Frequently Asked Questions About Exceptional Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship

Who is eligible to apply for exceptional Turkish citizenship in Turkey?
How much investment is required for exceptional Turkish citizenship in Turkey?
How can Turquoise Card holders apply for exceptional Turkish citizenship in Turkey?
Can foreigners with scientific achievements obtain exceptional Turkish citizenship in Turkey?
Which ministries evaluate the exceptional Turkish citizenship applications in Turkey?
What is the average duration of an exceptional Turkish citizenship application in Turkey?
Is judicial recourse available if an exceptional Turkish citizenship application in Turkey is rejected?
Is it possible to obtain exceptional Turkish citizenship without investment in Turkey?
What documents are mandatory in an exceptional Turkish citizenship application in Turkey?
What problems arise from missing documents in an exceptional Turkish citizenship application in Turkey?
What constitutional rights do those who acquire exceptional Turkish citizenship in Turkey have?
Does an exceptional Turkish citizenship application in Turkey include family members?
How does the process of exceptional Turkish citizenship by real estate acquisition work in Turkey?
What legal supports can be obtained for exceptional Turkish citizenship applications in Turkey?
What advantages does a Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer provide in exceptional Turkish citizenship applications in Turkey?
Does acquiring exceptional Turkish citizenship in Turkey involve a risk of fraud?
How is the return on investment evaluated during the exceptional Turkish citizenship process in Turkey?
Why is consulting necessary during the exceptional Turkish citizenship process in Turkey?
What legal strategy should be applied for exceptional Turkish citizenship applications in Turkey?
How can support be obtained from KL Legal Consultancy for exceptional Turkish citizenship applications in Turkey?

What is the Exceptional Turkish Citizenship Process in Turkey?

How is exceptional Turkish citizenship acquired in Turkey?

Exceptional Turkish citizenship in Turkey is a special method of citizenship acquisition granted to foreigners with specific qualifications under Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. Unlike general application procedures, this method allows citizenship to be granted by “Presidential decree” to individuals who contribute to Turkey in certain fields or are prioritized by the state. This process can proceed faster than ordinary application methods but involves many details and legal requirements that must be carefully planned.

Groups of persons eligible to be nominated for exceptional Turkish citizenship include those contributing economically, culturally, technologically, artistically, or in sports to Turkey; foreigners investing in Turkey; Turquoise Card holders; scientists; individuals serving the state’s benefit; and those who require citizenship on humanitarian grounds. Citizenship is granted to these persons directly by Presidential decree; thus, conditions such as five years’ residence or knowledge of Turkish, required in classical citizenship applications, are not sought.

However, this special application method does not create a legal right. In other words, even if the person meets the necessary conditions, no guarantee is given that citizenship will be granted. The application process is evaluated and finalized by the relevant ministries, the Directorate General of Migration Management, the Ministry of Interior, and finally the Presidency. Application procedures usually must be supported by documents proving investment, employment, academic or strategic contribution.

At this stage, expert assistance such as from a Turkey citizenship lawyer or İzmir citizenship lawyer is of great importance for the applicant to prepare a fully compliant and complete file. Incorrect or incomplete applications may cause delays in processes or outright rejection. Since state discretion is decisive especially in exceptional citizenship, clarity of documents and proper presentation of justifications are critical.

Legal risks in exceptional citizenship applications include rejection of the application, insufficiency of the information provided during the application, or extension of the procedures. Therefore, it is recommended to receive legal counsel before the application process. Applications made with qualified lawyer support comply fully with the legislation and increase the chance of persuading the evaluating authorities.

What Are the Application Conditions for Exceptional Turkish Citizenship in Turkey?

What conditions are sought in an exceptional Turkish citizenship application in Turkey?

Exceptional Turkish citizenship applications in Turkey differ from general procedures and are a right granted to a special and specific segment. This type of citizenship may be granted without the need for an application process or with shortened procedures based on the Turkish State’s discretion to foreigners who have a specific contribution or qualification. However, this does not mean the application process is informal; on the contrary, it shows a process dependent on certain legal conditions and that must be conducted carefully.

