Investment

Turkish citizenship

Turkish citizenship [1] (Law no. 5901 on) defines the principles and the procedures regarding the conduct of affairs and processes related to the acquisition and loss of Turkish citizenship. [2] Turkish citizenship may be acquired by birth or after birth[3]. Turkish citizenship may automatically be acquired by birth on the basis of descent or place of birth.[4] On the other hand Turkish Citizenship Act specifies three main ways to acquire Turkish citizenship after birth. Accordingly, Turkish citizenship may be acquired after birth (i) by decision of the competent authority, (ii) by adoption or (iii) by choice.[5]

HOW CAN FOREIGNERS BE TURKISH CITIZEN? Foreigners can acquire Turkish citizenship in two ways. 1- BY BIRTH; Turkish citizenship acquired by paternity or place of birth.

  • Turkish citizenship by paternity

Marital or extramarital child who was born in or outside Turkey from a Turkish citizen mother or father, is a Turkish citizen.

  • Place of birth

The child born in Turkey but cannot acquire citizenship of any country by birth depending on the foreign mother or father and the found child whose parents cannot be identified is a Turkish citizen as of birth.

2- SUBSEQUENT; it is the Turkish citizenship which was acquired by means of a Competent Authority’s decision, Exceptional case, Marriage, Adoption and right of choice.

  • Acquiring Turkish Citizenship by a Competent Authority’s Decision

Any adult foreigner who resided in Turkey for uninterrupted 5 years and who has the ability to distinguish can apply for Turkish Citizenship with the decision of a Competent Authority provided that he/she confirms that he/she has decided to settle in Turkey with his/her behaviours, does not have a diseases which may pose a danger to the public health, is able to speak Turkish adequately, has the income or job to make a living for himself/herself and any dependent people and does not constitute a drawback in terms of National Security and public order.

Turkish citizenship by investment

People who bring industrial facilities to Turkey or provide or are thought to provide extraordinary services in scientific, technological, economic, social, sportive, cultural and artistic areas and for whom the related ministries have submitted justified offers. Foreigners and those who have residence permit in accordance with International Protection Law and Turquoise Card holders and their foreign spouses, underage or dependent children of them or their spouses, Foreign individuals who are deemed necessary to be granted Turkish Citizenship. Foreigners who are considered as immigrants can acquire Turkish citizenship exceptionally with the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers provided that such individuals does not constitute a drawback in terms of National Security and public order. On the other hand, foreigners who meet the following criteria shall be evaluated in that scope and they can apply for Turkish Citizenship exceptionally with the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers:

  • Proven by the Ministry of Economy to make fixed capital investment in the amount of minimum USD 500.000;
  • Proven by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanism to purchase real estate in the amount of minimum USD 250.000 provided that it is registered in the Title Deed Registry not to be sold for three years;
  • Proven by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to provide employment for at least 50 people;
  • Proven by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency to deposit minimum USD 500.000 in banks operating in Turkey provided that such amount shall be kept in the banks for three years;
  • Proven by the Undersecreteriat of Treasury to purchase State debt instruments in the amount of minimum USD 500.000 provided that such instruments are kept for three years;
  • A regulation regarding the Turkish Citizenship Law was added to Article 20, which regulates the conditions for the exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship. It was also decided that citizenship rights should be provided for foreigners investing in capital market instruments and other investments. According to this, a share of real estate investment fund participation of at least 1.5 million dollars or foreign investors who hold a venture capital investment fund share and keep it for three years will be entitled to Turkish citizenship.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Criteria and Steps for Citizenship Application of Foreign Investors

  • Turkish Citizenship by Marriage

Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years can apply for Turkish citizenship.

  • Acquiring Turkish Citizenship by Adoption

Underage child adopted by a Turkish citizen can acquire Turkish citizenship as of the decision date provided that there is no drawback in terms of national security and public order.

  • Acquiring Turkish Citizenship by Right of Choice

Children, who lost citizenship depending on their parents who cease to be a Turkish citizen by getting a permit, can acquire Turkish citizenship by using their right of choice within three years after they come of age.

  • Turkish Citizenship by Birth

The child who was born inside or outside of Republic of Turkey borders, and who was born from Turkish citizen mother or father is Turkish citizen.  As place of birth, the child who was born in Turkey, but who can’t get citizenship of any country due to her/his father and mother, and whose mother and father can’t be detected, has Turkish citizenship beginning from the birth.

