How To Get Turkish Citizenship
Applying for Turkish citizenship can be an intricate process, and this essay aims to provide detailed information and professional guidance to individuals seeking legal advice on obtaining Turkish citizenship through legal means. Whether you are interested in acquiring citizenship through marriage, descent, investment, or any other avenue, our guide will offer in-depth insights into the requirements, laws, and benefits associated with Turkish nationality. It is significant to have an understanding of the legal concepts of Turkish Citizenship requirements for application to Turkish citizenship.
As Viridis Legal Partners, your citizenship lawyers in Turkey, we are here to assist you with your Turkish citizenship goals and determine the best way for you to acquire citizenship.
Turkish Citizenship Laws
Turkish citizenship may be attained by birth or after birth.
According to Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901
Ways of Acquiring Turkish Citizenship:
Article 5- (1) Turkish citizenship is acquired by birth or after birth
In epitome, there are two main categories of acquiring Turkish Citizenship. Turkish citizenship by birth can be acquired by place of birth and/or descent.
Later acquirement of Turkish Citizenship has three main categories such as by decision of competent authority, by adoption by a Turkish citizen and by exercising the right to choose. Obtaining Turkish citizenship by decision of the competent authority is also divided into four subcategories. General acquisition of Turkish citizenship (acquisition of Turkish citizenship by residency) , Exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship, Re-acquisition of Turkish citizenship, and Acquisition of Turkish citizenship by marriage are all in the scope of the later acquisition of Turkish citizenship.
Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship By Descent or By Birth
Turkish citizenship by birth can be acquired by place of birth and/or descent.
Pursuant to Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901
Turkish Citizenship Acquired by Birth
Turkish citizenship by birth can be acquired by place of birth and/or descent. Citizenship by birth is acquired at the moment of birth.
Turkish Citizenship Acquired by Descent (Kinship Tie)
Turkish citizenship by descent can be defined as the acquisition of Turkish citizenship spontaneously at birth, without the need for any other procedure, due to the fact that the child’s mother or father or both of them are Turkish citizens.
Accordingly, a child born to a married Turkish father or mother, whether in Turkey or abroad, is a Turkish citizen.
A child born to a Turkish mother and an alien father out of wedlock is a Turkish citizen.
A child born of a Turkish father and an alien mother out of wedlock acquires Turkish citizenship if the principles and procedures regarding the determination of descent are met.
Turkish Citizenship Acquired by the Place of Birth
A child born in Turkey, but acquiring no citizenship from his/her alien mother or alien father acquires Turkish citizenship by birth.
A child found in Turkey is deemed to have been born in Turkey unless proven otherwise.
Citizenship by birth is acquired at the moment of birth. A child born to a married Turkish father or mother, whether in Turkey or abroad, is a Turkish citizen. A child born to a Turkish mother and an alien father out of wedlock is a Turkish citizen. A child born of a Turkish father and an alien mother out of wedlock acquires Turkish citizenship if the principles and procedures regarding the determination of descent are met. Turkey has adopted the right to acquire citizenship based on birthplace in specific circumstances. A child born in Turkey, but acquiring no citizenship from his/her alien mother or alien father acquires Turkish citizenship by birth. A child found in Turkey is deemed to have been born in Turkey unless proven otherwise.
Turkish citizenship shall be acquired after birth with a decision of the competent authority, by adoption or by choice. Then, there are three main types of gaining Turkish citizenship after birth. Some eligibility criteria must be met for all kinds of later acquisition of Turkish citizenship.
Later Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship
As we mentioned above there are three main categories of later acquisition of Turkish citizenship with subcategories.
In accordance with Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901
Citizenship acquired after birth
Article 9-
Turkish citizenship shall be acquired after birth with a decision of competent authority, by adoption or by choice.
Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Decision of the Competent Authority
As we mentioned above, General acquisition of Turkish citizenship, Exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship, Re-acquisition of Turkish citizenship, and Acquisition of Turkish citizenship by marriage are all types of acquiring Turkish citizenship by decision of the competent authority.
