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How Easy Is It to Get Turkish Citizenship?
How easy is it to get Turkish citizenship is one of the most frequently searched topics by foreign investors and immigrants in recent years, due to Turkey’s strategic location, developing economy, and the high living standards it offers. Acting as a bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey has made citizenship processes quite systematic and fast within specific programs. When compared to other citizenship programs (CBI – Citizenship by Investment) around the world, the conditions offered by Turkey are much less bureaucratically exhausting.
In particular, the legal regulations made in 2018 and the subsequent reduction of financial lower limits are the biggest factors in describing the process as “easy.” So, is the process really easy for everyone? Fundamentally, access to a Turkish passport is quite fast for individuals who have a clean criminal record, make the necessary investment, or complete the legal residence period. This process, which can be concluded in an average of 3 to 6 months after the application is made, is quite practical compared to the years of waiting in many European countries.
The ease of the process depends on which path the applicant chooses. While the application via investment is the fastest method requiring the fewest documents, general application or citizenship via marriage may require slightly more procedures and time. However, when viewed from a general framework, if professional consultancy is obtained, the Turkish government has minimized bureaucracy to attract foreign investors and qualified workforce to the country. For those asking how easy is it to get Turkish citizenship, the answer is usually; “It is one of the fastest citizenship programs in the world when the correct documents are submitted and legal paths are followed.”
Turkish Citizenship Application by Investment
Acquiring citizenship through investment constitutes the most practical answer to the question of how easy is it to get Turkish citizenship. The Turkish government grants exceptional citizenship rights to foreigners who bring a certain amount of capital, in order to increase foreign currency inflow to the country and stimulate the economy. This method provides direct ownership of citizenship and a passport without seeking a 5-year residence requirement. The investor, their spouse, and children under the age of 18 can also benefit from this right, which makes the program extremely attractive for families.
One of the most common options in this category is the bank deposit method. A foreign investor is required to deposit at least 500,000 US Dollars (or equivalent foreign currency) into a bank operating in Turkey and commit not to withdraw this amount for 3 years. As soon as this transaction is approved by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK), the citizenship application process begins. The money remains in the investor’s own account and can be withdrawn with its interest at the end of 3 years. During this time, the Turkish citizenship ID card will have already been obtained.
Another investment option is fixed capital investment. Individuals who make a fixed capital investment of at least 500,000 US Dollars, as determined by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, are also entitled to citizenship. Additionally, business people who provide employment for at least 50 people can receive citizenship with the approval of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. All these processes are carried out rapidly thanks to special “Joint Offices” established between the relevant institutions of the state. Therefore, it is possible to become a Turkish citizen by fulfilling only financial criteria without getting stuck in bureaucratic obstacles.
Citizenship Process via Real Estate Purchase
The most popular and preferred way to acquire citizenship in Turkey is real estate investment. When people ask how easy is it to get Turkish citizenship, this is the first option that comes to mind. This is because one both obtains a living space or rental income and possesses one of the most powerful passports in the world. According to current laws, foreigners who purchase one or more real estate properties worth at least 400,000 US Dollars can apply for citizenship by placing a “not to be sold for 3 years” annotation on the title deed records.
The most critical point of this process is the real estate valuation report. The value of the property to be purchased must be approved by SPK (Capital Markets Board) licensed experts. It is mandatory that the official sales price and the price in the valuation report exceed the 400,000 Dollar limit. Payment must be made via bank and the issuance of the Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB) is mandatory. When these documents are completed, an application is made to the Directorate of Migration Management with the certificate of conformity obtained from the Land Registry Office. The process is so optimized that the investor can complete all transactions through their lawyer with a power of attorney without ever coming to Turkey.
Real estate investment is not limited to housing only; immovable properties such as workplaces, land, or fields are also included in this scope. However, in land purchases, there may be additional details such as a commitment to develop a project on it. Another point to consider in citizenship via real estate is that the property must not have been used for citizenship by another foreigner before. When the right property is selected, both a profitable investment is made and the Turkish citizenship process is completed in a short time like 3-4 months. This method is the safest way where the risk is lowest and the investment turns into a tangible asset.
Acquiring Turkish Citizenship via Marriage
There is also a path for those who do not have investment power but have united their lives with a Turkish citizen. However, at this point, the answer to the question of how easy is it to get Turkish citizenship is a bit more complex compared to the investment method. Citizenship via marriage is not a right gained “automatically.” You cannot get a passport as soon as you marry a Turkish citizen. The legislator has set certain timeframes and conditions to prevent sham (fake) marriages.
To apply for citizenship via marriage, you must first have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years and this marriage must still be ongoing. Being married only on paper is not enough; the condition that the spouses live under the same roof within the family unity is sought. Furthermore, the applicant must not engage in activities incompatible with the marriage union (e.g., prostitution, etc.) and must not have a situation that would constitute an obstacle in terms of national security and public order.
During the process, couples are called for an interview by the Police Department or relevant commissions. In this interview, how well the spouses know each other, the reality, and the sincerity of the marriage are questioned. Investigations can be made from neighbors or the environment. If the marriage is a sham marriage made solely to obtain citizenship, the application is rejected and legal action can be initiated. However, if there is a genuine and sustainable marriage, Turkish citizenship is acquired as a result of the application made at the end of 3 years. Although this method does not bring a financial burden, it is a procedure that requires time and patience, where inspections are kept strict.
General Citizenship and 5-Year Residence Condition
For foreigners who do not make an investment or do not have a marriage situation, the standard procedure is “Citizenship by General Way.” If you ask how easy is it to get Turkish citizenship in this option, it is necessary to say that the process requires discipline and continuity. The basic condition in this method is to have resided in Turkey uninterruptedly for 5 years backwards from the date of application. Uninterrupted residence means that the foreigner has not been outside of Turkey for more than a total of 12 months (in some cases 6 months) within these 5 years.
Just filling the time is not enough either. The applicant is expected to confirm with their behavior that they have decided to live in Turkey (buying property, establishing a business, educating their children here, etc.). In addition, living in accordance with general morality, not having a dangerous disease, and most importantly, being able to speak Turkish at a sufficient level are mandatory. A Turkish language interview is conducted during the application. It is also mandatory for the person to have an income or profession to support themselves and their dependents in Turkey.
This method is generally preferred by professionals who are in Turkey with a work permit, students (the entire duration of studentship is not counted, special calculations exist such as half being counted), or long-term residents. Although there is no investment requirement, it is the longest path as it requires a 5-year life commitment. The application file is examined in detail by the Ministry of Interior, an archive search is conducted, and finally, citizenship is granted with the decision of the Cabinet or the approval of the Ministry. It is a solid path for those making long-term plans, but it requires patience.