Changes in Turkish Citizenship Applications and Residence Permit Applications through Investment
Since 2024, several changes have been implemented regarding Turkish citizenship and residence permit applications. For those seeking Turkish citizenship through investment, the process now begins with applying for a residence permit. Once the residence permit is approved, the applicant can proceed with the citizenship application. In February 2023, a key change was introduced requiring investors to visit Turkey and provide their fingerprints at the Fatih Immigration Office as part of the application process.
As of 2024, significant changes have been introduced to the Turkish citizenship and residence permit application process. Investors are now required to attend both the residence permit and citizenship application appointments in person. For all applications submitted after these changes, both the investor and their spouse (if married) must provide fingerprints in Turkey and personally submit the residence permit application to the Immigration Administration.
Additionally, a new requirement mandates that applicants and their spouses provide a criminal record from their home country or the country where they legally reside—documents that were not required in previous residence applications. These updates aim to introduce a preliminary screening process for those intending to live in Turkey and apply for Turkish citizenship.
- A criminal record from the investor’s country of citizenship or legal residence must be included in the residence permit application file.
- Before submitting the residence permit application, the investor and their spouse are required to visit Turkey to provide fingerprints.
- The investor and their spouse must be physically present in Turkey during the residence permit application process.
- Likewise, both the investor and their spouse must be in Turkey for the citizenship application.
Here are the most important changes to the Turkish citizenship and residence permit application process as of 2024:
One of the most notable updates is the requirement for investors and their spouses to attend both the residence permit and citizenship application appointments in person. This means that physical presence in Turkey is now mandatory at multiple stages of the process:
Residence Permit Application: Both the investor and their spouse must be in Turkey to submit the residence permit application and provide fingerprints. The initial step of applying for a residence permit is essential for those pursuing citizenship through investment.
Citizenship Application: Once the residence permit is approved, the investor and spouse must again be in Turkey to apply for citizenship. The in-person requirement emphasizes the importance of physical presence during the entire application process.
Another key change introduced in 2024 is the requirement for investors and their spouses to provide fingerprints at the Fatih Immigration Office in Turkey. This step, which became mandatory with the 2023 practice change, adds an additional layer of biometric verification to the process, ensuring greater security and accuracy in applications.
A significant addition to the residence permit application process is the requirement to submit a criminal record for both the investor and their spouse. This document must be obtained from the country where the applicant holds citizenship or legally resides. Previously, this was not required, but the new change aims to strengthen background checks and ensure that individuals applying to live in Turkey meet security and legal standards.
The recent changes also reflect a broader effort by Turkish authorities to implement more thorough preliminary screenings for individuals seeking to live in Turkey and eventually acquire citizenship. By requiring criminal records and biometric data, the government ensures that the citizenship process is more secure and transparent.
The amendments introduced in 2024 are designed to tighten the application process and ensure that only qualified individuals gain residence and citizenship in Turkey. With an increase in foreign investment and interest in Turkish citizenship, the government is focusing on maintaining high security and legal standards. These new measures serve to protect the integrity of Turkey’s citizenship program while offering investors a more structured path to citizenship.
For investors seeking Turkish citizenship through property or financial investment, these changes are crucial. While the process may now involve more steps and documentation, it remains a viable and attractive option for those willing to comply with the updated requirements. Ensuring that you and your spouse can be present in Turkey during key application phases and obtaining the necessary criminal records will streamline your journey toward Turkish citizenship.
Istanbul Property
Turkey’s updated citizenship and residence permit application process reflects a commitment to security, transparency, and fairness. As of 2024, investors need to be aware of the in-person attendance, fingerprinting, and criminal record requirements when applying for citizenship through investment. By understanding and following these new procedures, investors can continue to benefit from Turkey’s thriving real estate market and enjoy the advantages of Turkish citizenship.
