The process of obtaining a residence permit and citizenship in Turkey offers a number of ways to ensure foreigners' rights to live, work and invest in Turkey. Here are these ways:
1. Citizenship by Investment: Foreigners who purchase real estate worth at least 400,000 USD in Turkey or invest at least 500,000 USD can obtain Turkish citizenship, provided that they do not touch their investments for 3 years. It is not mandatory to travel to Turkey to obtain citizenship with this method. Applications can be made through lawyers by providing a power of attorney.
2. Turquoise Card System: It is a system that gives work and residence permits to people such as scientists, artists, athletes or foreign investors who can contribute to Turkey. Turquoise card holders can also apply for Turkish citizenship.
3. Citizenship by Adoption: Foreign children who are adopted by a person who is a Turkish citizen or who are adopted by one of the parents who is a Turkish citizen during the adoption process, become Turkish citizens directly.
4. TRNC Citizenship Acquisition of Citizens: People who are citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and have resided in Turkey uninterruptedly for 5 years can apply for Turkish citizenship.
5. Acquiring Citizenship with the Right to Choose: People who are the children of one of the parents who are Turkish citizens by birth or later and who are citizens of another country by birth, can choose Turkish citizenship when they reach the age of 18.
6. Acquiring Citizenship with a Residence Permit: People who have resided in Turkey uninterruptedly for 5 years and provide documents proving that they have adapted to Turkish culture can apply for Turkish citizenship. During this period, you should not be outside Türkiye for more than 6 months in total.
There are different types of residence permits to obtain a residence permit in Turkey. The most common among these are:
1. Short-Term Residence Permit: It is a residence permit given for reasons such as touristic purposes, commercial activities, receiving education or conducting research. It is granted for a maximum of 2 years and can be extended.
2. Family Residence Permit: It is a residence permit given to foreigners who are married to a Turkish citizen or a residence permit holder or who have children under 18 years of age. It is granted for a maximum of 3 years and can be extended.
3. Student Residence Permit: It is a residence permit given to students registered in formal or non-formal education institutions in Turkey. It is valid for the duration of the training and can be extended.
4. Long-Term Residence Permit: It is a residence permit given to foreigners who have resided in Turkey uninterruptedly for 8 years and meet criteria such as social security, income, health and education. It is issued indefinitely and is valid unless canceled.
Foreigners who want to obtain a residence permit or citizenship in Turkey can apply online at e-ikamet, the official website of the Directorate of Immigration Management. The documents and fees required for application vary depending on the application type. They can also follow the application results on the same website.