  • Turkish Citizenship by Naturalization

The competent authority is The Regulation of Turkish Citizenship and the citizenship approvals are made by Council of Ministers. The applications are made as through general, marriage, establishment of ancestral ties and exceptional applications.

  • Turkish Citizenship by Descent

According to the Turkish Law, acquiring Turkish citizenship by descent is not possible. But,  if the inheritance  is an immovable and has 1.000.000 USD value, exceptional  citizenship application can be made providing to be added 3-year not selling guarantee on title records..

  • Turkish Citizenship and Military Status

If the person has completed his military services in his own country and if the person can certify it, he wil be exempt from military services in Turkey according to Turkish Law. The registration procedures for military service are conducted key to Article 2 of the Military Service Law No. 1111. According to this article of code, if the foreigners are 22 or over when they get accepted for Turkish citizenship, they will be exempt from military services in Turkey.

  • Restoration of Turkish Citizenship

People who lose Turkish citizenship by getting alienage permit and people who lost their citizenship depending on their parents who did not use their right of choice within three years can reacquire Turkish Citizenship by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers without considering the residency time in Turkey provided that there is no drawback in terms of national security.

STEP BY STEP TURKISH CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION

Applications in relation to acquiring and losing Turkish citizenship shall be submitted in person or with a power of attorney for using such right to the;

Governorate (Provincial Birth Registration Office) in the province where the applicant resides in the country; or

The Embassies or Consulates of the Republic of Turkey abroad.

EXAMPLE FORMS FOR CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS

  • Turkish citizenship by paternity

VAT-1 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at https://www.nvi.gov.tr/kurumlar/nvi.gov.tr/hizmetlerimiz/vatandaslikhizmetleri/Vat_1_18_Yas.pdf

  • Birth Place

VAT-2 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at https://www.nvi.gov.tr/hizmetlerimiz/vatandaslik-hizmetleri/vatandaslik-formlari

  • Acquiring Turkish citizenship with the decision of a Competent Authority

VAT-3 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at https://www.nvi.gov.tr/kurumlar/nvi.gov.tr/hizmetlerimiz/vatandaslikhizmetleri/Vat_3_Genel_Kazanma.pdf

  • Exceptional Turkish citizenship

VAT-4 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at https://www.nvi.gov.tr/kurumlar/nvi.gov.tr/hizmetlerimiz/vatandaslikhizmetleri/Vat_4_Istisnai_Olarak_Kazanma.pdf

  • Turkish citizenship by marriage

VAT-6 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at https://www.nvi.gov.tr/kurumlar/nvi.gov.tr/hizmetlerimiz/vatandaslikhizmetleri/Vat_6_Evlenme.pdf

  • Acquiring Turkish citizenship by adoption

VAT-7 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at https://www.nvi.gov.tr/kurumlar/nvi.gov.tr/hizmetlerimiz/vatandaslikhizmetleri/Vat_7_Evlat_Edinilme.pdf

  • Acquiring Turkish citizenship by right of choice

VAT-8 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at https://www.nvi.gov.tr/kurumlar/nvi.gov.tr/hizmetlerimiz/vatandaslikhizmetleri/Vat_8_Secme_Hakki_Kazanma.pdf

  • Restoration of Turkish citizenship

VAT-5 form on the website of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs at https://www.nvi.gov.tr/kurumlar/nvi.gov.tr/hizmetlerimiz/vatandaslikhizmetleri/Vat_5_Yeniden_Kazanma.pdf

HOW TO CALCULATE RESIDENCY PERIODS?

For a foreigner, residency means residing in Turkey in accordance with the Turkish laws. In terms of validity and calculation of residency time for the foreigner who wants to acquire Turkish citizenship;

How long the foreigner resided in Turkey is determined with the residence permit issued by the Immigration Office and the document which shows the entrance and exit dates in Turkey.

The foreigner who want to acquire Turkish citizenship may be outside Turkey no longer than six months in total during the required residency period. The time period outside Turkey, which does not exceed six months in total, shall be evaluated within the anticipated residency period.

If the foreigner is outside Turkey for longer than six months in total within the residency period or stays in Turkey without valid residence permit or without getting a residence permit for longer than six months; the residency period shall be interrupted and residency period before this date shall not be taken into consideration.

