UGLOBAL IMMIGRATION MAGAZINE
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The application process and relevant paperwork can be quite
complicated, so the process should be diligently handled by an
attorney who specializes in immigration and citizenship law.
“ An alternative way to
obtain Turkish citizenship is
by residing in Turkey
continuously for at least 5
years for a purpose other
than tourism or academics. ”
“ 获得土耳其公民身份的另一途径
就是以旅行或学术以外的目的在
土耳其连续居住五年 ”
4
OTHER OPTIONS TO GAIN CITIZENSHIP
An alternative way to obtain Turkish citizenship is by residing
in Turkey continuously for at least 5 years for a purpose other
than tourism or academics. Another way is to be married
to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years. The spouse of the
applicant who obtains citizenship by investment may also
use this option and apply for citizenship in 3 years.
Turkey’s liberal approach to foreigners is not only limited
to investors. Aside from citizenship and investment
opportunities, short term residence permits for 1 or 2
years are also granted to any foreigner who duly applies
and procures the required documents. In order to apply, a
foreigner must either purchase a property or sign a notarized
lease contract for the period of the residence term.
The tourism industry is also on a steady incline since 2015.
In 2018, Istanbul and Antalya were the most visited cities in
Europe after London and Paris. Antalya alone exceeded 10
million foreign visitors in 2018, leading to more investment
opportunities and more immigration from Europe, Russia
and Middle East. In 2018 alone, Russian tourists visiting
Turkey increased by 1.7 million and reached the whopping
figure of 6.4 million. These record numbers are followed by
4.2 million German tourists and 2.2 million British tourists
visiting Turkey in 2018.
3
BARIS ERKAN CELEBI
Barış Erkan Çelebi graduated from the American Robert College in
2011 and from İstanbul University’s Faculty of Law in June of 2015.
He specializes in commercial law, contract law and immigration
law. He offers legal counsel to international clients who invest in
Turkey and to foreigners who reside in Turkey. He is also currently
enrolled in master’s studies, writing his thesis on law of yachts. His
law office is recommended by several embassies and consulates
in Turkey, including the United States Embassy.
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Evidently, increasing demand from foreign tourists and
the new investment opportunities are shaping the way the
Turkish government has regulated foreigners’ rights. The
more visits and investments that are made into Turkey,
the more foreigner-friendly the law seem to become. This
provides broader opportunities and incentive for foreign
investments. Time will show if more incentives and liberal
changes will follow.
Sources /
1
https://www.ticaret.gov.tr/haberler/ihracatta-tum-zamanlarin-en-yuksek-yillik-
ihracati-gerceklesti
2
https://tradingeconomics.com/turkey/gdp-growth-annual
3
https://www.businessinsider.com/antalya-is-the-fourth-most-visited-city-in-
europe-2017-10
4
https://tr.euronews.com/2019/02/17/avrupa-da-2018-de-turist-sayisini-en-fazla-
artiran-ulke-turkiye-oldu