Citizenship law is the branch of law that sets out the responsibilities individuals bear and the rights they obtain in accordance with a country’s laws and regulations. In this field, certain core principles have been separately adopted. From the perspective of citizenship law, these principles are: “everyone must have a nationality,” “everyone should have only one nationality,” and “everyone is free to choose and change their nationality.”
With today’s shrinking world and advancing technology, travel has become easier and migration has increased. Citizenship law is therefore one of the areas of significance for foreigners within the borders of the Republic of Türkiye. From September 2018 to the present, 7,242 foreign nationals from 93 countries have acquired Turkish citizenship through the purchase of real estate. Iranians and Syrians rank first in transitions to Turkish citizenship, followed by Afghans, Iraqis, and Yemenis. There are foreign nationals worldwide who wish to become Turkish citizens and who submit applications in this direction. In recent years, investors from Belize, Djibouti, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Grenada, the Union of the Comoros, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu—along with two stateless persons (heimatlos)—have applied to acquire Turkish citizenship.
Keleş Law and Consultancy provides effective service to foreign clients in Citizenship Law as well as many other legal areas.
Since “foreign lawyer Istanbul” (and similar) is frequently searched by foreign nationals seeking legal assistance, communication comes to the forefront during their research. Keleş Law and Consultancy, with an expert team primarily in English, Arabic, and Persian, facilitates communication for foreign clients in 13 languages. You can receive legal and consultancy services from our firm in the following languages:
Where necessary, our clients may request to initiate lawsuits regarding their rights and receivables. All consultancy procedures required by our clients affiliated with our law and consultancy firm are carried out by us. We provide a wide range of legal consultancy services regardless of whether our clients are within the borders of Türkiye.
As Keleş Law and Consultancy, we offer all legal and administrative services that foreign investors need in the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship under one roof. We guide foreign nationals who live in Türkiye or plan to invest here in many areas such as citizenship law, acquisition of citizenship through real estate and company formation, regulatory compliance, and litigation.
Our firm provides specialized legal support to foreign nationals under the following headings:
1. By which routes can I acquire Turkish citizenship?
Turkish citizenship can be acquired by birth or after birth. The routes for acquisition after birth include:
2. How is Turkish citizenship obtained through investment?
Citizenship by investment is an exceptional right granted to foreign nationals who provide a specified economic contribution in Türkiye. The most common ways are:
These investments must be maintained for at least 3 years. The entire process is handled comprehensively by Keleş Law & Consultancy.
3. What documents are required for Turkish citizenship through real estate purchase?
In general, the following documents must be prepared:
4. How is the real estate value determined?
Before the title deed process, an official real estate valuation report prepared by a CMB-licensed valuation expert (SPK) is required. This report shows the real value of the purchased property and its compliance with legislation.
The report is valid for 3 months from its date.
5. How long does a citizenship application take to conclude?
The average processing time varies between 4 and 8 months, depending on the completeness of documents and the workload of the relevant authorities.
However, investment or exceptional applications generally conclude within 6 months. Missing documents, security checks, or nationality-related reviews may extend the process.
6. Where is the Turkish citizenship application filed?
Applications can be filed:
7. Does acquiring Turkish citizenship allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Türkiye permits dual citizenship. However, the applicant’s country of nationality must also be considered. Some countries (for example, China, India, Saudi Arabia) do not recognize dual citizenship.
8. Will I lose my previous nationality after acquiring Turkish citizenship?
There is no loss arising from Türkiye; however, it depends on the applicant’s country. For example, German or Austrian nationals generally need to obtain special permission to retain their original nationality.
9. What can be done if a citizenship application is rejected?
A challenge (objection) or an action for annulment may be brought against a rejection decision.
The administrative litigation process generally must be initiated within 60 days.
Keleş Law analyzes the grounds of unlawfulness in rejected applications, prepares the petition, and follows up the case.
10. How is Turkish citizenship obtained through marriage?
Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years and have lived together during this time may apply for citizenship.
The marriage must be genuine and bona fide and must continue within a family union.
If a sham marriage is suspected, the application may be rejected.
11. Is citizenship possible through adoption?
If a Turkish citizen adopts a minor foreign child, the child may acquire Turkish citizenship.
The adoption must be approved by Turkish courts.
12. Can Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart) holders transition to Turkish citizenship?
Yes. Foreigners who hold a Turquoise Card may become eligible for Turkish citizenship after a specified period.
Their spouses and children under 18 may also apply.
13. Can foreigners living outside Türkiye apply for citizenship?
Yes. Citizenship applications can be made through Turkish consulates.
With a power of attorney and remote procedures, our firm can conduct the entire citizenship process without your traveling to Türkiye.
14. Is it mandatory to know Turkish in order to acquire citizenship?
In general applications for citizenship, the applicant is expected to adapt to Turkish society and to be able to communicate in Turkish.
In investment, marriage, or exceptional applications, knowledge of Turkish is not required.
15. How is the security screening conducted in citizenship applications?
The relevant authorities evaluate the applicant’s criminal record, Interpol, Migration Management records, and international security checks.
Keleş Law analyzes potential risks in advance, such as previous deportation decisions or entry bans (restriction codes).
16. After I acquire citizenship, can my spouse and children also become citizens?
Yes. The spouse and children under 18 of a person who acquires Turkish citizenship may apply for dependent citizenship based on the applicant’s status.
In investor citizenship programs, a family application in a single file is also possible.
17. Can Turkish citizenship be revoked?
Yes. If it is later determined that there were false documents, false statements, sham marriage, or circumstances contrary to national security, citizenship may be revoked.
Actions for annulment may be brought under Article 31 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.
18. What are the fees and charges for a citizenship application?
Official fees vary depending on the application type.
In citizenship by investment, including title deed fees, notary costs, and valuation fees, the total may vary approximately within USD 1,000–2,000.
Our firm calculates the total cost in detail and presents it to the client before the application.
19. Can someone who does not work or live in Türkiye acquire citizenship?
Yes. For investment, real estate, or exceptional applications, there is no requirement to reside in Türkiye.
However, those who wish to acquire citizenship through the general route must have resided in Türkiye for at least 5 years without interruption.
20. After acquiring citizenship, how are the ID card and passport obtained?
Following approval of the citizenship decision, an application for the Turkish ID card is made at the Population Directorate.
Passport procedures are carried out by the Provincial Directorates of Security or Population Directorates.
At this stage as well, our firm prepares all documents and follows the process on your behalf.
