I have seen few articles published in newspapers regarding this issue, but I have received e-mails from readers posing the question. Therefore I would like to share an e-mail with you and follow it up with an answer. The e-mail is as follows: “Dear sir, I found your article on the acquisition of property by foreigners extremely interesting but the article alongside it on ‘how to become a Turkish citizen’ posed a question which you will no doubt be able to shed some light on. Amongst the expat community there is a concern that it appears that unless the husband of the family is able to gain Turkish citizenship, the wife will be unable to do so. As an example, unless the husband of a family, living permanently and owning immovable property in Turkey and a resident for more than five years, is able to learn Turkish and become a Turkish citizen, the wife would be unable to gain Turkish citizenship of her own accord.”The Turkish Nationality Code No. 403 governs the issue of citizenship. Turkish nationality is primarily based on jus sanguis, the principle of blood ties. Foreigners are entitled to acquire Turkish nationality as well on the basis of certain circumstances: residence, marriage, birth and the intention to settle permanently. Dual citizenship is also possible according to the Turkish Nationality Code; however, if your country of origin does not accept dual citizenship, you will lose your first citizenship. Therefore, you should be really careful and know the legislation of your current citizenship before applying for Turkish citizenship.
There are two different ways of acquiring Turkish citizenship according to legislation. First, the general way to acquire nationality involves the following:
Be of the age of consent according to his/her own national legal system (usually 18).
Have resided in Turkey for the last five years without any interruptions.
Have the intention of settling in Turkey and prove this intention with action.
Prove that s/he has sufficient financial resources to support herself/himself and his/her family in Turkey.
Speak an adequate level of Turkish.
Be of good moral character.
Not carry any disease that may affect the general health of society.
These requirements are stated in Article 6 of the Turkish Nationality Code. Article 7 lists the exceptions to this rule, bringing us to the second way of acquiring nationality. However, one must still have the above-mentioned conditions with the exception of the five-year residence period and an indication of the will to remain in Turkey. Those who can acquire Turkish nationality without the two conditions include the following:
Children no longer considered dependants (18) of those who have lost their Turkish citizenship.
Those of Turkish origin, as well as their spouses and children who are no longer considered dependants (18).
Those that will bring into Turkey new economic, scientific, technological or artistic developments, and
Those who are married to a Turkish national.
In light of this information, if one has acquired Turkish nationality before marriage and his/her spouse is a foreigner, s/he will be given citizenship after three years of marriage. Otherwise, the spouse has to fulfill the same requirements asked of every non-national.
If you fulfill all the requirements, apply through the Turkish Consulate in your country or if you reside in Turkey, go through the Birth Registration and Citizenship Office. The Turkish Interior Ministry will process the application and interview the applicant.
NOTE: Berk Çektir is a licensed attorney at law and available to answer questions on the legal aspects of living in Turkey. Send enquiries to b.cektir@todayszaman.com. The names of the readers are disclosed only upon written approval of the sender.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is intended to give basic legal information. You should get legal assistance from a licensed attorney at law while conducting legal transactions and not just rely on the information in this corner.
