Turkish Citizenship

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

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

Why Turkish Citizenship? (Most Important Advantages)

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

Passport and International Travel Advantages:
- Visa-Free Travel: Possibility of traveling to more than 110 countries worldwide without needing a visa.
- Easy Acquisition of Valid Visas: Significant ease in the process of obtaining visas for the Schengen Area, Canada, and the USA.
- Dual Citizenship: Turkey recognizes dual citizenship; therefore, you do not need to renounce your current nationality.
Economic and Commercial Advantages:
- Free International Trade: Freedom from restrictions and sanctions imposed on Iranians in trade and financial transfers.
- Bank Account Opening: Possibility of opening accounts in all reputable international and domestic Turkish banks.
- Bank Loans and Facilities: Access to bank loans and credit facilities that are not available to short-term residence permit holders.
Life and Social Advantages:
- Free Healthcare Services: Full access to the public health insurance system (SGK) for all family members.
- Free Education: Possibility for children to study for free in public schools and benefit from significant discounts on university tuition fees.
- Full Citizenship Rights: Enjoyment of all rights of a Turkish citizen, including the right to vote and retirement programs.
- Elimination of Residency Extension Stress: By obtaining citizenship, you will no longer need to renew your residence card annually.

Difference Between Permanent Residency and Turkish Citizenship

Understanding the difference between these two concepts is key:

Permanent Residency: You are still recognized as a foreign national in Turkey. Although you can live in the country permanently, 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 citizen of Turkey and will benefit from all rights and advantages, including a passport, the right to work, education, and social services without any restrictions.

General Conditions for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship

Regardless of the method you choose, applicants must meet the following general conditions:

Legal Age: Being at least 18 years old. (Children under 18 receive citizenship through their parents).
Health: Not suffering from contagious diseases that threaten public health.
Clean Criminal Record: No serious criminal record in Turkey and the country of origin.
National Security: Not posing a threat to Turkey’s public order and national security.
Intention to Reside: Demonstrating a genuine desire to live in Turkey (this condition is more important in non-investment methods).

Main Methods of Obtaining Turkish Citizenship in 2025

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

1. Citizenship Through Real Estate Purchase (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 set of properties worth at least 400,000 USD.
Retention Condition: Commitment not to sell the purchased property for at least 3 years. After this period, you can sell the property at the current market price, and your citizenship and that of your family will be maintained.
Key Property Conditions:
- The property must be purchased from a Turkish person or construction company.
- Payment must be deposited in foreign currency (USD or EUR) into your bank account in Turkey, then converted to Turkish Lira by the bank and transferred to the seller’s account.
- The purchased property must not have been previously used for obtaining citizenship.
Processing Time: Usually between 3 to 6 months.

2. Citizenship Through Bank Deposit

Investment Amount: Cash deposit of 500,000 USD or its equivalent in other currencies.
Retention Condition: This amount must be frozen in one of the banks approved by the Turkish government for a minimum of 3 years.
Advantage: You will receive bank interest during the deposit period.
Important Note: Due to the volatility of the Turkish Lira, this method requires more detailed review and consultation.

3. Citizenship Through Work (Çalışma İzni)

Conditions: Having 5 years of official and legal work experience in Turkey, along with regular tax and insurance payments (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 one year and a total of more than one year.

4. Citizenship Through Company Registration and Entrepreneurship

Conditions: Registering a company in Turkey and creating employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens.
Commitment: The company must remain active and retain its workforce for a minimum of 3 years.

5. Citizenship Through Marriage

Conditions: Marriage to a Turkish citizen and the passing of at least 3 years from the date of registration.
Main Condition: The marriage must be genuine and based on shared life. Sham marriages will result in the annulment of citizenship and legal penalties.

Required Documents for Citizenship Application

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

Citizenship application form.
Valid passport along with official and certified translation (Noter).
Birth certificate of the applicant and all family members (spouse and children under 18) along with official translation.
Marriage certificate or divorce/death certificate of spouse (if applicable) along with official translation.
Clean criminal record certificate from Iran and Turkey.
Health certificate from a reputable public hospital in Turkey.
Biometric photos.
Receipt for payment of administrative fees.
Investment proof documents (such as property title deed or bank deposit certificate).

General Steps for Citizenship Application

Preparation: Choosing the method and providing all necessary conditions and documents.
Application Submission: Submitting documents and registering the initial application at the Migration Directorate of the province of residence.
Initial Review and Interview: Conducting the initial interview and fingerprinting.
Security Investigation: Comprehensive review of the file by security agencies.
Sending to Ankara: Forwarding the file to the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Nationality in Ankara for final review.
Final Approval: Approval of the application by the Council of Ministers and the Presidency.
Receiving Documents: After final approval, you can apply for a Turkish Identity Card (Kimlik) and Passport.

Important Notes and Key Considerations

Children: Upon 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. (Exemption or paid service rules also exist).
Taxation: If the property is held for more than 5 years, you will be exempt from paying capital gains tax on its sale.
Specialized Consultation: Due to the complexity and potential changes in laws, it is strongly recommended that all steps be carried out with the assistance of experienced lawyers and accredited consultants in Turkish immigration matters.

Types of Turkish Passports

Turkey has four types of passports, of which foreigners who obtain citizenship receive the Red Passport:

Red Passport (General): For all Turkish citizens and foreigners who have acquired citizenship.
Green Passport (Special): For high-ranking government employees and specific officials.
Black Passport (Diplomatic): For diplomats and senior government officials.
Grey Passport (Service): For individuals assigned to 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 the family. Among the available methods, investment through the purchase of real estate worth 400,000 USD is the fastest and most reliable path to achieving this goal in 2025. However, full awareness of legal details and utilizing specialized guidance is the key to success in this process.