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Obtaining Turkish citizenship
New rules and conditions for obtaining Turkish citizenship in 2025
In 2025, the conditions for obtaining Turkish citizenship have changed. To obtain citizenship through investment, the amount of investment in real estate has increased to $ 400,000. Also, the period required for permanent residence and then applying for citizenship has been reduced to 5 years. Individuals can apply by purchasing property, registering a company or marrying a Turkish citizen. Documents such as a valid passport, financial means and a certificate of no criminal record are necessary to apply. The Turkish government has also provided a faster process for obtaining a passport for those who apply through investment.
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With its growing economy and strategic geographical location, Türkiye offers diverse investment opportunities with high return potential.
Buying a property in Türkiye is an exceptional opportunity to live and make a safe investment in a beautiful and growing country.
By investing in Türkiye, you can obtain residency in this country and enjoy the benefits of living in this beautiful country.
Buying a property in Istanbul is an exceptional opportunity to progress and invest and get a residence in Turkey.
Methods of obtaining Turkish citizenship: investment, marriage, residency and other options
There are several different methods for “obtaining Turkish citizenship”:
- Investing in real estate: By purchasing a property worth at least $400,000, you can apply for citizenship. Obtaining Turkish residency through investment is considered one of the best methods.
- Marriage to a Turkish citizen: If a person marries a Turkish citizen, they can apply for citizenship after three years of residence.
- Long-term residence: 5 years of residence in Türkiye allows people who live in the country through work or study to apply for citizenship.
- Company Registration and Entrepreneurship: Those who register a company in Türkiye and create jobs can apply for citizenship.
- Birth in Türkiye: The birth of a child in Turkish territory can result in the child obtaining citizenship.
A person can apply for Turkish citizenship by purchasing a property worth at least $400,000. Once the purchase is approved, the citizenship application process begins.
Usually, the time required to obtain Turkish citizenship through investment or property purchase is 3 to 6 months.
Yes, Türkiye accepts dual citizenship, so a person can retain their country’s citizenship while simultaneously holding Turkish citizenship.
The individual must provide documents such as a valid passport, a clean bill of health, documents related to investment or property purchase, and other identification documents.
Yes, a person can apply for citizenship after three years of residence in Türkiye through marriage to a Turkish citizen.
Everything about obtaining Turkish citizenship
Costs of obtaining Turkish citizenship: Investment, taxes and ancillary costs
The cost of obtaining Turkish citizenship varies depending on the chosen method:
- Investing in real estate: The minimum investment amount to purchase a property is $400,000. In addition, registration fees, notary fees, and property maintenance costs must be taken into account.
- Taxes: Buying and investing in property in Türkiye is subject to property and income taxes. Tax costs also vary depending on the type of property and its location.
- Additional costs: Other significant costs include costs related to applying for citizenship, consulting an immigration lawyer, required certificates, and document translation.
- Immigration attorney fees: Attorney fees may vary from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the complexity of the application.
The total cost of obtaining Turkish citizenship can vary depending on each individual’s specific circumstances, but these are essentially the main costs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Turkish Citizenship: Is it the Right Decision?
Benefits of obtaining Turkish citizenship
- Visa-free travel: Turkish citizens can travel to more than 110 countries without a visa.
- Access to free health and education services: Turkish citizens benefit from free and quality health and education services.
- Economic opportunities: With Turkish citizenship, you can work in the Turkish labor market and benefit from its economic benefits.
- Possibility of obtaining dual citizenship: Türkiye accepts dual citizenship, so individuals can maintain their country’s citizenship while simultaneously holding Turkish citizenship.
Disadvantages of obtaining Turkish citizenship
- Tax Responsibilities: Turkish citizens are required to pay domestic and foreign taxes, which may be restrictive for some individuals.
- Restrictions in some other countries: Some countries do not accept dual citizenship, and this may be problematic for people who intend to live in those countries.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship can be an attractive option, but all its advantages and disadvantages must be carefully evaluated to make the right decision that suits your individual circumstances.
