Turkish Citizenship Explained: Naturalisation, Marriage and Investment

For many people who fall in love with Türkiye, Turkish citizenship is the final step of a long journey: a holiday, then a longer stay, then a residence permit and eventually a Turkish passport. Others reach citizenship much faster through marriage or investment. This guide explains every route to Turkish citizenship, the conditions that apply to each, and how they connect with the visas and residence permits described elsewhere in our guide.

The Main Routes to Turkish Citizenship

Turkish citizenship is governed by Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship. Foreigners can acquire it through:

• birth or descent, for children with a Turkish parent;
• naturalisation, after five years of legal residence;
• marriage to a Turkish citizen, after three years;
• exceptional citizenship, which includes the investment route and people whose contribution to Türkiye is considered significant;
• reacquisition, for former Turkish citizens.

Naturalisation After Five Years of Residence

The general procedure is open to foreigners who meet all of the following conditions:

• being of legal age and capacity;
• five years of uninterrupted legal residence in Türkiye immediately before the application — long absences abroad can restart the clock;
• a genuine intention to settle in Türkiye;
• good moral character and no threat to national security or public order;
• sufficient knowledge of Turkish;
• an income or profession that supports you and your dependants;
• no illness posing a threat to public health.

The application is filed with the provincial directorate of population and citizenship affairs. A commission then interviews the applicant to assess integration and language, security checks follow, and the final decision is made by the Ministry of Interior. The whole process often takes between one and two years. Not every type of residence counts in the same way, so check how your residence history will be assessed before you apply. Our guide to Turkish residence permits explains the different categories.

Citizenship by Marriage

Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically confer citizenship. The foreign spouse can apply after at least three years of marriage, provided that:

• the couple lives together as a family;
• there is no conduct incompatible with the marriage;
• the applicant poses no threat to national security or public order.

Couples are interviewed and checks are made to confirm that the marriage is genuine. If the marriage later ends, a spouse who acquired citizenship in good faith generally keeps it.

Citizenship by Investment

Since 2017, Türkiye has offered an exceptional citizenship route for foreigners who make a qualifying investment and keep it for at least three years. The recognised investments include: The current investment thresholds are published by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.

• buying real estate, with a three-year no-sale annotation on the title deed;
• a fixed-term deposit in a Turkish bank;
• Turkish government bonds;
• a fixed capital investment in a business;
• shares in an approved real estate investment fund or venture capital fund;
• creating jobs for a minimum number of employees.

Each option has a minimum value fixed by presidential decision, and these thresholds have been revised several times, so always check the current figures with a licensed adviser before committing. The application can include the investor’s spouse and children under 18. There is no minimum residence period and no language test.

The process generally follows these steps: making the investment, obtaining a certificate of conformity from the relevant ministry, applying for a short-term residence permit, submitting the citizenship application, security checks and a final presidential decision. It usually takes several months once the investment is complete. Controls have been tightened in recent years, including revocations where investments were found not to comply, so use an officially licensed valuation and keep every document.

Dual Citizenship

Türkiye allows dual citizenship, so you can usually keep your current nationality. Check the rules of your own country, as some states restrict or prohibit holding a second citizenship.

Responsibilities That Come With Citizenship

New citizens acquire the rights of Turkish nationals, including voting and access to public-sector employment, as well as their obligations. Male citizens of military age may be subject to military service rules, with specific arrangements for those living abroad. If this could apply to you or your sons, take advice before applying.

The Blue Card for Former Turkish Citizens

Former Turkish citizens who gave up their nationality with permission, and their descendants, can hold a Blue Card. It grants most of the rights of citizens — including the right to live, work and own property in Türkiye — without full citizenship. Some rights, such as voting, are not included.

Which Route to Turkish Citizenship Is Right for You?

1. You plan to live in Türkiye for the long term and integrate: naturalisation after five years.
2. You are married to a Turkish citizen: citizenship by marriage after three years.
3. You want a Turkish passport for your family without relocating: the investment route.
4. You are retiring and want security: start with a residence permit and decide later — see our guide to retiring in Türkiye.
5. You are a highly qualified professional or investor: consider the Turquoise Card, explained in our work permit guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Turkish?

For naturalisation, yes — basic Turkish is assessed during the interview. There is no language requirement for the investment route.

Can I include adult children in an investment application?

No. Only a spouse and children under 18 can be included. Adult children need their own qualifying basis.

Can I sell the property after receiving citizenship?

The investment must be held for at least three years. After the holding period, the asset can be sold without affecting citizenship.

Do I need to live in Türkiye to keep citizenship?

No. Once acquired, citizenship does not depend on where you live.

Which visa should I use for my first visit?

That depends on your nationality. Check our eligible countries guide, then apply for your eVisa online if it applies to you.

Travelling soon? Apply for your Turkey eVisa online in a few minutes — our specialists check every detail before submission.

Visa and immigration rules can change, so always confirm the current requirements for your nationality and situation before you travel or apply.