Turkish Citizenship in 2025: Methods, Conditions, Advantages
Turkish citizenship is becoming increasingly popular among foreigners. In 2024, over 50% of applications were submitted through investment programs, while the rest were via naturalization or marriage. A Turkish passport offers visa-free travel, business opportunities, and the comfort of living by the sea.
In this article, we will explore all the current methods for obtaining Turkish citizenship, requirements, processing times, and the key benefits of having a Turkish passport.
Advantages of Turkish Citizenship
✔ Visa-free entry to 110+ countries, including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea
✔ Fast processing time – from 6 months
✔ Official permission for dual citizenship
✔ Right to free healthcare and education
✔ Access to profitable investments – property in Turkey appreciates annually
✔ Opportunities for obtaining an E-2 visa in the USA
Ways to Obtain Turkish Citizenship
According to Law No. 5901 on Citizenship, there are three main methods to obtain Turkish citizenship:
1️⃣ Citizenship through Investment – the fastest and most popular route
2️⃣ Naturalization – obtaining citizenship after 5 years of residence
3️⃣ Citizenship through Marriage – available after 3 years of marriage to a Turkish citizen
Let’s look at each option in detail.
1. Citizenship Through Investment
The investment citizenship program has been in place since 2017 and allows foreigners to obtain a passport in just 6–12 months.
How to Obtain Citizenship through Investment?
To participate in the program, one of the following requirements must be met:🏡 Buy property in Turkey worth at least $400,000
✔ You can purchase an apartment, villa, or commercial property✔ The property can be rented out and sold after 3 years
✔ Average return on investment of 6–8% per year
✔ A way to bypass sanctions and preserve capital
Suitable Properties for Citizenship
💼 Invest in a business or the Turkish economy
✔ Invest at least $500,000 in shares of Turkish companies✔ Open a business in Turkey and create at least 50 jobs
✔ Deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank for 3 years
Required Documents:
✅ Passport✅ Documents confirming the investment
✅ Certificate of no criminal record
✅ Birth and marriage certificates (if applying with family)
⏳ Processing Time: From 6 months.
Important: No Turkish language requirement or permanent residence obligation.
2. Citizenship Through Naturalization
If you are not ready to make a large investment, you can obtain citizenship after 5 years of living in the country.
Requirements:
✅ Reside in Turkey with a residence permit for at least 5 years✅ Do not leave the country for more than 6 consecutive months
✅ Have a source of income (salary, business, investments)
✅ Speak Turkish at a conversational level
✅ Prove your intent to live in Turkey
How to Prove Your Intent to Live in Turkey:
✔ Purchase property and obtain a residence permit✔ Open a business or relocate your company to Turkey
✔ Get a job and obtain a work permit
✔ Obtain education in Turkey
✔ Apply for citizenship for the entire family
⏳ Processing Time: From 12 to 24 months.
Important: Citizenship is not granted to those who have only lived in the country on a tourist visa.
3. Citizenship Through Marriage
If you are married to a Turkish citizen, you can apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage.
Requirements for Citizenship Through Marriage:
✅ Live in Turkey and maintain a joint household✅ Prove the authenticity of the marriage (interview with the migration office)
✅ Have no criminal record or legal violations
⏳ Processing Time: From 6 months to 1 year.
Important: Divorce within 3 years after obtaining citizenship may result in the cancellation of citizenship.
Steps to Obtain Turkish Citizenship
1️⃣ Choose the appropriate method – investment, naturalization, or marriage
2️⃣ Gather required documents – passport, income, investment, or marriage certificates
3️⃣ Submit the application to the Ministry of Interior of Turkey
4️⃣ Undergo verification and interview
5️⃣ Receive the decision – passport issued within 6-12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
📌 Can I obtain Turkish citizenship without investment?
Yes, through naturalization (5 years of residence) or marriage.📌 Do I need to speak Turkish?
Only for naturalization. For investors, no language requirement.📌 Can I include my family in the application?
Yes, children under 18 and the spouse will receive citizenship along with the main applicant.📌 What is the fastest way to obtain citizenship?
Investment – processing in 6 months.📌 Can I retain my original citizenship?
Yes, Turkey allows dual citizenship.Conclusion
A Turkish passport opens up vast opportunities for living, business, and travel. In 2025, the fastest way to obtain citizenship remains through investment – particularly by purchasing property.
📞 Want to obtain Turkish citizenship without risks?
Contact us – we’ll help you choose the best option and prepare the necessary documents!
