OBTAINING CITIZENSHIP IN TURKEY
Turkey is a country with a rich history, having hosted various civilizations throughout the ages, and is renowned for its natural beauty. Consequently, many individuals are interested in obtaining Turkish citizenship. There are specific procedures and conditions for acquiring Turkish citizenship, and various pathways exist, each with its unique procedures and conditions. The processes for acquiring citizenship through birth, marriage, investment, or special exceptional circumstances differ. Each of these processes involves preparing certain documents, filling out application forms, and undergoing evaluation steps. Additionally, citizens of the Republic of Turkey have certain rights. These include freedom of travel, the right to vote and be elected, and access to state assistance. However, citizenship also comes with certain responsibilities, such as tax obligations and military service. This article will outline the steps required to obtain citizenship in Turkey.
Acquiring Turkish citizenship is possible through two methods according to Article 5 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901: by birth and subsequently.
Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Birth
The process of acquiring citizenship by birth applies to children born in Turkey or to children with a Turkish citizen parent. In this case, an application is made with the birth certificate and documents showing family connections. Any child born in Turkey whose parents are unknown, stateless, or unable to acquire any nationality due to national laws is considered a Turkish citizen from birth.
Individuals who live abroad and fail to register their birth until they turn eighteen cannot directly acquire Turkish citizenship based on their parents. If these individuals wish to obtain Turkish citizenship based on their Turkish citizen parents, their applications are evaluated by the application authorities. A file is prepared to determine and register their citizenship status, and it is submitted to the Ministry of Interior for a decision.
Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Subsequently
Subsequent acquisition of Turkish citizenship can occur through the competent authority, adoption, or the exercise of the right to choose.
Acquisition of Citizenship by Competent Authority: Foreigners aiming to acquire Turkish citizenship must meet certain conditions. These conditions include being an adult and capable of making sound decisions according to their national laws. Additionally, they must have resided in Turkey continuously for at least five years. They must also confirm their intention to settle in Turkey through their actions. Furthermore, they should not have a disease that poses a public health threat and must have good moral character. They should be able to speak Turkish sufficiently and have income or a profession to support themselves and their families. Lastly, they should not have any condition that poses a threat to national security and public order. These conditions apply to foreigners applying for Turkish citizenship.
Acquisition of Citizenship through Adoption: A minor (under 18) adopted by a Turkish citizen can acquire Turkish citizenship if they meet the necessary conditions.
Acquisition of Citizenship by the Right to Choose: Individuals who lost Turkish citizenship due to their parents and wish to regain it within three years of reaching adulthood can acquire Turkish citizenship by exercising the right to choose.
Acquisition of Citizenship through Marriage: Simply getting married is not sufficient to acquire citizenship; the marriage must have lasted for at least three years and be ongoing. Foreigners meeting this requirement can apply for citizenship. According to Article 16 of the Turkish Citizenship Law, the applicant must meet the conditions of living in family unity, not engaging in activities incompatible with the marriage union, and not posing a threat to national security and public order.
It is important to note that citizenship can also be acquired in exceptional cases, such as through investment. There are different ways to obtain citizenship through investment in Turkey. These typically include real estate investment, capital investment, employment investment, and bank deposits. Each type of investment has specific minimum amounts and conditions.
Real Estate Investment: Purchasing real estate of a certain value in Turkey is a popular way to obtain citizenship. This investment usually involves buying residential or commercial property. The minimum investment amount is updated annually, and the acquisition must be made at the specified minimum value.
Capital Investment: Investing capital in companies in Turkey is another option for citizenship. This investment can also include creating employment for a certain number of employees.
Employment Investment: An investment made by a company established in Turkey that provides employment for a certain number of Turkish citizens can also qualify for citizenship.
Bank Deposit: Depositing a certain amount in a Turkish bank can also lead to obtaining Turkish citizenship. This amount is updated annually, and the deposit must be held for a specified period.
Application Process: Once the investment is made, the application process begins. Necessary documents for the applicant and family members are prepared, and the application is submitted. Turkish investment and citizenship offices review the application and grant citizenship if deemed appropriate.
For those seeking to acquire Turkish citizenship through investment, it is important to follow the current legal regulations and conditions, learn the required investment amounts and conditions, and submit accurate and complete documents during the application process. Each type of investment has different conditions and procedures, so seeking expert consultancy can also be beneficial.
Documents and Conditions Required for Turkish Citizenship Application
To apply for citizenship in Turkey, the following documents and conditions are required:
Identity card or passport
Residence permit
Citizenship application form
Biometric photos
Documents showing education and employment status
Marriage-related documents (for citizenship application through marriage)
Proof of investment (for citizenship application through investment)
Health report
Criminal record
Turkish language proficiency certificate (in some cases)
Additionally, there is an age requirement for application, generally applicable to those aged 18 and over.
Application Process for Turkish Citizenship
To apply for citizenship in Turkey, it is necessary to first collect the required documents and fill out the application form completely. Applications are typically evaluated by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey.
The application process includes the following steps:
Preparation of Documents: Ensure all required documents listed above are prepared and submitted completely.
Filling Out the Application Form: Complete the citizenship application form and provide the necessary information.
Review of Application: The application form and documents are reviewed, and eligibility is checked.
Necessary Evaluations: During the evaluation process, factors such as the applicant’s education, employment status, and marital status (if applicable) may also be considered.
Approval Process: If the application is found suitable, the approval process begins, and the applicant acquires Turkish citizenship.
As mentioned earlier, there are many options for becoming a Turkish citizen. Some of the benefits of Turkish citizenship include the right to vote and be elected, freedom of travel, access to state investments and opportunities, the right to defense, and property rights. These benefits highlight the general advantages and rights that come with transitioning to Turkish citizenship. However, citizenship also brings responsibilities, such as paying taxes and performing military service. Consequently, those wishing to acquire citizenship in Turkey must fulfill specific procedures and conditions. Each of these processes requires a thorough examination and evaluation, and it is important for applicants to submit the necessary documents completely. Once the application is deemed appropriate, the approval process begins, and the candidate acquires Turkish citizenship. This process usually takes several months, and applicants are informed by the authorities.
Law School Student
Nehle Hamzaoğlu
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