Citizenship in Turkey

ACQUIRING TURKISH CITIZENSHIP

How to acquire Turkish citizenship? How to become a Turkish citizen? Is it possible to obtain citizenship in Turkey? What are the conditions for becoming a citizen in Turkey?

The Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law explain how to acquire Turkish citizenship. Accordingly, the acquisition of Turkish citizenship is explained in 2 main categories as acquisition by birth or acquisition later. 

1. Gain by Birth:
2. Acquisition through Lineage:

Turkish citizenship acquired by birth is acquired automatically based on lineage or place of birth. Citizenship acquired by birth is valid from the moment of birth.

(a) A child born to a Turkish citizen mother or father in marriage, inside or outside Türkiye, is a Turkish citizen.

(b) A child born to a Turkish citizen mother and a foreign father outside of marriage is a Turkish citizen.

(c) A child born to a Turkish citizen father and a foreign mother outside of marriage acquires Turkish citizenship if the procedures and principles that establish lineage are fulfilled.

Turkish citizenship acquired through lineage is citizenship acquired automatically by establishing lineage with a Turkish citizen mother or father. Turkish citizenship is acquired from birth upon notification.

What is meant by acquisition by birth here is this: Even if a child born to a Turkish mother or father is born abroad, he has acquired Turkish citizenship by birth, and even if this child comes to the Republic of Turkey at the age of 25 and documents that he was born to a Turkish mother or father and requests the registration of his citizenship, he will not have acquired citizenship at the age of 25, he will have acquired it from birth, and will have all the rights and duties retroactively. For example; even if a male individual who acquired citizenship by birth registers his Turkish citizenship at the age of 45, he will still have military service because he did not acquire citizenship later, he acquired it from birth but his registration was delayed. 

Therefore, if you have a mother or father who has Turkish citizenship, you can always request the registration of your citizenship at any age by documenting this situation and applying to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkey through your lawyer or legal representative.

2. Earnings by Place of Birth:

A child born in Turkey and who cannot acquire citizenship of any country by birth due to foreign parents is a Turkish citizen from birth.

A child who has been in Turkey is considered to have been born in Turkey unless otherwise proven. A child born in Turkey who cannot acquire the citizenship of any state due to reasons such as not having known mother and father, being stateless, or not being able to acquire citizenship due to mother and father in accordance with national laws, acquires Turkish citizenship from birth.

A child born in Turkey and who cannot acquire the citizenship of any state due to reasons such as not having known parents, being stateless, or not being able to acquire citizenship due to parents in accordance with national laws, acquires Turkish citizenship from birth.

In applications for acquiring Turkish citizenship based on place of birth, a file consisting of the following documents is prepared by the application authorities and sent to the Ministry for decision:

a) A petition form stating the request.

b) Birth certificate proving that the child was born in Turkey.

c) Birth report prepared based on the birth certificate.

d) Document proving that the child does not acquire citizenship of any state due to the mother or father.

d) If the mother and father are stateless, a document proving this situation, if it is possible to obtain it.

Therefore, if you were born in Turkey but did not acquire any citizenship from your mother or father, you can apply to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkey through your lawyer or legal representative and request the registration of your citizenship by documenting this situation.

2. Acquisition of Citizenship Later:

1. Acquisition of Citizenship by Decision of the Competent Authority:

1. Acquisition of Citizenship According to General Principles
2. Acquisition of Citizenship through Marriage
3. Acquisition of Citizenship by Exceptional Methods
4. Regaining Citizenship

2. Acquisition of Citizenship through Adoption:
3. Acquisition of Citizenship through the Exercise of the Right to Vote

Conditions for Acquiring Turkish Citizenship According to General Principles

Conditions required for application

For foreigners who want to acquire Turkish citizenship;

a) To be of legal age and have the ability to distinguish according to his/her national law, or, if stateless, according to Turkish law: To be of legal age and have the ability to distinguish according to one's own national law, or, if stateless, according to the Turkish Civil Code No. 4721.

b) Residing in Turkey for five years without interruption, starting from the date of application: Having resided in Turkey for five years without interruption, starting from the date of application. Principles for calculating residence periods: 

The validity and calculation of residence periods for foreigners who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship are carried out according to the following principles:

The duration of a foreigner's residence in Turkey is determined by the residence permit issued by the provincial police department and the document showing the dates of entry and exit to Turkey.

Foreigners who want to acquire Turkish citizenship may stay outside Turkey for a period not exceeding six months in total during the required residence period. The period not exceeding six months in total spent outside Turkey is considered within the envisaged residence period.

If a foreigner spends more than six months outside Turkey during the residence period or stays in Turkey for more than six months without a valid residence permit or without obtaining a residence permit, the residence period is interrupted and residence periods prior to this date are not taken into account.

