How to Get Turkish Citizenship

Citizenship by Naturalization (Residence)
You can apply if you live in Türkiye continuously with a valid residence permit for at least 5 years without major interruptions.
Typical conditions include:
Having lived in Türkiye for 5 years with a residence permit
Ability to speak basic Turkish
Good moral character
No serious health issues posing a public health risk
Evidence of financial means to support yourself (and family)
There’s no absolute legal right to citizenship — authorities decide each case.
You may not be considered continuously resident if you leave Türkiye for more than 6 months in total during this period.
Citizenship by Marriage
If you are married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years and the marriage is genuine and ongoing, you can apply for citizenship.
Requirements usually include living together as a family and showing there is no threat to national security or public order
Citizenship by Investment (Fastest Route)
This is one of the most common ways for foreigners to get Turkish citizenship relatively quickly (often within 6–12 months). You must make a qualifying investment in Türkiye and maintain it for a set period (usually 3 years).
You can choose one of these main options:
Real Estate Investment
• Buy property worth at least $400,000 USD (or equivalent)
• Must be held and not sold for a minimum of 3 years
• Property must be verified with an official valuation and meet legal criteria
Capital & Financial Investments
• $500,000+ USD fixed capital investment in Türkiye
• $500,000+ USD deposit in a Turkish bank account (held 3 years)
• $500,000+ USD in government bonds or investment fund shares (held 3 years)
• Creating employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens also qualifies
Family members (spouse and dependent children under 18) can usually be included in the application under the same investment.
Citizenship by Birth or Descent
You automatically get Turkish citizenship at birth if at least one parent is a Turkish citizen — regardless of birthplace. Being born in Türkiye alone does not grant citizenship unless other conditions apply.
Exceptional Citizenship
In special cases, the Turkish government may grant citizenship for exceptional contributions (e.g., scientific, cultural, economic, or national interest). This is discretionary and requires government proposal and approval.
Typical Application Steps (General)
1. Check eligibility for the route you choose
2. Prepare required documents (passport, photos, translations, criminal record, proofs of finances/investment, etc.)
3. Apply for/maintain a residence permit if necessary (common for naturalization and investment routes)
4. Submit citizenship application to the Directorate of Population & Citizenship Affairs or a Turkish consulate abroad
5. Background and security checks are completed
6. Final decision if approved, you get citizenship documents and can apply for a passport
Timeline Estimates
Route Typical Time
Investment ~6–12 months (often fastest)
Marriage ~12–24 months
Naturalization (residency) After 5 years + processing time
Other Important Notes
• Dual citizenship is allowed in Turkey (you don’t have to renounce your original nationality).
• A clean criminal record is typically mandatory for all citizenship routes.
• Turkish language ability and evidence you plan to settle in Türkiye help naturalization applications.