Exceptional Turkish citizenship 2023
Turkish citizenship offers unique advantages, making it a top choice for investors and individuals worldwide. It grants access to the Turkish job market, property and business investments, and government-funded education and healthcare.
In this article, we’ll delve into the concept of Exceptional Turkish Citizenship, detailing its benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process. Discover how this program has evolved and why it’s highly sought after by those aspiring to make Turkey their new home.
What is exceptional Turkish citizenship 2023?
It is a citizenship granted exceptionally to foreigners residing in Turkey according to the decision of the President of the Republic, without the need to fulfill the regular legal requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship.
Types of exceptional Turkish citizenship 2023
First Type: Obtaining Exceptional Turkish Citizenship through Real Estate Investment
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate investment is a multifaceted venture. It means that the individual applying for Turkish citizenship first obtains the citizenship itself and secondly realizes a profit of at least 30% of the total property value after a minimum of 3 years. Of course, this requires careful consultation and precise calculations.
The requirements for obtaining exceptional Turkish citizenship through real estate investment include:
- The property or properties’ value must be at least $400,000 USD.
- The properties must be held for a minimum of three years without selling them under any circumstances before obtaining citizenship.
- The purchase must be made personally or through a Turkish company.
- The purchase amount must be transferred from foreign currency to Turkish Lira through the Turkish Central Bank.
- The financial amount must be transferred from the owner to the buyer via a bank transfer.
- Only spouses and children under 18 years old are eligible for Turkish citizenship.
- The duration for obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate purchase usually ranges from 90 to 120 days.
Second Type: Obtaining Exceptional Turkish Citizenship through Bank Deposit
Compliance with the Citizenship Law issued in 2018 is required to obtain Turkish citizenship through a bank deposit. The minimum deposit requirement was reduced to $500,000 USD from $2 million USD in 2012 when this incentive was introduced in Turkey. After the bank deposit,
There are conditions that must be met for obtaining the citizenship through bank deposit, which include
- $500,000 USD must be deposited in a public or private bank in Turkey.
- The deposit must be maintained for a minimum of three consecutive years.
- The value must be converted from foreign currency to Turkish Lira through the Turkish Central Bank.
- The spouse and children under 18 years old also gain Turkish citizenship upon depositing the funds.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through a bank deposit typically takes between 90 and 120 days, depending on general conditions and instructions from the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
Third Type: Obtaining Exceptional Turkish Citizenship by Establishing a Company
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through establishing a company involves specific requirements. Not just any public company can be established;
Conditions for acquiring Turkish citizenship through a company include the following
1. A factory or business must be established in Turkey regardless of the company’s size.
2. All official documents and necessary permits must be obtained from the Turkish Chamber of Commerce.
3. At least 50 Turkish workers must be employed, and foreigners are not counted in this number.
4. All employees must be registered for social security, retirement, and comply with other official matters.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through establishing a company usually takes between 90 and 120 days. This is the standard duration for most exceptional citizenship cases.
Forth Type: Obtaining Exceptional Turkish Citizenship Based on Turkish or Ottoman Origins
If you have Turkish or Ottoman origins and can provide strong evidence of this heritage, you may be eligible for Turkish citizenship.
The conditions for obtaining exceptional Turkish citizenship through Turkish origins are
1. Strong evidence of Turkish or Ottoman ancestry is required.
2. These roots must be verified in the Ottoman archives with necessary research.
3. A lawyer must be appointed to complete the citizenship application and oversee the process step by step.
4. Citizenship can be granted to relatives and descendants as well.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship based on Turkish or Ottoman origins may take between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the progress of the case in Turkish administrative courts.
Fifth Type: Obtaining Exceptional Turkish Citizenship through Work Residency
Work residency can lead to obtaining Turkish citizenship. This residency is granted annually and can be renewed before its expiration.
Here are the conditions for obtaining Turkish citizenship through work residency
1. Work residency must be renewed consecutively for at least five years in Turkey.
2. The stay outside Turkey during the five-year period must not exceed 6 months.
3. The work residency holder must remain registered for social security and retirement throughout the period.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through work residency can take between 6 months to 2 years, depending on document preparation, submission, and other factors, as it involves multiple stages.
