How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship in 2025: Complete Guide to Investment, Marriage, and Residency Paths

Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining Turkish Citizenship (2025 Edition)

Turkey continues to attract global investors, families, and digital nomads for its strategic location, rich culture, and investment-friendly policies. Acquiring Turkish citizenship grants access to a robust passport offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, alongside high-quality healthcare, education, and a growing economy that bridges Europe and Asia.

Turkey also permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality — making it a prime choice for those pursuing global mobility. Below is a comprehensive guide outlining the main pathways to Turkish citizenship and how to navigate each successfully.

1. Citizenship by Descent (Birthright)

If you have Turkish ancestry, you may qualify for citizenship by descent — one of the simplest and most direct paths. Turkey follows the principle of jus sanguinis (citizenship by bloodline), meaning that being born outside the country does not disqualify you.

✅ Requirements

• At least one parent was a Turkish citizen at the time of your birth.

• Proof of lineage through official documents (birth certificates, marriage records, etc.).

• Acknowledgment of paternity if parents were not married at your birth.

• Compliance with dual citizenship regulations (verify with your home country).

🪪 Steps to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility – Trace family records and consult a Turkish legal expert or consulate.

2. Prepare Documents – Collect your birth certificate, Turkish parent’s nationality proof, and parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable).

3. Translate and Apostille – Translate non-Turkish documents and notarize or apostille them.

4. Submit Application – Apply at a Turkish consulate abroad or the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus) if in Turkey.

5. Attend Interview (if required) – Verify identity and lineage details.

6. Receive Citizenship Documents – Upon approval, you’ll be issued a Turkish ID and passport.

🕒 Processing Time: Usually several months, depending on verification speed.

---

💍 2. Citizenship by Marriage

Foreign nationals married to Turkish citizens for at least three years can apply for citizenship, provided the marriage is genuine and ongoing.

✅ Requirements

• Minimum three years of marriage to a Turkish citizen.

• Ongoing marriage and cohabitation at the time of application.

• Clean criminal record and good moral character.

• No health conditions that threaten public safety.

🪪 Steps to Apply

1. Meet Marriage Duration – Must be married and living together for at least three years.

2. Prepare Documentation – Marriage certificate, passports, birth certificates, and residence proof.

3. Translate and Legalize Documents – Official translations and notarizations are required.

4. Submit Application – File through the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management or a Turkish consulate.

5. Interview & Background Check – Authorities confirm the authenticity of the marriage.

6. Receive Decision – Processing typically takes 6–12 months, after which approved applicants receive Turkish citizenship.

---

🏡 3. Citizenship by Naturalization (Residency-Based)

This path suits foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for five consecutive years. It’s ideal for professionals, retirees, or entrepreneurs integrated into Turkish life.

✅ Requirements

• Continuous legal residence for at least five years.

• Adequate Turkish language proficiency.

• Financial stability and good moral conduct.

• Clean criminal record and good health.

🪪 Steps to Apply

1. Obtain Residence Permit – Apply through the e-Residence system or local migration offices.

2. Fulfill Residency Period – Maintain legal residency for five years (short trips abroad are allowed).

3. Prepare Documentation – Residence records, police clearance, proof of income, health certificate, and language proficiency evidence.

4. Submit Application – File through the local Migration Directorate.

5. Interview and Evaluation – Officials assess integration and language skills.

6. Oath and Approval – Successful applicants take an oath of allegiance and receive Turkish ID and passport.

🕒 Processing Time: 12–24 months.

---

💰 4. Citizenship by Investment (CBI Program)

Launched in 2018, the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) is among the most attractive and affordable globally. It allows applicants to gain citizenship within 3–6 months without residency obligations.

✅ Key Requirements

• No national security risks.

• Investment in eligible assets, held for a minimum of three years.

💼 Investment Options (Minimum Thresholds)

Investment Type	Minimum Investment	Holding Period
Real Estate Purchase	USD $400,000	3 years
Fixed Capital Investment	USD $500,000	3 years
Job Creation	50 Turkish citizens	3 years
Bank Deposit	USD $500,000	3 years
Government Bonds	USD $500,000	3 years
Fund Shares (VC/REIT)	USD $500,000	3 years
Private Pension Fund	USD $500,000	3 years

🪪 Application Steps

1. Select Investment Route – Choose your preferred qualifying investment.

2. Obtain Certificate of Eligibility – Issued by the relevant ministry (e.g., Environment and Urbanization for property).

3. Apply for Residence Permit – A short-term permit based on your investment.

4. Gather Documents – Passport, photos, investment proof, health insurance, and police clearance.

5. Submit Citizenship Application – File with the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM).

6. Presidential Approval – Final approval is signed by the President.

7. Receive Citizenship – Obtain Turkish ID and passport within a few months.

🕒 Typical processing: 3–6 months.

---

🧩 Additional Considerations

• Dual Citizenship: Fully permitted; verify compatibility with your original nationality.

• Application Fees: Range between USD $100–$500, depending on route.

• Legal Support: Consulting a Turkish immigration lawyer ensures compliance and efficiency.

• Ongoing Updates: Regulations may evolve—always verify with the Directorate General of Migration Management (goc.gov.tr).

---

🌍 Why Consider Turkish Citizenship?

• Visa-Free Access: Travel to 110+ destinations, including Japan, Singapore, and much of Latin America.

• Global Mobility: Gateway to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

• Economic Opportunities: Access to Turkey’s rapidly growing real estate, tech, and tourism sectors.

• Family Inclusion: Spouses and children under 18 qualify automatically.

• No Language Test or Residency Requirement for investors.

---

✳️ Conclusion

Obtaining Turkish citizenship provides a powerful combination of global mobility, lifestyle freedom, and economic opportunity. Whether you qualify through descent, marriage, naturalization, or investment, Turkey offers one of the most efficient and flexible citizenship frameworks in the world.

If you’re ready to explore a strategic second citizenship, Turkey may be your ideal gateway to both Europe and Asia.

This article was prepared by the team of dedicated professionals at Migrate Global, specializing in global residency and citizenship solutions.