Residing in Turkey without a legal residence permit or with a permit which is legal but does not specify the intention of settlement in Turkey; residing in Turkey with residence permits for asylum or immigration applicants, refugees, education, touristic, accompanying a student, treatment or foreign missionary personnel identification cards issued by diplomatic organizations or consulates shall not be accepted as valid residency in acquiring Turkish citizenship.

In the event that the person, who resided in Turkey with residency reasons which were not accepted in acquiring Turkish citizenship, is granted residency permit afterwards, pervious residency periods shall be taken into consideration. This provision shall not apply to people who were in Turkey with touristic residence permit.

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TURKISH CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION?

The application is submitted by filling in the forms drawn up by the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs according to the type of acquiring Turkish citizenship.

Photograph, copies of passport, residence or work permit, marriage, adoption and birth certificates and power of attorney, if any, as well as medical certificate, etc. shall be enclosed in the form according to the application type.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE DURING APPLICATION? WHAT ARE THE TRANSACTIONS THAT THE APPLICANT IS REQUIRED TO DO?

The documents and statements in relation to applications for acquiring Turkish citizenship with the decision of a Competent Authority or by marriage may be verified at Security Authorities and other required authorities. Applicants and the spouse who is a Turkish citizen shall be interviewed.

The file consisting of documents submitted by the applicants or obtained from relevant authorities for acquiring Turkish citizenship by birth or restoration of Turkish citizenship and the interview results if any shall be submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs to be investigated and concluded. Applicants can check the status of the citizenship application online.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION?

Application for Turkish citizenship is referred to the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs by the authority where the application is submitted. Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs ensures that deficiencies are completed if any and sends positive or negative results to the relevant authority following necessary investigation and research. Applicants are notified by SMS or e-mail during the procedure.

WHEN IS THE CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION CONCLUDED?

Applications may be concluded in a time period between 6 months and 2 years.

HOW TO CHANGE NAME AND SURNAME, EXAMPLE FORMS

Each foreigner who acquire Turkish citizenship has the right to choose a Turkish name and surname. The foreigner may use such right while filling in application forms, in other words during application provided that the name and surname complies with the Turkish alphabet. After the citizenship is acquired, such requests shall not be taken into consideration and a court decision may be required.

CAN FOREIGNERS OF TURKISH ORIGIN BE TURKISH CITIZEN?

Foreigners who were Turkish citizen by birth but acquired other citizenships afterwards and the children who lose Turkish citizenship depending on them can apply for Turkish citizenship again. In that case, they have the right to apply without considering residency conditions. For the foreigners of Turkish origin who are citizens of foreign countries since birth, there is no different practice since 31.12.2011.

HOW TO BE A TURKISH CITIZEN WITH IDENTIFICATION CARDS FROM THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE?

Foreigners of Turkish origin, who wants to acquire Turkish citizen by claiming that he/she has an identification card in his/her name since the Ottoman Era, is obliged to prove such claim with documents including his/her identity such as birth registration or identification card. In addition, the ones who lost Turkish citizenship for any reason, who were not registered because of not being able to notify in overall and local registrations can reacquire Turkish citizenship.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO FOREIGNERS WHO WILL APPLY FOR TURKISH CITIZENSHIP FROM EXPERTS

  • Being a citizen of the Republic of Turkey is a privilege. For that reason, it is recommended that all foreigners who apply for Turkish citizenship;
  • Should not have a condition which may constitute a drawback in terms of national security and public order;
  • Should note that the documents and information submitted are true;
  • Should not submit exaggerated or misleading information and documents just to acquire Turkish citizenship.
  • For the foreigners who apply for Turkish citizenship due to marriage with a Turkish citizen; having a child from this marriage and continuing the marriage in goodwill would provide advantage for them. The marriage should not be made just for acquiring citizenship.
  • They are also advised not to rely on the information and recommendations provided by third party individuals or organizations other than the relevant and competent authorities.

As per Article 16 of the Act “Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by marriage” reads as follows:

“(1) Turkish citizenship is not acquired automatically upon marriage to a Turkish Citizen. However, foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen at least for three years and who are still married, can apply to acquire Turkish citizenship. Applicant married to a Turkish citizen is required to fulfill the following conditions. The applicant:

a) shall live in family unity;

b) shall avoid acts not compatible with the marriage unity;

c) shall not pose a threat on national security and public order.

(2) In case the spouse who is a Turkish citizen dies after the application is lodged, then

the applicant is not required to fulfill clause (a) of the first paragraph. 