Sixth Type: Obtaining Exceptional Turkish Citizenship through Marriage
It is possible to obtain Turkish citizenship exceptionally through marriage to a Turkish citizen, whether they are of Turkish origin or have acquired Turkish citizenship.
There are conditions that must be met to obtain citizenship by marriage, which are as follows
- At least one party in the marriage must be of Turkish origin or be a Turkish citizen.
- The marriage must be for the purpose of establishing a family and not solely for obtaining citizenship.
- After three years from the official marriage date, the foreign party can apply for Turkish citizenship.
- A family residence permit must be maintained for the foreign party for three consecutive years; otherwise, they cannot apply for a Turkish passport or citizenship.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through marriage can take between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the progress of the case and the stages involved in the Turkish administrative courts.
Seventh Type: Obtaining Exceptional Turkish Citizenship through Various Privileges
There are various exceptional paths to obtaining Turkish citizenship, each with specific privileges and criteria. These paths include:
– Turkish citizenship for industry and economic contributors.
– Turkish citizenship through specific privileges granted by the government.
– Turkish citizenship for immigrants from conflict zones.
– Turkish citizenship directly granted by the President of the Republic to deserving individuals.
All of these cases require specific documentation and compliance with established criteria. Typically, the process for obtaining Turkish citizenship through exceptional means is fast and straightforward, taking approximately 3 to 6 months, but it can vary depending on the context of the case and the different stages involved.
Exceptional turkish citizenship stages 2023
After submitting the documents and undergoing an interview with the governor or the police, the process of obtaining exceptional Turkish citizenship is monitored through messages sent via the Turkish citizenship stages tracking system. Here is an explanation of the different stages that the application goes through:
1. First Stage
A message confirms the registration of the application in the exceptional Turkish citizenship system and the commencement of necessary procedures.
2. Second Stage
It indicates that the documents related to the application have been sent to the relevant directorate but have not yet been received.
3. Third Stage
It signifies the arrival of the documents at the General Directorate in Turkey and the start of document examination by the competent authorities.
4. Fourth Stage
It indicates that the application has been sent to relevant institutions for archival research. This stage includes studying the individual’s security status, checking their criminal and judicial record.
5. Fifth Stage
It indicates the inclusion of the application in the list to be submitted to the decision-making authority.
6. Sixth Stage
It indicates that the application has been delivered to the decision-making authority to make the final decision.
7. Seventh and Final Stage
It indicates that the individual must visit the relevant authority to receive the result of the application and complete the final procedures for obtaining the identity card, passport, and so on.
These are the different stages that the application goes through to obtain exceptional Turkish citizenship, encompassing administrative, security, and legal procedures.
How to obtain exceptional Turkish citizenship 2023
Turkey, with its rich history and modern development, has become an enticing destination for those seeking stability and opportunities. It is characterized by diversity and attractiveness to foreigners who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship. In this article, we will outline seven ways to obtain Turkish citizenship and reap its benefits:
1. Real Estate Investment in Turkey: One of the well-known methods for acquiring Turkish citizenship is investing in real estate. Foreign investors are required to purchase property of a specified value and retain it for a certain period to realize this dream.
2. Investment in the Turkish Economy: Foreigners can take advantage of investment opportunities in Turkey to obtain citizenship. They must create a positive economic impact by establishing projects that contribute to the development of the Turkish economy.
3. Citizenship through Investment in Investment Funds: Investing in investment funds and maintaining the investment for a specified duration can qualify foreigners for Turkish citizenship.
4. Citizenship through Investment in the Industrial Sector: Investing in the Turkish industrial sector and creating job opportunities can be a means to obtain citizenship.
5. Obtaining Citizenship through Investment in Banks and Stocks: Investing in Turkish banks and stocks and maintaining this investment for a specified period can be a path to citizenship.
Exceptional advantages of Turkish citizenship 2023
Obtaining Turkish Exceptional Citizenship offers numerous opportunities and privileges to foreigners:
1. Turkish Passport
One of the standout advantages is acquiring the Turkish passport, which facilitates easy access and travel to most countries around the world. This passport allows entry to 124 countries without prior visas, including 70 countries with visa-free access and 49 countries where visas can be obtained upon arrival.