Pursuant to Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901; those who contribute to Turkey socially, economically, culturally, scientifically, technologically or artistically; those serving the public interest; investors in the country; or those specially deemed appropriate by Presidential decree may exceptionally acquire Turkish citizenship.

The basic conditions required for application are:

Being stateless or foreign: Anyone who does not have Turkish citizenship can apply.
Providing activity or contribution for the benefit of the state: Adding value to Turkey through economic investment, employment, academic or artistic success.
Being approved by the Presidency: The final approval of the application is given by the President.
Passing a security investigation: Persons who do not pose a risk in terms of national security and public order can be granted citizenship.
Submitting documents related to the application: Official documents proving contribution in areas such as real estate acquisition, investment, employment, or scientific achievement are requested.

Meeting the above criteria does not automatically guarantee citizenship. Exceptional citizenship is a discretionary act; that is, it is essential that the President approves it. This also makes it compulsory to obtain professional legal support during the application process. Indeed, most rejection decisions are given due to insufficient documents or failure to clearly demonstrate eligibility conditions.

Applications must be collected via the Directorate General of Migration Management, Ministry of Interior and related institutions, appropriate suitability documents must be obtained from relevant public authorities, and then submitted to the Presidency. Any mistake at any stage of the process may result in the return or cancellation of the application.

Therefore, even in locally focused processes such as İzmir citizenship application, professional guidance provides a great advantage. Especially complicated document preparation, correspondence with official institutions, and petition contents directing the discretion must be professionally prepared. The legal status of the applicant must be clearly analyzed and the file must be arranged to increase the chance of acceptance.

Investment and Employment Conditions Within Exceptional Turkish Citizenship in Turkey

What are the investment or employment conditions for exceptional Turkish citizenship in Turkey?

One of the most commonly used methods for foreigners who want to acquire exceptional Turkish citizenship is economic criteria-based methods. The most well-known method in this context is to apply for citizenship by making an investment of a certain amount. According to Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and relevant regulations, foreigners who meet the thresholds determined in Turkey may be granted exceptional Turkish citizenship by Presidential decree.

According to the legislation in force, the main economic criteria considered suitable for acquiring exceptional citizenship in Turkey are:

Purchasing real estate equivalent to at least 400,000 US Dollars and pledging not to sell this real estate for at least 3 years by registering a note on the title deed,
Making a capital investment of at least 500,000 US Dollars,
Providing employment for at least 50 persons in Turkey,
Blocking a deposit equivalent to at least 500,000 US Dollars in banks operating in Turkey for 3 years,
Investing at least 500,000 US Dollars in government debt instruments or investment funds and maintaining this investment for at least 3 years.

These economic criteria are not merely numerical conditions; the suitability of each must be verified by public institutions with documentation. For example, an appropriate certificate must be obtained from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre for real estate investment, and approval must be obtained from the Ministry of Industry and Technology for capital investment.

These types of applications are ideal especially for businesspeople, investors, and entrepreneurs but their technical details are extremely complex. For the application to have legal validity, documents must be complete, effective communication must be established with relevant institutions, and suitability documents must be fully obtained.

Here, working with a Turkey citizenship lawyer or a Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer is critically important. In case of miscalculation of investment amounts, document deficiencies, or making false statements, the application process may be completely canceled. Although the right to apply to administrative courts exists in case of an adverse outcome, this process may be tiring in terms of time and cost.

Applicants who apply by investment in the exceptional Turkish citizenship process are generally offered a rapid evaluation opportunity, but the state must be convinced that the applicant made a lawful, real, and sustainable investment in Turkey.

Exceptional Turkish Citizenship Rights of Turquoise Card Holders and Their Families in Turkey

Under what conditions can Turquoise Card holders apply for exceptional citizenship in Turkey?