UPDATE 19.09.2018 NEW – CONDITION FOR EVALUATION OF INVESTORS

According to the amendments in the implementing regulations of the Turkish Citizenship Act which wass published today 19.09.2018  in the Official Gazette, foreigners has a right to obtain Turkish citizenship;

– Purchased a property for at least 250.000 $ in Turkey which will not be sold for three years,
– Fixed capital investments should be at least 500.000 $
– Turkish citizenship will be granted to foreigners who will deposit at least 500.000 $ which will be keep deposited in banks for 3 years or will borrowed to the government instruments for three years

Moreover, with the new amendment, the foreigner who will employ at least 50 employees would be entitled to receive Turkish citizenship.

Services:  https://expatguideturkey.com/turkish-citizenship-by-investment/ 

Application Process:  https://expatguideturkey.com/acquiring-turkish-citizenship/

According to the Turkish Citizenship Act, competent authority refers to Turkish Ministry of Interior. Article 19 of the act indicates that;

“Of the aliens who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship by the decision of the competent authority, for those who fulfill the conditions for applying a citizenship file shall be opened in their name and sent to the Ministry to be decided. After the examination and inquiry made by the Ministry those whose situations have been deemed appropriate can acquire Turkish citizenship by decision of the Ministry, whereas the citizenship applications of those whose situations have been deemed inappropriate shall be rejected by the Ministry.”

There are mainly four types of applications for Turkish citizenship finalized through the decision of the competent authority.

(i) General applications

(ii) Exceptional applications

(iii) Applications for re-acquisition of Turkish Citizenship

(iv) Applications for acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by marriage.

In general for the applications for acquisition of Turkish Citizenship and for the applications for acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by marriage, the applicant’s fulfillment of the citizenship conditions is evaluated by The Citizenship Application Examination Commission[6] which is formed in every province of Turkey. After an interview process, for those applicants who fulfill the required conditions, the commission asks further examination from the Provincial Security Directorate. Upon completion of examination process by Provincial Security Directorate, applicant’s file is forwarded to the Ministry of Interior for the final decision.

Competent authority decision on the acquisition of Turkish citizenship is made upon fulfillment of the following criteria. However as article 10 of the act clearly indicates “fulfillment of the stipulated conditions does not grant that person an absolute right in the acquisition of citizenship”

Article 11

“A foreigner who wishes to acquire Turkish citizenship shall;

a) be 18 or above and have the capacity to act either according to his/her own national law or, if he/she is stateless, according to Turkish law.

b) have been resident in Turkey without interruption for five years preceding the date of his/her application,

c) verify his/her determination to settle down in Turkey with his/her manners,

d) have no disease constituting an obstacle to public health,

e) be of good moral character,

f) be able to speak a sufficient level of Turkish,

g) have income or profession to provide maintenance for himself/herself and his/her dependents in Turkey,

h) have no quality constituting an obstacle in respect of national security and public order”.[7] 

Citizenship Application file should include the following documents:

a) A completed VAT-3 FORM (BACK SIDE)

b) Translated and notarized copy of applicant’s passport. If the applicant is stateless, documents certifying applicant’s statelessness.

c) Documents showing applicant’s identity information. (Properly certified documents should be notarized and translated with Apostille)

d) Certificate of civil status certifying applicant’s civil status such as married, divorced or widowed. (Properly certified documents should be notarized and translated with Apostille)

e) If the applicant is married, extract of civil registry record or equivalent document which records family ties of spouse and, if existent, of children (Properly certified documents should be notarized and translated with Apostille)

f) If available, birth certificates of first and second degree Turkish citizen relatives.

g) Health report obtained from official health institutions demonstrating applicant has no disease constituting a threat to public health.

h) Evidence of applicant’s ability to speak sufficient level of Turkish language. (Document obtained from National Education Directorates)

i) Evidence of adequate and regular financial resources for personal and family livelihood in Turkey such as Turkish Work Permit certificate and Commercial Activity Certificate.

j) Evidence of uninterrupted residence in Turkey for five years (Documents obtained from Provincial Security Directorate) – For foreigners with Turkish descent evidence of uninterrupted residence in Turkey for two years –

k) Residence permit valid for at least 3 months beyond the application date.

l) Original or court-certified copy of the Court decision, if applicant has ever conducted any offence

m) Tax office receipt of Administrative fees.

Article 12 of the Act indicates that certain categories of the foreigners might be eligible for Turkish Citizenship by the decision of the Council of Ministers.

