Foreigners Law in Turkey

1. Ways to Acquire Citizenship in Turkey:

1.1. General Principles for Admission to Citizenship:
The general conditions for admission to Turkish citizenship are: being of legal age and having the capacity to act, residing in Turkey for at least 5 consecutive years, demonstrating the intention to settle in Turkey through conduct, not carrying a contagious disease, having good moral character, possessing sufficient knowledge of Turkish, having income or a profession to support oneself, and not posing a threat to national security and public order.

1.2. Acquisition of Citizenship Through Property Ownership:
To acquire citizenship through property ownership, it is necessary to purchase immovable property worth at least USD 400,000. This property must be registered in the land registry with an annotation that it cannot be sold for 3 years. The purchase price must be brought to Turkey in foreign currency. A certificate of conformity from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change must be obtained.

1.3. Acquisition of Citizenship Through Marriage:
The marriage must have lasted for at least 3 years. A joint life must be maintained. However, if the Turkish citizen spouse dies after the application, this condition is not required. There should be no actions that would harm family unity, and the applicant must not pose a threat to public security.

1.4. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Birth:
A child born within the marriage of Turkish citizen parents is a Turkish citizen.
A child born within the marriage of a Turkish citizen mother and a foreign father is a Turkish citizen.
A child born within the marriage of a Turkish citizen father and a foreign mother is a Turkish citizen, provided that the procedures and principles establishing paternity are fulfilled.
Children born in Turkey to foreign parents within marriage, who do not acquire the citizenship of any country, are Turkish citizens.

1.5. Acquisition of Citizenship Through Long-Term Residence:
Persons who have resided continuously for at least 5 years may apply for citizenship if they meet the general requirements. Those with a permanent residence permit have an easier application process.

2. Ways of Coming to Turkey and Legal Statuses:

2.1. Visa-Free Entry / Tourist Visa:
Turkey allows visa-free entry for up to 90 days for citizens of certain countries. For countries not covered by this, an e-visa or a visa from a consulate is required.
Tourists may be asked for accommodation details, proof of financial means, and other conditions. Exceeding the duration of a tourist visa is considered a visa violation.

2.2. Family Residence Permit:
It can be obtained for the spouse, children under the age of 18, and dependent parents of Turkish citizens or foreigners with a legal residence permit.
According to Article 35 of Law No. 6458, conditions include proof of marriage, income, housing, health insurance, criminal record, etc.

2.3. Student Permit:
Students accepted to a university/school in Turkey can apply.
Students cannot work without a work permit, but graduate students may work in a limited capacity.
The requirements for a student residence permit are regulated in Article 39 of Law No. 6458. In brief, these include an acceptance letter from the school, proof of financial means and accommodation, and health insurance.

2.4. Work Permit:
Obtained through an employer approved by the Ministry. Classified as temporary/permanent, independent work permit, and Turquoise Card.
Unauthorized work may result in administrative fines and the risk of deportation.

2.5. Visa Violation / Illegal Entry Status:
Those whose visas have expired or who entered without a visa are considered “illegal foreigners.”
Sanctions include administrative detention, transfer to a removal center, travel bans (1 to 5 years), or administrative fines.
Voluntary departure may reduce the sanction.