Citizenship Law in Turkey

Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship and Foreigners Law in Turkey

1. How can Turkish citizenship be acquired by investing in Turkey?
2. What documents are required to apply for a residence permit in Turkey?
3. How is a short-term residence permit obtained in Turkey?
4. How long does the Turkish citizenship application process take?
5. What are the necessary conditions to obtain a work permit in Turkey?
6. What advantages are provided for foreign investors in Turkey?
7. How is a residence permit obtained within the scope of family reunification in Turkey?
8. What are the criteria for obtaining a long-term residence permit in Turkey?
9. How is the application for extension of a work permit made in Turkey?
10. What should be done if the Turkish citizenship application is rejected?
11. How is the student residence permit application process in Turkey?
12. What rights are provided by the Turquoise Card in Turkey?
13. Can persons under temporary protection work in Turkey?
14. How is refugee status acquired in Turkey?
15. How to appeal against residence permit refusal in Turkey?
16. Can foreigners who have been deported from Turkey return?
17. What employment facilitation is provided under direct foreign investment in Turkey?
18. How is the good moral character requirement evaluated in citizenship applications in Turkey?
19. Who is eligible for work permit exemption applications in Turkey?
20. How does KL Legal Consultancy assist in citizenship and residence permit procedures in Turkey?

What is Citizenship and Foreigners Law in Turkey?

What areas does citizenship and foreigners law cover in Turkey?

Citizenship and foreigners law in Turkey is a specialized legal field that regulates the legal ties of foreign nationals with Turkey and matters such as acquisition, loss, and reacquisition of Turkish citizenship. This branch of law balances the rights and obligations of both individuals and the state, ensuring the legal status of foreigners living in Turkey. The foundation of the legislation is the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458.

Citizenship law in Turkey covers the acquisition of Turkish citizenship by birth or later, while foreigners law includes topics such as entry, exit, residence, work, and international protection in Turkey. Within this framework, both individual freedoms and the public order and security priorities of the Republic of Turkey are considered.

This legal field is also shaped by international treaties to which Turkey is a party. Documents such as the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol impose significant obligations on Turkey, especially concerning asylum and international protection. Additionally, the European Convention on Human Rights mandates that practices in this area be evaluated within the framework of human rights.

Specific permit types and procedures are foreseen for foreigners wishing to reside, work, study, or invest in Turkey. The application, evaluation, and monitoring of these permits largely fall under the authority of the Directorate General of Migration Management and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. For example, a foreigner legally wishing to work in Turkey must apply for a work permit under the International Labor Law No. 6735.

Experts such as a citizenship lawyer in Karşıyaka, a citizenship law attorney in İzmir, or an attorney specialized in citizenship and foreigners law in İzmir provide legal consultancy services to foreign nationals during these processes, ensuring that the procedure proceeds completely, quickly, and in compliance with the legislation. Particularly complex legal processes such as acquiring citizenship by investment, obtaining residence permits under family reunification, or appealing deportation decisions may lead to serious loss of rights if carried out without professional support.

Therefore, obtaining consultancy from a legal professional specialized in the field, such as a citizenship and foreigners lawyer in İzmir, is of great importance both for individuals to use their legal rights optimally and to conduct a successful process before administrative authorities.

Conditions for Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship in Turkey

What legal conditions are required for acquisition of Turkish citizenship in Turkey?

The acquisition of Turkish citizenship by foreign nationals is regulated by the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. Article 11 of this law sets out seven fundamental conditions required for “general acquisition of citizenship.” These conditions are based on both the individual qualifications of the person and their level of integration with Turkey. However, meeting these conditions does not automatically guarantee citizenship; each application is separately evaluated by the Ministry of Interior.

1. Being of legal age and having the capacity to discern,
2. Having resided in Turkey continuously for the last five years,
3. Proving the intention to settle in Turkey by behavior,
4. Not posing a threat to public health,
5. Having good moral character,
6. Knowing Turkish at a level sufficient to carry out daily life,
7. Having an income or profession sufficient for subsistence,
8. Not posing an obstacle regarding national security and public order.

Exceptional pathways are also possible for certain applicants. For example, foreigners investing in Turkey or contributing scientifically or culturally are subject to special procedures for citizenship acceptance.

All these processes require a detailed preparation, from filling out application forms to obtaining documents, proving residence periods, and interviews. Even minor mistakes at critical points of the process may lead to rejection.

Therefore, working with a lawyer specialized in citizenship applications is of great importance for the successful completion of the process. For example, a citizenship and foreigners law attorney operating in Karşıyaka develops the most appropriate strategy according to the applicant’s situation and ensures that documents are prepared without deficiencies. Similarly, an experienced citizenship lawyer in İzmir effectively monitors the official process.

