European citizenship for Turkish nationals: your pathway to new opportunities

Many Turkish citizens, according to reviews, are seeking citizenship in the European Union. The reasons for obtaining an EU passport are numerous travel and work opportunities, as it gives the privilege of free movement, residence and employment in any state of Europe. Most Turks are interested in acquiring European citizenship because of the benefits it offers:

  • Visa-free access to more than 170 countries around the world (compared to 117 destinations for Turkish passport holders as of 2024);
  • The opportunity to gain new career prospects and professional skills in the European market;
  • Access to simplified business registration procedures in the EU;
  • The possibility to open an account in European banks, thus gaining access to loans at favorable interest rates;
  • Access to preferential conditions to study at EU universities;
  • Freedom to live in the European Union and enjoy the same rights as its residents.

Immigration is a complex legal process involving a lot of paperwork and communication with foreign authorities. As the application procedures require a good understanding of the legislation, thorough preparation and language proficiency in the target country, many Turks are discouraged from moving to the EU.

According to statistics from Macrotrends, Turkey's net migration rate has been declining since 2021. This means that more people are leaving the country than are arriving. Most Turks immigrate to the European Union not only in search of job opportunities, but also for permanent residence by obtaining EU citizenship.

European citizenship for Turkish nationals - how to get

Package of documents and application process

The process of obtaining European citizenship for Turkish nationals is no different from that for people from other countries. It is strictly regulated by the legislation of each state, and it is necessary to understand the order of actions clearly to avoid rejection.

The first thing a Turkish citizen must do before relocating to the EU is to choose the immigration program under which they want to settle. These vary between countries, but three of the most popular ones are:

  • Naturalization;
  • Repatriation;
  • Investment.

Each method involves different procedures. It is necessary to study every immigration program in detail in order to choose the most suitable one. All the procedures for obtaining citizenship can be researched by visiting the consulate of the chosen EU country or by checking its official website. However, the legal nuances of obtaining EU citizenship are not described there. You can gather information about these details from the migrants’ reviews or by contacting experts for consultation.

The next step is collecting the documents. In order to apply for EU citizenship, Turkish residents need to know exactly the list of certificates that need to be gathered and prepared for submission. This is the most responsible stage of the immigration process. Collecting an incomplete set of documents, as well as incompetent translations and certifications, will result in rejection.

The required list of certificates varies from country to country. In any case it is necessary to collect and check the suitability of these documents:

  • Turkish ID card;
  • International passport;
  • Photographs of a prescribed standard (usually two items sized 3.5 x 4.5);
  • Baptismal and birth certificates;
  • Autobiography;
  • Bank statement indicating source of income;
  • Certificate of no criminal records.

Collected documents should also be prepared for submission. This includes translating some certificates into a foreign language and notarizing them. These procedures should be handled by competent and qualified experts. European officials monitor the quality of documents submitted very carefully and do not tolerate mistakes. Therefore, expert assistance in this matter is sometimes crucial.

The next procedure involved in obtaining European citizenship for Turkish citizens is the application process. It is necessary to get a visa to enter the chosen EU country and submit the collected documents to the Ministry of Justice. The application process takes a long time. It is necessary to oversee its progress and communicate with the authorities.

Turkish citizens will then be subject to additional examinations required by the legislation of the EU country. These may include a test of the country's language, culture and history, and an interview about the reasons for obtaining citizenship. These tests are different in each EU country and preparation is essential. Many migrants write in their reviews what questions they were asked at interviews. Such comments can be used to determine the level of preparation needed and what to anticipate. Counselling from competent migration specialists can also be helpful.

The next decisive step in obtaining European citizenship for Turkish citizens is the oath-taking ceremony. You will need to attend the Ministry of Justice at the appointed time and date. There you will recite the words of the oath of allegiance to the Constitution and the people of the EU state of which you are becoming a citizen. After successfully taking the oath, the Turkish resident will receive a certificate of citizenship and become a legally recognized European citizen.

The final step is the registration of EU documents. It is necessary to obtain a passport and other certificates required to reside in European countries: an international passport, ID card, birth certificate, driver's license, etc. Without these, your citizenship will be worthless and your right to travel and live freely in EU states will not be recognized. You should provide the officials with photographs and other documents so that they can fill in your personal data on the new identification cards. The registration process can take up to a month.

European citizenship for Turkish nationals

How long does it take to obtain citizenship

The time taken to obtain citizenship depends mainly on the immigration program chosen. On average, naturalization takes more than ten years. Investment can speed up the process, but the total time still averages eight years. The repatriation program is the most advantageous in this matter.

Citizenship by repatriation can be obtained by proving territorial or national affiliation to the state. Immigration through this program takes up to two years on average, according to reviews. Contacting a competent immigration specialist can also accelerate the process. They will guide you quickly through all the procedures for obtaining an EU passport and speed up the application. According to reviews, relocation via the repatriation program with the assistance of migration specialists takes about one year.

Migration Centr