As Batın Yılmaz Law Firm, based in Beylikdüzü, Istanbul; Turkish citizenship application, citizenship application tracking, certificate of eligibility, Turkish citizenship by investment, Turkish citizenship by general naturalization, Turkish citizenship by marriage, reacquisition of Turkish citizenship, and other citizenship application procedures we provide legal consultancy and advocacy services within the scope of.

In a Turkish citizenship application, it is crucial to determine which path to acquiring citizenship the individual is eligible for, examine the application requirements, prepare the necessary documents, submit the application to the competent authorities, and track the file following the application.

The procedure to be applied in citizenship applications may vary depending on the applicant's personal and legal status, the type of application, and the legislative provisions upon which the application is based.

What is a Citizenship Lawyer?

A citizenship attorney is a lawyer who provides legal counsel and advocacy services regarding the application and legal procedures for foreigners acquiring Turkish citizenship.

There is no single method for acquiring Turkish citizenship. Depending on the individual's circumstances, different legal paths may apply, such as citizenship by general naturalization, citizenship by investment, citizenship through marriage to a Turkish citizen, reacquisition of citizenship, birth, or adoption.

Therefore, before filing a citizenship application, the applicant's legal status must be examined and the applicable procedure for acquiring citizenship must be determined.

What Does a Citizenship Lawyer Do?

A citizenship lawyer can provide legal support on various matters from the initial evaluation stage of the application through to its finalization.

Within the scope of the citizenship lawyer's services;

Determining the pathway for acquiring citizenship,
Examining the application requirements,
Evaluating the legal status of the applicant,
Determining the required documents,
Evaluating the procedures required for foreign documents to be used in Turkey,
Examining the investment from a legal perspective in citizenship by investment applications,
Monitoring the certificate of conformity process,
Preparing the citizenship application file,
Submitting the application to the relevant authorities,
Monitoring the application process,
Evaluating requests for missing documents or information,
Tracking the current status of the application,
Reviewing adverse decisions from a legal perspective,
Evaluating administrative and judicial remedies when necessary

may be included.

How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship?

How Turkish citizenship is acquired is determined based on the individual's legal status.

Turkish citizenship may be acquired by birth as well as through subsequent acquisition methods.

Regarding the subsequent acquisition of Turkish citizenship, there are paths such as general naturalization, citizenship by investment, citizenship by marriage, and other special paths regulated by law.

The requirements and procedures to be followed vary for each type of application.

Therefore, before filing a citizenship application, it is necessary to determine which legal category the applicant falls into.

Turkish Citizenship Application Procedures

The Turkish citizenship application procedure varies depending on the applicant's circumstances.

The principal methods of acquiring citizenship include general naturalization, citizenship by investment, citizenship by marriage, re-acquisition of citizenship, adoption, and citizenship by birth.

Turkish Citizenship by General Naturalization

Applications for Turkish citizenship by general naturalization require the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in the Turkish Citizenship Law and related legislation.

Evaluations are conducted regarding whether the applicant is of legal age and has the capacity to act, meets the residence requirement stipulated by law, demonstrates by actions the intent to settle in Türkiye, speaks an adequate level of Turkish, possesses sufficient income or a profession to sustain a livelihood, and poses no threat to national security and public order.

All of these conditions must be examined separately for each specific case.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Turkish citizenship by investment is one of the avenues that allows for an exceptional citizenship application, provided that one of the investment types specified in the legislation is executed in compliance with the requisite conditions.

Under the scope of citizenship by investment, various options may be available, such as the acquisition of real estate, a specific amount of capital investment, bank deposits, the creation of employment, government debt instruments, or fund investments specified in the legislation.

Since investment amounts, the mandatory holding periods for investments, and other conditions may vary subject to legislative amendments, current regulations must be verified prior to application.

Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

Turkish citizenship through the acquisition of real estate is one of the methods utilized by foreign investors to acquire citizenship.

However, purchasing any real estate in Türkiye does not automatically grant the right to citizenship.

The immovable property's;

its eligibility in terms of the citizenship application,
meeting the required investment conditions,
ensuring the purchase date complies with the legislation,
executing payment transactions in due form,
ensuring title deed records are in order,
the presence of necessary annotations and restrictions

such matters must be examined.

Therefore, conducting a legal due diligence review before purchasing real estate for citizenship purposes is crucial.

Turkish Citizenship by Bank Deposit

Provided that the conditions set forth in the legislation are met, an application for exceptional Turkish citizenship can be made by keeping a specific amount of deposit in banks operating in Turkey.

In this type of application, the investment amount, the required retention period of the investment, and the compliance of the banking transactions with citizenship legislation must be evaluated.

Turkish Citizenship by Fixed Capital Investment

Foreigners who make fixed capital investments in the amount specified in the legislation may apply for exceptional Turkish citizenship, provided they fulfill the required conditions.