2. Rise in Global Passport Rankings
The Turkish passport has consistently improved its global passport rankings. In 2023, it secured the thirty-eighth position worldwide. This indicates ongoing enhancement without being affected by regional circumstances.
3. Rights and Duties of Turkish Citizens
Upon obtaining Turkish citizenship, individuals can benefit from all the rights and duties that Turkish citizens possess. These rights include security, healthcare, free education, voting rights, and eligibility to run for government positions.
4. Permanent Stability
Acquiring Turkish citizenship does not entail its withdrawal or revocation in the future, unlike some other countries that impose temporary residency. This allows individuals to settle and enjoy rights and benefits without concern.
5. Additional Rights
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, foreigners holding Turkish Exceptional Citizenship have the right to vote and run for elections in Turkey, access free education in Turkish schools, and the right to retain their original citizenship. They also have the opportunity to pass on citizenship to future generations and inherit it within the family.
6. Economic Opportunities
Turkey provides an easy gateway for entry into the United States through the E-2 visa program for investors from treaty countries. Turkey also boasts economic resilience and ample future prospects.
7. Strong International Relations:
Turkey maintains strong international relations with the European Union and other countries, opening doors for greater work and cooperation at the international level.
In summary, obtaining Turkish Exceptional Citizenship offers individuals a range of opportunities and advantages, starting with a powerful passport and extending to stability and full rights as Turkish citizens. This citizenship reflects progress and excellence.
How to apply for Turkish citizenship 2023
Applications for obtaining Turkish citizenship can be submitted to the Turkish Directorate of Population or the Investment Office in the case of investors. The required documents and papers vary depending on the specific circumstances of the application. Here are the key steps involved in the process of applying for Turkish citizenship:
Firstly: In cases of investment
- An official document proving the investment amount required by law.
- A marriage certificate translated into Turkish and authenticated as original.
- Birth certificates for all citizenship applicants from the spouse and children under 18.
- A family statement, authenticated and translated as original.
- Passport photos for all family members.
- A certificate proving freedom from contagious diseases.
- Four biometric passport-sized photos for each person.
- Authentication of all documents issued abroad by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin, along with their translation into Turkish and authentication by the Turkish consulate.
Secondly: In the case of marriage to a Turkish citizen
- The official marriage contract in Turkey to prove that the marriage has lasted for at least 3 years.
- Birth certificates or registration records for the husband, wife, and children under 18.
- Copy of the Turkish wife’s ID.
- Copy of the passport.
- Authentication of all documents issued abroad by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin, along with their translation into Turkish and authentication by the Turkish consulate.
- Four biometric passport-sized photos for each person.
Thirdly: In the case of applying for Turkish citizenship through property purchase
- Copy of the property title deed or notarized sales contract (Promise to Sell) issued by the notary.
- Original payment receipts from the buyer’s bank account, stamped with a live bank seal.
- Valid property appraisal report.
- Original payment receipts from the seller’s bank account, stamped with a live bank seal.
- Passport photos for all family members.
- Translated and original marriage certificate.
- A health certificate proving freedom from serious diseases.
- Authentication of all documents issued abroad by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin, along with their translation into Turkish and authentication by the Turkish consulate.
- Four biometric passport-sized photos for each person.
Fourthly: In the case of applying based on a work permit
- Copy of the work permit.
- Copy of the passport.
- A translated and authenticated family statement as original.
- A health certificate proving freedom from serious diseases.
- Authentication of all documents issued abroad by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin, along with their translation into Turkish and authentication by the Turkish consulate.
- Four biometric passport-sized photos for each person.
The process of applying for Turkish citizenship requires precision and careful verification of the data included in the citizenship file. For this reason, it is always recommended to utilize the services of VAAL Real Estate and rely on their extensive expertise in Turkish law to review the data and submit suitable files. This helps ensure that the file is not rejected and avoids problems that may arise later, which can easily be avoided with the presence of an experienced lawyer.
Edited by: VAAL Real Estate