Turkish citizenship

With its unique position straddling the two continents of Asia and Europe, a dynamic economy, and rich cultural ties with Iran, Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations for investment and immigration. Obtaining citizenship in this country is not only a path to enjoying a high quality of life but also brings countless economic and social opportunities.

This comprehensive guide, based on the latest laws and reliable information for the year 2025, has been prepared to answer all your questions about the conditions, methods, required documents, and benefits of obtaining a Turkish passport and to assist you in making an informed decision.

Why Turkish Citizenship? (The Most Important Benefits)

Obtaining Turkish citizenship provides significant advantages for you and your family:

Passport and International Travel Benefits:

• Visa-Free Travel: The ability to travel to over 110 countries without a visa.

• Easier Access to Major Visas: A significantly smoother process for obtaining visas for the Schengen Area, Canada, and the USA.

• Dual Citizenship: Turkey recognizes dual citizenship, so you do not need to renounce your current nationality.

Economic and Business Benefits:

• International Free Trade: Freedom from the restrictions and sanctions imposed on Iranians in trade and financial transactions.

• Bank Account Opening: The ability to open accounts in all reputable international and domestic banks in Turkey.

• Bank Loans and Credit Facilities: Access to bank loans and credit facilities that are not available to short-term residence permit holders.

Life and Social Benefits:

• Free Healthcare Services: Full access to the free public health insurance system (SGK) for all family members.

• Free Education: The possibility of free education for children in public schools and significant discounts on university tuition fees.

• Full Citizenship Rights: Enjoyment of all the rights of a Turkish citizen, including the right to vote and access to retirement programs.

• Elimination of Residence Permit Renewal Stress: With citizenship, you will no longer need to renew your residence permit card annually.

The Difference Between Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Understanding the difference between these two concepts is key:

• Permanent Residency: You are still recognized as a foreigner in Turkey. Although you can live permanently in the country, you are deprived of rights such as obtaining a Turkish passport and the right to vote, and you must renew your residence permit.

• Citizenship: You become a full Turkish citizen and enjoy all rights and benefits, including a passport, the right to work, education, and social services without any restrictions.

General Conditions for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship

Regardless of your chosen method, applicants must meet the following general conditions:

• Legal Age: Be at least 18 years old. (Children under 18 receive citizenship through their parents).

• Health: Not have any communicable diseases that pose a threat to public health.

• Clean Criminal Record: Not have a serious criminal record in Turkey or the country of origin.

• National Security: Not be considered a threat to public order and national security in Turkey.

• Intention to Reside: Demonstrate a genuine intention to live in Turkey (this condition is more important in non-investment methods).

Main Methods for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship in 2025

The Turkish government has specified several legal paths to obtain citizenship, the most important of which are discussed below.

1. Citizenship by Real Estate Purchase (The Fastest and Most Popular Method)

This method is the most sought-after way to obtain a Turkish passport due to the speed and simplicity of the process.

• Investment Amount: Purchase of a property or a collection of properties with a minimum value of $400,000 USD.

• Holding Condition: A commitment not to sell the purchased property for at least 3 years. After this period, you can sell the property at its market value, and your and your family's citizenship will be preserved.

• Key Property Conditions:

  • The property must be purchased from a Turkish person or a Turkish construction company.

  • The payment must be deposited in foreign currency (USD or Euro) into your bank account in Turkey, then converted to Lira by the bank and transferred to the seller's account.

  • The purchased property must not have been previously used to obtain citizenship.

• Process Duration: Typically between 3 to 6 months.

2. Citizenship by Bank Deposit

• Investment Amount: A cash deposit of $500,000 USD or its equivalent in other currencies.

• Holding Condition: This amount must be blocked in one of the government-approved banks in Turkey for at least 3 years.

• Advantage: You will receive bank interest during the deposit period.

• Important Note: Due to the volatility of the Lira's value, this method requires more careful consideration and consultation.

3. Citizenship by Employment (Çalışma İzni)

• Condition: Having 5 years of official and legal work history in Turkey with regular payment of taxes and insurance (SGK).

• Process: This method requires obtaining a work permit (Çalışma İzni) through a Turkish employer.

• Presence Condition: During the 5-year period, you must not have been outside of Turkey for more than 6 months in a single year and a total of more than one year.

4. Citizenship by Company Registration and Entrepreneurship

• Condition: Registering a company in Turkey and creating employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens.

• Commitment: The company must remain active and maintain its workforce for at least 3 years.

5. Citizenship by Marriage

• Condition: Marriage to a Turkish citizen and at least 3 years having passed since the registration date.

• Main Condition: The marriage must be genuine and based on cohabitation. Sham marriages will lead to the revocation of citizenship and legal penalties.

Required Documents for Citizenship Application

The list of documents may vary slightly depending on your chosen method, but the general and primary documents are:

• Citizenship application form.

• Valid passport with its official and notarized translation.

• Birth certificates of the applicant and all family members (spouse and children under 18) with their official translations.

• Marriage certificate or divorce/spouse's death certificate (if applicable) with its official translation.

• Certificate of no criminal record from Iran and Turkey.

• Health certificate from a reputable public hospital in Turkey.

• Biometric photos.

• Receipt for payment of administrative fees.

• Documents proving the investment (such as a title deed or bank deposit certificate).

General Steps of the Citizenship Application Process

1. Preparation: Choosing the method and preparing all necessary conditions and documents.

2. Application Submission: Submitting the documents and filing the initial application at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in your province of residence.

3. Initial Review and Interview: Conducting the initial interview and fingerprinting.

4. Security Investigation: A thorough review of the file by security agencies.

5. Submission to Ankara: Sending the file to the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Nationality in Ankara for final review.

6. Final Approval: Approval of the application by the Council of Ministers and the Presidency.

7. Receiving Documents: After final approval, you can apply to receive your Turkish ID card (Kimlik) and passport.

Important Notes and Key Considerations

• Children: By obtaining citizenship, your spouse and children under 18 will also become Turkish citizens.

• Military Service: Male children who become Turkish citizens before reaching the age of 21 will be subject to military service. (There are also laws for exemption or paid service).

• Taxes: If you hold the property for more than 5 years, you will be exempt from paying capital gains tax on its sale.

• Expert Consultation: Due to the complexity and potential changes in laws, it is strongly recommended to carry out all stages with the help of experienced lawyers and reputable consultants in Turkish immigration matters.

Types of Turkish Passports

Turkey has four types of passports. Foreigners who obtain citizenship receive the Red Passport:

• Red Passport (Public): For all Turkish citizens and foreigners who have acquired citizenship.

• Green Passport (Special): For high-ranking government officials and special authorities.

• Black Passport (Diplomatic): For diplomats and senior government officials.

• Grey Passport (Service): For individuals sent on official government missions.

Conclusion

Obtaining Turkish citizenship is a strategic decision and a valuable opportunity to achieve economic security, freedom of travel, and a better future for your family. Among the available methods, investing through the purchase of real estate valued at $400,000 is the fastest and most reliable path to achieving this goal in 2025. However, full awareness of the legal details and utilizing expert guidance are the keys to success in this process.