Residence in Turkey without a legal residence permit or with a residence permit obtained for purposes such as asylum or refugee applicants, refugees, education, tourism, accompanying a child who is studying, treatment, or with a foreign mission personnel ID card that provides immunity with diplomatic or consular privilege, is not accepted as a valid residence in acquiring Turkish citizenship.

If a person who is in Turkey for reasons of residence that are not accepted for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship is later bound to a residence for a reason that is considered valid, their previous residence periods will also be taken into account. This provision does not apply to those who are in Turkey with a residence permit for touristic purposes.

c) To confirm with his/her behavior that he/she has decided to settle in Turkey:

Those who do not have a legal residence permit or who are legal but do not show the intention of settling in Turkey; asylum or refugee applicants, refugees, who are understood to have established residence for purposes such as education, tourism, accompanying their children who are studying, or treatment.

d) Not having any disease that poses a danger to general health: 

A health report, the procedures and principles of which are determined by the Ministry of Health, stating that the person does not have a disease that poses a danger to general health.

d) Having good morals:

To demonstrate good morals by behaving with the sense of responsibility required by living together in society, to inspire confidence in those around them with their behavior, and not to have bad habits that are not tolerated by society and that are contrary to social values.

e) Being able to speak Turkish adequately:

To be able to speak Turkish at a level that will allow you to adapt to social life. Although the level mentioned here is not clearly stated, it is understood that a level higher than B1 is meant.

f) To have an income or profession that will provide for oneself and one's dependants in Turkey:

It is necessary to present a work permit, tax certificate, commitment letter or similar document proving the income or profession of the person who provides for himself/herself and his/her dependents in Turkey. The term dependent should mean his/her children, spouse who is ill or unable to care for himself/herself and other relatives.

g) Not having any situation that would constitute an obstacle to national security and public order:

This condition can have very broad implications; any negative situation, from being a military, intelligence or strategic personnel in the previous country to having a serious criminal record, can be evaluated under this heading.

Documents required for application for acquiring Turkish citizenship in general

A file consisting of the following documents is prepared by the application authority on behalf of the foreigner who wishes to acquire Turkish citizenship and meets the necessary conditions for the application:

a) A petition form stating the request.

b) Passport or similar document showing which state the person is a citizen of, or if stateless, a document related to this if it is possible to obtain it.

c) A document such as a birth certificate or a population registration copy showing the person's identity information, and if married, a population registration copy or similar document proving the family ties of the spouse and children.

c) Marital status certificate and, if married, marriage certificate; if divorced, document proving divorce; if widowed, death certificate of spouse.

d) If there are first or second degree relatives who are Turkish citizens, a copy of the population registration record of these persons obtained from the system by the application authorities.

e) A health report, the procedures and principles of which are determined by the Ministry of Health, stating that the person does not have a disease that poses a danger to general health.

f) A work permit, tax certificate, commitment letter or similar document proving the income or profession of the person who provides for himself/herself and his/her dependants in Turkey.

g) A document obtained from the provincial police department showing the dates of entry and exit from the country, indicating that the applicant has resided in Turkey for five years without interruption, starting from the date of application.

g) A residence permit with a period sufficient to complete citizenship procedures from the application date onwards.

h) If there is a final court decision regarding any crime, a certified copy.

i) If the month and day of the person's date of birth are not available, a document obtained from the competent authorities of the country to complete the date of birth; if the document cannot be obtained, a signed declaration that the person accepts the procedure to be carried out in accordance with Article 39 of the Population Services Law No. 5490.

i) Receipt showing that the service fee has been deposited to the Treasury cashier.

The provincial police department is requested to conduct an investigation about the foreigner whose file has been completed.

Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Exceptional Methods

A foreigner who meets any of the following conditions, provided that he/she does not have a situation that would constitute an obstacle to national security and public order, may acquire Turkish citizenship by decision of the President within the scope of subparagraph (b) of the first paragraph of Article 12 of the Law:

• The Ministry of Industry and Technology has determined that it has made a fixed capital investment of at least 500,000 US Dollars or its equivalent in foreign currency.
• Purchased a real estate with a minimum of 400,000 US Dollars or equivalent foreign currency for which a condominium or floor easement has been established or a land with a structure on it, on the condition that an annotation is made in the land registry records stating that it will not be sold for three years, or promised to sell the real estate with a contract drawn up at a notary public, on the condition that an annotation is made in the land registry records stating that it will not be transferred or cancelled for three years, as determined by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
• It has been determined by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security that it has created employment for at least 50 people.
• Deposits of at least 500,000 US Dollars or equivalent foreign currency in banks operating in Turkey, as determined by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency, on the condition that they are kept for three years.
• Purchased government debt instruments of at least 500,000 US Dollars or equivalent foreign currency, on the condition that they remain in the market for three years, as determined by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.
• Purchased real estate investment fund participation shares or venture capital investment fund participation shares worth at least 500,000 US Dollars or equivalent foreign currency, on condition that they are kept in the possession for at least three years, as determined by the Capital Markets Board.
• Purchased real estate investment fund participation shares or venture capital investment fund participation shares worth at least 500,000 US Dollars or equivalent foreign currency, on condition that they are kept in the possession for at least three years, as determined by the Capital Markets Board.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Upon the written instruction of the Ministry, a file consisting of the following documents is prepared by the application authorities for the foreigner who wishes to acquire Turkish citizenship exceptionally:

