Turkey is a country located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and friendly people. It’s not surprising that many people from all over the world are considering making Turkey their home. Indians, in particular, have shown a lot of interest in getting Turkey citizenship.
There are various ways to obtain Turkish citizenship, and in this article, we will discuss the different options available to Indians, along with the necessary requirements, and answer frequently asked questions.
Option 1: Investment
One of the most popular ways to obtain Turkish citizenship is through investment. The Turkish government introduced a new regulation in 2018 to increase foreign investments in the country, and the most notable action taken was reducing the minimum investment amount for citizenship to 250,000 USD from 1 million USD.
This regulation allows foreigners to purchase real estate, invest in Turkish businesses, or create employment opportunities, among others. Indians can invest in a property as a single buyer or a group of buyers. The property must be located in Turkey, and the investment can be in the form of money transfer to the seller, or the creation of a mortgage agreement with a Turkish bank.
To obtain citizenship through investment, the applicant must submit the following documents:
– A passport valid for at least six months
– A copy of the title deed or proof of purchase of the property
– A bank statement showing the investment amount
– A declaration stating that the property will be kept for at least three years
Option 2: D-Visa
The D-Visa is another option available for Indians to obtain Turkish citizenship. The D-Visa is also known as the Working Residence Permit and is issued to foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey for a period exceeding 90 days to work or study.
The applicant must apply for the D-Visa at the Turkish Consulate in India or any other country where they have a legal residency permit. The processing time for the D-Visa is relatively short, usually taking around two weeks.
Once the applicant obtains the D-Visa, they must then apply for a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. After getting the work permit, the applicant needs to stay in Turkey for at least five years, to be eligible to apply for citizenship.
Option 3: Residency Permit
The Residence Permit is another option available for Indians to obtain Turkish citizenship. A Residence Permit is issued to foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days. It can be issued for a maximum of two years, and it’s renewable.
To apply for a Residence Permit, the applicant must submit the following documents:
– A passport valid for at least six months
– Two passport-sized photographs
– Proof of accommodation in Turkey
– A statement of sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses in Turkey
– A criminal record check
After obtaining the Residence Permit, the applicant must reside in Turkey for at least five years to be eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship. During this period, the applicant must not leave the country for more than 180 days.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of getting Turkish citizenship as an Indian?
A: The benefits of obtaining Turkish citizenship include:
– The right to vote in Turkey’s general elections
– The ability to work, study or invest in Turkey without a visa
– The access to Turkey’s healthcare and social security systems
– The opportunity to own property in Turkey without restrictions
Q: How long does it take to obtain Turkish citizenship?
A: The processing time for obtaining Turkish citizenship depends on the type of application and circumstances of an applicant. For investment-based citizenship, the processing time takes usually between six months to a year.
Q: Can I keep my Indian citizenship after obtaining Turkish citizenship?
A: Yes, Turkey has a dual citizenship policy which means that individuals can hold citizenship in more than one country.
Q: Do I need to learn the Turkish language to obtain citizenship?
A: No, learning the Turkish language is not a requirement. However, applicants are encouraged to learn the language as it can make integration into Turkish society easier.
Q: Are there any restrictions for Indian citizens while living in Turkey?
A: There are no significant restrictions for Indians living in Turkey, except for some special considerations like religious practices and wearing clothing that respects Turkish culture.
In conclusion, Turkey is an incredible country to live, study, work, or invest, with friendly people, pleasant weather, and a booming economy. Indians interested in obtaining Turkish citizenship have several options available, including investment, residency permit, or working permit, among others. With the proper documentation and following the necessary steps, it’s possible to become a Turkish citizen and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.