The nature of the investment and its compliance with citizenship requirements are evaluated within the scope of criteria determined by the relevant institutions.

Turkish Citizenship Through Job Creation

Foreigners who ensure the employment of a specified number of Turkish citizens may apply for exceptional citizenship, provided that the other conditions specified in the legislation are also met.

It is crucial that the employment is genuine, continuous, and in compliance with official records.

Turkish Citizenship Through State Debt Instruments

An application for exceptional Turkish citizenship may be possible if an investment is made in state debt instruments in compliance with the conditions set forth in the legislation.

Current regulations as of the application date must be taken into account regarding the investment amount and the required holding period.

Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate Investment Fund Shares

Provided that the conditions specified in the legislation are met, an application for exceptional citizenship can be made through the acquisition of shares in certain investment funds or venture capital funds.

The compliance of the investment with citizenship legislation must be evaluated prior to the application.

Citizenship Through Marriage to a Turkish Citizen

Marrying a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant Turkish citizenship to the foreign spouse.

Provided that the conditions set forth in the law are met, an application may be filed to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage.

Conditions such as the continuation of the marriage for a certain period, living within a family union, and the absence of any obstacles regarding national security and public order are evaluated.

Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Through Adoption

For minor foreign nationals adopted by a Turkish citizen, the acquisition of Turkish citizenship may be possible provided that the conditions stipulated in the law are met.

During this process, the legal validity of the adoption proceeding, the age of the child, and other legal conditions are evaluated.

Re-acquisition of Turkish Citizenship

It may be possible for individuals who were previously Turkish citizens and lost their citizenship to re-acquire Turkish citizenship, provided they meet the conditions set forth in the law.

The reason for which the applicant lost their citizenship and the legal regulation under which it was lost may affect the procedure by which the re-acquisition application is made.

Turkish Citizenship by Birth

Turkish citizenship may also be acquired by birth.

Being born to a Turkish mother or father, the establishment of descent, and other conditions regulated by law are of significance regarding citizenship by birth.

Regarding citizenship by birth, the child's date of birth, the citizenship status of the mother and father, and whether descent has been legally established must be examined.

Turkish Citizenship Application

Before applying for Turkish citizenship, it must be evaluated whether the applicant meets the conditions for acquiring citizenship.

Incorrect determination of the application type, submission of missing documents, or failure to properly fulfill investment conditions may result in a negative outcome for the application.

Therefore, a citizenship application should not be considered merely as filling out the application form and submitting the documents.

It is important to accurately determine the legal basis of the application, prepare the necessary documents, and monitor the application process.

Certificate of Eligibility for Turkish Citizenship

In applications for Turkish citizenship through investment, there are cases where a Certificate of Conformity must be obtained from the relevant institution depending on the type of investment.

The Certificate of Conformity is one of the crucial official documents demonstrating whether the realized investment meets the required investment conditions for a Turkish citizenship application.

What is a Certificate of Conformity?

The Certificate of Conformity is the official document showing that the investment made in certain types of investments fulfills the conditions stipulated in the legislation regarding the Turkish citizenship application.

The Certificate of Conformity does not directly mean Turkish citizenship.

This document is one of the stages indicating that the investment condition in the citizenship application process has been fulfilled.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Conformity?

The method of obtaining the Certificate of Conformity varies according to the type of investment.

Different institutional and documentation procedures may apply to real estate investments, bank deposits, capital investments, or other types of investments.

Prior to application, it must be verified whether the investment meets the citizenship requirements.

Documents Required for the Certificate of Conformity

The documents required for the certificate of conformity may vary depending on the type of investment.

Depending on the investment type, documents such as title deed and sales documents for real estate investments, bank records for bank investments, and official employee records for job creation investments may be required.

Therefore, using the same document checklist for every type of investment is not appropriate.

What is the Processing Time for Obtaining the Certificate of Conformity?

The preparation time for the certificate of conformity may vary depending on the investment type, whether the documents are complete, and the workload of the relevant institution.

Missing or incorrect documents may cause delays in the process.

Documents Required for Turkish Citizenship Application

The documents required for a citizenship application vary according to the type of application.

Depending on the nature of the application;

Passport,
Birth certificate,
Civil status certificate,
Marriage certificate,
Divorce certificate,
Residency certificate,
Photograph,
Criminal record certificate,
Investment documents,
Certificate of conformity,
Documents relating to income or profession,
Application form,
Other official documents

may be requested.

For documents obtained from foreign countries to be used in Turkey, procedures such as an apostille, consular legalization, notary approval, and a Turkish translation may be required.

Since the document list varies depending on the type of application, current document requirements must be determined prior to the citizenship application.