Cases of Loss of Turkish Citizenship in Turkey

How does loss of Turkish citizenship occur in Turkey?

Loss of Turkish citizenship occurs under two main types regulated by the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901: renunciation (voluntary relinquishment) and revocation (administrative removal). Both processes operate with different reasons and procedures.

1. Renunciation (Voluntary Separation from Citizenship)

It is possible for a person to voluntarily renounce Turkish citizenship. Particularly, persons wishing to acquire the citizenship of another country may apply to the Ministry of Interior to request renunciation. For this application:

• Being of legal age and having the capacity to discern,
• Submission of a document proving that the other citizenship has been or will be acquired,
• Not being subject to any judicial investigation or trial,
• Completion or deferment of military service obligation,
• Fulfillment of financial obligations in Turkey are required.

Applications are made to provincial population directorates domestically, and to Turkish consulates abroad. Those deemed suitable are issued a “renunciation permit document.”

2. Revocation (Compulsory Loss of Citizenship)

Turkish citizenship can also be terminated by the unilateral decision of the state in certain circumstances. This generally arises when national security, public order, or the high interests of the state are at stake. Pursuant to Article 29 of Law No. 5901;

• Engaging in activities against Turkey’s security,
• Working in a foreign state service contrary to Turkey’s interests,
• Serving in the military of a country at war,

may constitute grounds for loss of citizenship. This decision is taken with the President’s approval and enters into force after publication in the Official Gazette.

However, a person who has lost citizenship may apply again to regain Turkish citizenship. These applications are also evaluated in accordance with the legislation.

Why is Legal Support Important?

Processes of renunciation or revocation of citizenship have serious legal consequences. Even a small mistake in these processes may cause irreparable loss of rights. Professional guidance is essential especially during administrative appeals, judicial remedies, or reacquisition applications.

Therefore, receiving support from a specialized attorney in this field, such as a citizenship and foreigners lawyer in Karşıyaka, is highly important throughout the process. Similarly, an experienced citizenship lawyer in İzmir can prepare well-founded appeal petitions and provide effective defense against administrative procedures.

Entry and Residence Permits for Foreigners in Turkey

Under what conditions can foreigners entering Turkey obtain residence permits?

Rules that foreigners must comply with to enter Turkey legally and stay long-term are determined within the scope of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458. Especially residence permit processes consist of stages that must be carefully conducted both by individuals and their representatives.

Entry Requirements to Turkey

Foreigners must possess a valid passport or travel document to enter Turkey. Some nationalities are subject to visa requirements, while others can enter under visa exemption for a limited period. However, entry is not permitted under the following conditions:

• Application with forged documents,
• Being banned from entry to Turkey or having been deported,
• Posing a threat to public order or security.

Conditions for Obtaining a Residence Permit in Turkey

Foreigners who wish to stay more than 90 days in Turkey are required to obtain a residence permit. This permit is shaped according to the purpose of the applicant’s stay in Turkey. The most common types of residence permits are:

• Short-Term Residence Permit (tourism, business meetings, acquisition of immovable property),
• Family Residence Permit (for spouse or legal resident Turkish citizen),
• Student Residence Permit (for university, high school, etc. students),
• Long-Term Residence Permit (with 8 years of uninterrupted legal residence),
• Humanitarian and Victim of Human Trafficking Residence Permits (for special cases).

All applications are made via the Directorate General of Migration Management’s e-residence system. Afterwards, the applicant must personally apply to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in the province where they intend to reside.

Why is Legal Consultancy Necessary?

Even a minor mistake in residence permit applications can lead to rejection. Errors such as missing documents, expired deadlines, or selecting the wrong type of application cause serious grievances for foreigners. Therefore, conducting the process professionally from the beginning is crucial.

At this point, support from lawyers specialized in this field, such as an İzmir citizenship and foreigners lawyer or a Karşıyaka residence permit attorney, ensures both the healthy progress of the application and rapid solutions in case of rejection. Additionally, working with an experienced İzmir residence permit lawyer for more complex applications such as family reunification, student status, or long-term residence permits is advantageous for the applicant.

Types of Residence Permits for Foreigners in Turkey

What types of residence permits are offered to foreigners in Turkey?

Foreign nationals must obtain a residence permit to legally stay longer than 90 days in Turkey. These permits are categorized according to the purpose of stay, each subject to different conditions. The Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 provides the legal basis for these permits.

