Immigration Law

Within the scope of the laws and international conventions applied to foreigners residing in Turkey, our law firm provides professional legal services in 11 different languages: English, Turkish, Arabic, Persian, Dari, Russian, Turkmen, Kyrgyz, Kazakh, Pashto, and Uzbek.

Foreign individuals living in Turkey are often involved in legal disputes both personally and commercially. They frequently experience difficulties resolving legal issues—particularly regarding work permits, residence permits, acquisition of Turkish citizenship, and legal protection—without the support of specialized professionals.

Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship

1. Citizenship by Birth

Turkish citizenship by birth is acquired based on descent (jus sanguinis) or place of birth (jus soli) and takes effect from the moment of birth.

• By Descent:
  A child born to a Turkish mother or father automatically acquires Turkish citizenship.
  Click here for the Application Form for Citizenship by Birth

• By Place of Birth:
  A child born in Turkey who cannot acquire the citizenship of any country due to unknown parents, statelessness, or national laws not granting citizenship, automatically becomes a Turkish citizen from birth.
  Click here for the Application Form for Citizenship by Place of Birth

2. Citizenship by Naturalization

Naturalization is regulated under Article 11 of the Turkish Citizenship Law (Law No. 5901).
To acquire Turkish citizenship, a foreigner must:

• Be of legal age and sound mind according to his/her national law or, if stateless, according to the Turkish Civil Code.

• Have resided in Turkey continuously for five years prior to the application.

• Intend to settle in Turkey, demonstrated by owning property, establishing a business, investing, moving the center of life to Turkey, obtaining a work permit, marrying a Turkish citizen, or having close family ties with Turkish citizens.

• Have no disease posing a threat to public health.

• Have good moral character and behave responsibly within society.

• Speak Turkish at a level sufficient for integration.

• Have a legal income or profession to support oneself and dependents.

• Pose no threat to national security or public order.

Click here for the Application Form for Naturalization

3. Citizenship by Adoption

A minor foreigner adopted by a Turkish citizen may acquire Turkish citizenship, provided there is no obstacle concerning national security or public order.
Click here for the Application Form for Citizenship by Adoption

4. Citizenship for Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)

A person who is a citizen of the TRNC by birth and wishes to acquire Turkish citizenship can do so by declaring this request in writing, subject to approval by the Ministry.
Click here for the Application Form for TRNC Citizens

5. Citizenship by the Right of Choice

Individuals who lost Turkish citizenship due to their parents’ loss of citizenship by permission, may regain it by declaring their wish in writing within three years after reaching legal age.
Click here for the Application Form for Citizenship by the Right of Choice

6. Citizenship by Exception

Under Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law, foreigners who meet specific criteria and pose no threat to national security or public order may acquire citizenship without fulfilling the general requirements, upon the Ministry’s proposal and Presidential approval.
This includes:

• Individuals providing extraordinary services in industry, science, economy, technology, culture, sports, or art.

• Foreigners who hold a Turquoise Card or residence permit under Article 31/1(j) of Law No. 6458, and their family members.

• Persons deemed necessary to be granted citizenship for exceptional reasons.
  Click here for the Application Form for Exceptional Citizenship

7. Citizenship by Migration

Persons officially accepted as immigrants under Law No. 543 on Settlement may acquire Turkish citizenship upon approval by the Council of Ministers, following a review of their file by the Ministry.
Click here for the Application Form for Citizenship by Migration

8. Re-acquisition of Citizenship Without Residence Requirement

Persons who previously lost Turkish citizenship may reacquire it without a residence requirement, provided there is no national security concern, including:

• Those who lost citizenship by permission,

• Children who failed to use their right of choice within three years after reaching majority,

• Those who lost citizenship under Article 25 of the repealed Law No. 403.
  Click here for the Application Form for Re-acquisition Without Residence

9. Re-acquisition of Citizenship With Residence Requirement

Individuals who lost Turkish citizenship under Article 29 or 34 of Law No. 5901 may regain it after residing in Turkey for three years, provided there is no national security concern.
Click here for the Application Form for Re-acquisition With Residence

10. Citizenship by Marriage

Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant citizenship.
However, a foreigner who has been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and whose marriage is still valid may apply for citizenship if:

• The couple lives together as a family,

• The applicant has no activity incompatible with marriage, and

• There is no threat to national security or public order.

If the Turkish spouse dies after the application, the applicant is exempted from the cohabitation requirement.
Click here for the Application Form for Citizenship by Marriage