ARTICLE 12

“Foreigners mentioned below can acquire Turkish citizenship by decision of the Council of Ministers acting on a proposal from the Ministry, provided they have no feature constituting an obstacle in respect of national security and public order.

a) Individuals who have brought industrial plants into Turkey or have rendered or are being considered to render in the future outstanding services in the scientific, technological, economic, social, sporting, cultural and artistic fields and about whom a reasoned offer has been made by the ministries relevant.

b) Individuals whose naturalization has been considered necessary.

c) Individuals who have been recognized as immigrants. “[8] 

a) A completed VAT-4 FORM (BACK SIDE)

b) Translated and notarized copy of applicant’s passport. If the applicant is stateless, documents certifying applicant’s statelessness.

c) Documents showing applicant’s identity information. (Properly certified documents should be notarized and translated with Apostille)

d) Certificate of civil status certifying applicant’s civil status such as married, divorced or widowed. (Properly certified documents should be notarized and translated with Apostille)

e) If the applicant is married, extract of civil registry record or equivalent document which records family ties of spouse and, if existent, of children (Properly certified documents should be notarized and translated with Apostille)

f) If available, birth certificates of first and second degree  Turkish citizen relatives.

g) Residence permit valid for at least 3 months beyond the application date.

h) Tax office receipt of Administrative fees.

As per article 13 of the Act, the following categories of individuals may re-acquire Turkish Citizenship irrespective of their residence period in Turkey upon the affirmative decision of the Ministry of Interior.

a) Individuals who lost Turkish citizenship by obtaining a renunciation permit.

b) Those individuals who, after having lost Turkish citizenship because of their parents, they did not exercise their right of choice within the time-limit foreseen in Article 21.

Moreover as per article 14, those individuals who lost Turkish Citizenship in accordance with article 29[9] of the Act may re-acquire Turkish Citizenship upon the decision of Council of Ministers and those who lost Turkish citizenship in accordance with article 34[10] of the act may re-acquire Turkish citizenship upon the decision of the Ministry of Interior. In both cases, applicants are required to have resided at least 3 years uninterrupted in Turkey.

a) A completed VAT-5 FORM (BACK SIDE)

b) Extract of civil registry record

c) Translated and notarized copy of applicant’s passport. If the applicant is stateless, documents certifying applicant’s statelessness.

d) If there is any change in the civil status of the applicant after the lost of Turkish Citizenship, Certificate of civil status certifying applicant’s civil status such as married, divorced or widowed. (Properly certified documents should be notarized and translated with Apostille)

e) If the applicant is married, family registry documents or equivalent document which records family ties of spouse and, if existent, of children (Properly certified documents should be notarized and translated with Apostille)

f) Documents showing applicant’s identity information. (Properly certified documents should be notarized and translated with Apostille)

g) Evidence of uninterrupted residence in Turkey for three years (Documents obtained from Provincial Security Directorate) – only for those applicants within the categories under article 14 of the Act.

h) Tax office receipt of Administrative fees.

Uninterrupted residence is defined in the article 15 of the Act. Accordingly “an foreigner who applies for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship may stay abroad without exceeding six months within the residence period required for the application. The period spent abroad shall be evaluated within the residence period foreseen in this Law. “[11]

Citizenship Application file should include following documents.

a) A completed VAT-6 FORM (BACK SIDE)

b) Extract of civil registry record of Turkish citizen spouse

c) Translated and notarized copy of applicant’s passport. If the applicant is stateless, documents certifying applicant’s statelessness.

d) Documents showing applicant’s identity information. (Properly certified documents should be notarized and translated with Apostille)

e) If applicant is resident in Turkey, Residence Permit.

f) Original or court-certified copy of the Court decision, if applicant has ever commited any offence

g) For those applicants who got married in Turkey, copy of International Marriage Booklet. For those who got married outside Turkey, copy of certified equivalent documents. (Properly certified documents should be notarized and translated with Apostille)

h) Copy of Turkish National Identity card of Turkish citizen spouse.

i) Tax office receipt of Administrative fees.

