Understanding how to get citizenship in Turkey involves exploring the various pathways that cater to different individuals, from investors and entrepreneurs to those with family ties. With its strategic geographical location, robust economy, and rich cultural heritage, Turkey offers an attractive destination for those seeking new opportunities. The process is designed to be comprehensive yet efficient, with options for naturalization, investment, marriage, and descent.
Each route has its requirements and benefits, whether it’s access to visa-free travel, maintaining dual citizenship, or engaging in Turkey’s dynamic market. In this guide, we delve into the specifics of each pathway, offering clarity on how you can transition from foreign national to Turkish citizen.
Turkish Citizenship
Benefits of Obtaining Turkish Citizenship
Becoming a Turkish citizen comes with a host of advantages that can enhance your personal and economic freedoms. Notably, Turkey recognizes dual citizenship, allowing you to retain your original nationality while enjoying the perks of being a Turkish citizen. This means you don’t have to give up your current passport to become a Turkish citizen.
One of the most significant benefits is access to medical services. Once you’re a Turkish citizen, you gain complete access to the country’s healthcare system, which can be a substantial advantage if you’re looking for comprehensive medical assistance. Additionally, as a Turkish citizen, you can apply for travel visas to countries like the Schengen Area, the UK, or the USA with relative ease, provided you submit the correct documentation.
For entrepreneurs and business-minded folks, Turkey offers a unique opportunity through the E-2 investor visa treaty with the USA, which allows Turkish citizens to invest and reside in the United States. Economically, Turkey is considered more affordable than many European countries, which can be attractive if you’re looking to stretch your income further.
The Turkish passport is also a valuable travel document, ranking 52nd globally for visa-free access. As of recent data, Turkish passport holders can travel to 111 countries without requiring a visa, which opens up a world of travel opportunities.
Different Paths to Citizenship
Turkey offers several avenues for obtaining citizenship, catering to a diverse range of applicants, from investors to those with family ties in the country. One of the primary methods to obtain citizenship is through investment, which is designed to stimulate the Turkish economy by attracting foreign capital and creating jobs.
If you’re looking to invest in real estate, a minimum investment of $400,000 is required. This investment must be maintained for a certain period and is aimed at bolstering the real estate market. Alternatively, a capital transfer of at least $500,000 into the country is another pathway, which brings in foreign currency and can contribute to various sectors of the economy.
Creating employment is another significant route to acquiring citizenship. By establishing a business that creates at least 50 full-time jobs for Turkish citizens, you can qualify for citizenship. This approach aligns with Turkey’s goal to reduce unemployment and develop its workforce. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security must confirm the employment of these individuals, and there’s no minimum investment amount specified for this path.
Before starting the citizenship process, you must first obtain a short-term residence permit, which can be issued for up to five years. The citizenship application is designed to be processed within a maximum period of three months, after which you receive a certificate of naturalization and can apply for a Turkish passport.
For those with personal connections, marrying a Turkish citizen can lead to eligibility for citizenship after three years of marriage. It’s important to note that Turkey allows for dual and multiple citizenship, so individuals from various countries can take advantage of this without losing their original nationality.
There are also practical considerations, such as the cost of obtaining a Turkish passport, which is around $45 for a six-month validity or $145 for a ten-year validity. Additionally, male citizens between 20 and 41 years old are required to complete military service. However, exemptions can be made for those who have already served in their home country or who apply for citizenship after age 22.
In terms of taxation, residents in Turkey are taxed on their worldwide income. In contrast, non-residents are only taxed on income sourced within Turkey. The tax system includes progressive rates for personal income, exemptions for long-term capital gains on real estate, and various rates for other types of income, such as dividends and interest. Corporate entities are taxed on their worldwide income at a rate of 20%. Getting a handle on the tax implications, including the absence of a wealth tax and the presence of real property and transfer taxes, is important if you’re considering Turkish citizenship.
Citizenship by Birth or Descent
Turkish Citizenship by Birth on Turkish Soil
Being born within the borders of Turkey does not guarantee citizenship, as the country primarily adheres to the jus sanguinis principle of investment citizenship, prioritizing parentage over the location of birth. For children born in Turkey to non-citizen parents, the parents must hold a legal status beyond that of temporary visitors for the child to qualify for citizenship. The birth must be registered with the civil registry office within the specified timeframe to initiate the citizenship process.
Citizenship Through Turkish Parents
Children born to at least one Turkish parent are granted citizenship regardless of birthplace, underscoring the significance of familial connections. The parents’ marital status may influence the process, especially when determining paternity or in cases where the parents are not married.
Adoption by Turkish nationals can also confer citizenship, provided the adoption occurs before the child reaches the age of 18. The timing of the formalization of the parent-child relationship is a determining factor for eligibility through descent.
While Turkey permits holding multiple nationalities, the regulations of other countries regarding dual citizenship may impact one’s ability to maintain Turkish citizenship concurrently. In mixed-nationality families, the citizenship of the Turkish parent typically determines the child’s nationality.
Automatic citizenship is granted if the father is Turkish and the marriage is registered or if the mother is Turkish, irrespective of the father’s nationality or marital status. Children of non-citizen parents do not receive citizenship by birth. Still, they may have residency rights depending on their parents’ legal status in Turkey.
It is crucial for all newborns to have their residency or citizenship documentation filed promptly to ensure their legal status in the country is established early on.
Citizenship through Residency
Residency Requirements for Citizenship
To be eligible for citizenship through this route, applicants must have resided in Turkey for a continuous period of five years with valid residence permits. During this period, absences from Turkey must be at most 120 days in a single trip or 1,080 days in total.
