Back

13 ways to get Turkish citizenship in 2025

Turkish citizenship can be obtained in several legal ways: investment, long-term residence (naturalization), marriage to a Turkish citizen, permanent employment, birth or exceptional merit. Because Turkey recognizes dual citizenship, applicants can obtain Turkish citizens hip without surrendering their original passport. Turkish passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival to 127 countries around the world, including Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, and can apply for a 10-year B-1/B-2 U.S. visitor visa as well as a renewable five-year E-2 investor visa. If you're looking for the fastest path to Turkish citizenship, the guide below explains each option step-by-step.

What's different in 2025?

Fees have increased by 44% - a 10-year passport now costs ~$350 (₺11,220).
Foreign currency rule - investment amounts must be invested in hard currency and converted through a Turkish bank on the day of transfer.
The real estate value threshold has not changed - still US $400,000.

13 ways to obtain Turkish citizenship

Investments (CBI program)

~8 months

Real estate ≥ US $400 k / Financial assets ≥ US $500 k, holding 3 years

Naturalization

5 years

Permanent legal residence; Turkish language proficiency test

Marriage

3 years

Genuine union with a Turkish citizen

Work

5 years

Continuous work permit and social security contributions

Special benefits

on a case-by-case basis

Turquoise card + 5 years, or presidential decree for recognized scientists, athletes, artists (Central Statistical Office)

Birthright (origin)

instantly

At least one parent is Turkish

Repatriation (recovery from loss)

6-12 months

Proof of previous Turkish citizenship (Par Av)

Adoption (new)

~6 months

Alien minor adopted by Turkish citizen; no security risk (Library of Congress, Canaydin Law Firm)

Public Interest Exceptional Citizenship (new)

1-3 months

Presidential decree under Article 12 of Law 5901 for persons of extraordinary economic, social, or cultural benefit (Central Statistical Office)

Declaration of TRNC citizens (new)

4-8 weeks

Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus by birth simply submit a written declaration in accordance with Art. 42 of Law 5901 (Gulel Law Office)

Refugee/ minor ward of the state

varies

Children under the protection of the State may be naturalized in the best interest of the State

Reinstatement after release from military service

varies

Individuals who renounced citizenship to avoid dual military obligation may apply after age 36

Stateless persons born in Türkiye

5 years

Continuous residence since birth and no other citizenship

Advantages of Turkish citizenship

Visa-free access to 127 countries. This includes Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Some countries require a visa on arrival or electronic entry authorization.

U.S. E-2 investor visa. The Trade and Navigation Treaty between Turkey and the United States allows Turkish citizens to apply for an E-2 business visa. To qualify for the visa, the investor must purchase or establish a business in the U.S. - job creation is not a prerequisite. The E-2 visa is valid for up to 5 years and allows the investor and family members to live and work in the US.
Long-term tourist visa to the United States. Turkish citizens can obtain a B-1/B-2 visitor visa valid for up to 10 years by applying and being interviewed at the U.S. Consulates in Istanbul or Ankara.
Quick return on investment. Three years after citizenship, investors can sell assets and recover their capital. In comparison, Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs typically require a five-year holding period before a property can be sold.
Hereditary Transfer. Turkish citizenship can be inherited by children - a second passport for descendants is automatically issued if the parents have Turkish citizenship.

How to obtain Turkish citizenship through investment

Citizenship by investment is the fastest way: investors receive a passport in just eight months, while naturalization requires five years of residence in the country.

All investments are repayable after three years. The minimum threshold is US$400,000.

Eligible conditions:

Foreigners aged 18 years or older
No visa violations in Turkey
Clean criminal record and good health

Investor may include his/her spouse and minor children in the application. The spouse may apply at the same time or later - with a notarized consent from the main applicant.

Investment Options:

Purchase of real estate: ≥ USD 400,000 (residential or commercial; purchase of multiple properties is allowed if the total amount exceeds USD 400,000). Registration tax is 4% of the property value; appraisal fee ≈ USD 150.
Bank deposit: ≥ USD 500,000 held for 3 years in one or more Turkish banks (e.g. Ziraat Bank, Albaraka Türk).
Business investment: ≥ USD 500,000 by purchasing shares in a Turkish company or establishing a business that employs at least 50 Turkish citizens.
Investment funds: ≥ USD 500,000 in a Turkish investment fund - it is often easier to sell and there are no annual management costs.
Government bonds: ≥ USD 500,000 with an option to redeem after 3 years.

