Question 1

How many years must you be married to apply for Turkish citizenship by marriage?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship by marriage must have been married for at least three years. This three-year marriage must be ongoing and uninterrupted at the time of application. Applicants who live together as a family and pose no obstacle to public order may apply for citizenship.

Question 2

What happens to a Turkish citizenship by marriage application if the spouse dies after applying?

Accepted Answer

If the marriage ends because the Turkish spouse dies after the application, the requirement to live together as a family is no longer sought. The foreign spouse's application continues to be assessed, provided the other legal conditions are met. The authority finalises the case after the interview and review stages.

Question 3

Is Turkish citizenship acquired through marriage lost if the marriage is annulled?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners who acquired Turkish citizenship through marriage keep it if they acted in good faith when the marriage is annulled. Those found not to have acted in good faith have their citizenship revoked by the competent authority. Children of the annulled marriage keep their citizenship regardless of the parents' good faith.

Question 4

How many years of residence in Turkey are required for citizenship by naturalization?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners seeking Turkish citizenship by naturalization must have resided in Turkey continuously for five years before the application date. This five-year period must be based on lawful residence permits. Time spent abroad can affect the residence calculation, so it should be assessed carefully before applying.

Question 5

Does spending more than six months abroad break the residence period for Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

If the foreigner spends more than six months abroad in total during the residence period, the lawful residence is interrupted. Being in Turkey for more than six months without a valid residence permit also breaks it. An Izmir citizenship lawyer can help you calculate past periods and follow the application.

Question 6

What are the main requirements for Turkish citizenship by five-year residence?

Accepted Answer

The applicant must first be an adult with the capacity to discern. In addition to five years of continuous residence, they must speak Turkish at a sufficient level and have income to support themselves. There must also be no situation that poses an obstacle in terms of national security and public order.

Question 7

Who qualifies for exceptional Turkish citizenship without an investment requirement?

Accepted Answer

People who have rendered extraordinary service to the Turkish state in scientific, technological, economic or cultural fields can acquire citizenship through the exceptional route. Turquoise Card holders and those whose naturalization is deemed necessary may also benefit. These foreigners must pose no obstacle in terms of public order.

Question 8

Can Turquoise Card holders apply for exceptional Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Turquoise Card holders have the right to acquire Turkish citizenship through the exceptional route. Their foreign spouse and their own or their spouse's dependent minor children can also benefit from the same right. For full approval, there must be no objection in terms of national security.

Question 9

How is Turkish citizenship by descent (by birth) acquired legally?

Accepted Answer

Children born to a Turkish mother or father within a marriage, whether in Turkey or abroad, become Turkish citizens directly. A child born to a Turkish mother outside marriage also acquires citizenship automatically and immediately. Citizenship acquired by descent is valid from the moment of birth.

Question 10

Can a child born outside marriage to a foreign mother and a Turkish father get Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

A child born outside marriage to a Turkish father and a foreign mother can legally acquire Turkish citizenship. For this, a legal parent-child relationship must be established between the Turkish father and the child under the relevant provisions. Once descent is established, the child acquires citizenship from birth.

Question 11

Does every child born within Turkey acquire Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule, foreign children born within Turkey's borders do not become Turkish citizens automatically. Only children who cannot acquire any country's citizenship from their parents at birth can obtain citizenship on the basis of place of birth. All other children follow their parents' official citizenship status.

Question 12

Does Turkish law allow dual or multiple citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Turkish citizenship legislation fully allows a person to hold more than one citizenship at the same time. Turkish citizens who acquire another state's citizenship must notify the competent civil registry offices. Once the relevant documents are submitted and records verified, a multiple-citizenship note is added to the population registry.

Question 13

How can citizens of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) acquire Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

People who acquire TRNC citizenship by birth become Turkish citizens if they declare in writing that they wish to be Turkish citizens. For those who became TRNC citizens later, the standard conditions of general naturalization, such as the five-year residence requirement, apply to their formal applications.

Question 14

What are the requirements to apply for Turkish citizenship through adoption?