1. Short-Term Residence Permit

It is one of the most common residence permit types. It is usually applied for the following purposes:

• Tourism (short-term stay),
• Acquisition of immovable property in Turkey (house/apartment purchase),
• Intention to engage in commercial activities or establish a business,
• Access to health services,
• Participation in student exchange programs (Erasmus, Mevlana, etc.).

Generally granted for 1 year in the first application; it may be extended if deemed appropriate.

2. Family Residence Permit

The spouse and children of a Turkish citizen or a foreigner legally residing in Turkey may apply for this permit. Proof of marriage and sufficient income is required.

3. Student Residence Permit

Foreign students studying in Turkey apply for this permit. Enrollment in universities, high schools, or similar institutions is required. The student residence permit does not directly grant work rights; however, part-time work is possible under certain conditions.

4. Long-Term Residence Permit

Foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey uninterruptedly for at least 8 years may obtain this permit. It is indefinite and grants rights close to those of Turkish citizens in many respects.

5. Humanitarian Residence Permit

This permit is granted temporarily to foreigners residing in Turkey for compulsory reasons (war, violence, disaster, etc.).

6. Victim of Human Trafficking Residence Permit

This special permit is temporarily granted to persons identified as victims of human trafficking for evaluation of their situation.

Importance of Legal Consultancy

Residence permit applications involve technical details, document requirements, and timing processes. Applications made incorrectly or incompletely are frequently rejected. Expert support is especially important for sensitive applications such as long-term residence permits.

At this point, working with an experienced citizenship and foreigners law attorney in Karşıyaka ensures proper progress of the application. Similarly, applications made through experts such as İzmir residence permit lawyers or citizenship attorneys increase both the legal security of the applicant and reduce the risk of rejection.

Work Permits and Application Procedures for Foreigners in Turkey

How are work permit applications made for foreigners in Turkey?

It is mandatory for foreigners to obtain a work permit to legally work in Turkey. These permits are regulated under the International Labor Law No. 6735, and the application process is conducted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Types of Work Permits

Different permit types are foreseen according to the foreigner’s type of employment:

• Fixed-Term (Dependent) Work Permit: Granted to work under a specific employer in a specific position.
• Permanent Work Permit: May be granted to foreigners who have completed at least 8 years of uninterrupted legal residence or at least 6 years of legal work.
• Independent Work Permit: For foreigners wishing to establish their own business or engage in freelance work.
• Turquoise Card: A special system for highly qualified foreigners who can provide economic, scientific, or technological contributions to Turkey.
• Work Permit Exemption: Applies to short-term, special-purpose, or exceptional employees.

Application Process

Applications can be made both within Turkey and abroad:

• For domestic applications, an employer applies via e-Government on behalf of a foreigner holding a residence permit valid for at least 6 months.
• For abroad applications, the foreigner applies at the Turkish representation in their own country; the employer completes the application from Turkey.

Free Zones and Investors

A different regulation applies for foreigners who will work in free zones. Also, under Law No. 4875, it is facilitated for direct foreign investors to obtain work permits with key personnel status.

Why Work with a Lawyer?

Work permit processes often result in rejection decisions due to missing documents, incorrect declarations, or system issues. These situations pose administrative fines and deportation risks for both employees and employers. Professional support is critical especially for exceptional permits.

In this process, support from experts such as İzmir work permit lawyers or Karşıyaka foreigners law attorneys ensures error-free application progression. Additionally, integrated consultancy coordinated with an İzmir citizenship law attorney is beneficial for foreign investors applying for citizenship.

International and Temporary Protection Statuses in Turkey

Under what conditions are temporary and international protection granted in Turkey?

Turkey, due to its geographical position on migration routes, provides temporary or permanent protection to a large number of people from various countries. These protection mechanisms are regulated and implemented within the scope of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458.

International Protection

International protection consists of three statuses: refugee, conditional refugee, and subsidiary protection:

• Refugee status is granted only to persons coming from European countries who face risk of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, or political opinion.
• Conditional refugee status applies to foreigners coming from outside Europe but having similar risks.
• Subsidiary protection status is given to persons who are not directly persecuted but cannot be returned due to war, torture, death threats, etc.

Applications are submitted to Provincial Migration Directorate offices, and applicants benefit from legal rights with the international protection applicant identity.

Temporary Protection

Temporary protection is a status provided without individual application during mass migration movements. The temporary protection system applied since 2011 to foreigners from Syria is the most well-known example.

Persons under temporary protection:

• Can stay legally in Turkey,
• Access health services,
• Receive education,
• Apply for work permits.

However, they must obtain permission to move from their residing province to another.

