Turkish Citizenship Lawyer
Citizenship is one of the most complex aspects for international law solicitors. There are numerous legal mechanisms for acquiring a Turkish passport: naturalisation, investment, descent, and many others.
Are you planning to move to Turkey or obtain citizenship? Our team of experienced legal professionals and Turkish citizenship lawyers can help you navigate this process as swiftly and stress-free as possible. Our qualified experts will analyse your situation and suggest the best pathway to citizenship. We’ll provide legal assistance in gathering documents, facilitating purchase and sale transactions, and representing your interests in court.
How Can One Obtain Turkish Citizenship?
Obtaining Turkish citizenship can be achieved through various methods, depending on the individual circumstances and objectives of the applicant: by descent, through marriage, naturalisation, investment, and others.
At the initial stage, it is necessary to submit applications to the local migration service office or a Turkish consular institution. After the application has been submitted, the review process begins, which includes verifying the provided information, a potential interview, and assessing whether the applicant meets the requirements.
How do I Apply for Turkish Citizenship?
The first step is to determine the basis on which you are eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship. After that, it’s necessary to compile a complete set of required documents:
- Completed citizenship application form;
- Valid foreign passport and its notarised copy;
- Birth certificate;
- Certificate of No Criminal Record
- Documents confirming your current legal residence in Turkey (residence permit, work visa, etc.);
- Documents confirming financial standing (bank statements, income certificates, tax returns);
- 4 passport-sized photographs;
- Marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates if applicable;
- Evidence of proficiency in the Turkish language (certificates or test results).
All documents issued in a foreign language must be translated into Turkish and notarised. If necessary, an apostille is required. The application must be completed in Turkish without any errors or corrections. Mistakes or missing documents can lead to delays or refusal.
To apply for citizenship, you need to submit your application to the Citizenship Affairs Office at your local Population and Citizenship Affairs Department (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü) or through a Turkish consulate if you are abroad. During the application process, you may be asked to provide fingerprints and other biometric data.
When submitting an application, it is necessary to pay the government fees. The amount can vary depending on the basis for obtaining citizenship and the current rates. The process of reviewing the application can take from 6 months to 2 years.
You will receive an official notification regarding the decision made. If your application is approved, you will be informed of the next steps. If your citizenship application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision or submit a new application after addressing the reasons for refusal.
Ways to Obtain Turkish Citizenship
The following categories of individuals may apply for Turkish citizenship:
- Foreign nationals who have been legally residing in Turkey for a certain period of time;
- Individuals ready to make significant investments in the Turkish economy;
- Individuals with one or both parents being citizens of Turkey;
- Foreign nationals who are married to a Turkish citizen, either male or female;
- Individuals who have made significant contributions to science, art, sport, or the economy of Turkey may be granted citizenship through a special decision by the government.
There are several ways to obtain Turkish citizenship, each designed for different categories of applicants.
How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship through Investment
Turkish legislation offers several investment options that allow foreigners to qualify for a passport.
The first option to get turkish citizenship by investment involves investing in a business or creating jobs. The minimum amount is 500,000 US dollars. This can be achieved by investing in the fixed capital of a Turkish company or establishing a new business. An alternative option is the creation of at least 50 jobs. The sector for investment does not have strict restrictions.
The second option is investing in bonds and securities. The minimum amount to get turkish citizenship by investment is 500,000 US dollars. This involves purchasing Turkish government bonds or other government-approved securities with a commitment to retain the investment for no less than 3 years.
The third option is investing in shares or venture capital funds. The minimum amount is 500,000 US dollars. Investment in shares of Turkish real estate investment trusts (REITs) or venture capital funds with a commitment not to withdraw the investment for at least 3 years.
The fourth option is a bank deposit. The minimum amount is 500,000 US dollars. Placing a deposit in a Turkish bank with the obligation not to withdraw or transfer the funds for at least 3 years. It’s a safe investment method with the potential to earn interest income.
After making an investment, you will receive an official confirmation (certificate of compliance) from the relevant Turkish government authority. Gather all the necessary documents and submit an application for turkish citizenship by investment to the Turkish Ministry of Interior. The review process takes between 3 to 6 months.
Our experienced turkish citizenship lawyers will help you at every stage of the process. We will consult regarding turkish citizenship law, investment programs, and provide you with all possible options to obtaining turkish citizenship.
Turkish Citizenship Through Property Purchase
Like applying for turkish citizenship by investment, obtaining Turkish citizenship through purchasing property has become one of the most popular and effective methods for foreign investors to obtain a new passport and take advantage of the benefits of living in a rapidly developing country.
According to turkish citizenship law, foreign national must purchase property to the value of no less than 400,000 US dollars. This amount can be invested in one or several properties.
The investor is required to retain ownership of the acquired property for no less than 3 years. The ownership right must be registered in the land registry (Tapu ve Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü).
Before making a purchase, it is necessary to conduct an official property valuation, confirming its market value. Payment for the property should be made via bank transfer to the seller’s account. It is also essential to obtain a Certificate of Compliance (Uygunluk Belgesi), which confirms that the investment meets the programme’s requirements.