CITIZENSHIP LAW (Source: refworld.org) Law No. 5901 Date of Enactment: 29.05.2009 Published in the Official Gazette 0n 12 June 2009, No. 27256

[1] Law No. 5901 Date of Enactment: 29.05.2009 Published in the Official Gazette 0n 12 June 2009, No. 27256
[2] Law No. 5901, Art. 1
[3] Law No. 5901, Art. 5
[4] Law No. 5901, Art. 6
[5] Law No. 5901, Art. 9
[6] Law No. 5901, Art. 18 – (1) The determination of whether foreigners who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship fulfill the conditions for application in accordance with Articles 11 and 16 shall be made by the citizenship application examination commissions formed in the provinces. The formation and the working principles of the commissions shall be prescribed by a by-law.
[7] Law No. 5901, Art. 11 – Foreigners who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship may be required, in addition to the conditions aforementioned, to relinquish previous citizenship. The Council of Ministers shall be competent to determine the principles regarding the exercise of this discretion.
[8] Law No. 5901, Art. 12
[9] Law No. 5901, Art. 29 – Revocation of Turkish CitizenshipTurkish citizenship of individuals whose acts mentioned below are ascertained by the official authorities may be revoked by a decision of the Council of Ministers acting on a proposal from the Ministry.

a) Those individuals who have rendered services for a foreign state incompatible with the interests of Turkey and despite the fact that they are notified to cease this task by the overseas representative offices abroad and by the directors of provincial public administration in Turkey, they do not obey within the given reasonable time not being less than three months.

b) Individuals who voluntarily continue to render any kind of services for a state which is in war with Turkey, without the permission of the Council of Ministers.

c) Individuals who voluntarily render military service for a foreign state without obtaining permission

[10] Law No. 5901, Art. 34 – Loss of Turkish Citizenship by the Right of  Choice

(1) The individuals whose situations are mentioned below, may renounce Turkish citizenship within three years after they reach the age of majority.

a) Of the individuals who acquired Turkish citizenship by birth through the mother or the father on the basis of descent, those who acquired the foreign mother’s or father’s citizenship by birth or after birth.

b) Of the individuals who acquired Turkish citizenship by descent from the mother or the father, those who acquired citizenship of a foreign state by place of birth.

c) The individuals who acquired Turkish citizenship by adoption.

d) Of the individuals who had acquired Turkish citizenship by place of birth, those who then acquired the foreign mother’s or father’s citizenship.

(2) If loss of citizenship in accordance with the aforementioned provisions renders the person concerned stateless, the right of choice shall not be used.

[11] Law No. 5901, Art. 15

Ata İnstitutonal Consultancy provides the service throughout whole Turkey including İstanbul, Ankara, Antalya, İzmir, Mugla, Bursa and Gaziantep. İf you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. (2017)

 

Ata Kurumsal

Ata Institutional Consulting is a leading consultancy company in its field, with expert personnel, with 12 years of experience, providing residence permit, work permit, Turkish citizenship consultancy and corporate consultancy services to foreigners. Ata Instiutional Consultancy

97 Comments

  1. As of your article 5 yrs uninterruped years needed to apply for citizenship. If the applicant is yukesk lisans student and entitled to 1 year extention before graduation and he will fulfill 5 and half years…in that case he will be able to apply for citizenship? What documents needed to apply then.

    Regards

    1. Dear Sir/Madam,

      Student Residency Permit are fully calculated with the condition of applying for a Work Permit directly after or during the validity of their Residency Permit.

      Otherwise only half of the years will be taken into account during the Citizenship application.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  2. Dear concerned,

    I have an inquiry regarding the duration confusions….for citizenship issue is there exemptions for masters students as i am residing here since 2013 and its like 4 years now and after this i will have 1 yr more short term residence if change my student permit status before graduation which i got to know…my question is will these years will not be considered for acquiring citizenship?

    Thanks

    1. Dear Mr Haissam,

      According to the Turkish Law on Citizenship Student Residency are taken fully into account if the applicant could get employed without any cut in its Residency. Otherwise half of the year with a Student Residency Permit will be taken into account.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  3. I am a 47 year old American citizen. I was born in the United States. My father was a Turkish citizen when I was born, but he has since become an American citizen. Am I eligible through birth to become a Turkish citizen?

    1. Dear Mr Naci,

      Unfortunately if your father has left the Turkish Citizenship you are not eligible for the Turkish Citizenship. However if your father is still a Turkish Citizens we can prepare an application in your name.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  4. Need help!!!

    I have turkish citizenship identity as well as bulgarian and british passport. I have been living in UK for 10 years but i want to visit turkey-izmir for a week. My only concern is will i be taken to military from the turkish border to serve the turkish military since im 21 years old and i had problems with my name identity due to that i could not extend my citizenship or neither pay the full amount for the military serving. I want to know if i would be able to pass the border and come back to bulgaria without any problem or will that be a problem any help please??? Will they arrest me and take me away any idea info or help would be much appriciated!