Minimum holding period for the asset

Residential/commercial real estate

uSD 400,000

3 years

Bank deposit

US $500,000

3 years

Government bonds

US $500,000

3 years

Venture capital / REIT / infrastructure fund

US $500,000

3 years

Equity or purchase of shares

US $500,000 or 50 Turkish jobs

Unlimited period of doing business

Processing takes 6-8 months (including residence permit). Family members - spouse and children < 18 years old - can be included in the program; language tests are not required

Costs

State fee: $574
Title Tax: 4% of the property value
Attorney, translation and appraisal: $4,000 to $7,000

Capital can be liquidated after a 3-year lock-up without affecting citizenship status.

Note: Administrative fees, taxes and fines in Turkey have increased by 44% since January 1, 2025. The fee for a 10-year passport has increased from $243 to $350.

How to obtain Turkish citizenship by naturalization

Foreigners who have a residence permit for at least five years can apply. Permission may be granted for study, family reunification, purchase of real estate, or for humanitarian reasons.

Residence permit requirements:

Absence from Turkey > 6 months within one year
Total absence > 1 year within 5 years

Exceptions are in cases of study or medical treatment abroad.

Applicants must pass a Turkish language exam, demonstrate good health, no criminal record and sufficient income. Turkish law does not set a minimum income level.

How to obtain Turkish citizenship through marriage

A foreign spouse first obtains a one-year residence permit in Turkey and renews it for two years. After three full years of real marriage, the couple comes for an interview where officers look for a common address, joint banking or children as proof. If the Turkish partner dies after applying, the widow(er) can naturalize. A language test is not required, but the applicant must show that he or she has no criminal record and does not threaten public order. The application processing time averages 9-12 months from the date of acceptance.

How to obtain Turkish citizenship by employment

A work permit doubles as a residence permit. Five consecutive years of legal, insured employment with the same or different Turkish employers entitles you to citizenship. Cumulative absences of up to six months are allowed; longer intervals reset the time to zero. Applicant provides SGK salary history, tax exemption letters and A level certificate in Turkish. Family members are naturalized separately under the general rule of five years.

How to obtain Turkish citizenship under the special and turquoise card

Olympic athletes, prize-winning scientists, world-class artists or top executives who have created more than 50 jobs in Turkey or raised national prestige receive a turquoise card for three years. After the third year, it becomes permanent; after the fifth year, the holder and his or her immediate family members can apply for full citizenship, with no language test. The application is submitted to the Ministry of Labor; the certificate of eligibility is issued in ≈ 7 working days if all documents are in order.

How to obtain Turkish citizenship by birth and descent (Jus Sanguinis)

A child with at least one Turkish parent automatically becomes a Turkish citizen from the moment of birth. Parents register the child's birth at the local Nüfus Müdürlüğü or at a consulate abroad. If registration is delayed beyond the age of 18, the adult child files a petition for "late registration"; citizenship in this case is retroactive to birth.

How to obtain Turkish citizenship by repatriation

Former Turks (and their first-generation descendants) who previously renounced citizenship can obtain it after three years of continuous residence, or immediately if they have a Blue Card. The file is submitted to the provincial governor's office or any Turkish consulate; the Ministry of Interior makes a decision within 6-8 months.

How to obtain Turkish citizenship through adoption

According to Article 17 of Law 5901, a foreign minor adopted by a Turkish citizen obtains citizenship on the day the adoption decree becomes final, provided there is no risk to national security. No residency period, language test or relinquishment of parental rights is required.

How to obtain Turkish citizenship by presidential decree

Article 12 allows the president to grant citizenship in 1-3 months to foreigners whose naturalization "serves the national interest" - for example, technology entrepreneurs investing ≥$500,000 outside of CBI regulations, scientists with Nobel degrees, or cultural icons. The referral is prepared by the sponsoring ministry (most often the Ministry of Commerce, Culture or Sports); standard background checks still apply.

How to obtain Turkish citizenship for TRNC citizens

Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus born with TRNC citizenship simply sign a written application at any governorate or consulate and receive Turkish citizenship in 4-8 weeks. TRNC citizens who naturalize later follow the general rule of five years.

Naturalization of refugees and wards of the state

Children under the permanent guardianship of the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services (e.g., orphans or unaccompanied minors) may be naturalized on humanitarian grounds if the guardianship court confirms that citizenship is in the child's "best interest" Refugees with a continuous eight-year humanitarian residence permit (issued under the Aliens and International Protection Law) may also file a simplified naturalization petition; for illiterate applicants, a language test may be o (Legal basis: Act 6458 §83 in conjunction with Act 5901 §12-c and §16-b ) .

