Introduction
Nationality is the legal status that defines a person’s membership in a state. While some individuals acquire citizenship automatically at birth or through marriage, many foreigners obtain nationality later in life through long-term settlement. In Turkey, this process is formally known as citizenship by residence or naturalisation. Governed by the Turkish Citizenship Law (Law No. 5901), naturalisation offers foreigners the chance to integrate fully into Turkish society after fulfilling specific residence, character, and legal conditions.
This article provides an overview of the legal framework of citizenship by residence, outlines the requirements under Turkish law, and presents a practical guide for foreigners seeking to naturalise.
Legal Framework of Citizenship by Residence in Turkey
1. Governing Legislation
- Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship (Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanunu).
- Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law (Uygulama Yönetmeliği).
- Constitution of the Republic of Turkey (Article 66): Defines the bond of citizenship.
2. Main Article
- Article 11 of Law No. 5901: Sets out the general conditions for acquisition of Turkish citizenship by naturalisation.
- Unlike citizenship by birth or marriage, naturalisation is discretionary: the state is not obliged to grant nationality even if all requirements are met.
Conditions for Naturalisation
According to Article 11, a foreigner must generally meet the following requirements:
- Adult Age and Capacity
- Applicants must be of legal age under their national law, or 18 years old under Turkish law, and have full mental capacity.
- Residence Requirement
- Must reside in Turkey for five consecutive years prior to the application date.
- Absences of up to six months within this period do not interrupt residence.
- Intention to Settle in Turkey
- Demonstrated by property ownership, business activity, family ties, or long-term residence permits.
- Good Moral Character
- Applicants must show integrity, good conduct, and no history of activities incompatible with Turkish society.
- Sufficient Knowledge of Turkish
- Applicants must be able to communicate at a basic level in Turkish.
- Adequate Income or Profession
- Applicants must have stable income or employment to support themselves and their dependents.
- Public Order and Security
- Applicants must not pose a threat to national security or public order.
Special Categories and Exemptions
- Turkish Origin
- Persons of Turkish descent may be subject to reduced residence requirements.
- Exceptional Circumstances
- Article 12 of Law No. 5901 allows the President to grant citizenship directly to foreigners who provide exceptional contributions in science, economy, culture, or sports.
- Investors
- Separate rules exist for citizenship by investment (minimum USD 400,000 property purchase or other qualifying investment), which is distinct from standard naturalisation.
Practical Guide for Foreigners
Step 1: Residency Compliance
- Obtain and maintain a valid residence permit.
- Ensure five years of legal and uninterrupted residence.
Step 2: Preparation of Documents
Typical required documents include:
- Application form.
- Valid passport and notarised Turkish translation.
- Birth certificate.
- Residence permit and proof of continuous stay.
- Evidence of income (employment, business, or property).
- Criminal record certificates (both domestic and from the home country).
- Marital status documents (marriage/divorce certificate, if applicable).
- Proof of Turkish language knowledge.
Step 3: Application Submission
- Applications are filed at the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Müdürlüğü) in Turkey.
Step 4: Interviews and Examinations
- Applicants may be interviewed to assess integration and Turkish language ability.
- Authorities verify the applicant’s lifestyle, employment, and social ties.
Step 5: Review and Decision
- The Ministry of Interior reviews the file and forwards it to the Presidency.
- The final decision to grant or deny citizenship rests with the President of the Republic.
Practical Examples
- Long-Term Resident
- An Italian engineer living and working in Istanbul for six years applies for citizenship. Having maintained residence permits and learned Turkish, he is granted nationality.
- Turkish Origin Case
- A Kazakh national of Turkish descent applies for citizenship after only two years of residence, benefiting from exemptions.
- Exceptional Case
- A world-renowned athlete is directly granted Turkish citizenship by presidential decree without fulfilling residence requirements.
Challenges in Practice
- Bureaucracy: Gathering documents, translations, and legalisations can be time-consuming.
- Discretionary Power: Meeting conditions does not guarantee approval.
- Language Barrier: Insufficient knowledge of Turkish may result in rejection.
- Residency Gaps: Extended absences abroad can reset the residence requirement.
Comparative Perspective
- USA: Requires 5 years of permanent residence, English knowledge, and a citizenship test.
- Germany: Requires 8 years of residence (7 with integration course).
- Turkey: Requires 5 years of residence, with flexible pathways for Turkish origin and exceptional contributions.
Turkey’s approach is relatively balanced — shorter than Germany’s, but still emphasizing integration and security.
Rights and Obligations After Naturalisation
- Full Civil and Political Rights: Right to vote, work in public service (with exceptions), and own property without restrictions.
- Military Service: Male applicants may be subject to compulsory military service, depending on age.
- Dual Citizenship: Turkey permits dual nationality, but applicants should confirm whether their home country does.
Conclusion
The legal framework of citizenship by residence (naturalisation) in Turkey provides foreigners with a structured yet discretionary pathway to nationality. The five-year residence requirement, coupled with conditions of integration, income, and good moral conduct, ensures that only genuine long-term residents can succeed. While challenges exist, including bureaucratic hurdles and discretionary rejections, successful naturalisation offers full participation in Turkish civic life. For foreigners committed to building their future in Turkey, understanding and fulfilling these requirements is the first step toward becoming a Turkish citizen.
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