Before applying for citizenship, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit in Turkey. To do this, submit an application to the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Genel Müdürlüğü). The spouse and minor children of the investor can also obtain citizenship.
How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship through Marriage
Another way to acquire turkish citizenship is by being married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years at the time of application. The spouses must have lived together for at least 2 years. The required documents include:
- Application for citizenship;
- The applicant’s passport and its notarised copy;
- Marriage certificate, certified and translated into Turkish;
- Turkish ID card of the spouse who is a Turkish citizen and his/her identity document;
- The applicant’s residence permit in Turkey;
- Proof of cohabitation (for example, a tenancy agreement, utility bills);
- Справка об отсутствии судимости;
- Passport-sized photographs;
- Medical certificate of health status (if necessary).
The application should be submitted to the local Population and Citizenship Affairs Directorate (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Müdürlüğü) according to the place of residence. The applicant and their spouse may be invited for an interview with immigration service representatives to verify the authenticity of the marriage and the level of proficiency in the Turkish language.
Applicants are notified of the decision made. In the event of approval, a Certificate of Citizenship is issued. Taking an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Turkey may be required.
Can one Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Descent?
The following categories of individuals can obtain a Turkish passport by descent:
- Children of Turkish citizens;
- Grandchildren and descendants of Turkish citizens;
- Individuals whose parents or ancestors have lost Turkish citizenship.
To apply for Turkish citizenship by descent, it is necessary to compile the following set of documents:
- Completed application form;
- Birth certificates of the applicant, parents, or ancestors;
- Parents’ marriage certificate (if required);
- Documents confirming the Turkish citizenship of parents or ancestors;
- Справка об отсутствии судимости;
- Passport-sized photographs;
- Evidence of kinship ties.
The application must be submitted to the local Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü) or a Turkish consulate.
What are the Main Advantages of Turkish Citizenship?
Turkey is situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it a key centre for international trade and investment. The country boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, offering opportunities for business and entrepreneurial activities. The Turkish government actively attracts foreign investments by providing various incentives and benefits.
Holders of a Turkish passport gain the opportunity for visa-free or simplified entry to more than 110 countries. Moreover, Turkey recognises dual citizenship, which allows individuals to maintain connections with their home country or conduct international business.
Citizens of Turkey have access to high-quality education at both public and private institutions. Many universities offer programmes in English and have international accreditation.
Turkey is renowned for its pleasant climate and diverse natural landscapes, ranging from the beaches of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas to mountainous regions. Its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks make life in the country interesting and fulfilling.
Compared to other European countries, Turkey offers a low cost of living while maintaining a high quality of services.
Requirements for Applying for Turkish Citizenship
The requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship depend on the legal mechanism you choose. However, a list of common requirements can be identified:
- The applicant must be over 18 years of age.
- The applicant must have been residing legally in Turkey for a continuous period of no less than 5 years immediately prior to the date of application submission (the total time of absence should not exceed 6 months over the 5 years);
- The applicant must have a stable source of income and sufficient financial means to support themselves and any dependants.
- No criminal record;
- Basic proficiency in Turkish;
- The minimum investment required is either the purchase of property valued at no less than $400,000 or a bank deposit of at least $500,000.
To acquire turkish citizenship, ensure that all documents are up-to-date, correctly formatted, translated into Turkish, and notarially certified. The services of a qualified solicitor will help to prepare the application in full compliance with Turkish legislation. We will assist you in competently arranging all the necessary documents, significantly reducing the likelihood of rejection.
How Can a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer Assist You?
Turkish citizenship lawyer possesses in-depth knowledge of the laws governing immigration and naturalisation processes in Turkey. An experienced professional at turkish citizenship law firm is well-acquainted with popular citizenship-by-investment programmes, current requirements, and all the nuances of the legislation.
International lawyer will assess your situation, analyse the potential legal grounds and available pathways to citizenship. The specialist will help competently prepare all necessary documents, certificates, translations, and notarial certifications. Mistakes at this stage can lead to delays or even refusal of citizenship, hence professional assistance from a solicitor is extremely important.
For those planning to acquire turkish citizenship by investment, a turkish citizenship lawyer will ensure legal verification and support throughout the purchase transaction to ensure it complies with Turkish legislation and the requirements of the programme. In the event of a refusal, the solicitor will assist in challenging the decision, conducting a legal analysis of the reasons for refusal, and preparing an appeal.
Why Should you Choose our Law Firm?
Our turkish citizenship lawyers have many years of experience in providing highly qualified legal assistance in matters of Turkish citizenship. Over the years, we have helped hundreds of clients obtain citizenship, successfully handling extradition cases and international arrest warrants.
Our turkish citizenship law firm is comprised of highly qualified solicitors who have an in-depth understanding of Turkish legislation and international legal standards, enabling us to provide effective assistance in the most complex situations. Our team meticulously analyses each case, determines the legal strategy, and exerts every effort to achieve the best possible outcome.
We offer a full range of legal services—from initial consultations and document preparation to defending your interests in court and before international bodies. If you’re looking for a turkish citizenship law firm that’s ready to fight for your interests on the international stage, please get in touch with us.
