At Karanfiloglu Law Office, we guide international investors through the complexities of acquiring Turkish citizenship. With amendments to the Turkish Citizenship Law, particularly Article 12 and recent regulations such as the Regulation on the Implementation of Turkish Citizenship Law, applicants now have a clearer path. Foreign investors who meet specific criteria, such as making a minimum property investment of $250,000 or a fixed capital investment of not less than $500,000 as specified by Article 20, can apply for Turkish citizenship. Additionally, deposits of at least $500,000 into Turkish banks or purchasing government bonds can also qualify investors for citizenship under the same regulations. Our legal experts are dedicated to navigating these legal requirements, ensuring a seamless process in obtaining Turkish citizenship and leveraging these opportunities for our clients.
Eligibility Criteria for Turkish Citizenship by Investment
To be eligible for Turkish citizenship by investment, foreign investors must fulfill specific criteria as outlined in the Turkish Citizenship Law and relevant regulations. Article 20 of the Regulation on the Implementation of Turkish Citizenship Law stipulates that applicants must make a property investment of at least $250,000, a capital investment of $500,000, or create employment for at least 50 people. Additionally, depositing a minimum of $500,000 into Turkish banks or purchasing government bonds of the same amount can also suffice as per the revised laws. These investments must be maintained for at least three years, and proof of the investment must be validated by relevant Turkish authorities, such as the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning for property investments or the Ministry of Industry and Technology for fixed capital investments. At Karanfiloglu Law Office, we ensure that our clients meet all these requirements seamlessly, helping them navigate the legal framework efficiently.
Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate that their funds originate from legitimate sources and are legally transferred to Turkey. This requirement aligns with Turkey’s efforts to comply with international financial standards and to prevent illicit financial activities, as specified in Article 15 of the Regulation on the Implementation of Turkish Citizenship Law. The entire process demands meticulous documentation, including proof of financial transactions, certificates of conformity from relevant ministries, and official property valuations or bank statements. At Karanfiloglu Law Office, we provide comprehensive assistance in gathering and preparing the necessary documentation, ensuring that every financial and legal requirement is thoroughly met. Our team assists in obtaining the required proofs and verifications from the necessary authorities, minimizing any potential delays or complications in your application process.
After fulfilling the investment and documentation requirements, investors must undergo security clearance and background checks conducted by the relevant Turkish authorities, including the Ministry of Interior and national intelligence agencies. These checks ensure that applicants do not pose any national security risk and have no criminal records, in line with Article 6 of the Turkish Citizenship Law. Additionally, applicants might be required to attend an interview if deemed necessary by the authorities. Once the background checks are satisfactorily completed, the application is forwarded to the Presidency for final approval. The comprehensive and detailed support provided by Karanfiloglu Law Office includes assistance in preparing for background checks and personal interviews, ensuring that our clients are well-prepared and informed throughout each stage of the citizenship application process, ultimately leading to a smooth and successful acquisition of Turkish citizenship.
Required Documentation and Application Process
The initial step in the application process involves compiling the required documentation, which must be meticulously prepared to ensure compliance with Turkish legal standards. Applicants are required to submit a detailed application form along with official documents such as a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of civil status (e.g., marriage or divorce certificates). Additionally, financial documentation verifying the investment, such as property ownership deeds or bank statements, must be provided. All foreign documents must be notarized, translated into Turkish, and authenticated per the provisions of Article 31 of the Regulation on the Implementation of Turkish Citizenship Law. Our team at Karanfiloglu Law Office assists in ensuring all documentation meets these stringent requirements, streamlining the application process for our clients.
Once the documentation is compiled and certified, the next step involves submitting the application to the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) or through Turkish consulates abroad for those outside of Turkey. Applicants must prepare and submit a portfolio of investment evidence, which includes obtaining a conformity certificate from relevant government institutions—such as the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization or the Ministry of Industry and Technology—depending on the type of investment. As per Article 19 of the Regulation on the Implementation of Turkish Citizenship Law, these certificates confirm that the investment meets the legal criteria for citizenship eligibility. Our legal experts at Karanfiloglu Law Office take charge of these communications and validations, ensuring that each document is appropriately processed, thereby facilitating a smoother application process.
After submission, the evaluation process commences, where the application undergoes scrutiny by various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Interior’s Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs. During this period, background checks and due diligence reviews are conducted to verify the authenticity and compliance of the submitted documentation with Turkish laws. According to Article 20 of the Regulation on the Implementation of Turkish Citizenship Law, the approval process may take several months, during which applicants will be kept informed of the progress. Once all criteria are met and the application is approved, the applicant is granted Turkish citizenship through a presidential decree. At Karanfiloglu Law Office, we remain actively involved throughout this period, providing regular updates and addressing any queries or additional requirements that may arise, ensuring our clients achieve successful outcomes in their citizenship applications.
Post-Citizenship Rights and Obligations
Once an investor successfully obtains Turkish citizenship, several rights and obligations come into effect. As a Turkish citizen, the individual gains the right to reside and work in Turkey without any restrictions, as per Article 66 of the Turkish Constitution. Additionally, citizenship grants the right to vote in Turkish elections and participate in the political process. It is also important to note the obligations tied to this status, such as mandatory military service for male citizens between the ages of 20 and 41 as stipulated in the Turkish Military Service Law (Law No. 7179). Turkish citizens must also adhere to local tax laws, which include reporting worldwide income and assets, among other responsibilities. At Karanfiloglu Law Office, we ensure our clients are well-informed about these rights and obligations, facilitating a smooth transition to their new status as Turkish citizens.
Foreign investors who become Turkish citizens also benefit from Turkey’s bilateral and multilateral agreements with other countries. These agreements, including those regarding double taxation and social security, can significantly affect your financial and legal responsibilities. For instance, under Turkey’s Double Taxation Agreements, newly naturalized citizens might avoid being taxed twice on income earned abroad. Furthermore, Turkey is a party to numerous social security agreements which can help ensure that social security benefits are transferable between Turkey and the citizen’s country of origin. This can be particularly advantageous for retirees or individuals planning long-term stays in multiple countries. Karanfiloglu Law Office is adept at navigating these international accords, providing our clients with tailored advice on how best to optimize their rights and minimize their obligations.
In addition, Turkish citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, enhancing travel convenience for personal and business purposes. Countries in the Schengen Area, the United States, and Canada may still require a visa, but the Turkish passport’s increasing global reach generally simplifies travel logistics. Partnering with Karanfiloglu Law Office means you receive comprehensive assistance in understanding these visa regulations and optimizing travel arrangements. We also provide ongoing support for clients who need help navigating their newfound rights or fulfilling obligations, ensuring they remain compliant with Turkish laws while fully benefiting from their Turkish citizenship. Our aim is to offer a well-rounded service that continues to benefit our clients well beyond the initial acquisition of citizenship.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and you are strongly advised to consult a legal professional to evaluate your personal situation. No liability is accepted that may arise from the use of the information in this article.