    1. Dear Mr Semi,

      You should be allowed to stay in Turkey for a certain time without any problem. The Officer at the Border are not directly related to the military. For this reason you should not have any problem.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  5. Hi. I have been living in Turkey for just over 9 years. I have been on a short term residency permit for the whole duration. Today I went to the nufus to start my citizinship process. I have been married to my Turkish husband for 3 1/2 years. The nufus worker looked at my short term residency card and told me it has to be a family residency permit to apply for citizenship. I’m sure this is untrue. Thanks for any help

    1. Dear Mrs Kirstie,

      In order to be allowed to apply for the Citizenship, Foreign Citizens are required to own a Family Residency Permit when they will make the application.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  6. Hi ,,thanks so much for this oppurtunity,,,,,,my case is very strong now,,…………….I am a foreigner,i have been in Turkey for 2years ………….I have my Turkish foreigners id,,,,,,,,,,,,I got married to my Turkish wife on December 12 2016,,,nd now we have a 3weeks plus baby girl…………………………………..Yesterday,,i just received a sudden call from immigration office in Besiktas, that i should report myself,, there is a problem with my foreigners id,,,,,,i quickly left what i was doing nd called my wife,,and we went together with our baby to immigration office…………………When we get there,,my wife asked cos i cannot speak Turkish,,nd they cant understand English,,,,,,,,,,,,they said that my residence address is not correct,,,nd for that,,,they took my id nd cancelled my id……………We re so short of words to say ,,since yesterday we have been thinking on what to do,,,so luckily for me,i came accross you,,,,..Pls i need an advice on what to do,,,my family is in trouble,,without me,,,everything is gone,,the life of ma baby is at stake….,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,do i have the right to charge the case to court? or what shall we do before its too late,,,we re just given 10 days for trials……….I m feeling so down nd dont wanno loose my citizenship………….

    1. Dear Mr Bright,

      We are very sorry for your case. Since we don’t know the reason of the cancellation of your Residency PErmit we cannot give you any advise. You should check with the İmmigration Office concerning the reason of the cancellation.

      Best REgards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  7. Dear Sir/Madam,

    If my father invests the required amount by buying a property in Turkey, am I also eligible for citizenship? And also what happens with conscription for new citizens, are all new citizens required to complete conscription like any other citizen, or pay the required amount, or have already completed conscription in another country?

    Thank you kindly

    1. Dear Mr Ali,

      If you father invest in a Turkish Property and wish to apply for the Citizenship by Investment program you mother will be elligible for the Turkish citienship just after your father is issued the Turkish Citizenship.
      The children of the applicant under 18 years old will be able to apply for the Turkish citizenship however children over 18 years old will not be able to apply for the Turkish Citizenship.

      Also the mandatory military service will be only for applicant under 22 years old.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  8. Hello,
    I want to apply for the Turkish citizenship as I have been working in Turkey for 9 years.
    Once I get it, does my work status change? I am an international hire and I have benefits that Turkish nationals don’t have. I was told (by friends) that as long as my contract is being renewed according to my current passport “Canadian ” I shouldn’t have a problem.However, I need confirmation. Do you have an idea concerning this issue?
    Many thanks,
    Kate

    1. Dear Mrs Kate,

      If you have fulfilled the requirement for the Turkish Citizenship you should bnot have any problem related to your applicatio0n.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  9. I can see that you may already answer my question but I really want to confirm

    My grandfather was turkey and lift turkey during ww1 1914, he lived in Egypt, have my father in 1930, my father could not get Egypt new computer ID till he dies because my grandfather civil record as Turkish citizen
    I have only Egyptian document for my grandfather as Turkish citizen on his marriage certificate and my father birth certificate as father Turkish citizen

    kindly confirm if i can apply to the Turkish consulate for citizen or not

    Thanks

    1. Dear Mr Ayman,

      If your father was Turkish at your birth you might be aligible for the Turkish Citizenship, however the fact that your grandfather was Turkish will not have any effect on you demand of tukrish Citizenship.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  10. Hello. I am lebanese residing in Lebanon. My mother got her turkish citizenship 2 days ago because her mother is turkish. Do i have the right to apply for turkish citizenship without residing there?

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