• a) A petition form stating the request.
• b) Passport or similar document showing which state the person is a citizen of, or if stateless, a document related to this if it is possible to obtain it.
• c) Marital status certificate and, if married, marriage certificate, if divorced, divorce certificate, if widowed, death certificate of the spouse.
• d) A document such as a birth certificate or a population registration copy showing the person's identity information, and if married, a population registration copy or similar document proving the family ties of the spouse and children.
• d) If there are first or second degree relatives who are Turkish citizens, a copy of the population registration record of these persons obtained from the system by the application authorities.
• e) If the month and day of the person's date of birth are not available, a document obtained from the competent authorities of the country to complete the date of birth; if the document cannot be obtained, a signed declaration that the person accepts the procedure to be carried out in accordance with Article 39 of the Population Services Law No. 5490.
• f) Receipt showing that the service fee has been deposited to the Treasury.
• The completed file is sent to the Ministry for decision.
• In determining the above mentioned monetary values, the effective selling rate and/or cross exchange rate of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey on the date of determination is taken as basis. 
• Transition is possible between the types of investments to be made within the scope of the second paragraph in order to complete the specified period.

Persons whose citizenship is deemed necessary.

Persons accepted as immigrants.

Requests of those whose actions constitute an obstacle to national security and public order are rejected by the Ministry.

Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship through Marriage

Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant Turkish citizenship. However, foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and whose marriage is continuing can apply to acquire Turkish citizenship. Applicants should;

a) Living in family unity,

b) Not to engage in any activity that is incompatible with the marriage union,

c) Not having any situation that would constitute an obstacle to national security and public order,

conditions are sought.

(2) If the marriage ends due to the death of the Turkish citizen spouse after the application, the condition in subparagraph (a) of the first paragraph shall not be required.

(3) Foreigners who acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage may retain their Turkish citizenship if they enter into the marriage in good faith, in case the marriage is declared null and void.

  Başvuruda bulunan yabancı hakkında müracaat makamlarınca araştırma yapılır. Araştırma sonucunda yabancının;

a) Not having been married to a Turkish citizen for three years,

b) The marriage ended due to reasons such as divorce or death before the application date,

c) He/she is on trial for any crime or is convicted or detained,

c) Failure to submit the documents requested in accordance with Article 26,

if understood başvurusu kabul edilmez ve bu hususta ilgilisine gerekli tebligat yapılır.

(3) If the spouse of a foreigner who wants to acquire Turkish citizenship has acquired Turkish citizenship later, the date of acquisition of Turkish citizenship is taken as basis in calculating the duration of marriage.

Procedures and principles regarding the investigation to be conducted by the provincial police department in the acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage

ARTICLE 28 – (1) A foreigner who wishes to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage shall;

a) Whether or not he/she lives in a family unit,

b) Whether there are any behaviors incompatible with the marriage union, such as engaging in prostitution or facilitating prostitution,

c) Whether there is a situation that would constitute an obstacle to national security and public order in acquiring Turkish citizenship,

The issues are investigated and the resulting positive or negative opinion is clearly written on the investigation form. The minutes of the investigation are also added to the investigation form.

(2) The file of the foreigner whose investigation is completed is returned to the provincial directorate. The file is sent to the commission by the provincial directorate for the necessary examination and research.

Procedures to be carried out and principles to be applied by the commission in acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage

(1) The foreigner and his/her spouse who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship are interviewed by the commission separately and together to determine whether the marriage is a real marriage or a marriage concluded for the purpose of acquiring Turkish citizenship.

(2) The opinion formed as a result of the interview is written on the interview form regarding the acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage. The file is sent to the Ministry by the provincial directorate for a decision.

Procedures and principles to be applied in applications made from abroad for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage

(1) A file consisting of the documents specified in Article 26 is prepared on behalf of the foreigner who wishes to acquire Turkish citizenship and meets the necessary conditions for application.

(2) The foreign person and his/her spouse are interviewed, separately and together, by the vice consul or higher authority responsible for consular procedures to determine whether the marriage is a real marriage or a marriage concluded for the purpose of acquiring Turkish citizenship.

(3) The positive or negative opinion formed as a result of the interview is clearly written on the interview form regarding the acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage.

