Documents Required for Applying for Turkish Citizenship: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you considering applying for Turkish citizenship? To streamline the process, you’ll need to gather specific documents that meet Turkish legal requirements. This guide provides a clear list of all the documents required for Turkish citizenship and helpful tips to ensure your application succeeds.

Key Documents for Turkish Citizenship Application

1. Completed Application Form
First, begin by filling out the application form, which should clearly state your request for Turkish citizenship.

2. Passport or Equivalent Document
You’ll need a valid passport. However, if you’re stateless, include documentation that confirms your statelessness.

3. Marital Status Certificate
Your application should also include documentation of your marital status. Submit a marriage certificate if married, a divorce certificate if divorced, or a spouse’s death certificate if widowed.

4. Applicant’s Identity Information
Next, provide your birth certificate or an identity register copy. This will verify your personal information.

5. Family Identity Register (for Married Applicants)
If you’re married, include an identity register copy or a similar document that shows family bonds with your spouse and children.

6. Consent for Minors (Under 18)
If you are applying for citizenship for a child under 18, obtain a consent deed from the other parent. Ensure the deed is notarized in Turkey or verified by a Turkish representative office abroad. Remember to provide a Turkish notarized translation.

7. Proof of Turkish Citizenship Among Relatives (if applicable)
If you have first or second-degree relatives who are Turkish citizens, add their identity register copies to your application.

8. Birth Date Completion (if lacking)
In case your birth date lacks a month or day, provide a document from your country’s authorities. However, if you can’t obtain this document, include a signed declaration agreeing to birthdate adjustments per Article 39 of Law No. 5490 on Civil Registration Services.

9. Proof of Service Fee Payment
Additionally, include a receipt that shows you’ve paid the application service fee to the designated financial office.

10. Medical Report
Attach a medical report if needed for health-related requirements.

11. Biometric Photographs
Provide two recent biometric photographs on a white background.

12. Notarized Turkish Translations
Translate all foreign documents into Turkish and have them notarized.

13. Trust Deed
If relevant, add a trust deed to confirm any commitments related to your Turkish citizenship application.

Application Processing and Presidential Approval

After gathering and verifying all documents, submit your application to the relevant Turkish authorities. Then, they will review your eligibility for Turkish citizenship. If you meet all criteria, you may gain citizenship through a presidential decision, as outlined in Article 12/1-b of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.

Additional Tips for a Successful Application

• Double-Check Document Validity: Make sure each document is up-to-date and complies with Turkish regulations.
• Notarization is Key: Notarize all foreign documents and include Turkish translations where needed.
• Consult a Legal Expert: For complex cases or unique family situations, consider consulting an immigration lawyer.

By following this checklist and preparing carefully, you’ll improve your path to Turkish citizenship and increase your chances of a smooth application process.