Turkish Citizenship Application Process

Although the Turkish citizenship application process varies depending on the type of application, it generally consists of the following stages:

1. Review of Legal Status

The applicant's current status and the conditions for acquiring citizenship are evaluated.

2. Determination of the Application Procedure

It is determined which pathway for acquiring citizenship—general application, investment, marriage, or other methods—will be applied.

3. Preparation of Documents

The documents required for the application are prepared. The necessary certification and translation procedures are carried out so that foreign documents can be used in Turkey.

4. Execution of the Investment

In citizenship applications through investment, the selected investment type must be realized in compliance with the conditions specified in the legislation.

5. Obtaining the Certificate of Conformity

For the relevant investment types, a certificate of conformity is obtained from the respective institution.

6. Completion of Necessary Residence Procedures

Required residence procedures are carried out according to the application type.

7. Submission of the Turkish Citizenship Application

The prepared citizenship application file is submitted to the competent authority.

8. Review of the File

The application documents and the applicant's status are examined by the relevant authorities.

9. Security and Archive Investigation

Necessary security and archive investigations are conducted within the scope of the legislation.

10. Evaluation and Decision

The application is finalized by undergoing the relevant evaluation processes.

Where to File a Turkish Citizenship Application?

The authority to which the Turkish citizenship application will be submitted may vary depending on the type of application and whether the applicant is in Türkiye or abroad.

Applications of foreigners located in Türkiye may be processed through the relevant provincial authorities.

Citizenship applications of individuals located abroad can be made through Turkish diplomatic missions.

Prior to filing the application, it is important to determine which authority will have jurisdiction to accept the application.

Tracking Turkish Citizenship Applications

After submitting a citizenship application, it is necessary to monitor the current status of the file.

Citizenship application tracking, encompasses verifying the current stage of the application within the relevant institutions and assessing any deficiencies or requests for information that may arise in the file.

In the event that the application is not concluded within a prolonged period, it is possible to investigate the status of the file and evaluate the necessary legal remedies based on the specific circumstances of the case.

Tracking a citizenship application does not mean that the application will definitively be expedited. However, it is important for knowing the status of the file and ensuring that necessary procedures are performed in a timely manner.

How Long Does a Turkish Citizenship Application Take?

There is no single uniform processing time applicable to all files for Turkish citizenship applications.

The conclusion period of the application depends on:

The type of application,
Whether the file is complete or not,
Security and archive investigations,
Reviews by the relevant institutions,
Requesting additional documents or information,
Depending on the nature of the application

may vary depending on.

Therefore, it is not appropriate to guarantee a definitive completion time for citizenship applications.

Commission and Review Stages in Turkish Citizenship Applications

The review and evaluation processes stipulated in the relevant legislation shall apply to citizenship applications.

Depending on the type of application, the file may be reviewed by different institutions.

At this stage, whether the applicant meets the citizenship requirements, the accuracy of the submitted documents, and the relevant official investigations may be taken into evaluation.

What to Do If a Turkish Citizenship Application Is Rejected?

In the event that a citizenship application is rejected, the grounds for the rejection decision must first be examined.

The reason for the rejection decision;

Failure to meet the application requirements,
Missing or incorrect documents,
Failure to fulfill the investment requirements,
Issues regarding the application procedure,
Assessments regarding national security or public order

may be.

If it is considered that the decision is unlawful, resorting to administrative application or judicial remedies may be evaluated based on the content of the decision and the specific circumstances of the case.

Common Mistakes in Turkish Citizenship Applications

Some of the errors that may be encountered in citizenship applications are as follows:

Selecting the wrong path for acquiring citizenship,
Using an outdated document list,
Submitting incomplete documents,
Failure to properly legalize foreign documents,
Erroneous or incomplete translation,
The investment failing to meet citizenship requirements,
Purchasing unsuitable real estate in property investments,
Inadequate verification of the conditions for the Certificate of Conformity,
Providing incorrect information on the application form,
Failure to fulfill requests for additional documents from the relevant authorities in a timely manner,
Inadequate follow-up of the application process.

A legal review to be conducted prior to the application can help mitigate these risks.

Is It Mandatory to Hire a Citizenship Attorney?

Legal representation by an attorney is generally not mandatory in Turkish citizenship applications.

Applicants may submit their applications themselves, provided they meet the requisite conditions.

Nevertheless, especially in citizenship applications through investment, obtaining legal support can be beneficial due to high-value investment transactions, certificates of conformity, procedures conducted with various institutions, and the tracking of the citizenship file.

In the event of an application rejection or the emergence of a legal issue during the process, it may be necessary to evaluate legal remedies.

Citizenship Attorney Fees

There is no single fixed fee for citizenship legal services.

The fee;

The type of application,
Whether there is an investment involved,
The scope of the application file,
Certificate of conformity procedures,
The scope of the application follow-up,
For additional legal proceedings

may vary depending on.