(4) If the laws of the state where the foreigner is located permit, a criminal record is requested and the information and documents obtained by investigating whether the marriage record of the foreigner with his/her Turkish citizen spouse is available at official authorities are added to the file and sent to the Ministry for a decision.

Protection of good faith in annulment of marriage

(1) A person who acquires Turkish citizenship through marriage loses his/her Turkish citizenship if the marriage is declared null and void. However, a foreigner who acquires Turkish citizenship through marriage retains his/her Turkish citizenship if it is determined by the Ministry that the marriage was made in good faith as a result of the examination to be carried out.

(2) A child born out of a marriage that has been declared null and void shall retain his Turkish citizenship regardless of whether his parents had good faith in the marriage or not.

Acquisition of Turkish citizenship through adoption

A minor adopted by a Turkish citizen may acquire Turkish citizenship as of the date of the decision, provided that he/she does not pose an obstacle to national security and public order.

After the adopted person acquires Turkish citizenship, if the adoption relationship between him and the adopter ends in any way, he retains his Turkish citizenship.

The provisions of Article 15 shall apply to foreigners who are adopted by a Turkish citizen and who have reached the age of majority on the date of application.

A file consisting of the following documents is prepared by the application authorities on behalf of the foreigner who applies to acquire Turkish citizenship through adoption and is sent to the Ministry for a decision:

a) A petition form stating the adoptive parent's wishes.

b) Birth certificate.

c) Birth report prepared based on the birth certificate.

c) Passport or similar document showing which state the person is a citizen of, or if stateless, a document related to this if it is possible to obtain it.

d) A copy of the population registration record of the adoptive parent obtained from the system by the application authorities.

e) Receipt showing that the service fee has been deposited to the Treasury.

Acquisition of Turkish citizenship through the right to vote

According to Article 27, children who lose their Turkish citizenship due to their parents can acquire Turkish citizenship by exercising their right to choose within three years of reaching adulthood.

Acquisition of Turkish citizenship through the right to vote becomes effective as of the date of the decision regarding the determination of the conditions for the exercise of this right.

The provisions of Article 20 shall apply to the spouses and children of persons who acquired Turkish citizenship by exercising their right to vote.

Acquisition of Turkish citizenship through the right to choose, application and procedures to be followed

Persons who have lost their Turkish citizenship involuntarily due to their mother or father and who submit a written notification to acquire Turkish citizenship within three years of reaching adulthood may acquire Turkish citizenship by exercising their right to choose.

Among those who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship by exercising their right to vote, a file consisting of the following documents is prepared by the application authorities on behalf of those who are found to meet the required conditions and sent to the Ministry for a decision:

a) A petition form stating the request.

b) A copy of the population record taken from the system by the application authorities and showing the closed record of the person.

c) Passport or similar document showing which state the person is a citizen of, or if stateless, a document related to this if it is possible to obtain it.

c) Marital status certificate.

d) Document regarding any changes in the marital status of the person after he/she lost Turkish citizenship.

e) If married, a copy of the population registration certificate or similar document proving the family ties of the spouse and children.

f) Document showing any changes in identity information after the person loses Turkish citizenship.

g) Receipt showing that the service fee has been deposited to the Treasury.

You can get support from our law office to get information about citizenship application, to get support in collecting the necessary documents and to have your application made on your behalf.

Av. Deniz Can Kızıl

Citizenship Law

Keywords: Citizenship application in Antalya Antalya residence permit Getting a residence permit in Antalya Ways of acquiring citizenship in Antalya Turkish citizenship application Antalya Antalya work permit Antalya lawyer services Residence permit in Kaş Application for citizenship in Kemer How to get a residence permit in Antalya? Antalya legal consultancy Citizenship consultancy in Antalya Konyaaltı work permit Muratpaşa citizenship application Kepez residence permit lawyer Antalya work permit for foreigners Antalya citizenship acquisition Getting a residence permit in Manavgat Side citizenship transactions Döşemealtı residence permit Gaining citizenship in Alanya Gazipaşa citizenship application Antalya legal consultancy Residence permit in Antalya Antalya residence permit application requirements Antalya residence permit renewal Legal consultancy for foreigners in Antalya Citizenship application process in Antalya Turkish citizenship Antalya Antalya residence permit lawyer Requirements for Turkish citizenship Alanya residence permit lawyer Antalya work permit application Residence permit for foreigners Antalya Antalya citizenship consultant Kaş citizenship transactions Citizenship through real estate in Antalya Kemer residence permit Konyaaltı residence permit application Citizenship through investment in Antalya Turkish citizenship application guide Antalya lawyer for foreigners How to get citizenship in Antalya? Antalya residence permit services Becoming a Turkish citizen in Antalya Citizenship for foreigners in Antalya Requirements for Turkish citizenship Turkey residence permit conditions Antalya lawyer services Acquisition of citizenship in Antalya