Why is Legal Support Necessary?

Applications for international and temporary protection involve persons with serious human rights risks and require high sensitivity. Missing documents, incorrect declarations, late applications, or non-compliance with residence province may expose individuals to deportation risk.

In such cases, conducting the process both administratively and through litigation with support from an İzmir citizenship and foreigners law attorney is critical to safeguarding fundamental rights in Turkey. Also, for persons facing deportation orders, support from a Karşıyaka foreigners attorney provides an effective defense mechanism.

Citizenship and Work Rights for Foreign Investors in Turkey

What are the citizenship and work rights for direct foreign investors in Turkey?

In recent years, Turkey has provided significant facilitation in citizenship and work permits to encourage direct foreign investments. In this context, the regulations introduced especially under the Direct Foreign Investment Law No. 4875 and Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 are notable.

Turkish Citizenship Through Investment

With the 2018 amendments, foreigners who meet certain investment conditions have the opportunity to acquire exceptional Turkish citizenship. To gain citizenship through this method, one of the following investments must be made:

• Acquiring immovable property worth at least 400,000 USD with a commitment not to sell for 3 years,
• Keeping a bank deposit of at least 500,000 USD in Turkey for 3 years,
• Purchasing government bonds, investment funds, or real estate investment trust shares of the same amount,
• Providing employment for at least 50 people in Turkey,
• Making a capital investment of at least 500,000 USD in a Turkish company.

After obtaining suitability certificates from relevant public institutions, citizenship application can be made.

Work Permit Facilitation for Investors

Work permit procedures have also been facilitated for foreigners making direct investments:

• They may be exempt from the employment requirement,
• They can acquire special status as key personnel,
• Family members can legally stay in Turkey under “family residence permit.”

Furthermore, investors can be evaluated under the Turquoise Card system to obtain indefinite work and residence rights.

Why is Legal Consultancy Necessary?

Applications for citizenship and work permits by investment include approval processes involving different public institutions. Obtaining suitability certificates, title deed procedures, bank approvals, and social security documents require many detailed documents. Incorrect or incomplete applications may cause months of delays or outright rejection.

At this point, it is important for foreign investors who want to complete the process fully and quickly to work with an experienced İzmir citizenship lawyer. Especially citizenship and foreigners lawyers working with foreign investors in Karşıyaka coordinate the citizenship and investment process end to end ensuring secure progress. Also, with the support of an İzmir citizenship law lawyer, residence permit, work permit, and family reunification procedures for investors’ spouses and children can be conducted simultaneously.

Importance of Lawyer Support in Citizenship and Foreigners Law in Turkey

Why is lawyer support necessary in citizenship and foreigners law processes in Turkey?

Procedures related to citizenship, residence, and work permits under foreigners law in Turkey involve numerous legal regulations, technical procedures, and administrative evaluation processes. Even the smallest mistake may lead to application rejection, loss of rights, or deportation decisions.

Therefore, conducting the process with a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer has almost become mandatory.

Why Work with a Specialist Lawyer?

1. Legislative Complexity
   Foreigners law is based on many laws such as Law No. 6458, Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, International Labor Law No. 6735. Each provides different documents, deadlines, and procedures. Therefore, conducting transactions through an expert such as an İzmir citizenship law lawyer is important.

2. Administrative Process Monitoring
   Applications involve many institutions such as the Directorate General of Migration Management, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Labor, and notary services. A Karşıyaka foreigners law lawyer professionally manages the entire process including document and appointment handling.

3. Prevention of Rights Loss
   Quick and effective legal intervention is required against residence permit refusals, citizenship cancellations, or deportation decisions. At this point, an İzmir citizenship and foreigners lawyer meticulously manages both administrative objections and judicial processes.

4. Integrated Consultancy for Investors and Families
   For applicants applying for citizenship by investment, proper management of the procedures of spouses and children is necessary. This holistic approach can only be provided by specialized lawyers such as citizenship and foreigners law lawyers in İzmir.

Role of KL Legal Consultancy

KL Legal Consultancy, with its expert team based in İzmir, provides services throughout Turkey. We produce effective solutions to legal problems foreigners face in citizenship, residence, and work permits; and represent our clients in the Turkish legal system in the most accurate manner.

Our main service areas are:

• General, exceptional, and citizenship applications by marriage,
• Residence and work permits,
• Turquoise Card and investor processes,
• Family reunification and student residence permits,
• Appeals and litigation against deportation decisions.

We are by your side with expert support as İzmir citizenship lawyers throughout these processes. You can contact us for the complete and swift completion of your procedures.