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Citizenship Law · Turkey

Turkish Citizenship Lawyer

Legal guidance for Turkish citizenship by naturalization, investment, marriage and descent

Acquiring Turkish citizenship opens the door to living, working, and investing in Turkey without the limits of a residence permit, and to holding one of the world's most versatile passports. Whether you qualify through investment, marriage to a Turkish citizen, Turkish descent, or five years of continuous residence, the process is governed by strict legal requirements under Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship. Our experienced Turkish citizenship lawyer team manages every step of your file, from eligibility assessment to the issuance of your Turkish ID and passport, with clear communication in English and Turkish throughout.

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Att. Ahmet Kaymaz - Turkish Citizenship Lawyer, Kaymaz Law Firm
Fluent English legal support
Every step of your citizenship file explained clearly, with no translation gaps or confusion.
Full-family case management
We handle applications for spouses and dependent children under the same file, from start to finish.
Direct contact with the Population and Citizenship Authority
We correspond with the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs on your behalf at every stage.
On This Page
01Why You Need a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer→ 02Paths to Turkish Citizenship→ 03Step-by-Step Process→ 04Required Documents→ 05Timeline & Legal Fees→ 06Common Mistakes to Avoid→ 07Why Choose Kaymaz Law Firm→ 08Frequently Asked Questions→
01

Why You Need a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer

Understanding Turkey's Citizenship Law

Turkish citizenship is governed by the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and administered by the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs. Each pathway, investment, marriage, descent, or long-term residence, has its own strict documentation standards and eligibility rules, and applications are frequently delayed or rejected due to incomplete files, incorrect valuations, or missed procedural steps.

Working with a dedicated Turkish citizenship lawyer means:

  • You choose the right pathway for your situation from the start, avoiding wasted time on an application you don't qualify for.
  • Your file, valuations, and supporting documents are prepared correctly the first time, reducing the risk of rejection or delay.
  • You have a legal representative who can communicate directly with the citizenship authorities on your behalf.
  • Your spouse and dependent children can be included and managed under the same coordinated file.

Who Typically Needs Our Help

  • Investors purchasing real estate or making a qualifying capital investment
  • Foreign nationals married to a Turkish citizen for three years or more
  • Individuals of Turkish descent seeking to register or claim citizenship
  • Long-term residents who have held a residence permit for five continuous years
  • Families applying together, including spouses and dependent children
  • Anyone whose citizenship application was previously denied
02

Paths to Turkish Citizenship

Turkish law recognizes four main routes to citizenship. Your eligibility, required documents, and timeline depend entirely on which path applies to you, our Turkish citizenship lawyer confirms the correct route during your first consultation.
Fastest Route

Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Qualify through real estate purchase ($400.000), a bank deposit or government bonds ($500.000), or capital/job-creation investment, with no residence requirement.
Learn more about Citizenship by Investment
Family-Based

Turkish Citizenship by Marriage

Available after three years of genuine marriage to a Turkish citizen, subject to an interview confirming the marriage is authentic.
Learn more about Citizenship by Marriage
Ancestry-Based

Turkish Citizenship by Descent

Available if you have at least one Turkish parent, regardless of where you were born, through registration with the relevant authorities.
Learn more about Citizenship by Descent
Residence-Based

Turkish Citizenship by Naturalization

Open to foreign nationals who have held a valid residence permit in Turkey for five continuous years, meeting language and income requirements.
Learn more about Citizenship by Naturalization
03

Step-by-Step Process

Every citizenship file follows a structured process, the exact steps depend on which pathway applies to you.
Citizenship by Investment

Investment Application Process

1
Initial Consultation
We review your goals and recommend the most suitable qualifying investment route for your situation.
2
Personalized Document Checklist
Before anything else, we prepare a checklist tailored to your chosen investment route and personal situation, so your file is built for the best possible outcome from day one.
3
Investment Due Diligence
We conduct legal due diligence on the property, deposit, or investment vehicle before you commit any funds.
4
Completing the Investment
We assist and guide you through actually making the investment itself, whether that means the property purchase, the bank deposit, or another qualifying route.
5
Certificate of Eligibility
We coordinate with the relevant ministry to obtain the official certificate confirming your investment qualifies.
6
Residence Permit
We secure your residence permit, a required step before the citizenship application can be filed.
7
Citizenship Application Filing
We prepare and submit your full citizenship file, including all family members included in the application.
8
Approval, ID & Passport
Once approved, we assist with issuance of your Turkish ID card and passport application.
Citizenship by Marriage

Marriage-Based Application Process

1
Eligibility Review
We confirm your marriage meets the three-year continuous marriage requirement and review your documentation.
2
Document Preparation
We compile marriage records, residence history, and supporting evidence of a genuine shared family life.
3
Application & Interview
We file your application and prepare you for the authorities' interview confirming the marriage is genuine.
4
Decision & Next Steps
Once approved, we assist with ID and passport issuance, or file an appeal if the application is refused.
Citizenship by Descent