Reinstatement after exemption from military service

Men who renounced Turkish citizenship only to avoid double military conscription (common among the diaspora in Germany and Austria) may regain citizenship without a residency requirement upon reaching the age of 36 or upon payment of the Bedelli commutation fee. Blue card holders submit a short form (Form M 46) with biometric photographs and an apostilled criminal record certificate; approval takes an average of three months.

Citizenship for stateless children born in Turkey

Article 8 of Law 5901 grants automatic citizenship to any child born in Turkey who would otherwise be stateless (e.g., if both parents are unknown, stateless, or unable to transfer citizenship). A birth record from a hospital and a civil status investigation at the local governorate are sufficient; no further residency or fees are required.

Step-by-step procedure: How to obtain Turkish citizenship

In Immigration Invest's experience, the process takes between eight months:

Day 1 - Pre-verification
Only a valid passport is required. Immigration Invest's verification reduces the risk of rejection to 1%.
From 2 weeks - Document Collection
The applicant gathers the required documents and submits them to Immigration Invest for translation, notarization and assistance in completing government forms.
At the same time - Reservation of real estate
Real estate experts help select a suitable property. The applicant reserves it by paying a deposit of $1,000-10,000, then signs the purchase agreement and finalizes payment.
From 5 weeks - Title Registration
Immigration Invest assists in registering the title deed and obtaining a 0% VAT exemption on the purchase of the property. The applicant also receives a property valuation report.
From 6 months - Residence permit and due diligence
Investor applies in person at the Turkish Immigration Office for a residence permit; biometric data is taken. Family members must be present if they are included in the family. Authorities conduct a security check.
From 1 day - Passport Issuance
After authorization, the investor and family members receive their passports. Travel to Turkey is not required - passports can be issued at Turkish consulates abroad.

List of documents for obtaining Turkish citizenship

The documents may vary, but the basic requirements are as follows:

Citizenship application form
Personal application form
Foreign passport
Birth certificate
Photographs
Copy of residence permit (ikamet)
Criminal record certificate
Passport fee receipt
Health insurance
Power of attorney for a legal representative (if applicable)

Optional for the investment route:

Bank certificate or proof of deposit
Purchase and sale agreement or proof of investment in business/assets

For naturalization:

Entry/exit records for 5 years
Income and savings certificates

Dual Citizenship in Turkey

Turkey allows dual citizenship. Investors do not need to renounce their existing citizenship. If dual citizenship is prohibited in the applicant's home country, he or she may opt for a turquoise card, valid for three years and convertible to a permanent card, which entitles him or her to live, work and do business in Turkey.

How to renew a Turkish passport

Passport renewal is done online at randevu.nvi.gov.tr or at the nearest Nüfus Müdürlüğü (Population Authority) office.

Required:

Old passport
Photo
Fee payment receipt (from 4.50 USD)
If data has changed (e.g. name), supporting documents (e.g. marriage certificate)

New passports arrive in the mail within 7-10 days. Status can be tracked via e-Devlet.

In case of loss or theft:

File a police report, then apply for a new passport.

Rights and Duties of a Turkish Citizen Rights:

State protection
Freedom of movement within the country and abroad
Access to health care, education and social benefits
Right to vote and the right to run for office
Right to hold public office
The right to own property and the right to run a business

Duties:

To obey laws and pay taxes
Respect the rights of others
Military service for men, unless exempted or deferred
In emergencies, citizens may be required to help with disaster relief or national defense

Why a Turkish passport may be revoked or canceled

An application may be rejected if the applicant

Provides incomplete documentation
Provides false information
Cannot prove financial means
Has a criminal record
Evades compulsory military service (men aged 20-41)

After denial:

Re-apply or appeal the denial within 60 days to an administrative court.

Citizenship may be revoked if obtained fraudulently. If the citizenship of one family member is revoked, the status of others may be reviewed. Final decisions are made by the courts.

Taxes paid by Turkish citizens

Turkish residents pay taxes on all income, non-residents pay taxes only on Turkish-source income.

Income tax: 15-40% progressive
Capital gains tax on the sale of real estate or assets
VAT: standard 20% (on some goods/services 10% or 1%)
Property tax: 0.1-0.6% of assessed value annually
Inheritance/gift tax: 1-30% for heirs; 1-10% on gifts

Disadvantages of Turkish citizenship

Compulsory military service for men (20-41 years old). Failure can result in fines, loss of citizenship, or imprisonment.
High taxes: Maximum rate on income up to 40%.
Mandatory three-year holding period for investment assets - premature sale risks revocation of citizenship.
Language barrier: Turkey ranks 65th out of 113 countries in terms of English language proficiency (EF English Proficiency Index 2024).
Limited visa-free access to the EU: Turkish citizens require a visa to visit most Schengen countries.

