Rejection of Turkish Citizenship Application
Turkish citizenship continues to be frequently preferred as a second passport. Aside from the fact that the Turkish passport allows visa-free entry to 111 countries and offers advantages in accessing the US E-2 and Schengen visa systems, it is also relatively easy to apply for and many ways to obtain Turkish citizenship do not require long-term residence and can be used by family members. It is also possible to benefit from the health and education opportunities provided by Turkey with Turkish citizenship.
Rejection of Turkish citizenship applications may not be the end of the dream of obtaining Turkish citizenship. It is possible to reapply, and it is also possible to appeal and file a lawsuit against the rejection of the Turkish citizenship application.
Common Reasons for Rejection of Turkish Citizenship Applications
Rejection of Turkish citizenship applications can happen for many reasons. These can be reasons that can be encountered in each application type, such as submitting false or incomplete documents, criminal record, or reasons specific to the application method, such as fake marriages in Turkish Citizenship by marriage applications, incomplete or incorrectly calculated residence period in Turkish Citizenship by residence applications.
Legal Grounds Of Turkish Citizenship Refusal
General Reasons For Turkish Citizenship Refusal
Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 regulates the ways to acquire Turkish Citizenship and the reasons for rejection of applications. The law sets out separate conditions for each application procedure. Failure to comply with the conditions specific to the application types constitutes a ground for refusal of that specific type. On the other hand, there are also general grounds for refusal mentioned in each application procedure. These are;
- the applicant having a situation that would constitute an impediment in terms of national security and public order,
- the application being made with incomplete documents and the deficiency not being corrected by the administration within the given time.
In addition, pursuant to Article 31 of the aforementioned law, the decision to grant Turkish citizenship may be canceled by the authority that made the decision if it is the result of a false statement by the person concerned or concealment of important matters that constitute the basis for acquiring citizenship.
Reasons for Refusal of Application for Turkish Citizenship by Residence
The conditions for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship through residence are regulated in Article 11 of Law No. 5901.
Requirements for application
ARTICLE 11 – (1) Foreigners who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship shall meet the following conditions;
a) Being an adult and having the power of discernment according to his/her national law or Turkish law if he/she is stateless,
b) To reside in Turkey for an uninterrupted period of five years prior to the date of application,
c) confirming by his/her behavior that he/she has decided to settle in Turkey,
ç) Not having a disease that poses a danger to general health,
d) Having good morals,
e) To speak Turkish sufficiently,
f) Have an income or occupation in Turkey that will provide a livelihood for oneself and one’s dependents,
g) Not having any situation that would constitute an obstacle in terms of national security and public order,
Accordingly, applications may be rejected on the grounds that the applicant does not have the power of discernment; has not fulfilled the five-year residence requirement; it is understood from his/her behavior that he/she does not intend to settle in Turkey; he/she has a dangerous disease in terms of general health; he/she does not have good morals; he/she does not speak Turkish sufficiently; he/she does not have the income and occupation that will enable him/her to earn a living.
Reasons for Refusal of Application for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and Article 20 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law set out the legal framework for acquiring Turkish citizenship by investment. In accordance with this, foreigners who open an account in banks in Turkey and keep a deposit of 500.000USD in the account for 3 years are entitled to Turkish citizenship.
A rejection decision may be issued for transactions such as sending money to Turkey, converting it into Turkish lira, depositing it, and obtaining the certificate of conformity, or for the application for Turkish citizenship after the completion of these transactions.
Reasons for Refusal of Application for Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Purchase
Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and Article 20 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law set out the legal framework for acquiring Turkish citizenship by property purchase. In accordance with this, oreigners who acquire real estate worth at least USD 400,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency with the condition of not selling it for 3 years can apply for Turkish citizenship.
A rejection decision may be issued for transactions such as conditions of real estate, title deed transactions, annotations on title deeds and obtaining the certificate of conformity, or for the application for Turkish citizenship after the completion of these transactions.
Reasons for Refusal of Application for Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
The conditions for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage are regulated in Article 16 of Law No. 5901.
Acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage
ARTICLE 16 – (1) Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not directly confer Turkish citizenship. However, foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and whose marriage continues may apply to acquire Turkish citizenship. Applicants must
a) Living in family unity,
b) Not engaging in an activity incompatible with the marriage union,
c) Not having any condition that may constitute an obstacle in terms of national security and public order.
Accordingly, applications for Turkish citizenship by marriage may be rejected on grounds such as the lack of a real marriage between the applicant and his/her spouse and the parties not living in a family unit.
Reasons for Refusal of Application for Turkish Citizenship by Adoption
The conditions for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship through adoption are regulated in Article 17 of Law No. 5901.
Acquisition of Turkish citizenship through adoption
ARTICLE 17 – (1) A minor adopted by a Turkish citizen may acquire Turkish citizenship as of the date of the decision, provided that he/she does not have an obstacle in terms of national security and public order.
Accordingly, the adopted person must be a child in order to apply for Turkish citizenship.