Exceptional citizenship transition for foreigners holding the “Turquoise Card” in Turkey is a special path available under certain conditions. The Turquoise Card is a special document that provides high-qualified foreigners with unlimited work and residence rights in Turkey within the scope of the International Labour Law No. 6735. Additionally, spouses and children of cardholders also gain residence rights in Turkey.

However, the Turquoise Card does not directly grant the right to citizenship. For citizenship transition, the cardholder must have completed a minimum of 3 years of transition period and be actively using the card. At the end of this period, an evaluation is made for exceptional Turkish citizenship considering factors such as the foreigner’s integration level in Turkey, compliance with public order, and economic-social contributions.

The application rights of Turquoise Card holders depend on the following conditions:

Successful completion of the transition period by the cardholder,
Absence of adverse records regarding public order and security,
Continuing to live actively in Turkey,
The card is valid and has not been canceled,
Complete submission of documents related to the application.

One advantage of the Turquoise Card is that it eliminates the obligation of residence permit. Therefore, cardholder foreigners have the right to legally stay long-term in Turkey and can evaluate this period cumulatively when applying for citizenship.

In this process, working with a Turkey citizenship lawyer or Karşıyaka foreigner law lawyer is of great importance to assess whether the cardholder meets citizenship transition conditions and to prepare documents completely. Otherwise, applications may be rejected due to card cancellation or missing documents.

Those who hold a Turquoise Card and wish to transition to citizenship must conduct the process with personalized legal strategies and properly direct the discretion process with the state.

Exceptional Turkish Citizenship Through Scientific, Artistic, Sporting, and Academic Contribution in Turkey

How is citizenship possible through scientific, cultural, or sporting contribution in Turkey?

Turkey has an application that provides exceptional Turkish citizenship to foreigners who add value to the country in fields such as science, art, culture, sports, and academia. This application is based on Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and includes persons who serve Turkey’s national interests or have achieved success internationally.

Citizenship under this scope is granted by Presidential decree without being subject to any investment or residence requirement. However, for this decision to be made, the person is expected to demonstrate exceptional achievements in the relevant field, these achievements must be documentable, and Turkey is expected to benefit from this contribution. In practice, foreigners included in this scope are world-famous artists, Olympic champion athletes, Nobel Prize-winning scientists, and academicians conducting strategic research.

The following conditions are expected to be met for application:

Internationally recognized scientific, artistic, or sporting achievements,
Documentation of these achievements (award certificates, publications, patents, competition rankings, international certificates, etc.),
Having the potential to contribute scientifically, technologically, culturally, or socially to Turkey,
No obstacles concerning public security.

The application process is based on the positive opinion of the relevant ministries (Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Youth and Sports, TÜBİTAK, etc.). After evaluating the person’s contribution, the relevant ministry forwards the application to the Ministry of Interior. The citizenship process is completed with the approval of the Presidency.

The most sensitive point of these applications is the credibility of the submitted documents and the concrete demonstration of the contribution. Therefore, preparation of the application file with the support of expert lawyers such as a Turkey citizenship lawyer or İzmir citizenship lawyer greatly increases the chance of acceptance. Especially complex types of contributions such as academic publications, international projects, or cultural organizations must be presented within a correct legal framework.

It should be remembered that in this process, the presentation and legal justification of the application are as decisive as the contribution of the applicant. Applications made without professional legal support may be rejected due to formal deficiencies, even if based on a legitimate ground.

Exceptional Turkish Citizenship Application Process and Procedure in Turkey

What stages does an exceptional Turkish citizenship application in Turkey go through?

The exceptional Turkish citizenship process proceeds in a shorter and discretionary manner compared to other citizenship application methods. However, at its core, it involves serious administrative review, document verification, and security investigation mechanisms. Although the stages of the application process may vary depending on the type of contribution, generally it includes certain legal steps and at each step carefully prepared documents are expected from the applicant.

