Foreigners who have resided continuously in Turkey for 5 years may have the right to apply for Turkish citizenship. So, how to obtain Turkish citizenship through 5 years of residence and what should be considered in this process? In this guide, we will explain step by step the points to be considered in the application process. Before reading our article, you can read our article on Residence Permit in Turkey: Application Process and Required Conditions.
Points to Consider:
- Ensure that your residence permit is legal and continuous.
- Take care that documents are complete and accurate during application.
- Continuous residence for 5 years is mandatory; long-term exits abroad may negatively affect the application.
Calculation of 5 Years Continuous Residence Period
The 5-year continuous residence period prior to the application date is a fundamental condition for citizenship application. This period is calculated backwards from the application date and the person must be legally present in Turkey with a residence permit. Exits abroad exceeding 6 months may interrupt this period.
Points to Consider:
- Avoid long-term exits abroad that would disrupt the continuous residence period.
- Do not neglect to renew your residence permit and be careful not to experience any interruption.
How to Apply for Citizenship Through 5 Years of Residence?
Citizenship application is made to the Provincial Directorates of Population and Citizenship in the province where the person resides. In the application process, there are stages such as complete preparation of required documents, participation in interview, and security investigation.
Points to Consider:
- Prepare application documents completely.
- Check that documents are legal and current.
- Ensure that your Turkish is at a sufficient level for interviews.
Required Documents to Obtain Citizenship Through 5 Years of Residence
Which documents are required is listed in Article 17 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law as follows:
- Form petition containing the request,
- 2 biometric photographs,
- Document showing the person’s citizenship such as passport, or if stateless, document related to this,
- Document showing identity information such as birth certificate, population registry sample, and if married, document showing family ties regarding spouse and children,
- Document showing marital status. (If the person is divorced, document proving this; if widowed, death certificate of spouse),
- Document showing the foreigner’s 1st and 2nd degree Turkish citizen relatives (This document is not required if there are no relatives.)
- Medical report stating that the applicant does not carry a disease that would endanger public health,
- Document related to income or profession (proving that they have income or are working) such as work permit, tax plate, undertaking, etc.
- Document showing entries/exits to the country to be obtained from the provincial security directorate. (To determine that the applicant has resided in Turkey for 5 years.)
- Residence permit valid for a period sufficient to finalize citizenship-related procedures after the application date.
- If the applicant has committed any crime before, certified copy of the finalized court decision about it,
- Receipt showing that the service fee has been paid. (The fee is deposited to the treasury cashier).
Points to Consider:
- Prepare all documents completely and with accurate information.
- Ensure that your criminal record is clean.
- Check that your income documents are legal and valid during application.
Turkish Citizenship Application Stages Through 5 Years of Residence
The stages that must be carried out by the applicant are, in order, as follows:
- Complete fulfillment of the conditions required for citizenship,
- Preparation of application documents completely and accurately,
- Deposit of service fee to the treasury cashier,
- Application to the governorate with documents,
- Completion of documents if they are incomplete,
- Passing the interview.
The procedures carried out by the administration can be listed as follows:
- Receipt of application,
- Taking and scanning fingerprints,
- Completion of provincial investigation,
- Sending documents to the commission,
- Sending documents to the general directorate,
- Conducting preliminary examination,
- Completion of examination,
- Conducting archival research,
- Conducting research evaluation,
- Placement in the section to be added to the list,
- Addition to the list,
- Decision making.
Points to Consider:
- Ensure that each stage is carefully followed.
- Ensure that your background is clean during security investigation.
- It is important that you can speak Turkish at a sufficient level for the citizenship interview.
How Long Does Citizenship Application Through 5 Years of Residence Take?
Citizenship application generally concludes between 6 months and 3 years. This period may vary depending on the applicant’s situation and whether the application is complete. The examination process of the application and security investigation are factors affecting this time.
Points to Consider:
- Ensure that there are no missing documents in the application process.
- Consider that security investigation and other examination stages may take time.
- If the process is prolonged, ensure that you follow up on your application.
Objection and Annulment Lawsuit Against Rejection of Citizenship Application Through 5 Years of Residence
Citizenship application through 5 years of residence may be rejected by the Commission for various reasons. Foremost among these is that the applicant does not meet the conditions required by the Law. Apart from this, especially deficiencies in documents or improper conduct of the application process may also cause rejection of the request.
If the Commission rejects the citizenship application as a result of its evaluation, this decision is notified to the applicant. Thereupon, within 60 days from the day following notification of the decision, the rejection decision can be objected to or a lawsuit can be filed.
The objection authority is the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, while the lawsuit authority is administrative courts.
Points to Consider:
- Learn the reason for rejection clearly.
- Manage the objection process by obtaining legal consultancy.
- Make necessary corrections to eliminate the reasons for rejection of your application.
Status of Spouse and Children in Acquiring Citizenship Through 5 Years of Residence
The applicant’s spouse and children can also acquire citizenship within the scope of the application. However, these persons must also not have any situation contrary to national security and public order.
Points to Consider:
- For spouse and children to be included in the application, their legal status must also be checked.
- Ensure that all documents of family members are complete and accurate.
Citizenship with Work Permit
Foreigners who have a work permit in Turkey can apply for citizenship if they have resided continuously for 5 years with their work permits. The work permit is proof of your legal presence in Turkey during the residence period.
Points to Consider:
- Renew your work permit regularly and do not allow it to expire.
- Ensure that you work legally during the work permit period and fulfill your tax obligations.
Why Should You Choose Us?
The Turkish citizenship application process through 5 years of residence in Turkey is a complex process requiring attention. To achieve a successful result in this process, accurate information and guidance are very important. Reasons to choose us:
- Expertise and Experience: We have many years of experience in foreigners law and Turkish citizenship applications. We provide reliable and professional service to our clients in all kinds of legal difficulties.
- Personalized Service: Each individual’s situation is different and therefore we prepare a special roadmap for each of our clients. We determine the most accurate application strategy by producing solutions suitable for your needs.
- Fast and Complete Application: We ensure that your application is made quickly and completely. We ensure that the process is accelerated and completed smoothly by preparing your documents completely and accurately.
- Application Follow-up: We closely follow every stage of your application throughout the process and provide you with regular information. We work carefully to ensure that there are no delays or problems.
- Legal Support: We provide you with full legal support in cases such as rejection of your application or request for additional documents. We stand by you in your objection and annulment lawsuits.
In conclusion, foreigners who meet the 5 years continuous residence period and other conditions can apply for Turkish citizenship. The process of acquiring citizenship after long-term residence concludes by going through certain stages, and applying with correct documents ensures rapid progress of the process. Working with a team that professionally manages this process for you can make the process smoother.
