Immigration Legal Services
Turkish immigration and residency — managed by a legal team that handles every filing.
We manage the full range of Turkish immigration procedures for individuals, families, and companies — handling every document, government appointment, and authority filing on your behalf from initial assessment through to permit or passport issuance.
Our Istanbul-based lawyers manage every step — from legal assessment and document authentication through to Ministry of Labour filings, Directorate General of Migration Management appointments, and permit issuance.
2017
Programme Established
A statutory government programme administered directly by the Ministry of Interior since 2017.
100+
Countries of Origin
Investors from over 100 nationalities have successfully obtained Turkish citizenship through the programme.
6–8
Months to Passport
Typical end-to-end timeline from first instruction to passport issuance for the applicant and eligible family members.
110+
Visa-Free Destinations
Turkish passport holders access over 110 countries visa-free or on arrival, including Japan, Singapore, and the Schengen zone.
Turkey as an Immigration Jurisdiction
A statutory framework with a clear path to legal residency and citizenship.
Turkey's immigration framework is administered by the Directorate General of Migration Management under the Ministry of Interior. The legal basis for all immigration procedures — including resence permits, work authorizations, and citizenship applications — is the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, which came into force in 2014 and established the first unified legal framework for foreign nationals in Turkey.
The framework distinguishes clearly between short-term and long-term residence permits, work permits issued by the Ministry of Labour, and the citizenship by investment programme administered separately by the Ministry of Interior. Each route carries its own documentation standard, authority, and legal timeline — and errors at any stage can result in application rejection or delay.
Turkey's strategic geographic position, relatively low cost of living, access to European markets, and the English-friendly professional environment in Istanbul make it a primary destination for entrepreneurs, remote workers, high-net-worth families, and investors seeking a legally secure base with international connectivity.
The Turkish work permit system requires employer sponsorship and Ministry of Labour registration, with specific quotas and documentation standards that differ by sector and employment type. We manage this process on behalf of both the employer and the employee, ensuring filings meet current regulatory requirements and that the permit is issued without procedural gaps.
Turkish immigration law requires precision at every stage. A missing apostille, an incorrectly translated document, or a missed appointment window can suspend an application for months. We manage the entire process to ensure this does not happen.
Who We Work With
Individuals, families, and companies with immigration legal needs in Turkey.
International Investors
High-net-worth individuals deploying capital into Turkish real estate, deposits, or funds and pursuing Turkish citizenship by investment as part of their application.
Relocating Individuals
Foreign nationals relocating to Turkey for work or lifestyle requiring short-term or long-term residence permits, with full document preparation and appointment management.
Families & Dependants
Families requiring spousal and child residence permits coordinated as a single legal process alongside the primary permit holder, including family reunification applications.
Employers & Companies
Turkish and international companies hiring foreign nationals who require work permit applications, Ministry of Labour filings, and ongoing permit renewal management for their workforce.
Entrepreneurs & Founders
International founders incorporating in Turkey and requiring coordinated immigration and company formation legal services, including work authorization aligned with their new entity.
Clients Requiring Certainty
Applicants who have received conflicting or unclear immigration advice and require a qualified legal review of their circumstances before initiating or continuing an application.
Immigration Legal Services
The full scope of Turkish immigration and residency management.
01
Residence Permit
We secure Turkish residence permits for individuals and families — advising on the most appropriate permit type for each applicant's circumstances (short-term, long-term, student, or humanitarian), preparing the complete documentation package, and accompanying the applicant through the Directorate General of Migration Management appointment process. We manage all documentation translation, notarization, and authority submissions on your behalf.
02
Citizenship by Investment
We manage the Turkish Citizenship by Investment programme as a single, complete legal process — from selecting a qualifying investment route and completing the investment-stage due diligence through to preparing the citizenship application file and monitoring it to passport issuance. The process covers the applicant, spouse, and children under 18 under one application. We file directly with the Ministry of Interior and manage all communication with the relevant authorities throughout the process.
