2025 Update: How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship? Required Documents and Full List Guide
- Pan & Partners
- Jun 19
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 30
How to Get Turkish Citizenship?
Becoming a citizen of the Republic of Turkey is a significant step for many, and it's a formal procedure that requires meticulous execution. Submitting the required documents completely and accurately is critically important for your application to be processed swiftly. This article provides a full list of documents for Turkish citizenship applications based on 2025 updated information, offering crucial tips for the application process.
Methods of Applying for Turkish Citizenship
There are various ways to apply for Turkish citizenship. While the specific documents required might vary slightly depending on your chosen method, the core documents are generally the same. The main application methods include:
Citizenship by Marriage: Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years, and whose marriage is ongoing, can apply.
Exceptional Citizenship: This applies to special circumstances such as investors in Turkey (e.g., real estate purchase, capital investment), individuals with outstanding talents in scientific or artistic fields, those who have provided significant services to Turkey, or Syrians who meet specific conditions.
Reacquisition of Citizenship: For individuals who previously lost their Turkish citizenship.
Citizenship by Birth: Children born to a Turkish mother or father automatically become Turkish citizens, though registration procedures may be necessary for those born abroad.
Citizenship by Adoption: Minor foreigners adopted by a Turkish citizen can apply.
General Documents Required for Turkish Citizenship Applications
Regardless of your application method, the following documents generally form the foundation for all citizenship applications:
Petition: The standard application form for citizenship. You can obtain this form from the official website of the Ministry of Interior's General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs or from relevant Population Directorates.
Passport or Identity Document: Your passport or identity document, which indicates your nationality, along with its notarized Turkish translation and original. The validity period of your passport is crucial.
Birth Certificate: The official birth certificate showing your place and date of birth, as well as your parents' information, along with its notarized Turkish translation and original.
Marital Status Certificate: An official document indicating your marital status (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate). This document also requires a notarized Turkish translation.
Residence Certificate: A document proving your residence in Turkey. This can be easily obtained via E-Devlet (e-government portal).
Biometric Photographs Taken Within the Last Six Months: Two biometric photographs, with a white background, complying with international standards.
Health Report: A health report obtained from a fully equipped hospital, indicating that you do not have any contagious diseases, as required for long-term residence permits in Turkey.
Criminal Record (Police Clearance Certificate): A document obtained from both your home country and Turkey, proving that you have no criminal record. The document obtained from a foreign country must have a notarized Turkish translation and an apostille. Your criminal record in Turkey can be obtained via E-Devlet.
Proof of Financial Means: Documents demonstrating that you have sufficient income to support yourself in Turkey (e.g., bank statements, salary slips, title deeds, rental income statements).
Receipt of Fee Payment: The receipt confirming that the citizenship application fee has been paid. The fee amount is updated annually, and you can obtain current information from the Population Directorate during your application.
Additional Documents Based on Application Method
In addition to the general documents listed above, different documents may be requested depending on your chosen application method:
1. Additional Documents for Citizenship Application by Marriage:
Turkish Spouse's Population Registration Sample: A document obtainable from Population Directorates, showing the spouse's Turkish citizenship.
Marriage Certificate: The official marriage certificate or marriage registration sample proving the marriage with the Turkish spouse.
Birth Certificate of Joint Children, if any: Birth certificates of children born from the marriage, if applicable.
Document Proving the Continuation of Marriage: Official records compiled as a result of investigations by the Population Directorate, demonstrating that the marriage is not merely on paper but is genuinely ongoing.
2. Additional Documents for Exceptional Citizenship Application:
For Citizenship by Investment:
Title Deed: For applicants via real estate purchase.
Bank Receipts: Bank receipts proving a deposit of at least 500,000 USD or a capital investment document.
Employment Certificate: Documents proving the creation of employment for at least 50 people.
For Individuals with Outstanding Scientific/Artistic Talents:
Academic Documents: Diplomas, transcripts, publication lists, awards, and other documents demonstrating academic and artistic achievements.
Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from experts in the relevant field.
For Foreigners with International Protection Status (Syrians):
Temporary Protection Identity Document: For Syrian nationals.
Syrian Population Registration Sample: Population registration samples that can be obtained from Syria (if available).
3. Additional Documents for Reacquisition of Citizenship Application:
Certificate of Renunciation of Citizenship: An official document proving that you previously renounced or were deprived of your Turkish citizenship.
Application Process and Important Tips
Obtain Required Documents: First, gather all the aforementioned documents completely.
Translation and Notarization: All foreign-language documents must be translated into Turkish by a sworn translator and notarized.
Apostille: Official documents obtained from abroad must be approved with an "apostille" by the competent authorities of the respective country. This approval ensures the international validity of the document in accordance with the Hague Apostille Convention, to which Turkey is a party.
Application Location: Citizenship applications are submitted to the Population and Citizenship Directorates in your province of residence or to Turkish foreign missions abroad.
Interview: You may need to undergo an interview with officials during the application process. In this interview, you might be asked questions about your ties to Turkey, your Turkish language proficiency, and your general cultural integration.
Follow-up: You can track the status of your application via the website of the Ministry of Interior's General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs or through E-Devlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkish Language Proficiency Required?
Generally, Turkish language proficiency is not a strict requirement for Turkish citizenship, but it might be considered during interviews in some cases (especially for exceptional citizenship). For citizenship by marriage, proficiency in Turkish is viewed favorably for communication between spouses.
How Long Does the Application Process Take?
The application process can vary depending on the application volume, the completeness of your documents, and the speed of security investigations. It typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years.
What Should I Do If My Application is Rejected?
If your citizenship application is rejected, you have the right to appeal through the administrative judiciary within the period notified to you. Additionally, you can reapply once the reasons for the rejection have been addressed.
Applying for Turkish citizenship requires a meticulous and planned approach. With this detailed guide, you can prepare all the necessary documents accurately and complete the process smoothly. Remember, for the most current and accurate information, it's always best to contact the relevant Population and Citizenship Directorates.
How Can Pan & Partners Help You?
If you are looking to complete your Turkish citizenship processes securely and efficiently, it is crucial to consult an expert lawyer regarding the legal procedures.
At Pan & Partners, we manage all your Turkish citizenship application processes on your behalf, establishing your legal framework soundly.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended to consult with an attorney to obtain information regarding legal regulations and your rights on this subject.