Accepted Answer

Minor foreign children adopted by a Turkish citizen can acquire Turkish citizenship directly. For this, the adopted child must pose no obstacle in terms of national security and public order. Turkish citizenship is legally acquired from the date the adoption decision becomes final.

Question 15

Does an adult foreigner adopted by a Turkish citizen gain Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Adoption of adult foreigners by a Turkish citizen does not grant them citizenship directly. If adopted adults wish to acquire citizenship afterwards, they must fully meet the general acquisition conditions. Accordingly, basic requirements such as five years of continuous lawful residence and sufficient income still apply.

Question 16

When and how can Turkish citizenship be acquired through the right of option?

Accepted Answer

Children who lost Turkish citizenship involuntarily through their parents can use the right of option within three years of reaching adulthood. They acquire citizenship by making a written declaration with the required documents. Not exceeding the legal period and documenting the required conditions are very important in this administrative process.

Question 17

Who can reacquire Turkish citizenship without a residence requirement?

Accepted Answer

People who lost Turkish citizenship by obtaining a renunciation permit can reacquire it without any residence requirement. Those who lost citizenship through their parents but did not use the right of option in time are also in this group. In the reacquisition application, the person must pose no obstacle in terms of national security.

Question 18

How many years of residence are required to reacquire Turkish citizenship subject to residence?

Accepted Answer

People whose citizenship was revoked by the competent authority, or who left citizenship using the right of option, can apply to reacquire it subject to residence. They must pose no objection in terms of national security and must reside in Turkey continuously for three years. The final decision is then made by the competent authorities.

Question 19

How does Turkish citizenship work for those accepted as immigrants under settlement law?

Accepted Answer

People of Turkish descent and culture who come to settle in the country and are accepted as immigrants under settlement law can acquire citizenship. Their citizenship file is prepared by the competent provincial directorate. After the reviews, the process is officially completed by decision of the competent board.

Question 20

What are applicants asked in the commission interview for Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

The commission examines the foreigner's intention to settle in the country and whether they have adapted to social life. During the interview, the person's ability to speak Turkish at a sufficient level and how they support themselves are assessed. The person's general moral character and descent are also recorded in the official commission report.

Question 21

Where and to which authorities must you apply in person for Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

All applications regarding the acquisition or loss of Turkish citizenship are made to the governorate of the place of residence within the country. People living abroad must apply in person directly to the Turkish consulates. Citizenship documents sent by post or not submitted in person are legally not accepted by the authorities.

Question 22

Which documents are required in a general Turkish citizenship application file?

Accepted Answer

The application file must include identity documents such as a passport and birth certificate, along with a current civil status document. A police letter showing five years of continuous residence and official documents proving sufficient income must be submitted. Working with an Izmir citizenship lawyer is recommended for complete follow-up of the process.

Question 23

How long does a Turkish citizenship application take and how do I learn if it is approved?

Accepted Answer

The processing time varies according to file volume and the scope of security investigations. The process is completed once the competent authority gives its approval after all legal reviews. The decision confirming your citizenship is served in return for a signature and can be followed through the Civil Registry system.

Question 24

Is Turkish citizenship revoked if a false declaration is found after approval?

Accepted Answer

If it is established that the acquisition decision was based on a false declaration or the concealment of important facts, the decision is revoked immediately. The revocation is issued ex officio by the competent authority. This revocation also applies to the spouse and children of the person who acquired citizenship by false declaration.

Question 25

What are the minimum conditions to obtain a permit to renounce Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

A person requesting a renunciation permit must be an adult with the capacity to discern. They must have acquired a foreign state's citizenship or provide convincing documents that they will acquire it. There must also be no criminal or financial restriction and no military service obstacle against the person.

Question 26

Does granting a renunciation permit cause immediate loss of Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Granting a renunciation permit does not mean the person loses citizenship immediately. To actually lose citizenship, the renunciation certificate must be collected from the competent authorities in return for a signature. From the date the certificate is received, the person passes to foreign status in the population registry and their rights are arranged accordingly.

