Turkish Citizenship

Turkish Citizenship: Pathways, Benefits & Application Guide

Turkey, a bridge between Europe and Asia, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, economic opportunities, and strategic location. Gaining Turkish citizenship provides a gateway to an exciting lifestyle, access to a booming economy, and a visa-free travel option to various countries. Whether you're looking to invest in real estate, start a business, or relocate, understanding the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship is crucial.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Turkish citizenship, including its benefits, the various pathways to acquiring it, and the legal requirements. Let's dive into how you can secure a Turkish passport and enjoy the privileges that come with being a Turkish national.

Benefits of Turkish Citizenship

Acquiring Turkish citizenship offers several key benefits for foreign nationals, including:

1. Visa-Free Travel: Turkish citizens can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to over 110 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many South American countries. Turkey is also in the process of negotiating visa-free travel with the European Union.
2. Dual Citizenship: Turkey allows dual citizenship, which means that you can retain your original nationality while enjoying the benefits of being a Turkish citizen.
3. Access to a Growing Economy: Turkey has one of the largest and most dynamic economies in the world. Gaining Turkish citizenship allows you to invest and conduct business in a favorable environment.
4. Residency Rights: Once you become a Turkish citizen, you and your family can live, work, and study in Turkey without restrictions. You also have access to free healthcare and free education at public institutions.
5. Citizenship for Family Members: Turkish citizenship can extend to your spouse and children under the age of 18, allowing your entire family to benefit from Turkish nationality.
6. Pathway to EU and E-2 Visa: Turkey is part of the EU Customs Union and maintains strong ties with Europe, making it an attractive location for those looking to expand their businesses into European markets. Turkish citizens are also eligible for the E-2 Investor Visa, which allows for residency in the United States.

How to Acquire Turkish Citizenship

There are several pathways to obtaining Turkish citizenship. These include citizenship by investment, naturalization, marriage, and descent. Here's an overview of each method:

1. Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by investment is the most popular route for foreign nationals seeking Turkish citizenship. In 2018, Turkey introduced a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), allowing investors to obtain citizenship in exchange for a qualified investment in the country. The program offers several investment options:

• Real Estate Investment: You can obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000. The property must be held for a minimum of three years.
• Capital Investment: Invest $500,000 in Turkish capital markets or make a fixed deposit of the same amount in a Turkish bank for a minimum of three years.
• Insurance Investment: Invest $500,000 in Turkish Private Pension Insurance funds for a minimum of three years.
• Job Creation: You can acquire Turkish citizenship by establishing a business that creates at least 50 jobs for Turkish citizens.
• Government Bonds: Invest $500,000 in government bonds or other government-approved financial instruments with a three-year holding period.

Once the investment is made, the citizenship application can be completed in as little as three to six months.

2. Turkish Citizenship by Marriage

Foreign nationals who marry a Turkish citizen can apply for Turkish citizenship after being married for at least three years. However, the couple must demonstrate that they are living together and maintaining a genuine marriage. If the marriage ends in divorce before the three-year period, the foreign spouse will lose their eligibility for citizenship.

3. Turkish Citizenship by Descent

If you are born to a Turkish parent, you are eligible for Turkish citizenship by descent, regardless of whether you were born in Turkey or abroad. Turkish nationality can be passed down to children, but applicants must provide proof of their Turkish parentage, such as birth certificates and family records.

4. Turkish Citizenship by Naturalization

Foreign nationals who have lived in Turkey for a continuous period of at least five years can apply for citizenship through naturalization. To qualify, applicants must meet several requirements:

• Residency: Have lived in Turkey for five consecutive years, with no interruptions longer than six months.
• Good Conduct: Demonstrate good behavior and no criminal record.
• Financial Stability: Show proof of sufficient income to support themselves and their dependents.
• Knowledge of Turkish Language: Possess a basic understanding of the Turkish language.
• Commitment to Stay: Demonstrate an intention to settle in Turkey by having a permanent address or business.

Once the naturalization process is completed, applicants can enjoy full citizenship rights, including the right to vote and hold public office.

Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship

Regardless of the pathway you choose, applicants for Turkish citizenship must provide the following documents:

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

Additionally, applicants may need to undergo interviews or provide additional documentation, depending on the nature of their application.

Process of Applying for Turkish Citizenship

The application process for Turkish citizenship involves several steps:

1. Application Submission: Submit your citizenship application along with the required documents to the Directorate General of Migration Management or the Turkish Embassy in your home country.
2. Investment Verification: For those applying through the Citizenship by Investment Program, the Turkish authorities will verify the investment and ensure it meets the criteria.
3. Background Check: Turkish officials will conduct a background check to ensure the applicant meets the character and conduct requirements.
4. Approval: Once the application is approved, the applicant will be granted Turkish citizenship, and they will receive their Turkish passport and national ID card.

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

Costs Involved in Turkish Citizenship

The cost of acquiring Turkish citizenship varies depending on the pathway chosen. Here are the key costs to consider:

• Investment Amount: The minimum required investment for citizenship by investment starts at $400,000 for real estate or $500,000 for other investment options.
• Service Fees: Engaging a lawyer or consultancy firm to handle your application can cost between $25,000 and $35,000, depending on the services required.
• Government Fees: There are administrative fees about $2,500 associated with submitting the citizenship application, including document notarization, translation, and fees and taxes.

Key Considerations for Turkish Citizenship

Before applying for Turkish citizenship, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Taxes: Turkish citizens are subject to Turkish tax laws, including income tax, property tax, and inheritance tax. However, there are tax incentives and double taxation agreements that can help reduce your tax burden.
• Military Service: Male Turkish citizens between the ages of 18 and 41 are required to perform mandatory military service, unless they qualify for an exemption. Some dual citizens may be exempt from this requirement, depending on their circumstances.
• Renouncing Original Citizenship: Turkey allows dual citizenship, so there is generally no need to renounce your original nationality when acquiring Turkish citizenship.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.