03
Work Permit
03
Work Permit
We obtain Turkish work permits for foreign nationals employed by local or international companies — managing the application, employer obligations, and Ministry of Labour filings from start to finish. We advise on the specific quota and documentation requirements applicable to the applicant's nationality, employment sector, and company type, and coordinate the full permit process without requiring the employee's physical presence at government offices until the final stage.
04
Family Residence Permit
04
Family Residence Permit
We secure family residence permits for the dependants of foreign nationals living in Turkey — managing spousal and child applications as a single, coordinated legal process alongside the primary permit holder. We prepare all family relationship documentation, coordinate translations and apostille procedures for foreign civil registry documents, and ensure all applications are filed within the statutory deadlines to avoid gaps in lawful residence.
05
Visa Consultancy
05
Visa Consultancy
We advise individuals and families on the most appropriate Turkish visa and residency route for their specific circumstances — providing a clear, written legal assessment before any application is initiated. Where applicants have received conflicting advice or are uncertain about their options, we conduct a full review of their situation and confirm the most legally secure path forward. We do not recommend a route without first confirming that the applicant qualifies for it under current Turkish law.
06
Apostille & Notarization
06
Apostille & Notarization
We handle the apostille certification and notarial authentication of all documents required for Turkish immigration, citizenship, and property transactions — coordinating with the relevant authorities in the country of origin so that your foreign documents are legally valid and ready to submit to Turkish authorities. We manage sworn translation requirements, coordinate with notaries in Turkey for documents that require local authentication, and ensure all documents meet the precise formatting and certification standards required by the receiving authority.
Legal Process
Your path to legal residency in Turkey.
The timeline varies by permit type and application route. We confirm the specific schedule for your circumstances at the outset of every instruction.
Stage 1
Legal Assessment & Strategy
We evaluate your specific circumstances — nationality, employment status, family composition, investment intent, and residency objectives — and confirm the most legally secure visa, residence, or work permit route before initiating any application. We provide a written summary of the applicable legal route, required documents, and anticipated timeline before any commitment is made.
Short-Term Residence
Up to 2 years, renewable
Work Permit
Ministry of Labour, employer-sponsored
Citizenship by Investment
Ministry of Interior, 6–8 months
Stage 2
Document Preparation & Authentication
We manage the preparation and legal authentication of all required documents — including apostille certification and notarial authentication of foreign civil registry records, diplomas, criminal background checks, and any other documents required by the relevant Turkish authority. We coordinate sworn translations into Turkish and verify that all documents meet the precise formatting and certification standards before submission.
Stage 3
Government Filing
We prepare your complete application file and submit it directly to the responsible authority — the Directorate General of Migration Management for residence permits, the Ministry of Labour for work permits, or the Ministry of Interior for citizenship applications. We manage all authority correspondence, respond to any requests for additional documentation, and track the application's progress throughout the review period.
Stage 4
Appointment, Approval & Issuance
Where in-person appointments are required, we accompany you to the relevant government office and manage all communication on your behalf during the appointment. We monitor your application to final approval and confirm the collection or delivery of your permit card or passport. For citizenship applicants, we coordinate the biometric enrollment appointment and the final passport collection stage with the Ministry of Interior.
Key Legal Benefits
What Turkish citizenship and residency provides — legally and practically.
01
Global Mobility
A Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the Schengen zone — a meaningfully larger travel envelope than many applicants hold at the time of application.
02
Dual Citizenship
Turkey permits full dual citizenship. You are not required to renounce your existing passport — you hold both simultaneously. We confirm whether your home country's laws permit dual citizenship before initiating any application.
03
Full Civil Rights
As a Turkish citizen, you hold the same legal rights as any national — the right to live, work, own property, access courts, and operate a business anywhere in Turkey, on equal terms with every Turkish citizen.