Steps and documents required to obtain Turkish citizenship
- Choosing the application method: First, the appropriate method for obtaining citizenship must be chosen: investment in real estate, marriage to a Turkish citizen, company registration, long-term residence or birth.
- Collecting the required documents: The main documents include:
- Valid passport
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Identification documents such as birth certificate or national ID card
- Investment documents (for purchasing property or registering a company)
- Certificate of financial means and ability to pay living expenses
- Marriage certificates (if applying through marriage)
- Application and Registration: After completing the documents, you must submit your official application to the Turkish authorities. The application can be made through the embassy or government offices in Türkiye.
- Document review and interview: After submitting the documents, the review process begins with the relevant authorities. In some cases, an interview may also be required.
- Payment of related fees: After the application is approved, relevant government fees, taxes, and commissions must be paid.
- Passport Issuance: After final approval, you will be granted Turkish citizenship and a Turkish passport will be issued.
The process of obtaining Turkish citizenship usually takes between 3 and 6 months, but it may take a different amount of time depending on the circumstances.
Comparing Turkish Citizenship with Other Countries: Which Option is Better?
To choose the best country to obtain citizenship, one should consider the pros and cons of each option based on individual needs. Here is a comparison between Turkish citizenship and some other popular countries for immigration and citizenship:
| Feature/Country | Türkiye | Portugal | Dominica | Cyprus |
| Initial investment | Minimum $400,000 to purchase property | Minimum €280,000 to purchase property or investment | $100,000 to invest in the government | €2 million to purchase property or investment |
| Duration of obtaining citizenship: | 3 to 6 months | 5 years (in case of 5-year residence) | 3 to 6 months | 6 months to 1 year |
| Benefits: | Visa-free travel to 110 countries, dual citizenship | , access to the European Union, good job opportunities | , fast citizenship, low cost | of living in the European Union, good job market |
| TaxesIncome | Property and Foreign Exchange | TaxesGlobal Income Tax, Property | TaxesLow Taxes, No Global Income | TaxesGlobal Income Taxes, High Property Taxes |
| Application process: | Fast and simple, requires legal advice. | Long process, requires residency in Portugal. | Fast and simple, requires legal advice. | Complex process, requires legal advice. |
Turkish citizenship is an attractive option, especially for those looking for lower costs, a faster process, and the possibility of dual citizenship. While countries like Portugal and Cyprus are more attractive to those with business or residency purposes in the EU due to their specific benefits, such as access to the EU, Dominica is also a good option for those looking for quick citizenship without high costs.
Depending on your needs, choosing the best option may vary, but Turkish citizenship is still a great choice, especially for those looking to live in a country with a strategic location and economic benefits.
Turkish Citizenship or Permanent Residency? Exploring the Differences and the Best Choice
When considering immigrating to Turkey, there are two main options for residency: Turkish citizenship and permanent residency. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, and depending on your personal needs and goals, one of them may be the best choice.
| Feature/Option | Turkish Citizenship | Permanent Residence in Türkiye |
| Requirements: | Real estate investment, marriage, or long-term residence. | Residence in Türkiye for 5 years, no investment required. |
| Duration of obtaining: | Usually 3 to 6 months, | 5 years for permanent residence |
| Benefits: | Access to a Turkish passport, visa-free travel to 110 countries, right to choose a job and life, | long-term residence in Türkiye, access to health and educational services |
| Taxes | Worldwide Income Tax and Property | TaxesTurkish Income Tax and Property Tax, No Worldwide Tax |
| Rights and benefits: | The right to participate in elections | , government and social services, access to government and health services, without the right to vote in elections. |
| Dual citizenship | Possibility of maintaining citizenship of the country of origin Place | of maintaining citizenship of the country of origin without any special problems |
| Application process: | Relatively quick and simple (with legal advice) | Longer and more complicated than citizenship application |
The choice between Turkish citizenship and permanent residency depends on several factors. If you are looking for full access to citizenship rights, visa-free travel, and access to Turkish government benefits, Turkish citizenship may be the best choice. However, if you are just looking to live in Turkey without having to change citizenship and obtain a new passport, Turkish permanent residency is a good option.