Question 27

Can those who lost Turkish citizenship by renunciation get a Blue Card?

Accepted Answer

A Blue Card is issued, upon request, to people who lost Turkish citizenship by obtaining a renunciation permit. It can be obtained from provincial civil registry offices within the country and from Turkish representations abroad. Blue Card holders continue to benefit from the exceptional rights granted by law, similar to Turkish citizens.

Question 28

Which rights of Turkish citizens can Blue Card holders not use?

Accepted Answer

Blue Card holders do not have the right to enter official public office or vote in elections. Their legal obligation to perform military service is also completely removed. Special economic rights, such as exemption from importing a vehicle or household goods, are also not granted to these people.

Question 29

What happens to minor children's citizenship if the parents renounce Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

One spouse obtaining a renunciation permit does not directly affect the other spouse's citizenship. Renunciation for minor children depends on the joint request and mutual consent of the parents. If consent cannot be reached, the child's citizenship is determined by a judge's decision and the relevant records are updated accordingly.

Question 30

Which acts lead to the revocation of Turkish citizenship by the authorities?

Accepted Answer

Serving a foreign state against Turkey's interests and not leaving the post despite official warnings are grounds for revocation of citizenship. Those who continue to serve, without permission, a state at war with Turkey also fall within this scope. In addition, the citizenship of people wanted for terrorism offences can be revoked by official decision.

Question 31

Does revoking a person's Turkish citizenship legally affect their spouse and children?

Accepted Answer

The decision to revoke Turkish citizenship for the acts specified in law is legally entirely personal. This action does not affect the spouse and minor children of the person concerned in any way. Family members keep their own legal status and their existing Turkish citizenship.

Question 32

Can foreigners who later acquire Turkish citizenship take a Turkish name on their ID?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners who later acquire Turkish citizenship may take a Turkish first name and surname if they wish. The details of those who want to keep their own names are recorded in the family registry written in Turkish letters. An official equivalence document is issued by the competent directorates for name changes and records of previous names.

Question 33

Can stateless people not registered until the age of eighteen acquire Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

People who, for any reason, are not recorded in the family registry and have no citizenship bond with a foreign state are legally considered hidden population. If they submit a medical report showing kinship with their Turkish citizen parents or siblings, it becomes legally possible for them to acquire Turkish citizenship.

Question 34

Can draft evaders or those in default of military service renounce Turkish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Renunciation requests from people officially wanted due to any offence or a military service obligation are not accepted. To start the renunciation process, the military service obstacle or administrative restrictions must be removed. Once all legal issues are resolved, a renunciation permit application can be made again.

Question 35

Can parents applying for Turkish citizenship include their children in the same application?

Accepted Answer

It is essential that the children of a mother or father applying for Turkish citizenship are processed together with their parents. With the required documents and approvals, children can be granted citizenship through the same application file. Children not processed with the parent at the time of application must apply under general provisions after becoming adults.

Question 36

What is the application number given in a Turkish citizenship application for?

Accepted Answer

The application number is the reference code by which your file is officially tracked. With this number you can learn the stage of your application from the relevant civil registry and citizenship units. However, the number alone does not show the result; the final decision is confirmed by the competent authority's approval.

Question 37

How do you get a Turkish ID card after acquiring citizenship?

Accepted Answer

After acquiring Turkish citizenship, your details are recorded in the family registry and you are given a Turkish ID number. To obtain the Turkish ID card, you must apply to the civil registry office of your place of residence. Once the appointment and biometric procedures are completed, your card is issued.

Question 38

How long does an application to renounce Turkish citizenship take?

Accepted Answer

The time to conclude a renunciation application varies according to security reviews and the completeness of the file, and it usually takes a few months. Even if the permit is granted, citizenship does not end until the renunciation certificate is collected in return for a signature. Preparing documents completely from the start helps avoid delays.

Question 39

How and where do you apply for a residence permit in Turkey for the first time?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners who will stay in Turkey longer than ninety days or their visa period must apply online through the e-ikamet system. After the online form is completed, the system sets an appointment date. On that day, the foreigner must attend the Migration Administration office in their province in person with the required documents.

