Turkish Citizenship for India

To be eligible for Turkish nationality as an Indian citizen, specific criteria must be met. These requirements include:

• Have lived in Turkey for at least five years.

• Show good medical conditions.

• Have an excellent moral character.

• Show proficiency in the Turkish language.

• Demonstrate adequate financial stability.

• Have no criminal history or involvement in illegal activities, and prove not to be a threat to the national security of Turkey.

There are several routes to obtaining Turkish citizenship, each with its requirements. For instance, individuals can acquire citizenship by birth if they were born in Turkey with at least one Turkish parent or guardian. Another option is naturalisation, which entails living in Turkey for approximately five years and fulfilling other prerequisites. Furthermore, citizenship through marriage is another possibility. If an individual has been married to a Turkish spouse for at least three years, they can apply for citizenship.

In addition to the previously mentioned ways of obtaining Turkish citizenship, there is also an option to acquire it through investment. For instance, an individual can secure citizenship within three months by making a fixed capital investment of ₺7,819,123.45. Alternatively, investing the same amount in Turkish real estate can grant citizenship.

Furthermore, the Turkish government offers citizenship to individuals who have successfully generated employment opportunities for at least 50 people. This option provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors who wish to contribute to Turkey's economic growth while simultaneously gaining citizenship.

Acquiring Turkish citizenship can enable Indian citizens to obtain dual citizenship without renouncing their Indian nationality. Owning a Turkish passport can provide several benefits. Moreover, as Turkish citizens, Indians can purchase property in Turkey and enjoy all the benefits of Turkish citizenship.

• The Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 111 countries and easy access to 26 Schengen countries.

• Turkey is a unique country that blends European and Middle Eastern cultures while providing its citizens with democracy, security, and freedom.

• Turkish citizenship allows for dual citizenship without giving up your original citizenship, and the passport is valid for ten years.

• As a Turkish citizen, you have the right to vote in all types of elections in Turkey.

• There is no discrimination between first and second-degree citizens in Turkey.

• Turkish citizenship can be obtained in as little as three months, and the process is relatively straightforward.

• Turkish citizens and their families are entitled to free medical treatment and education.

• The Turkish passport ranks among the top 30 best passports globally.

• No minimum period of stay in Turkey is required to obtain Turkish citizenship.

If you are an Indian national interested in obtaining Turkish citizenship, the following steps can help you achieve your goal:

- Step 1: Begin by checking your Turkish citizenship eligibility and ensuring you meet all the requirements. You need to download and print Application Form VAT 4.

- Step 2: Complete the application form with accurate information and gather all the required documents.

- Step 3: Submit the application form, documents, and the required fees to the Turkish Provincial Directorate of Immigration office and await their response.

- Step 4: Apply for a Turkish passport once your citizenship is approved.

Here are the documents that Indian applicants need to submit while applying for Turkish citizenship:

• Valid passport and copies of all passport pages

• Completed application form

• Four biometric photographs

• Criminal record certificate

• Turkish language proficiency certificate

• Birth certificate or equivalent document

• Marriage certificate, if applicable

• Proof of income or financial ability to support oneself in Turkey

• Residence permit

• Certificate of military service or exemption, if applicable

Additional Documents for Citizenship by Investment

• A notarised copy of the title deed (Tapu) of the acquired property or the selling contract.

• A legal and authentic property evaluation report issued by a government-licensed evaluation institution with a validity period of 3 months. The value should not exceed the value recorded in the title deed, and there is a specific issuance cost. The report can be obtained within 2 or 3 working days.

• Original payment receipts from the buyer's account, stamped with a live seal from the sending bank.

• Original receivables from the seller's account, stamped with a live seal from the receiving bank. These receipts are the approved proof that the property's value has been paid and transferred from the seller's account to the buyer's.

• Two copies of a power of attorney for the citizenship application will be submitted with the citizenship file and followed up with the official departments. The investor must grant this to the legal team. A notary public in Turkey (Notre) regulates the agency.

• If the investor's spouse is also applying for naturalisation, a similar agency must be submitted for each spouse. Alternatively, a joint agency can be organised for the client and their spouse.

• Translation of the passport into Turkish, certified by a notary public in Turkey (Notre) for every family member, including the husband, wife, and children under 18 years.

To avoid the rejection of your Turkish citizenship application, it's crucial to be aware of common mistakes and take steps to prevent them. Some common mistakes to avoid include the following:

• Application Errors: Applicants must ensure the accuracy of the information provided in the application form. All form sections must be completed accurately, and no information should be left incomplete or incorrectly entered. Therefore, applicants need to pay close attention to these details to prevent rejection of their application.

• Invalid Documents: Ensuring that every document submitted with the application is valid and authentic is crucial. Immigration experts carefully scrutinise each document, and any invalid or fraudulent evidence can quickly come to their notice during the investigation. Therefore, applicants must be diligent in verifying the authenticity and validity of each document before submission. Failing to do so can be a significant reason for rejecting citizenship applications.

• Financial Instability: Having a stable job and a reliable source of income is crucial. The immigration experts will scrutinise your financial records, including tax and utility bills, to assess your financial stability. Any outstanding bills or tax issues can lead to the rejection of your application. Therefore, you must clear all your financial obligations before applying for citizenship.

• Criminal Offence: To avoid rejection, applicants must have a good moral character, as it is one of the eligibility conditions for Turkish citizenship. A past or ongoing criminal record can pose a significant obstacle in getting approval. As a result, applicants should abide by Turkish law and avoid engaging in any criminal offences.