Alias, the conditions and eligibility criteria for Turkish Citizenship application stipulated under Article 10 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 are applicable for all these four types.
Acquisition of Turkish citizenship with the decision of the competent authority
Article 10-
A foreigner who expects to acquire Turkish citizenship can acquire Turkish citizenship with the decision of the competent authority, provided that s/he fulfils the conditions stipulated by this Law. However, fulfilling the conditions required does not grant an absolute right to the person to acquire Turkish citizenship.
General Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship
General acquisition of Turkish Citizenship is ruled under Article 11 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. Since one of the conditions required under the Article is residence in Turkey for five years, it is also named as the acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by long-term residency.
Conditions Required for Application
Article 11-
An alien who wishes to be received into citizenship shall;
- be of the age of consent possessing the distinguishing power according to his/her own national legal system, or according to the Turkish law if s/he is stateless;
- have been resident in Turkey for five years, without interruption, prior to her/his date of application;
- have the intention of settling in Turkey and prove this intention with action;
- not have any disease that constitutes a danger to public health;
- be a person of good morals;
- speak an adequate level of Turkish;
- have an income or profession to provide for his own livelihood and those of his/her dependants in Turkey;
- not pose a threat to national security and public order.
Foreigners who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship shall fulfil the conditions set out above and may be required to fulfil the condition of renunciation of their country’s citizenship. Determination of the principles regarding the exercise of this discretion belongs to the Council of Ministers.
Exceptional Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship
Article 12 of the aforementioned Law regulates the exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship. Turkish Citizenship by investment and Turkish citizenship by acquiring real estate are also in the scope of this type of acquisition of Turkish citizenship.
According to Article 12 of the
Exceptional cases for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship1
ARTICLE 12 – (1) The following foreigners, with the decision of the President of the Republic, provided that they do not have an obstacle in terms of national security and public order can acquire citizenship.
a) Bringing industrial facilities to Turkey or scientific, technological, economic, social, and those who have passed or are thought to pass extraordinary service in the fields of sport, culture and art. Persons for whom a justified proposal has been made by the ministries.
b) Foreigners dated 4/4/2013 and numbered 6458 and Residence in accordance with subparagraph (j) of the first paragraph of Article 31 of the International Protection Law the foreigners holding the Turquoise Card and their foreign spouses, themselves and their spouses minor or dependent foreign child.
c) Persons deemed necessary to be naturalized.
d) Persons considered as immigrants.
(2) The requests of those who are in a state to pose an obstacle in terms of national security and public order are rejected by the Ministry.
In accordance with the aforementioned Law; Provided that there is no obstacle in terms of national security and public order, the following foreigners can acquire Turkish citizenship upon the proposal of the Ministry and the decision of the Council of Ministers.
Re-acquisition of Turkish citizenship
Article 13 of the aforementioned Law regulates the re-acquisition of Turkish citizenship. Pursuant to the aforementioned Article; provided that there is no obstacle in terms of national security, those who lost their Turkish citizenship by obtaining an exit permit, and those who lost their Turkish citizenship due to their parents and who did not exercise their right to choose within three years after reaching adulthood, can regain Turkish citizenship by the decision of the Ministry, regardless of the duration of residence in Turkey. It is mostly a concept for Turkish dual citizenship. Several countries such as Germany, USA, Australia, Belgium, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Brazil, Czechia, Armenia, France, South Korea, Ireland, Spain, Israel, Canada, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Cyprus, Mexico, Norway, Egypt, Romania, Portugal and Chile allow multiple or dual citizenship, Turkey is amongst them. Dual citizenship is possible in the Turkish legal system, provided that there is reciprocity and notification is made in this regard. Otherwise, Turkish citizens who have more than one citizenship must exercise their right to choose.
In addition, those who lost their Turkish citizenship due to reasons such as voluntary military service in a foreign government service, volunteering in a government service that is at war with Turkey, or those who lost their Turkish citizenship through the right to vote, provided that they do not have a situation that would constitute an obstacle in terms of national security and that they reside in Turkey for three years can regain Turkish citizenship.