Descent-Based Application Process

1
Ancestry Review
We review your family records to confirm your claim to citizenship through a Turkish parent.
2
Document Collection
We gather, translate and notarize birth certificates, parental records, and civil registry documents.
3
Registration Filing
We file your registration with the relevant Turkish civil registry office.
4
Descent Determination Lawsuit (If Required)
If the Ministry requests judicial confirmation of the parentage, we file a descent determination lawsuit and represent you through to a final court decision.
5
Confirmation & Documents
Once registered, we assist with obtaining your Turkish ID and passport.
Citizenship by Naturalization

Long-Term Residence Application Process

1
Residence History Review
We confirm your five years of continuous, uninterrupted residence and check for any disqualifying absences.
2
Eligibility Documentation
We prepare proof of income, clean criminal record, and Turkish language proficiency documentation.
3
Application Filing
We submit your naturalization file to the Provincial Directorate and the central authorities.
4
Decision & Next Steps
Once approved, we assist with ID and passport issuance, or file an appeal if the application is refused.
04

Required Documents

Exact requirements vary depending on your pathway to citizenship and the specific circumstances of your file. What follows is a general overview by case type, not a definitive checklist, during your consultation, we confirm the exact documents that apply to your particular situation.
Citizenship by Investment

Documents You'll Need

  • Valid Passport & Photographs
    A passport with sufficient remaining validity, plus recent biometric photographs, for you and any family members included.
  • Family Relationship Documents
    Marriage certificate and/or children's birth certificates, if your spouse or children are included in the application.
  • Health Insurance
    Valid health insurance coverage for you and any family members included in the application.
  • Birth Certificate
    Your birth certificate, apostilled and translated where issued abroad.
  • Clean Criminal Record
    A criminal record certificate from your country.
  • Investment-Specific Documents
    Title deed, bank deposit certificate, government bond receipt, or fund share certificate, depending on your chosen route.
  • Certificate of Eligibility
    The official certificate from the relevant ministry confirming your investment meets the legal threshold.
  • Residence Permit
    A valid Turkish residence permit, required before the citizenship application can be filed.
  • Apostille & Certified Translations
    Foreign documents apostilled and translated into Turkish by a sworn translator.
Citizenship by Marriage

Documents You'll Need

  • Valid Passport & Photographs
    A passport with sufficient remaining validity, plus recent biometric photographs.
  • Birth Certificate
    Your birth certificate, apostilled and translated where issued abroad.
  • Marriage Certificate
    Official marriage registration showing at least three years of continuous marriage.
  • Spouse's ID and Family Registry Record
    Your Turkish spouse's identity document and civil registry (nüfus) record.
  • Clean Criminal Record
    A criminal record certificate from your country of origin and from Turkey.
Citizenship by Descent

Documents You'll Need

  • Valid Passport & Photographs
    A passport with sufficient remaining validity, plus recent biometric photographs.
  • Your Birth Certificate
    Showing your Turkish parent's name, apostilled and translated where issued abroad.
  • Parent's Turkish Identity Records
    Your Turkish parent's identity document and civil registry (nüfus) record.
  • Additional Family Records (If Requested)
    Parents' marriage certificate or other civil records the Ministry may request to confirm the parentage.
  • Court Decision (If Required)
    Where the Ministry requests judicial confirmation, the final court decision establishing the parentage.
Citizenship by Naturalization

Documents You'll Need

  • Valid Passport & Photographs
    A passport with sufficient remaining validity, plus recent biometric photographs.
  • Birth Certificate
    Your birth certificate, apostilled and translated where issued abroad.
  • Certificate of Marital Status
    If you are married, your marriage certificate is required in addition to this document.
  • Residence Permit
    Your valid Turkish residence permit, covering the full five-year qualifying period.
  • Five-Year Residence History
    Records confirming five years of continuous, uninterrupted legal residence in Turkey.
  • Proof of Stable Income
    Evidence of regular income sufficient to support yourself and any dependents in Turkey.
  • Clean Criminal Record
    A criminal record certificate from your country of origin and from Turkey.

Not sure which documents apply to you?

During your consultation, we confirm the exact, tailored checklist for your specific case.
Book a Legal Consultation
05

Timeline & Legal Fees

Timelines and fees vary by pathway, case complexity, nationality, and current caseload at the relevant authority. Here's a general guide by service.
Citizenship by Investment
Typical Timeline
6–12 months
Legal Fee
Confirmed after case review
Citizenship by Marriage
Typical Timeline
4–8 months
Legal Fee
Confirmed after case review
Citizenship by Descent
Typical Timeline
2–6 months, longer if court confirmation is required
Legal Fee
Confirmed after case review
Citizenship by Naturalization
Typical Timeline
6–12 months
Legal Fee
Confirmed after case review
Timelines above are general estimates and can vary case by case. They do not constitute a legal guarantee.

