying, consider these important factors:

• Taxes: Turkish citizens are subject to local tax laws, including income, property, and inheritance taxes. However, double taxation agreements with other countries may help reduce tax obligations.
• Military Service: Males aged 18-41 are required to complete mandatory military service, though some dual nationals may be exempt.
• Dual Citizenship: Turkey permits dual citizenship, so you generally don’t need to renounce your original nationality.

Contact Us to Apply for Turkish Citizenship

Acquiring Turkish citizenship opens up a world of opportunities. Whether through investment, marriage, or naturalization, becoming a Turkish national offers significant benefits, including visa-free travel, access to a growing economy, and a high standard of living.

For guidance through the process, it’s essential to consult with Turkish advisors to ensure full compliance with local laws.

At Property Expo Istanbul, we specialize in providing end-to-end Turkish citizenship services to global investors and foreign entrepreneurs. We offer cost-effective solutions to help you enter the Turkish market and secure your Turkish passport.

FAQs About Turkish Nationality