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Anasayfa Makaleler Foreigners and Citizenship Law

Application for Turkish Citizenship: General and Exceptional Ways

7 Nisan 2026 Foreigners and Citizenship Law 2 dk okuma 71 görüntülenme Son güncelleme: 8 Mayıs 2026

Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 regulates the ways for foreigners to acquire Turkish citizenship. There are ordinary and exceptional ways (investment, marriage, service).

The Ordinary Way (art.11)

  • 5 years residence in Türkiye (uninterrupted).
  • Intention to settle in Türkiye.
  • Be of good moral character (no criminal record).
  • Able to speak Turkish.
  • Sustaining income/job.
  • General health declaration.
  • No obstruction in terms of public safety.

Through Investment (Art.12 + Regulation)

  • Purchasing real estate for 400,000 USD (3-year retention requirement).
  • 500,000 USD fixed capital investment.
  • Bank deposit equivalent to 500,000 USD (3 years).
  • Government debt instruments equivalent to 500,000 USD (3 years).
  • Creating employment for 50 people.
  • Real estate investment fund for 500,000 USD.

Through Marriage (Art.16)

  • Being married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years.
  • Living in family unity.
  • Not engaging in any activity that would harm family unity.
  • No public safety obstruction.

Exceptional Ways (art.12 — other)

  • Extraordinary service to Türkiye in the fields of industry, health and education.
  • Extraordinary success in the fields of science, culture and sports.
  • Foreigners of Turkish descent (special regulation).
  • With the proposal of the state (additional regulation).

Application Process

  • The foreigner applies to the relevant civil registry office.
  • Documents are prepared (income, health, residence, morality).
  • Interview and language test.
  • Ministry of Internal Affairs review.
  • Decision with the signature of the President.
  • Announcement and population registration in the Official Gazette.
  • Duration: 6-24 months (varies depending on the route).

    • Rejection and Objection

    • Rejection of citizenship application: right of administrative appeal.
    • Administrative judicial remedy (Council of State in Ankara).
    • Reasons for rejection: lack of documentation, public security, morality.

    Dual Citizenship

    • Turkish law accepts dual citizenship.
    • What some countries (e.g. China) do not allow is the foreigner's compliance.
    • Blue card/Turkish citizen rights withdrawal process.

    10th Chamber of the Council of State — Established Approach

    The 10th Chamber of the Council of State accepts that the "Presidential discretionary power" in citizenship applications is wide; However, it seeks proportionality, non-discrimination and reasonable justification in the exercise of discretion. Denial on the sole grounds of "public safety" may be unjust unless supported by concrete evidence

    Practical Tips

  • Consider which path is right for you.
  • Prepare the document file completely.
  • Professional consultancy is a must in the investment path (real estate expertise, etc.).
  • Improve your Turkish before the interview.
  • Be patient if the process is long; Delay is normal.

    • Citizenship files require long-term planning. Foreigners and citizenship law lawyer recommended.

    Telif bildirimi This content and all related Q&A texts are protected under Turkish Copyright Law No. 5846. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, publication, adaptation, bulk extraction, or commercial use is prohibited; legal and criminal remedies are reserved in case of infringement.

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