Key findings on Turkish citizenship

Investment route - the fastest: citizenship in ~8 months, return of capital in 3 years.

Real estate is the most popular option (minimum $400,000).
Other paths include naturalization (5 years of residence), employment, marriage, and special merit.
Children of Turkish citizens receive citizenship by descent; descendants of emigrants may repatriate.
Rights include government protection, health care, education, voting, and doing business; responsibilities include taxes, law enforcement, and military service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I obtain Turkish citizenship?

By investment, naturalization, marriage, work or birth. Applicants with special rights (athletes, scientists, artists) are also eligible for citizenship. The fastest route is by investment in real estate (minimum $400,000), taking about 8 months; naturalization requires 5 years of residence in the country. There are no language exams for investors.

How much does it cost to get Turkish citizenship?

Through investment: real estate ≥ USD 400,000; bank deposit, share in a business or fund/bond ≥ USD 500,000. Most often real estate is used and the capital can be returned after 3 years.

Are real estate investments in foreign currencies allowed in Turkey?

Yes, but buyers must convert the funds into lira at a Turkish bank on the day of transfer to obtain the Central Bank receipt required for citizenship.

How long does the adoption procedure take?

Approximately 4-6 months after the adoption decree is finalized and security checks are passed.

Can TRNC citizens hold both passports?

Yes - TRNC and Turkish citizenships are compatible; renunciation of citizenship is not required.

What is the military recruitment fee in 2025?

₺275,000 (~$8,600 USD). The fee exempts service-eligible men from military service.

Are cryptocurrency investments accepted?

No. Only bank deposits, bonds, funds or real estate denominated in fiat currency are accepted.

How do I track the delivery of my e-passport?

Go to the e-Devlet portal; a PTT courier tracking number will appear 24 hours after processing.

Can I enroll adult children?

Dependents ages 18-29 who are full-time students may be added at the Ministry's discretion; proof of financial dependency is required.

What happens if the property value drops below $400K within 3 years?

Market fluctuations are irrelevant - the threshold is assessed on the date of purchase, not the current appraisal.

Is remote closing possible?

Yes - buyers can issue an apostilized power of attorney to a Turkish lawyer to complete the transfer of ownership.

Will Turkey join the EU or Schengen?

Accession talks remain frozen; analysts do not expect accession to Schengen before 2030.

Can I change my name upon naturalization?

Permitted, but the new Turkish name must conform to local naming traditions (one first name plus one last name).

Is there an age limit for investors?

There is no maximum, but applicants must prove their mental capacity; minor children are attached to their parents' file.

In what language is the oath of citizenship taken?

A simple oath in Turkish; an interpreter can help, and investors abroad can recite the oath at the consulate.

How do I obtain citizenship after voluntary renunciation?

Provide proof of residence in Turkey for at least 3 years and proof that the initial renunciation of citizenship was done solely to take another citizenship.

Can stateless children born in Turkey apply earlier than 5 years?

Yes - if the parents remain stateless, minors may be naturalized earlier at the discretion of the Ministry for humanitarian reasons.

Is dual citizenship allowed in Turkey?

Yes. If dual citizenship is prohibited in your country, you can obtain a Turquoise Card - a three-year residence permit with the right to work and run a business, which can later be converted to permanent status.

How long do I have to live in Turkey to naturalize?

Five years of living or working on a Turkish work permit; three years of marriage to a Turkish citizen. The investment route grants citizenship in 6-8 months.

Can I obtain citizenship by purchasing real estate?

Yes - the purchase of real estate worth at least $400,000 qualifies for citizenship; multiple properties can be combined to reach the threshold. The process takes about 8 months.

What are the advantages of Turkish citizenship?

Turkey is the only European country that offers citizenship by investment. Turkish passports grant visa-free access to 127 countries and eligibility for a U.S. E-2 investor visa.

Can I live in Turkey without citizenship?

Yes, by extending your residence permit or work visa indefinitely, but you will not be able to vote or receive certain social benefits.

Can I claim citizenship through my mother?

Yes - citizenship by descent is valid if your mother is Turkish, regardless of place of birth. Proof of paternity is required for children of unmarried mothers to obtain citizenship.

How reliable is the Turkish passport?

It ranks 58th out of 193 for freedom of travel, 53rd for quality of life and 18th for asset protection.

Hot offers in our social media!