Indian nationals can check the status of their Turkish citizenship application online through the Turkish Ministry of Interior's e-Devlet system. To access the e-Devlet system, applicants must have a Turkish national identification number (T.C. Kimlik Numarası) and a password. After you have these, proceed as follows:

• Visit the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Interior.

• Fill in the required information in the provided fields. The first field requires the application number, which can be obtained from the application confirmation document.

• In the second field, enter the applicant’s date of birth (investor).

• Complete the reCAPTCHA verification by clicking the “I’m not a robot” checkbox.

• Click the “Search” (Sorgula) button to check the application status.

The Republic of Turkey is a beautiful country with a rich history and many interesting facts. Here are some of them:

• The first-ever Christian church is believed to have been located in Antakya, Turkey. The Grotto of St Peter, situated outside Antakya, is said to have been created by Jesus' disciple Simon Peter. It is the world's oldest known place of Christian worship, and you can still visit the church today to see the traces of ancient decoration.

• Patara, Turkey, is the birthplace of St Nicholas. He is the historical figure behind the man we know as Santa Claus. St Nicholas was born in Patara around 300 AD and is known for performing many miracles in his lifetime, including saving sinking ships and sailors.

• In 1503, Leonardo da Vinci proposed a bridge over the Golden Horn, the inlet of the Bosphorus that separates Istanbul (then referred to as Constantinople). Even though the bridge was never completed, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan revealed some years ago that a volunteer initiative was beginning to bring Da Vinci's blueprints to fruition.

• Turkey accounts for 75% of global hazelnut exports. Most of the world's hazelnuts are grown in the Mediterranean basin, specifically in Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Spain. Several Turkish pastries, such as baklava, contain nuts.

• Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest markets in the world, with 64 streets and 4,000 shops. Up to 400,000 visitors a day come to the market, often described as one of the oldest shopping malls. The market's open from Monday to Saturday (9:00 AM to 7:00 PM).

• Turkish language enthusiasts may know that the longest word in Turkish is "Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebileceklerimizdenmişsinizcesine," which has a whopping 70 letters. The word roughly translates to "As if you are one of those whom we may not be able to make into a maker of unsuccessful ones easily." It's worth noting, however, that this word is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It was explicitly created for a story and is not part of standard Turkish vocabulary.

To ensure that you have the best possible experience as a Turkish citizen, it's essential to be aware of what you should do and what you should be cautious of. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• While visiting holy places, dress appropriately, covering your shoulders and legs and, for ladies, covering your head is mandatory.

• Keep a watch on your possessions, especially in a crowded place.

• Observe local traditions and customs, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home.

• Avoid making offensive or critical remarks about Turkish culture, customs, or religion. It is impolite and may offend Turkish people.

• Avoid consuming alcohol in public, especially during Ramadan, when many residents fast.

• Obey road laws and avoid jaywalking.

• Avoid PDA, such as kissing or hugging.

• You must remove your shoes before entering a mosque or religious venue.

• While bargaining at markets, don't be overly aggressive; this might be perceived as impolite and lead to trouble.

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Does a child born in Turkey automatically acquire Turkish citizenship by birth?

Children born in Turkey to one or both Turkish parents are automatically granted Turkish citizenship at birth. Furthermore, children who Turkish parents adopt can also obtain Turkish citizenship. Children born outside of Turkey to at least one Turkish parent or grandparent are eligible to acquire Turkish citizenship by descent. However, if both parents are non-citizens, the child may apply for citizenship once they turn 18 years.

Is dual citizenship allowed in Turkey?

Turkey allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship, meaning they can obtain Turkish citizenship without giving up their previous nationality. However, Indian citizens should note that India does not recognise dual citizenship. Hence, Indian applicants who acquire Turkish citizenship will have to renounce their Indian nationality.

What is the average duration of the Turkish citizenship application process?

The time it takes to complete the Turkish citizenship application procedure varies based on the kind of application. If a person applies for citizenship by investment, the process can be finished in 2 to 3 months. Yet, if a person applies for citizenship by ancestry, the procedure might take several months or a year. The time required is also determined by the relevant agencies' workload and the completeness and quality of the application and supporting papers supplied.

Can an Indian national purchase citizenship in Turkey?

To acquire Turkish citizenship, Indian citizens can invest in various ways, such as Turkish real estate, government bonds, a Turkish bank, or a direct capital transfer. However, a minimum investment of around $4,00,000 to $5,00,000 is required, which varies based on the type of investment the applicant chooses.

What is the processing charge for a Turkish citizenship application?

Turkish citizenship applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee to the Turkish government. As of April 2023, the processing fee for a standard Turkish citizenship application is the same for all nationalities, including Indian citizens, and is 15,000 Turkish Liras (approximately $1,800).

Do I need motor insurance to drive in the Republic of Turkey?

If you are planning to drive in Turkey, it's essential to know that all vehicles are required to have compulsory traffic insurance, known as "zorunlu trafik sigortası". This type of insurance covers the cost of damage to the other car in case of an accident.

However, if you want more comprehensive coverage, you can also take out an additional type of vehicle insurance called "kasko". This type of insurance covers not only the damage caused to other cars but also covers fire, theft and vandalism. It's a good idea to consider taking out kasko insurance if you want extra protection for your own vehicle.

Why are Indian entrepreneurs or business owners acquiring Turkish citizenship?

Becoming a Turkish citizen offers significant advantages, especially regarding business opportunities. Turkey is emerging as a major economic powerhouse, and its strategic location between Europe, Asia, and the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region makes it an ideal place for running a global enterprise.