Question 40

Is my residence permit application cancelled if I miss the Migration Administration appointment without an excuse?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners who do not attend the provincial or district Migration Administration office on the appointment day without a valid excuse have their applications removed from processing. Such people are treated as if they never applied. If your legal visa period has expired, a visa violation is processed against you. You can run the process with an Izmir residence permit lawyer to avoid losing rights.

Question 41

How many days are granted if missing documents are found during a residence permit application?

Accepted Answer

If missing information or documents are detected in the residence permit application, the administration grants you up to thirty additional days. If you do not complete the missing documents within this legal period, your application is removed from processing directly. It is very important for the foreigner to follow this period carefully.

Question 42

What is the maximum duration of a short-term residence permit in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

A short-term residence permit is, as a rule, granted for up to two years each time. However, foreigners who make a high-value investment in Turkey and citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are an exception to this rule. These people can be granted a short-term residence permit for up to five years each time.

Question 43

What conditions must foreigners meet when applying for a tourist residence permit in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Statements about the travel plans of foreigners staying for tourism, such as where and for how long they will stay, are assessed. During the e-ikamet appointment, the administration may ask the foreigner for additional information or documents where necessary. Applications of foreigners who cannot base their purpose of entry on a justified reason are rejected.

Question 44

What are the rules for a real-estate-based short-term residence permit in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners requesting a residence permit by buying property must have bought a residence that is used for housing purposes. Family members who hold shared ownership of the residence can also apply within this scope. Support from an Izmir residence permit lawyer is helpful for a smooth process.

Question 45

Which documents are required for a short-term residence permit for commercial or business purposes?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners coming for commercial purposes to stay longer than three months are asked for an invitation letter from the person or company they will contact. Similar commercial documents proving the foreigner's company activities must also be submitted. Foreigners intending to set up a business must add concrete supporting documents to the application file.

Question 46

What are the main requirements for the sponsor in a family residence permit application?

Accepted Answer

The sponsor must have valid health insurance covering all family members and a monthly income not less than one third of the minimum wage per family member. The sponsor must also have resided in Turkey for at least one year and must not have committed a crime against the family order in the last five years.

Question 47

How many years can a foreign spouse of a Turkish citizen stay with a family residence permit?

Accepted Answer

A family residence permit is issued for up to three years at each application. The duration of the family residence permit can never exceed the residence permit duration of the sponsor. If the marriage or dependency continues at the end of the permit, an extension application can be made to continue staying in Turkey.

Question 48

Can foreigners married to a Turkish citizen keep a residence permit after divorce?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners who lived with a family residence permit for at least three years while married to a Turkish citizen can switch to a short-term residence permit after divorce. If it is proven by a court decision that the foreign spouse was a victim of domestic violence, the three-year waiting period in the law is not sought.

Question 49

How do foreign university students apply for a student residence permit in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

A student residence permit is granted to foreigners who will study at associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral level in Turkey. If the study period is shorter than one year, the residence permit duration is arranged so as not to exceed the study period. An active university enrolment is required to obtain a student residence permit.

Question 50

Can the parents of a foreign student with a residence permit also get a family residence permit?

Accepted Answer

A student residence permit only entitles the foreign student to be a sponsor for their own spouse and children in family residence permit applications. It grants no right for the student's mother, father or other relatives to obtain a residence permit. For the parents to stay in Turkey, they must apply for a different permit whose conditions they meet.

Question 51

Is a foreign student's residence permit cancelled when transferring to another city?

Accepted Answer

If the student transfers to an educational institution in a different province, the current residence permit is cancelled by the governorate of the new province. A new residence permit valid for the new study period is issued by the competent Migration Administration in the province where studies continue. The address change must be reported within the period.

Question 52

Can foreigners who live in Turkey for eight uninterrupted years get a long-term residence permit?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners who have stayed in Turkey with a residence permit for at least eight uninterrupted years can be granted an indefinite long-term residence permit by the governorates. However, in calculating the eight years, half of the student residence permit periods is counted. In addition, asylum seekers and those under temporary protection cannot switch directly to a long-term residence permit.

