Obtaining Turkish Citizenship

Obtaining Turkish citizenship can be a little time-consuming, however it is straightforward if you follow these guidelines.

According to the Turkish Consulate, and the Turkish Nationality Act (number 403), to obtain Turkish citizenship, a foreigner should meet these criteria:
• Be of or over the age of consent according to his/her own country
• He/she should have lived in Turkey for the past five years, and has the intention of staying in Turkey (indicated by marriage to a Turkish national or having purchased property there)
• Be of good health
• No criminal record
• A speaker of the Turkish language
• Be able to provide for him/herself and any dependents

If you meet these criteria and wish to apply for Turkish citizenship, you must be able to provide the following documents:
• Identity documents (such as a driving licence, passport or birth certificate)
• If married to a Turkish national, you must provide your aile nüfus cüzdanı
• Medical certificate confirming you're in good health
• Four photographs of yourself
• Completed application forms, which can be acquired from the Turkish Consulate
• Certification, translation and administration fees

If you're married to a Turkish man or woman and have a child over the age of two, or if you're bringing something worthwhile (such as skills or an invention) you may be able to, without waiting for five years, acquire Turkish citizenship.