The application process consists of the following main stages:

Documentation of Contribution:
The exceptional reason such as investment, employment, Turquoise Card, artistic success, or scientific contribution must be proven by official documents. These documents also include obtaining suitability certificates from relevant public institutions.
Evaluation by Relevant Ministries:
Institutions such as the Ministry of Industry and Technology, Ministry of Treasury and Finance, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Youth and Sports evaluate the suitability of the application according to the type of contribution.
Migration Administration and Ministry of Interior Stage:
The ministry sends the suitability report and application to the Ministry of Interior. At this stage, the identity information and documents of the applicant are checked by the Directorate General of Migration Management.
Security Investigation and Archive Research:
Through police and intelligence units, it is investigated whether the applicant poses a security risk. This stage is conducted meticulously and can be the longest stage of the process.
Presidential Approval:
After all positive reports, the file is submitted to the Presidency. Citizenship decision is made by the discretion of the President and published in the Official Gazette.
Population Registration and Identity Card Application:
After publication of the decision, the applicant applies to the population directorate in Turkey to obtain the identity card.

Each stage depends on the state’s initiative throughout the process. Although judicial recourse is open in case of rejection, such appeals can be lengthy and delay the right to reapply. Therefore, professional conduct from the beginning is critical.

Especially those who will apply for Turkey citizenship application or İzmir citizenship application must prepare documents completely, follow the process, and conduct correspondence with relevant institutions properly. Working with an expert lawyer at this point both accelerates the process and prevents possible risks.

Required Documents and Official Procedures for Exceptional Turkish Citizenship Applications in Turkey

What documents must be submitted in an exceptional Turkish citizenship application in Turkey?

Documents to be submitted in exceptional Turkish citizenship applications vary according to the reason for application (investment, Turquoise Card, artistic success, etc.), but there are some basic documents requested from all applicants. These documents are critically important both for identity verification and for proving the type of contribution. Complete and accurate preparation of the documents is mandatory for the process to run smoothly and quickly.

Generally, the requested documents in exceptional citizenship applications are:

Application Form:
The official application form provided by the Ministry of Interior or Directorate General of Migration Management must be completely filled out.
Valid Passport and Its Translation:
The original passport and notarized Turkish translation.
4 Biometric Photographs:
Passport-size photographs taken within the last six months, with biometric features on a white background.
Documents Showing Marital Status:
If married, the marriage certificate; if divorced, divorce decree; if widowed, spouse’s death certificate.
Birth Certificate and Population Registration Document:
Birth certificate from the applicant’s country and population registration document showing family members, with notarized Turkish translations.
Criminal Record:
The applicant must have no criminal record in both Turkey and the country of citizenship.
Suitability Documents Related to Contribution:
- If investment, Capital Investment Suitability Certificate (from Ministry of Industry and Technology)
- If real estate purchase, Suitability Certificate from General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre
- If employment provided, Suitability Letter from Ministry of Labor and Social Security
- If Turquoise Card holder, transition period and card information
- Documents, awards, or international achievement papers in art, sport or science
Residence and Address Registration Documents:
Documents proving legal residence in Turkey, obtainable from the e-Government system.
Documents Regarding Income or Livelihood:
Documents showing the applicant has financial resources to maintain life in Turkey (bank statements, income declarations, etc.).
Health Report (If Required):
Health report indicating no public health risk.

For the application to be official, these documents must be notarized, translated by sworn translators, and submitted in formats accepted by the relevant authorities. Documents must be current; documents with old dates are generally not accepted.

Any missing document or false statement during this process may invalidate the entire application. Therefore, working with a Turkey citizenship lawyer or an expert consultant in İzmir citizenship application brings document preparation to a professional level and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Duration and Expected Time for Exceptional Turkish Citizenship Applications in Turkey

How long does the exceptional citizenship application process in Turkey take?

Although the exceptional Turkish citizenship process may conclude faster than other citizenship types, the duration may extend depending on the nature of the application, the status of submitted documents, and the workload of relevant institutions. Therefore, applicants should plan realistic timelines regarding the process.

