Introduction

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the acquisition of Turkish citizenship under the Turkish Citizenship Law. It addresses key questions and legal provisions related to obtaining Turkish citizenship.

Who Is Considered a Foreigner Under Turkish Citizenship Law?

According to Turkish Citizenship Law, any person who does not hold Turkish citizenship is classified as a foreigner (alien).

Who Are Turkish Citizens?

A person is considered a Turkish citizen by birth if:

• Either parent (mother or father) is a Turkish citizen, regardless of whether the child is born in Turkey or abroad.

Can an Illiterate Child of a Foreign Mother Acquire Turkish Citizenship?

Yes, an illiterate child born to a foreign mother can obtain Turkish citizenship if they can establish their lineage to a Turkish citizen through one of the following legal methods:

A) Declaration of Legitimation
B) Court Decision on Paternity
C) Recognition of Paternity

Does Adoption Grant Turkish Citizenship?

Adoption alone does not automatically grant Turkish citizenship to an adopted child. However, if a child’s parents are unknown or cannot be found, they may be granted Turkish citizenship by birth.

Is Being Born in Turkey Sufficient for Citizenship?

Being born in Turkey does not automatically grant Turkish citizenship. However, if a child cannot acquire any nationality from their parents, they are considered a Turkish citizen from birth. Additionally, children who are found abandoned within Turkish territory are presumed to be Turkish citizens.

Can Turkish Citizenship Be Acquired Through Marriage?

Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically confer Turkish citizenship. However, a foreign spouse may apply for citizenship if the following conditions are met:

• The marriage has lasted for at least three years
• The couple continues to live together
• The foreign spouse applies to the Ministry of Interior or, if residing abroad, to the Turkish consulate in their country of residence

Following the application, the relevant Turkish authorities investigate the authenticity of the marriage to prevent fraudulent applications.

However, if a foreign national would lose their original nationality due to marriage with a Turkish citizen, they may be eligible to acquire Turkish citizenship at the time of marriage.

Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Council of Ministers’ Decision

Foreign nationals who meet the following eligibility criteria may apply for Turkish citizenship:

A) Be at least 18 years old (if stateless, this is determined under Turkish law)
B) Reside in Turkey for at least five years before applying
C) Demonstrate intent to settle in Turkey through actions and conduct
D) Have good moral character (no criminal convictions)
E) Be free of contagious or serious diseases that pose a risk to public health
F) Have sufficient Turkish language proficiency
G) Possess adequate financial resources or a stable profession to support themselves

Additionally, under a revised decree published in the Official Gazette on January 12, Turkey now grants citizenship to foreigners who:

• Purchase property worth at least $250,000 USD or
• Deposit at least $500,000 USD in a Turkish bank account for a minimum of three years.

Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Interior Ministry Proposal

Foreigners may be granted Turkish citizenship through the proposal of the Turkish Ministry of Interior or by a decision of the Council of Ministers if they meet specific conditions, including:

• Being the child of a person who lost Turkish citizenship (if of legal age)
• Being married to a Turkish citizen and having legally aged children
• Choosing to settle in Turkey after marrying a Turkish citizen
• Contributing significantly to Turkey’s economic, social, scientific, or industrial sectors

Who Can Apply for Turkish Citizenship? Can a Lawyer Apply on Their Behalf?

Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for Turkish citizenship must apply personally. However, since the process involves extensive documentation and legal compliance, obtaining legal assistance is recommended.

A Turkish citizenship lawyer can be authorized via a power of attorney to act on behalf of the applicant and manage the legal procedures.

For more information on legal assistance, you can refer to our related article:

Appointment of a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer With Power Of Attorney