In the determination of attorney's fees, the applicable Union of Turkish Bar Associations Minimum Wage Tariff and relevant legislation are also taken into consideration.

For current fee information, you may review our [Attorney's Fee Schedule] page.

Turkish Citizenship Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to become a Turkish citizen?

The method of acquiring Turkish citizenship varies depending on the legal status of the individual. Different conditions apply in terms of general application, investment, marriage, re-acquisition, birth, and other statutory pathways.

How is an application for Turkish citizenship made?

First, it is determined which pathway for acquiring citizenship is applicable. Subsequently, the required documents are prepared, and the application is submitted to the relevant competent authority.

Can one become a Turkish citizen by making an investment?

Provided that one of the investment types specified in the legislation is carried out in compliance with the requisite conditions, an application for exceptional Turkish citizenship may be filed.

Can one become a Turkish citizen by purchasing a house?

Provided that a real estate investment fulfilling the conditions stipulated in the legislation is realized, an exceptional citizenship application may be made. However, purchasing any house or real estate in Türkiye does not grant the right to citizenship by itself.

What is a certificate of conformity?

A certificate of conformity is the official document demonstrating that the investment made in certain types of investments fulfills the investment requirements necessary for a Turkish citizenship application.

Does a certificate of conformity mean citizenship?

No. The certificate of conformity is one of the stages demonstrating that the investment condition has been met. Following the certificate of conformity, a separate application for Turkish citizenship must be submitted.

How long does a Turkish citizenship application take?

The processing time for an application may vary depending on the type of file, whether it is complete, official investigations, and the evaluation processes of the relevant institutions.

How is a citizenship application tracked?

The status of the file can be tracked through official inquiry channels and the information provided to the applicant following the application.

Why is a citizenship application delayed?

The citizenship application process may be prolonged due to various reasons such as missing documents, requests for additional information, security and archive investigations, official reviews, or the workload of the institutions.

What can be done if a citizenship application is rejected?

First, the grounds for the rejection decision must be examined. If it is considered that the decision violates the law, an administrative application or judicial remedy may be evaluated depending on the specific case.

Is citizenship obtained immediately upon marrying a Turkish citizen?

No. Marrying a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant Turkish citizenship by itself. An application for citizenship through marriage can be made provided that the conditions specified in the law are met.

Is it mandatory to hire an attorney for Turkish citizenship?

No. Retaining a lawyer is generally not mandatory for citizenship applications. However, obtaining legal support can be beneficial, particularly in citizenship by investment and complex application processes.

What procedures does a citizenship lawyer handle?

A citizenship lawyer can handle procedures such as determining the application procedure, preparing documents, certificate of conformity procedures, citizenship applications, application tracking, requests for missing documents, and legal remedies against rejection decisions, if necessary.

What documents are required for a Turkish citizenship application?

Documents vary depending on the type of application. A passport, birth certificate, civil status documents, residence documents, investment documents, a certificate of conformity, and other official documents may be requested based on the type of application.

Can the family also obtain citizenship in an application for citizenship by investment?

Regarding Turkish citizenship by investment, the investor's spouse and children who meet the conditions specified in the legislation may also be evaluated within the scope of the application. The status of family members must be additionally verified prior to the application.

Legal Support in Turkish Citizenship Applications

A Turkish citizenship application is a process that is not limited to merely submitting documents and may consist of multiple legal and administrative stages depending on the application type.

Determining the correct method for acquiring citizenship at the outset of the application, verifying the conditions, and preparing the required documents completely are crucial for conducting the process smoothly.

Particularly in Turkish citizenship applications by investment, conducting a legal review before making the investment, verifying whether the investment meets the citizenship requirements, and correctly managing the necessary certificate of conformity process are of great importance.

Batın Yılmaz Law Firm, based in Beylikdüzü, Istanbul as;

Turkish citizenship application,
Determination of the citizenship application procedure,
Turkish citizenship by general naturalization,
Turkish citizenship through investment,
Citizenship by real estate investment,
Certificate of conformity procedures,
Preparing the citizenship application file,
Tracking of citizenship applications,
Citizenship by marriage,
Reacquisition of citizenship,
Legal remedies in case of rejection of a citizenship application

we provide legal consultancy and advocacy services.

Prior to the citizenship application, the individual's current legal status and application requirements are evaluated to determine the applicable application pathway.

You may contact us to receive legal support regarding your Turkish citizenship application.

Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page has been prepared for general informational purposes. Conditions regarding Turkish citizenship, investment amounts, documents, and application procedures may vary subject to legislative amendments. Prior to application, current legislation and the specific circumstances of the case must be separately evaluated. General information available on the internet does not constitute formal legal advice or attorney services.