Settling in a foreign country, especially during retirement, is attractive for many people. Not all countries can sustain a specific lifestyle; chances are even you may want to do the same. For this reason, many people who want to settle in a foreign country aim to become permanent residents, complete with citizenship.
A perfect example of a country that regularly attracts foreign retirees is Turkey. Turkey is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and rich culture. In addition, the cost of living in Turkey is much lower than in many other countries, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle down permanently in a foreign country. Of course, being a citizen comes with many benefits, but the tricky part is becoming one in the first place.
With this in mind, here are some of the best methods to obtain Turkish Citizenship:
#1 - By Investment
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program is designed to help the country's economy grow by attracting foreign investments. People interested in obtaining Turkish citizenship must invest a minimum of $400,000 in real estate. After completing the application process, the applicant will be granted access to the Turkish markets in Europe and Asia. They can also travel freely to countries like Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. As for the length of the process, it usually takes around four months before it is approved.
#2 - Buying Property at Minimum Value
If a foreigner seeking citizenship cannot meet the $400,000 mark, it is also possible for them to purchase property at a lower value. Specifically, $75,000 is the minimum value one must invest in qualifying for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program. This option is suitable for those who do not have the financial means to invest the total amount. The applicant must also prove that they can pay the various taxes related to the property's purchase.
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#3 - Company Registration and Work Permit
Alternatively, applicants can register a company in Turkey and obtain a work permit if they plan to stay and work there. This is an important step, as it allows the foreigner to reside in Turkey and be eligible for citizenship legally.
Registering a company and obtaining a work permit can be done at the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The applicant must provide the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, proof of residence and a business plan for the company. The business plan must include the type of business that will be conducted, the number of employees, the amount of capital and the projected profit.
Once the documents are submitted and approved, the applicant can apply for a work permit. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security will issue this. The permit will be valid for one year and can be renewed annually. After 5 years of living and working in Turkey, the applicant can apply for Turkish citizenship.
#4 - Citizenship by Marriage
If a prospective immigrant is married to a Turkish citizen, they may be eligible for Turkish citizenship. This type of citizenship is known as citizenship by marriage. To qualify, the couple must be legally married, and the marriage must have existed for at least three years.
The first step to citizenship by marriage is to apply to the Directorate General for Immigration Administration. The application must include proof that the couple is legally married, and the marriage must have been in existence for at least three years. Once the application is approved, the applicant can apply for a residence permit.
After holding a residence permit for at least 5 years, the applicant can apply for Turkish citizenship. This application must include the aforementioned documents and proof of the applicant’s good character, such as a clean criminal record. The applicant must also prove they have integrated into the Turkish lifestyle. This includes demonstrating knowledge of the Turkish language, culture, and history. The Ministry of Interior will then review the application, and if approved, the applicant will be granted Turkish citizenship.
It is worth noting that if you are married and eventually divorce, your Turkish citizenship will not be revoked. If your spouse dies after your application, the requirement of unity of family is no longer necessary. This means that you can still be granted Turkish citizenship despite the death of your spouse.
Conclusion
Obtaining Turkish citizenship is relatively easy as long as you follow the process by the book. There are different ways of doing this, so it is only a matter of what is doable based on your current circumstances. As such, you must take your time because this process requires patience and attention to detail.
If you are seeking residency in Turkey, Ikamet can help you! We offer various resources for anyone looking to settle in the country, completely free of charge. Subscribe to our newsletter today to get the latest news and information!
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