Acquisition of Turkish citizenship by marriage,
Pursuant to Turkish law, foreigners married to Turkish citizens for at least three years can apply for Turkish citizenship. During these three years, the couple must demonstrate a harmonious marriage and the foreign spouse who wishes to gain Turkish citizenship must not pose a threat to national security and public order.
According to Article 16. Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901
Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
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 satisfy 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 to national security and public order.
In case the spouse who is a Turkish citizen dies after the application is lodged, then the applicant is not required to fulfil clause (a) of the first paragraph.
(3) In the decision of nullity of marriage, aliens who acquired Turkish citizenship with marriage can preserve their Turkish citizenship, if two sides have entered the marriage contract in good faith.
Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Adoption
A foreigner who was adopted by a Turkish citizen and who was not an adult at the time of application; can acquire Turkish citizenship, provided that there is no obstacle to national security and public order. After the adopted person acquires Turkish citizenship, in case the adoption relationship ends in any way, he/she retains his/her Turkish citizenship.
Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Choice
In accordance with the Article 21 of the above-mentioned Law; Those who lost Turkish Citizenship due to their parents exercising their right to resign can acquire Turkish Citizenship if they exercise their right to choose within three years of reaching adulthood.
Benefits of Turkish Citizenship
Are you considering the advantages of becoming a Turkish citizen? Turkish citizenship offers a wide range of benefits, making it an attractive option for foreigners seeking to establish themselves in this dynamic and culturally rich nation. In this guide, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of Turkish citizenship and provide insight into the Turkish passport application process.
- Global Mobility: Holding a Turkish passport grants you access to visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to over 110 countries, including the European Union, Japan, South Korea, and more. This enhances your international travel and business opportunities.
- Economic Opportunities: As a Turkish citizen, you can freely invest, work, and start a business in Turkey. You also gain access to Turkey’s growing economy, which is becoming increasingly attractive to investors.
- Education: Turkish citizens have access to affordable and high-quality education, with numerous prestigious universities and schools across the country.
- Healthcare: Turkey offers a healthcare system with both public and private options, ensuring access to quality medical care.
- Family Reunification: Turkish citizens can easily sponsor family members for Turkish citizenship, or residence permit for family reunification.
Turkish Passport Application
The process of obtaining Turkish citizenship and a passport involves meeting specific requirements and following established procedures. Below is an overview of the Turkish passport application process:
- Turkish Citizenship Requirements: Depending on your situation, you may qualify for citizenship through marriage, birth, or investment. The requirements vary, so it’s essential to understand which category applies to you.
- Turkish Citizenship Application Process: The application process for Turkish citizenship includes submitting the required documents, completing an interview (if necessary), and paying the associated fees.
- Turkish Passport Application: After obtaining Turkish citizenship, you can apply for a Turkish passport, which is your key to international travel. The passport application process is straightforward, and you can enjoy the benefits of visa-free travel soon after receiving your passport.
- Dual Citizenship: Turkey allows dual citizenship in certain cases. Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding dual citizenship is essential if you have citizenship in another country.
Conclusion:
At Viridis Legal Partners, we understand the complexities surrounding Turkish citizenship applications, and we aim to provide our audience with extensive legal insights and professional guidance. We encourage individuals considering becoming a Turkish citizen to consult with our English-speaking Turkish citizenship lawyers to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
To meet our immigration lawyers contact us today
FAQ
- How can I acquire Turkish citizenship by birth?
- If you are born to a Turkish mother or father you are entitled to become a Turkish citizen.
- What are the conditions for the later acquisition of Turkish citizenship?
- The eligibility criteria for acquiring Turkish citizenship after birth depend on the scenarios such as a decision by competent authority, adoption, or personal choice.
- What are the benefits of holding Turkish citizenship?
- Turkish citizenship comes with various benefits such as a Turkish passport, and the education and healthcare system of Turkey.
- How does the Turkish citizenship application process work?
- Turkish citizenship application procedures can be done through a lawyer. If you want, as Viridis Legal Partners, we can facilitate this process for you.
- Can I maintain dual citizenship with Turkey?
- Turkish citizenship laws allow dual or multiple citizenship.