Turkey Citizenship by Naturalization

Turkey citizenship by naturalization is a way of acquiring Turkish citizenship, which is often preferred by foreigners. According to Article 9 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, Turkish citizenship is acquired by birth or afterbirth. The acquisition of citizenship after bith takes place through the decision of the competent authority (Turkey citizenship by naturalization), the exercise of the right to choose or adoption.

Acquiring Turkey citizenship by naturalization is an easily preferable way for foreigners who are not in an exceptional situation. You can become a Turkish citizen by fulfilling the conditions that will be discussed detailed and you can get benefit from Turkish citizenship.

In this article, we will talk about the acquisition of Turkey citizenship by naturalization, the necessary conditions, the procedure. If you want to learn about the acquisition of Turkish citizenship, keep reading!

Who is Eligible for Turkey Citizenship by Naturalization?

In terms of acquisition of Turkey citizenship by naturalization, some conditions are listed in the law. If these conditions are met, the right to acquire Turkish citizenship arises.

On the other hand, despite the completion of the meeting of the conditions and the completion of the necessary procedural actions, it cannot be said that Turkish citizenship has been acquired certainly. At this point, there must also be a positive decision of the competent authority. The competent authority is the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey.

Different Ways of Acquiring Turkey Citizenship by Naturalization

Turkey citizenship by naturalization can be obtained in three ways. These ways are, Turkey citizenship by naturalization through general acquisition, Turkey citizenship by naturalization through exceptional ways, re-acquisition, through marriage.

1. Turkey Citizenship by Naturalization Through General Conditions

The conditions listed in the Turkish Nationality Law art.11 for the acquisition of Turkey citizenship by naturalization are as follows:

  • Be at the age of maturity possessing the distinguishing power according to his/her own national legal system, or according to the Turkish law if she/he is stateless;
  • Be residing in Turkey for five years, without interruption, prior to her/his date of application;
  • Have the intention of settling in Turkey and prove this intention with action;
  • Have not any disease that constitutes a danger to public health;
  • Be a person of good morals;
  • Speak an adequate level of Turkish;
  • Have an income or profession to provide for his own livelihood and those of his/her dependents in Turkey;
  • Not pose a threat to national security and public order

2. Turkey Citizenship by Naturalization Through Exceptional Ways

Exceptional Turkey citizenship by naturalization stipulated in art.12 of the Turkish Nationality law no. 5910. Persons who have brought industrial plants into Turkey, persons whose naturalization has been considered necessary, persons who have been recognized as immigrants.

For detailed information about Turkish citizenship by investment, you can click and read our related article.

3. Turkey Citizenship by Naturalization Through Marriage

The acquisition of citizenship through marriage includes different conditions at some points compared to the general provisions.

In case of general acquisition of citizenship, the residence period, which is determined as 5 years, is specified as 3 years for acquisition through marriage. During this three-year marriage period, the conditions are sought to live in family unity, not to behave contrary to marriage, and not to creates a threat regarded public order.

4. Turkey Citizenship by Naturalization Through Re-acquisition

In some cases, citizenship can be acquired without the residence requirement. One of them is that, those who had lost Turkish citizenship by obtaining renunciation permission can acquire Turkey citizenship by naturalization without residence permit. Second of it is that, Of the persons who had lost their citizenship because of their parents, those who did not enjoy the right of choice.

Persons whose citizenship was listed by a presidential decision and persons who lost their Turkish citizenship with the right to choose can acquire Turkish citizenship by residing in Turkey for three years.

In addition to all these, as a general condition, the acquisition of Turkey citizenship by naturalization  does not create a threat to Turkish public order.

Conclusion about Turkey Citizenship by Naturalization

The acquisition of Turkey citizenship by naturalization is the most preferred way by foreigners. Foreigners who do not have an exceptional situation can acquire Turkish citizenship by completing the necessary conditions.

It will be beneficial for you to get help from an expert for the necessary procedural procedures in the process of acquiring Turkey citizenship by naturalization.

Topo Law Firm has been providing legal support to foreign clients in the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship since 2015. If you also want to acquire Turkey citizenship by naturalization, you can contact us and get legal advice.

FAQ About Turkey Citizenship by Naturalization

1. How long do you have to be in Turkey to get citizenship?

If you acquire Turkey citizenship by naturalization through general conditions for 5 years, if you acquire it through marriage, you must reside in Turkey for 3 years.

2. What are the benefits of Turkish citizenship?

Right to residence for a lifetime, right to work in Turkey, right to vote, taking advantage of free health and education system visa-free visit to 72 countries, get Turkish ID card and passports and many other benefits can be obtained.