Under normal conditions, the average duration from start to finish for an exceptional citizenship application is between 3 to 12 months. However, this period may be extended for the following reasons:

Missing or Incorrect Documents:
If incomplete documents are submitted or documents containing conflicting information are provided, the process is suspended and corrections are requested. This may take months.
Duration to Obtain Suitability Certificates:
Preparing suitability certificates from relevant ministries for reasons such as investment, employment or scientific contribution may take significant time. For example, if the title deed annotation for real estate acquisition is missing or incorrect, the process may start over.
Security Investigation and Archive Screening:
Turkey inspects the applicant’s entire activity history from entry to the country in exceptional citizenship applications. This security and archive research is generally one of the longest stages.
Waiting Time for Presidential Approval:
Even if all positive reports are complete, the final decision is submitted to the President’s approval. Since the waiting period depends entirely on administrative discretion, a definite time frame cannot be predicted.
Institutional Workload and Periodic Delays:
Official holidays, staff appointments, system updates or file overload may also affect the processing time.

Managing these durations and preventing unnecessary delays requires the application file to be professionally prepared from the beginning. Files handled by a Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer or Turkey citizenship lawyer usually proceed quickly and without missing steps. Lawyer support offers a significant advantage in timely document procurement, correct institution referral, and administrative follow-up.

Although the process is subject to administrative discretion, effective representation and application management can minimize this time. It should be remembered that every delay directly affects the applicant’s plans and investment returns.

Risks and Disadvantages of Exceptional Turkish Citizenship in Turkey

What risks might applicants for exceptional citizenship in Turkey face?

Exceptional Turkish citizenship application may seem like a fast and attractive process on the surface but involves serious risks and disadvantages that must be managed carefully behind the scenes. These risks arise not only during the application process but also afterwards. Therefore, obtaining professional legal advice throughout is critical to detect and eliminate legal and administrative obstacles the applicant may face.

Main Risks:

State’s Discretionary Power:
The fundamental risk in exceptional citizenship applications is that the application depends on the President’s discretion. Complete and strong preparation of the application file may be decisive in obtaining a favorable discretion. At this point, effective presentation of the application grounds requires not only documentation but also persuasive power. Experienced Turkey citizenship lawyers provide strategic and convincing preparation of the application file.
Legal Actions Against Rejection Decisions:
Although rejection decisions are administrative discretion, if the rejection is unlawful, it can be challenged in administrative courts. Objections made without lawyer support generally fail due to formal and procedural errors, while professional legal representation makes defense possible in administrative judiciary. Legal counsel is vital not only in the application phase but also afterwards.
Submission of Incomplete or Incorrect Documents:
Faulty translation of foreign language documents, lack of notarization, or submitting documents in an inappropriate format may lead to rejection. Expert citizenship lawyers review legal validity of each document to prevent such errors.
Investment Risks:
Serious financial losses may arise if applications are rejected after real estate or capital investments made for citizenship purposes. Legal analysis before such decisions and structuring investments according to citizenship eligibility criteria is necessary, possible only with expert consultancy.
Risk of Fraud:
Unauthorized persons or companies offering citizenship promises may mislead foreigners causing both legal and financial harm. Working with a legally authorized lawyer is the safest way to avoid these risks.

Exceptional Turkish citizenship application is a process heavily shaped by personal circumstances and legal in nature. Proper analysis of the applicant’s situation and preparation of a strategic and effective application file require professional support at every stage. Therefore, working with an İzmir citizenship lawyer or Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer is not only a preference but a necessity for safe conduct of the process.

Advantages and Gains of Exceptional Turkish Citizenship in Turkey

What are the advantages of acquiring exceptional citizenship in Turkey?

Exceptional Turkish citizenship opens the door not only to a passport but also to a life with extensive rights and freedoms in Turkey for the applicant. Especially for foreigners who obtain this right due to economic investment, cultural contribution, or scientific achievement, this process provides many gains both personally and professionally.