Question 53

What income and insurance conditions are required for a long-term residence permit?

Accepted Answer

The foreigner requesting a long-term residence permit must have sufficient and regular income to support themselves or their family. In addition, the applicant must not have received any social assistance from the state in the last three years and must provide valid health insurance covering the entire period.

Question 54

In which cases is an indefinite long-term residence permit cancelled by the administration?

Accepted Answer

A long-term residence permit is cancelled if the foreigner poses a serious threat to public security. In addition, if the person stays outside Turkey continuously for more than one year without a legitimate excuse such as health, education or compulsory public service, the governorates also cancel this residence permit.

Question 55

Who can apply for a humanitarian residence permit and in which exceptional cases?

Accepted Answer

A humanitarian residence permit is issued in cases where the best interest of the child is protected, or in urgent situations where deporting the foreigner is not legally possible. Granted by the governorates for specific periods with the approval of the general directorate, this permit is cancelled directly and not extended when the extraordinary conditions cease.

Question 56

When must foreigners with a humanitarian residence permit register their address?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners who obtain a humanitarian residence permit must register with the address registration system within at most twenty working days from the date the document is issued. Legal action may be taken against foreigners who do not declare their address. Time spent in Turkey with this permit is not counted when totalling other residence permits.

Question 57

How long before expiry must a residence permit extension application be made?

Accepted Answer

Residence permit extension applications can be made starting sixty days before the current residence permit expires. In all cases, foreigners must make this application through the e-ikamet system before the residence permit period fully expires. Applying for an extension after the period has ended is not legally possible.

Question 58

How do I submit documents to the Migration Administration for a residence permit extension?

Accepted Answer

While the postal method used to apply to extension applications, under current rules it has been completely abolished in all provinces. Foreigners who apply for an extension through the e-ikamet system must attend the provincial migration administration office in person with their documents on the appointment day and time set by the system.

Question 59

Can third parties or agents make a residence permit application on behalf of a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

The main rule is that residence permit applications are made by the foreigner in person. Applications can also be made through the foreigner's legal representative or authorised lawyer. However, to prevent forged documents, the Migration Administration may firmly require the foreigner to be present in person during the application where it deems necessary.

Question 60

Is valid health insurance legally required for a residence permit application?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners who will obtain a residence permit in Turkey must have valid health insurance covering the stay period they request. Insurance provided through the Social Security Institution or private health insurance policies are accepted as valid. Documents obtained under bilateral social security agreements can also be submitted during the application.

Question 61

Is private health insurance required for foreigners under eighteen and over sixty-five?

Accepted Answer

There is no obligation to obtain general health insurance for foreigners under eighteen and over sixty-five. When filling in the application form in the e-ikamet system, the option specific to these age groups must be marked. People over sixty-five are asked to bring a document showing that they cannot obtain insurance for a long-term residence permit.

Question 62

Where are the residence permit card fee and application fees paid?

Accepted Answer

The residence permit fee and the valuable-paper document fee can be paid to the treasury offices, tax offices collecting non-recurring tax, or contracted public banks. Online payment by credit card through the e-ikamet system is also possible. The receipts must be added to the file on the appointment day.

Question 63

Do residence permit fees change according to the foreigner's nationality?

Accepted Answer

Residence permit fee amounts vary according to the country groups of the foreigner's nationality. Citizens of certain country groups are charged fees calculated in US dollars. Citizens of countries not in any group are charged the fee in Turkish lira, and some countries are completely exempt from the fee.

Question 64

Within how many days is a residence permit application legally concluded in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Residence permit applications are concluded within at most ninety days from the date the information and documents are submitted completely to the competent authority. If the review exceeds ninety days, the foreigner is informed by the administration. Preparing the documents completely speeds up the process significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Turkish Citizenship Applications

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Deportation and Entry Ban Cases

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Turkish Citizenship and Immigration Law