Reasons for Refusal of the Application for Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship
The conditions for the reacquisition of Turkish citizenship with or without residency required are regulated under Article 13 and 14 of Law No. 5901
Reacquisition of Turkish citizenship without residence requirement
ARTICLE 13 – (1) Provided that there is no obstacle in terms of national security, the following persons may regain Turkish citizenship with the decision of the Ministry, regardless of the duration of their residence in Turkey.
a) Those who lose their Turkish citizenship by obtaining an exit permit.
b) Those who have lost Turkish citizenship due to their parents and have not exercised their right to choose within the period stipulated in Article 21.
Reacquisition of Turkish citizenship with residence requirement
ARTICLE 14 – (1) Those who have been deprived of Turkish citizenship pursuant to Article 29 may regain Turkish citizenship by a Presidential decree, and those who have lost Turkish citizenship pursuant to Article 34 may regain Turkish citizenship by a decision of the Ministry, provided that they do not have any condition that would constitute an obstacle in terms of national security and they reside in Turkey for three years.
With the given articles, the conditions for the reacquisition of Turkish citizenship of those who renounced Turkish Citizenship or lost Turkish Citizenship are regulated and reacquisition applications may be rejected if these conditions are not complied with.
What to Do If Your Turkish Citizenship Application Is Rejected?
If the application for Turkish citizenship is rejected, one of the following options can be considered:
- to apply for Turkish citizenship again,
- to apply to the administration for the removal of the decision to reject the application for Turkish citizenship,
- to file a lawsuit for the cancellation of the decision to reject the application for Turkish citizenship.
A Turkish citizenship lawyer should be consulted in order to decide on the best method and to apply it correctly.
Reapplication for Turkish Citizenship
After the rejection of the citizenship application, there is no obstacle to reapply for Turkish citizenship. For example, a citizenship application rejected due to incomplete documentation can be renewed after the documents are completed. In addition, the fact that an objection has been made to the administration against the rejected application or that an action for cancellation has been filed against the rejection or that the cancellation action has been rejected is not an obstacle to re-applying for Turkish citizenship.
Application To Administration For Removal of Rejection
If the application for Turkish citizenship is rejected, the applicant has the right to appeal against the rejection decision. The appeal authority is the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, which evaluates the citizenship application. The applicant must exercise the right to appeal within 60 days from the day following the notification of the decision. The administration decides on the appeal within 30 days. Upon appeal, the administration may accept the application and correct the procedure or reject it, or may not decide on the application within 30 days. If the administration rejects the objection or remains silent, a lawsuit can be filed before the administrative court.
Cancellation Lawsuit For Turkish Citizenship Rejection
If the application for Turkish citizenship is rejected, the applicant may file a cancellation lawsuit before the administrative court. The applicant may file a lawsuit directly or, if he/she first appeals to the administration and fails to obtain a result, he/she may file a lawsuit.
The time limit for filing a lawsuit is 60 days from the day following the notification of the rejection decision to the foreigner. If an objection is first lodged with the administration within this period, the time limit for filing a lawsuit is suspended. In these cases, the defendant will be the Ministry of Interior Affairs and the competent court will be the Ankara Administrative Courts. If the lawsuit filed before the administrative courts of the first instance is rejected, an appeal against the decision is open. The foreigner whose case is rejected may file an appeal to the regional administrative court within 30 days from the notification of the decision. Appeal decisions are final.
Why Choose Viridis Legal Partners for Your Turkish Citizenship Appeal?
As Viridis Legal Partners, we appreciate how important it is for you to choose the right citizenship lawyer in Turkey. As your immigration lawyer in Istanbul, we have extensive experience in Turkish citizenship law and immigration related issues in many areas such as Turkish citizenship applications, appeals against Turkish citizenship rejections, and cancellations of Turkish citizenship refusals. We also provide clear and effective communication as your English-speaking Turkish citizenship lawyers so that you can fully understand your legal options and the procedures involved.
What sets Viridis Legal Partners apart is our knowledge of both Turkish and international legal standards. Our expertise in both local and international frameworks ensures that your cases for appeal against Turkish citizenship rejections are efficient and free from unnecessary delays. With Viridis Legal Partners by your side, you will benefit from tailored legal advice designed to meet your needs and achieve your citizenship and immigration goals in Turkey.
Contact us today for a consultation or to benefit from our Turkish citizenship lawyer and immigration law services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I reapply for Turkish citizenship after a rejection?
Yes, you can reapply for Turkish citizenship after a rejection regardless of whether you appeal against it or not.
What are the chances of a successful appeal for Turkish citizenship refusal?
Your situation needs to be closely analysed in order to assess the chances of success and to choose the most effective procedure for you. In case of denial of Turkish citizenship, it is observed that applications and lawsuits are often concluded favourably.
Do I need to be present in Turkey during the appeal process?
No, you do not need to be in Turkey to appeal the rejection of your Turkish citizenship application. You can manage this process through your lawyer.
What are the costs associated with appealing a citizenship rejection?
As of 2025, the total cost of postage and fees for cancellation lawsuits in administrative courts varies between 2,400 ₺ and 4,700 ₺.
