Acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage is a legally recognized path but subject to strict requirements under Law No. 5901. Applicants must be married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years, live together, and prove the marriage is genuine. Many applications are rejected due to early filing, lack of cohabitation proof, or missing documents. This article explains the legal conditions, common mistakes, and practical tips for a successful application.
Introduction For many foreigners married to Turkish citizens, the most common question is: Can I obtain Turkish citizenship through marriage? The answer is yes—but not automatically. Under Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship, foreigners married to Turkish citizens may apply for Turkish citizenship by marriage after meeting specific conditions, including a minimum 3-year marriage period, […]
Introduction Unlike general naturalization, which requires five years of residence, Turkish exceptional naturalization (İstisnai Yolla Vatandaşlık) allows certain foreigners to acquire Turkish citizenship directly by decision of the Council of Ministers (now the President) without fulfilling ordinary residence or settlement conditions. The grounds for exceptional naturalization are listed in Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship. […]
Introduction If you are planning to acquire Turkish citizenship through Turkish general naturalization, this guide explains the legal framework, who qualifies, the evidence you must prepare, and how to handle common problems. Under Turkish Citizenship Law (Law No. 5901), “general naturalization” (Genel Yolla Vatandaşlık) is the standard route for eligible foreigners who can demonstrate long-term […]
Introduction If you are exploring whether you or your child qualify for Turkish citizenship by birth, this guide explains the legal framework, who is eligible, which documents you will need, and how to resolve the most common problems. Under Turkish law, citizenship by birth primarily follows jus sanguinis (citizenship by descent), meaning that a child […]