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Pathways to Turkish citizenship: A guide for expats

Yunanistan?n Igoumenitsa Liman?ndan ?talyan?n Brindisi Liman?na seyrederken yang?n ç?kan feribottan kurtar?lan Türk vatanda?lar? Türkiyeye getirildi. Pasaportu kaybolanlar için geçici pasaport düzenlendi. ( Salih Baran - Anadolu Ajans? )
Yunanistan?n Igoumenitsa Liman?ndan ?talyan?n Brindisi Liman?na seyrederken yang?n ç?kan feribottan kurtar?lan Türk vatanda?lar? Türkiyeye getirildi. Pasaportu kaybolanlar için geçici pasaport düzenlendi. ( Salih Baran - Anadolu Ajans? )
May 03, 2025 09:05 PM GMT+03:00

If you're an expatriate living in Türkiye and have begun to envision a long-term future here, in solid plans or form of dreams, one option you should explore is citizenship.

Türkiye offers several legal avenues for foreigners seeking to become citizens. Whether through long-term residency, marriage to a Turkish national, or strategic investment, understanding these pathways can help prospective citizens navigate the process effectively. Each route comes with specific requirements and timeframes that applicants should carefully consider. That’s why Türkiye Today has teamed up with Eskioglu & Zembilci Law Office's Erdi Eskioglu to break down the key legal considerations, ways, and timeframe probabilities for you.

Standard residency route for Turkish citizenship

The most traditional path to Turkish citizenship requires continuous residency in the country for five years. During this period, applicants must maintain valid residence permits to establish their presence in Türkiye.

To qualify through this general provision, applicants need to demonstrate several important criteria. Authorities require proof that applicants are free from diseases that might pose risks to public health. Candidates must also show Turkish language proficiency at a level that enables them to integrate effectively into everyday social situations. Financial stability is another key consideration, with applicants needing to provide evidence of steady income or professional qualifications sufficient to support themselves and any dependents. Additionally, applicants must have a clean record regarding national security concerns, with no history of activities that might be considered threats to public order.

The evaluation process for applications through this standard route typically extends between 18 and 24 months, requiring patience from applicants.

An intercultural union celebrated in traditional style as the bride and groom dance at their wedding on August 26, 2018, in Edirne, Türkiye. (Photo: AA)
An intercultural union celebrated in traditional style as the bride and groom dance at their wedding on August 26, 2018, in Edirne, Türkiye. (Photo: AA)

Marriage to Turkish citizens

For those who have formed family ties in Türkiye, marriage to a Turkish citizen provides an alternative path to citizenship. Applicants must have been married for a minimum of three years with the marriage still intact at the time of application.

Key requirements for this pathway include:

  • Evidence of genuine cohabitation as a family unit
  • No activities inconsistent with marital union
  • No involvement in matters threatening national security or public order

Similar to the standard residency route, applicants should expect a processing period of approximately 18 to 24 months before receiving a decision on their citizenship status.

Exceptional investment program

Türkiye's investment-based citizenship program has become increasingly popular for its relatively streamlined process. This exceptional acquisition pathway allows qualified investors to obtain Turkish citizenship without extended waiting periods.

To qualify, foreign nationals must meet one of the following investment criteria:

  • Fixed capital investment of at least $500,000 USD
  • Real estate purchase valued at minimum $400,000 USD with a three-year non-sale condition registered in title deed records
  • Creation of employment for at least 50 people, as verified by the Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Services
  • Bank deposit of minimum $500,000 USD in Turkish financial institutions, maintained for three years
  • Government debt instruments purchase of at least $500,000 USD, held for three years
  • Investment of minimum $500,000 USD in real estate investment funds or venture capital investment funds, maintained for three years

After making a qualifying investment, applicants must obtain a certificate of conformity from relevant government ministries—a process that typically takes 1-4 weeks. Following this certification, an investor residence permit can be secured within approximately two weeks.

The final citizenship application is processed by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, with decisions typically rendered within six months—substantially faster than other citizenship pathways.

Timeframe considerations

When planning for Turkish citizenship, understanding processing timelines is crucial:

  • Standard residency and marriage-based applications: 18-24 months
  • Investment-based applications: Approximately 7-8 months total, including:
    • 1-4 weeks for investment certification
    • 2 weeks for investor residence permit
    • 6 months for citizenship processing

The exceptional investment program offers the most expedient route to Turkish citizenship, making it particularly attractive for those seeking a faster process.

Whether choosing the path of long-term residency, family formation, or strategic investment, proper preparation and understanding of requirements can help ensure a smooth journey toward becoming a Turkish citizen.

A traditional Turkish tea glass on a patterned tablecloth. (Photo: Bayram Yalcin / Pexels)
A traditional Turkish tea glass on a patterned tablecloth. (Photo: Bayram Yalcin / Pexels)

Why to become a citizen?

Obtaining Turkish citizenship offers numerous advantages that extend well beyond the initial goal of legal residency.

One of the most significant advantages is the elimination of residency permit concerns. Citizens no longer need to worry about renewing temporary permits, meeting minimum stay requirements, or facing potential changes in immigration policies.

Turkish citizenship provides full access to the country's universal healthcare system. Citizens can receive medical services at public hospitals and facilities without the costs associated with private health insurance that foreign residents typically need to maintain.

The educational system opens up completely to citizens and their children. From primary education through university, citizens enjoy the same access and tuition rates as native-born Turks. This includes opportunities for scholarships and educational support programs that may not be available to non-citizens.

The labor market becomes significantly more accessible with citizenship. While work permits create complications for foreign residents, citizens face no employment restrictions and can freely pursue careers in any sector, including government positions that are often closed to non-citizens. Professional licensing also becomes more straightforward without the additional bureaucratic hurdles that non-citizens encounter.

From a mobility perspective, a Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide, enhancing international travel opportunities, though not as strong as Western European ones.

For many, the intangible benefit of belonging cannot be overlooked. Now that you've initiated your citizenship process, you can enjoy your Turkish tea with a greater sense of its taste.

May 03, 2025 09:50 PM GMT+03:00
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