Applicants must demonstrate financial independence and not be a threat to national security or public order.
The Application Process for Long-term Residents
For those who still need to pursue citizenship, an option exists to obtain a long-term residence permit after eight years, which does not expire. This can be a stepping stone toward citizenship for those who wish to solidify their residency status first.
When the five-year residency requirement is met, applicants can submit their citizenship application to the provincial governorship. The General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs then assesses the application. Successful applicants are issued a Turkish ID card and passport.
Necessary Documentation
Applicants must provide a valid passport, proof of income, and four passport-size photographs. Additional documents include proof of property ownership if applicable, an invitation letter from a company if relevant, and evidence of health insurance. Original or certified copies of family status documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, are also required.
An interview to assess Turkish language proficiency is part of the process, demonstrating the applicant’s integration and commitment to the community.
Citizenship through Investment
Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program was initiated in January 2017 to attract foreign direct investment and boost the Turkish economy, particularly the housing market. For investors, it represents an opportunity to engage with a stable economic and political environment as a gateway to European and Asian markets.
Investment Criteria for Eligibility
To be eligible for citizenship through this program, you must fulfil specific financial requirements. The minimum investment has increased to $400,000 since May 2022. Your investment can be in various forms, including purchasing property, making fixed capital contributions, depositing funds into Turkish banks, or investing in government bonds, real estate investment funds, venture capital investment funds, or private pension systems.
Meeting the condition of employing at least 50 individuals, as confirmed by the Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Services, also qualifies you for citizenship. Applicants must be adults with no criminal history and must not have resided in Turkey unlawfully. The funds for the investment must be from legitimate sources, and the investment is subject to a detailed review.
Real Estate Investment Options
The housing market is a popular choice for those seeking citizenship. The property must be valued at a minimum of $400,000, and you must retain it for at least three years. The market can offer significant returns, with property values in metropolitan areas like Istanbul potentially appreciating considerably over time.
Business and Employment Investments
In addition to property and real estate investment funds, you can contribute to the Turkish economy through business and employment. This includes a minimum of $500,000 in fixed capital contributions or creating jobs for a specified number of individuals. These investments aim to foster economic development and employment opportunities.
Application Procedure for Investors
The application process is streamlined and efficient, typically resulting in approval within three to five months after submission. Your immediate family members, including your spouse, dependent children under 18, and any children with disabilities, may be included in your application. After approval, a visit to Turkey is required to provide biometric data as part of the residence application.
Subsequently, you will receive your citizenship documents and can request your passport. With it, you’ll have the privilege of traveling to numerous destinations without a visa or with visa-on-arrival access, including countries such as Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. Additionally, after a three-year residency, you become a tax resident and eligible for an E-2 Investor Visa in the USA, which is valid for a renewable five-year term.
As a citizen, you will be liable for gift and inheritance taxes on global assets. Furthermore, there is no prerequisite for Turkish language proficiency nor an obligation to reside in Turkey, which suits those with a nomadic lifestyle.
Naturalization and Citizenship
Eligibility Criteria for Naturalization
To become a naturalized citizen of Turkey, you’ll need to meet certain criteria. You should show an intention to settle in Turkey and not pose any risk to public health.
You’re also expected to show good moral character and proficiency in Turkish. Plus, you’ll need enough income to support yourself and any dependents. Most importantly, you mustn’t threaten national security or public order.
Language and Cultural Knowledge Requirements
Having a good grasp of the Turkish language is key for naturalization. It ensures that new citizens can integrate into society and participate in the nation’s cultural life. The language requirement highlights the importance of engaging with the social fabric of Turkish citizens.
Legal Process and Timeframe
The legal process for obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment is quick, usually three to four months. This fast track reflects the Turkish government’s eagerness to attract foreign investment.
On the other hand, the process for naturalization based on residency takes longer, requiring a continuous five-year period of living in Turkey. If you’re married to a Turkish citizen, the process can be faster, with eligibility for citizenship after three years of marriage, as long as the marriage is ongoing and the spouse’s behavior is in line with the union.
Dual Citizenship Considerations
However, male dual citizens aged 20 to 41 may need to complete military service in Turkey unless they’ve already completed it in their country of origin. They’re exempt from this requirement if they apply for citizenship after turning 22.
Children born to at least one Turkish parent are citizens from birth, following the principle of jus sanguinis. Also, children under 18 adopted by Turkish citizens become citizens once the adoption is finalized.
While Turkish citizenship has its perks, it can be revoked if someone has gained it through misrepresentation or hiding important information. Turkish and foreign nationals can also choose to give up their citizenship voluntarily.
Former Turkish citizens who have given up citizenship can apply for the Blue Card. This card gives back some rights, like living and working in Turkey, owning land, and inheriting property. But, the Blue Card doesn’t allow you to vote, which sets it apart from full citizenship.
Your Gateway to Turkey
Unlock the benefits of Turkish citizenship with a path that aligns with your journey through lineage, investment, or establishing roots over time. Turkey presents an alluring mix of cultural richness and economic potential. It creates an inviting environment for those wanting to join its diverse tapestry.
Whether you’re searching for a strategic foothold in a dynamic geopolitical hub, a place with a welcoming community to call home, or simply a new base with access to global markets, the Turkish citizenship program provides a pathway tailored to suit a variety of ambitions and lifestyles.
Embrace the opportunity, and take the next step to weave your story into the vibrant fabric of Turkey.
