Information Page on Acquiring Turkish Citizenship

How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship?

Throughout its history, Turkey has been under the influence of different civilizations and therefore foreigners have come and gone. Today, there are many foreigners in Turkey and among these foreigners there are also those who want to acquire Turkish citizenship. In this context, certain conditions must be fulfilled to gain Turkish citizenship.

The process of acquiring Turkish citizenship is very important for foreigners living in Turkey. This process requires fulfilling certain conditions and following certain procedures. In this article, I will provide detailed information on the conditions for acquiring Turkish citizenship, application locations, application process and stages, and the ways of acquiring citizenship.

Conditions for Acquiring Turkish Citizenship

Foreigners who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship must first fulfill certain conditions. These conditions are:

1. Having a Residence Permit: Foreigners who wish to become Turkish citizens must have a residence permit in Turkey for at least five years.
2. Age Limit: You must be at least 18 years old to become a Turkish citizen.
3. Language Proficiency: Foreigners who wish to become Turkish citizens must prove Turkish language proficiency. For this, it is necessary to pass the Turkish proficiency exam organized by the Turkish Language Association.
4. Income Status: Foreigners who wish to become Turkish citizens must be working in Turkey or have established a business in Turkey. In addition, a certain level of income is also required.
5. Health Status: Foreigners who wish to become Turkish citizens should not have health problems in Turkey. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo certain health checks.

Places to Apply to Become a Turkish Citizen

The places where foreigners who want to become Turkish citizens can apply are as follows:

1. Provincial Directorates of Population and Citizenship: Foreigners who wish to become Turkish citizens can apply to the Directorate General of Migration Management and start their procedures. They can also apply exceptionally to the Ministry of Interior.
2. Turkish Embassies and Consulates: Foreigners in Turkey can apply to the Turkish Consulates in the country or region where they are located and carry out the necessary procedures for Turkish citizenship.

Application Process and Stages for Turkish Citizenship

1. Opening a File The foreigner applying for citizenship must first open a file by filling out the citizenship application form.

2. Review of Requested Documents: The foreigner must submit the requested documents in full and complete with the application form. Documents such as a health report, a letter of residence period, criminal record, copy of passport, birth certificate, photograph, certificate of subsistence, documents brought by the foreigner from his/her country and a receipt of the fee are requested from the foreigner.
3. Investigation and Fingerprinting: The file of the foreigner is examined by the Police Department/Gendarmerie Command and fingerprints are taken from the foreigner in line with the request of the citizenship examination commission.

4. Commission Meeting: The citizenship review commission invites the foreigner and examines the file. For spousal applications, both spouses must attend the meeting.

5. Completion of the File: After reviewing the foreigner’s application form and other documents, the citizenship review commission completes the file and sends it to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship.

6. Decision and Notification: The General Directorate of Population and Citizenship decides according to the opinion of the citizenship examination commission and notifies the foreigner.

Foreigners must follow these steps correctly in order to apply for Turkish citizenship. In this process, it is important to submit complete and accurate documents, conduct the investigation thoroughly and attend the citizenship review commission meeting. As a result, foreigners are required to complete the procedures if they wish to acquire Turkish citizenship.

Ways of Acquiring Turkish Citizens

Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship in General

Foreigners who wish to obtain Turkish citizenship must reside in Turkey for at least 5 years without interruption and fulfill various conditions. These conditions include being able to speak Turkish, demonstrating a willingness to settle in Turkey, having good morals and not having a disease that would pose a danger to public health.

Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Exceptionally

In some cases, foreigners may exceptionally acquire Turkish citizenship. These include the provision of industrial facilities, residence permit holders and Turquoise Card holders, foreigners deemed necessary for naturalization and foreigners accepted as immigrants.

Becoming a Turkish Citizen through Marriage

A foreigner who marries a Turkish citizen cannot directly become a Turkish citizen. However, foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years and whose marriage continues can apply for Turkish citizenship. In this case, the applicant is required to live in a family union, not to engage in any activity incompatible with the union of marriage and not to be in a situation that may pose a danger to national security and public order. If the Turkish citizen spouse dies after the application, the condition of living in family unity is not required.

Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship through Adoption

A minor adopted by a Turkish citizen may acquire Turkish citizenship as of the date of the adoption decision, provided that he/she does not pose any danger to public order and national security.

Foreigners who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship must fulfill certain conditions, as well as reside in Turkey for a certain period of time. In case Turkish citizenship is acquired in general, the foreign applicant must reside in Turkey for at least five years without interruption. During this period, he/she may stay outside Turkey for a total period not exceeding 12 months. However, these periods will be considered within the residence period required for the application.

Conclusion and Evaluation

As a result, the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship for foreigners living in Turkey requires fulfilling certain conditions and following certain procedures. In order to become a Turkish citizen, foreigners must have a residence permit in Turkey for at least 5 years, be over the age limit, prove Turkish language proficiency, have a certain income level and not have health problems in Turkey. Applications are made through the Directorate General of Migration Management or Turkish Consulates.

There are also different methods for foreigners to become Turkish citizens. These include marriage, investing, special skills and general skills. However, each method has specific terms and conditions.

For foreigners wishing to acquire Turkish citizenship, the process may involve some difficulties. Therefore, it may be useful to work with a lawyer or consulting firm to make the process easier. These experts can provide information on the difficulties that foreigners may face in the application process and facilitate the application process.

As a result, foreigners wishing to become Turkish citizens must fulfill certain conditions and follow certain procedures. By following these conditions and procedures correctly, foreigners can have the chance to become Turkish citizens.

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