Main Advantages:

Fast Citizenship Process:
The exceptional method can conclude much faster compared to general citizenship applications. Requirements such as 5 years’ residence, language proficiency, or integration exam are not sought. Especially for investors, this provides an opportunity to quickly realize their business plans in Turkey.
Coverage of Family Members:
Citizenship can be granted not only to the applicant but also to their spouse and children under 18. Thus, all family members can benefit from the rights of Turkish citizenship.
Living with Full Rights in Turkey:
All constitutional rights granted to Turkish citizens, including education, health, social security, property ownership, and freedom of work, are also granted to those who acquire exceptional citizenship.
Possibility of Dual Citizenship:
Turkey allows dual citizenship with many countries. Individuals acquiring exceptional citizenship can generally retain their existing citizenship while also becoming Turkish citizens.
Visa-Free or Easy Visa Travel:
Turkish citizenship allows visa-free or easy visa access to more than 100 countries. This is a significant advantage for businesspeople and frequent travelers.
Benefit from Investment Incentives in Turkey:
Foreign investors who obtain citizenship can benefit from incentives, supports, and grants provided to Turkish citizens. Moreover, they do not face any restrictions in company formation or property acquisition processes.

Each of these advantages has distinct value depending on the applicant’s personal goals. However, obtaining these gains depends on managing the process correctly and strategically from start to finish. Mistakes in the application can lead both to loss of these opportunities and serious legal problems.

Therefore, especially in investment or contribution-based applications, preparing the application file under the guidance of a Turkey citizenship lawyer is highly advantageous. Lawyer support contributes not only to a positive result but also to the most efficient utilization of advantages.

Importance of a Lawyer in Exceptional Turkish Citizenship Applications in Turkey

Why is it important to get support from a lawyer in the exceptional citizenship process in Turkey?

Exceptional Turkish citizenship is a special application path with heavy legal aspects, complex administrative procedures, and evaluation entirely dependent on state discretion. Therefore, conducting the process with an expert lawyer from the beginning not only increases the chance of success but also protects the applicant from legal and administrative risks. Especially elements such as document arrangement, creation of the application grounds, and communication with institutions require experienced legal representation.

Lawyer’s Contributions:

Situation Analysis and Strategic Guidance:
Each applicant’s grounds and legal status differ. An expert Turkey citizenship lawyer determines the most suitable path for the application and strategically decides under which grounds (investment, Turquoise Card, cultural contribution, etc.) the file should be submitted.
Document Preparation and Verification:
Documents involved in the process include not only translation but also notarization, apostille, suitability certificates, and official correspondences. Lawyers ensure that these documents are prepared completely and correctly.
Direct Communication with Relevant Institutions:
Effective and legally based correspondence with the Directorate General of Migration Management, Ministry of Interior, relevant ministries, and local administrations is decisive for accelerating the process. Lawyer support prevents loss of time at this stage.
Follow-up of the Security Investigation Stage:
The security investigation at the police and intelligence units is generally carried out without the knowledge of the applicant. The lawyer follows this stage technically and intervenes against possible delays.
Legal Protection Against Rejection:
If the citizenship application is rejected, and this decision is unlawful, filing an administrative lawsuit is possible. Conducting the process with a lawyer from the beginning is important for having a strong and persuasive lawsuit file.
Protection Against Fraud:
Cases of fraud caused by unauthorized persons or companies acting under citizenship promises have increased recently. Working with an authorized İzmir citizenship lawyer keeps the applicant away from these risks.

Exceptional citizenship application is not just filling out a petition or form. It is a multi-layered and technical procedure in which the entire past, current status, and the contribution of the applicant to Turkey are meticulously evaluated. Applications made without professional legal counseling are mostly rejected due to deficiencies or form errors or remain unresolved for years.

In conclusion, working with a citizenship lawyer is not a preference but a necessity for everyone planning to apply for exceptional Turkish citizenship. Thus, the application process can be conducted safely, quickly, and effectively, and the applicant can fully exercise their legal rights.

Turkish Citizenship through Exceptional Application