No hidden charges

We review your case first and give you a fixed legal service fee, along with a clear, itemized estimate of any third-party or government costs.
Get a Fee Estimate
06

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These recurring errors account for the majority of the delays and rejections we see in citizenship applications.
  • Choosing the wrong pathway
    Applying through a route you don't actually qualify for wastes months and can complicate any future application.
  • Investing before legal due diligence
    Purchasing property or committing funds before verifying the investment qualifies can put your citizenship eligibility at risk.
  • Incomplete or mistranslated documents
    Submitting incomplete files or improperly apostilled and translated documents is one of the most common causes of rejection.
  • Interrupted residence history
    Extended trips abroad can break the continuous residence period required for naturalization, resetting your eligibility clock.
  • Missing family registry records
    Descent-based applications are often delayed by incomplete parental civil registry records that must be obtained before filing.
  • Missing requests from the authorities
    Not responding in time to a request for additional information or documentation can lead to automatic rejection of an otherwise valid application.
07

Why Choose Kaymaz Law Firm

Citizenship applications carry real stakes for your future and your family's. Every client gets our full, individual attention, not a one-size-fits-all process.

Deep Experience Across Every Pathway

Having handled a wide range of citizenship files, we know how to navigate the unusual, borderline cases that a general application wouldn't anticipate.

Personal Attention, Real Peace of Mind

We understand how stressful this process can feel when your future is on the line, our focus is giving you calm, personal reassurance at every stage, not just paperwork.

Bilingual Service

We communicate with you in both English and Turkish, so nothing gets lost in translation at any stage.

End-to-End Case Management

From your first consultation to the issuance of your Turkish ID and passport, we manage every step of your file.

Transparent Communication

You always know the status of your file and what happens next, no unexplained delays or radio silence.

Full-Service Law Firm

Related matters such as immigration, corporate, and family law can be handled under one roof when your case requires it.
08

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about Turkish citizenship.
How can I get Turkish citizenship?
There are four main routes: investment (real estate, deposit, or capital investment), marriage to a Turkish citizen for at least three years, descent from a Turkish parent, or five years of continuous legal residence. Your eligibility and required documents depend entirely on which pathway applies to you.
Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Turkey permits dual citizenship, so in most cases you do not need to give up your original nationality. Whether your home country also permits dual citizenship depends on its own laws, which we recommend checking separately.
How long does the citizenship process take?
Timelines vary significantly by pathway, investment applications typically take around 6-12 months, while marriage, descent, and naturalization cases can take longer depending on case complexity and current caseload at the relevant authority.
Can my family become Turkish citizens with me?
Yes, in an investment-based application, your spouse and dependent children under 18 can generally be included in the same file and acquire citizenship alongside you.
How much does it cost to get Turkish citizenship?
Costs vary by pathway. Citizenship by investment starts at $400,000 USD for a qualifying real estate purchase, or $500,000 USD for routes such as a bank deposit or government bonds, plus government processing fees and our legal service fee, confirmed after a case review. Marriage, descent, and naturalization routes carry no investment cost, but do involve government fees and legal fees, which we quote once we've reviewed your case.
Do I need to speak Turkish to become a citizen?
Investment-based applicants are not required to demonstrate Turkish language proficiency. For naturalization based on five years of residence, some basic communication ability may be assessed as part of the application.
What happens if my citizenship application is denied?
You generally have the right to challenge the decision or reapply once the underlying issue is resolved. Our Turkish Citizenship Lawyer reviews the reason for refusal and advises on the best path forward, whether that's an appeal or a corrected new application.
Turkish citizenship lawyer illustration with globe and scales of justice motif, Kaymaz Law Firm
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Not Sure Which Path Fits You?

Book a Citizenship Eligibility Consultation

Get a personalized assessment of which pathway, investment, marriage, descent, or naturalization, applies to your situation.
Att. Ahmet Kaymaz
Reviewed by Att. Ahmet Kaymaz. This guide reflects current Turkish citizenship law and procedures at the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs. It is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice, book a consultation for guidance specific to your situation.

Speak with a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer Today

Whether you're exploring investment, marriage, descent, or naturalization, our Turkish Citizenship Lawyer is ready to guide you through every step toward Turkish citizenship.
Talk to a Turkish Citizenship Lawyer: +90 530 936 94 64 Book a Legal Consultation
Kaymaz Law Firm – Antalya law firm providing legal services in corporate, immigration, and criminal law.

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