Like many countries, Turkey has introduced various immigration streams that make it easier for people who want to move to Turkey to become residents and even citizens. But even if you are looking for a new place to call home, what are the benefits of making Turkey your new home? Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of being a Turkish citizen.

Turkey

Turkey is a unique country that is located on two continents. Some of it is officially in Asia, and some are in Europe.

It’s also one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history that spans millennia.

Today, Turkey is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place where you can find fishing villages, mega cities and sleepy little towns. You can buy every modern convenience and indulgence but also take a bath in a traditional hammam and walk through streets that have not changed in centuries.

Turkey offers all the modern conveniences of home but is much more affordable for most ex-pats, which makes it a popular destination for retirees and digital nomads.

How to Become a Turkish Citizen?

There are several ways you can become a Turkish citizen.

First, of course, if you are born in Turkey, you are automatically a Turkish citizen. You could also marry a Turkish citizen, or you could live or work in Turkey as a legal resident and then apply for naturalization after five years.

There’s also a program for outstanding achievements in science, the arts or sport, and probably the most popular, citizenship by investment. This is a program where you make an investment starting at 250,000 USD in one of several programs, and once approved, you become a citizen of Turkey immediately.

By far, the quickest and easiest way to become a Turkish citizen is the last one on this list, so if you can afford the investment, it’s a great choice.

The Main Benefits of the Turkish Passport

You might be wondering if it’s worth becoming a Turkish citizen. What are the benefits of being a Turkish citizen? There are actually several benefits of Turkish citizenship. Let’s take a closer look at a few of them.

High Living Standard

Turkey might have a history that spans many centuries, but it’s also a thoroughly modern country, with all the conveniences and amenities you might expect in any other European country.

You can expect a high level of security, excellent healthcare, fantastic business opportunities and more.

In large Turkish cities like Istanbul, you will find all the prominent boutiques you would find in any other big city, as well as fantastic historical and cultural monuments. There are some amazing waterways to explore and many once-in-a-lifetime experiences to enjoy.

The cost of living in Turkey is also very favourable compared to many places in Europe, so that you can get more for your money.

The E2 Visa

Another significant benefit of Turkish citizenship is that Turkey has an E2 visa agreement with the USA. This means that people who are intending to start or join a business in America can get a residency permit for themselves and their families for five years.

This allows Turkish citizens to live and work in America and potentially, if they meet all immigration requirements, to apply for citizenship in the USA too.

Easy Access to EU

Turkey is unique in that it is both an Asian and a European country. It’s not part of the EU yet, but if you’re a Turkish citizen, you can enjoy visa-free travel to many European countries, and they’re very easy to reach from Turkish airports and by road.

Many people who move to Turkey also come from European countries, and since Turkey allows dual and even multiple citizenships, you can retain your home country’s passport. This makes planning visits home for the holidays or for any other reason a lot easier!

In fact, Turkey shares borders with several European countries, including Greece, Bulgaria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

High-Quality Education

Turkey has a great education system, with primary, secondary and tertiary institutions that are on par with the best in the world.

Many local schools offer tuition in Turkish, but there are also private international schools where the children of ex-pats are taught in English – at least until they learn enough Turkish to attend a public school!

There are many universities, colleges and other tertiary institutions in Turkey, and many are considered world leaders in various fields of study.

Retirement Rights

If you choose not to take advantage of the immigration by investment option to retire in Turkey, you can still move to Turkey as a temporary resident. This allows you to live in Turkey. Once you have been a resident for five years, and once you meet immigration requirements, you can then apply for Turkish citizenship by naturalization.

There is a growing community of ex-pat retirees in Turkey that are taking advantage of the great weather and affordable cost of living.

Fast-Growing Economy

Turkey has a very fast-growing economy, and there’s a lot of opportunity for business. There were also some recent discoveries of natural resources in the country, which will bolster the local economy in the very near future.

This means that anyone looking to move to a country where they can start a business will find themselves right at home in Turkey.

FAQ

How long does it take to become a citizen of Turkey by investment?

Immigration processes are not known for being fast, but the Turkish citizenship by investment program is different. Provided you meet all the requirements, you can have your new Turkish passport within about 90 to 120 days, although some people might wait as long as six months.

Can I bring my family with me?

Absolutely. If you are considering applying for Turkish citizenship by investment, your family can take advantage of being a Turkish citizen. That includes your spouse or partner, your minor or dependent children, and once you are a citizen, you can apply for residency permits for your parents too.

Will my children born in Turkey be Turkish?

Yes. Once you are a Turkish citizen, any children you have in Turkey will automatically be Turkish. However, since Turkey recognizes dual and multiple citizenships, you can also apply for citizenship in your home country for your children.

How powerful is the Turkish passport?

While the Turkish passport isn’t the strongest in the world, it does give you visa-free travel options to over 110 countries around the world. This means that if you love to travel, you should have no problem doing it on a Turkish passport!

Is it easy to apply for Turkish Citizenship by investment?

Absolutely. As far as immigration goes, the Turkish citizenship by investment program is one of the quickest and easiest. If you have the money to invest and meet the criminality and other immigration requirements, you could call Turkey home in just a few short months.

One of the options for Turkish citizenship by investment programs is an investment in real estate. This means that you not only get quick and easy immigration, but you also get a tangible asset that you can also live in!

Will I need to learn Turkish?

If you live in a big city, particularly the European side of Istanbul, you will not have any trouble using English. However, in smaller towns and more remote parts of the country, you might find that you need to be at least conversational in Turkish. Fortunately, the Turkish people are very friendly and will help you to master trickier phrases.

Will I have to learn to love Turkish food

Turkish food is actually quite delicious, with a mixture of Mediterranean and Arabic influences. However, if you’re not a fan of trying new things, you don’t have to learn to love Turkish cuisine. You can find everything from sushi to barbecue and chain restaurants in Turkey, so you won’t be disappointed if you’d rather have KFC than hummus!

What should I bring with me when I move to Turkey?

If you plan to make a permanent home in Turkey, you probably want to consider what you take with you very carefully. The cost to ship household items can be very high, so if it’s not very valuable and doesn’t have any sentimental value, you might want to consider selling them and buying a replacement when you arrive.

Can I work in my field in Turkey?

That depends on what your field is. Some internationally trained professionals might need to complete.