Obtaining Turkish citizenship is an appealing opportunity for foreigners who want to invest, build a business, or live in a country with a dynamic economy. However, behind the seemingly straightforward process lies a multitude of bureaucratic nuances — many of which are obvious only to those who work professionally in Turkish immigration law. Choosing the wrong legal basis, inaccurate translations, or errors in documentation can not only delay the application but also lead to a refusal. To avoid these complications, many applicants turn to a lawyer in Alanya or another city in the country. In this article, we take a close look at the most common mistakes foreigners make when applying and explain why legal assistance is crucial for successfully obtaining a Turkish passport.
Ways to Obtain Turkish Citizenship
Turkey offers several official pathways for foreigners seeking citizenship. Each option has its own conditions, timeframes, and required documents. The most common grounds include:
- investment in real estate or business;
- establishing a company and working in Turkey;
- long-term legal residence;
- marriage to a Turkish citizen;
- contributing to the economy or purchasing government bonds.
All of these routes require strict compliance with the relevant rules. For example, when applying through investment, the property must meet the legally required minimum value — starting from USD 400,000. A single mistake at any stage can result in rejection, whereas working with a lawyer significantly reduces the risks.
Difficulties Faced by Applicants Who Submit Documents on Their Own
Filing documents independently with the Migration Office often turns out to be more complicated than applicants expect. A lack of understanding of legislation and procedures leads to typical mistakes — an incomplete or improperly prepared document package, inaccuracies in translations or apostilles, choosing a property that does not meet the investment program criteria, and more. However, there are pitfalls that are not at all obvious to the average applicant:
- Restrictions on property sales to foreigners in specific zones. Even if a property meets the price requirement, the government may prohibit the purchase due to military, strategic, or environmental reasons.
- A mismatch between the property’s declared price and its actual value. The cadastral value often differs from the market price, which may automatically disqualify an applicant.
- Undisclosed encumbrances or mortgage records. Some restrictions are not always visible in standard registry extracts.
- The risk of the transaction being deemed “artificial.” If authorities believe the price was inflated solely to meet requirements, the application may be denied.
- Issues with the source of funds. Turkish authorities increasingly demand proof of the legal origin of investment money, and any inconsistency can halt the process.
- Migration Office requirements that change without public announcements. Lawyers monitor such updates almost in real time.
- Stricter scrutiny for spouses applying through marriage. This can include separate interviews and an analysis of shared expenses.
Why Legal Support Is the Key to Successfully Obtaining Citizenship
A lawyer does far more than simply advise on the citizenship procedure — he or she manages the entire process for the foreign applicant. This includes coordinating each stage, eliminating risks, and saving the client time. Legal support typically covers:
- selecting the most suitable pathway based on the applicant’s goals and circumstances;
- checking the legal status of the property and the conditions of the transaction;
- guiding the client from the first consultation to passport issuance;
- preparing a complete and accurate document package;
- communicating with government authorities on the client’s behalf;
- monitoring legislative changes and adjusting the process accordingly;
- tracking deadlines and preventing errors that could affect the outcome.
If you are considering obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment, seeking assistance from the experts at Tuncay & Barcın Law Office is a smart choice. The firm’s lawyers have in-depth expertise in international immigration law and many years of experience supporting foreign investors. Their professional guidance will help you avoid hidden risks and ensure a transparent and secure path to your new status in the Republic of Turkey.