04
Family Included
Your spouse and children under 18 are included in the same citizenship application. No separate investment and no additional process is required for dependants — the entire family is processed as a single legal instruction.
05
No Residency Obligation
Turkish citizenship carries no minimum residency requirement. You are not required to spend any time in Turkey to maintain your passport — the citizenship is held unconditionally once granted and does not expire by reason of absence.
06
Banking & Public Services
As a Turkish citizen, you and your family have full and equal access to the Turkish banking system, public healthcare, and state education — on the same terms and with the same rights as any national citizen.
Frequently Asked
Legal questions about Turkish immigration and residency.
Our legal team handles questions on residence permits, work authorizations, citizenship applications, and document legalization. Contact us directly for a legal assessment of your specific circumstances.
Do I need to live in Turkey to obtain Turkish citizenship by investment?
No. Turkish citizenship by investment carries no minimum residency obligation. You are not required to live in Turkey before, during, or after the application process. Most clients complete the citizenship process with one short visit to Turkey to attend the biometric enrollment appointment. Once citizenship is granted, you may hold and use your Turkish passport without any requirement to be physically present in the country.
What is the minimum investment required for Turkish citizenship?
The current minimum investment thresholds under the 2026 guidelines are: USD 400,000 for qualifying real estate, USD 500,000 for bank deposits held for a minimum of three years, USD 500,000 for government bonds, and USD 500,000 for qualifying fund investments. The job creation route requires the documented employment of a minimum of 50 Turkish nationals. We confirm the current applicable thresholds at the outset of every instruction, as these are subject to periodic government review.
Can I retain my current nationality when I obtain Turkish citizenship?
Turkish law permits dual citizenship — you are not required to renounce your existing nationality to obtain a Turkish passport. However, whether you are permitted to hold dual citizenship depends on the laws of your country of origin. We advise you on this specific legal point before initiating the application, as some nationalities face restrictions or reporting requirements in their home jurisdiction upon acquisition of a second citizenship.
Are my spouse and children included in my citizenship application?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 at the time of application are included in the same citizenship application as dependants — no additional investment is required for their inclusion, and no separate application is filed. We manage the full family application as a single legal process, including the preparation of family relationship documentation, sworn translations, and apostille certifications for all family members.
Can every property in Turkey qualify for the citizenship programme?
No. Not every property qualifies. The property must meet specific legal criteria — including a minimum appraised value confirmed by a government-licensed valuation expert, a clean title with no encumbrances, and a prior ownership history that establishes the seller has not previously sold a qualifying property to a citizenship applicant within the statutory period. We conduct a full legal due diligence review of every property before the purchase is completed to confirm qualification before any funds are transferred.
Can the application be managed entirely remotely?
The majority of the process — including document preparation, investment completion, and application filing — can be managed remotely through a notarized power of attorney. One physical visit to Turkey is required for the biometric enrollment appointment at the Ministry of Interior. We coordinate this appointment to coincide with a single short trip, typically lasting two to three days. We plan this visit and schedule all required appointments in advance so that it is efficient and complete.
What is the difference between a short-term and long-term residence permit?
A short-term residence permit is issued for up to two years and is renewable. It is the standard permit for property owners, investors, and individuals relocating to Turkey who do not yet meet the requirements for a long-term permit. A long-term residence permit is issued indefinitely to foreign nationals who have held a continuous short-term permit for at least eight years without interruption and who meet the financial sufficiency requirements. We advise on the correct permit type for your circumstances at the assessment stage.
How does the work permit process work for a foreign employee?
The Turkish work permit system is employer-sponsored. The employing company initiates the application through the Ministry of Labour's online system, and the applicant applies for the work permit visa at the Turkish consulate in their country of residence. The permit is then activated upon entry to Turkey. We manage both the employer-side and employee-side of this process — preparing the documentation package, advising on the applicable sector quota requirements, and coordinating the Ministry of Labour filing from start to approval.
Do I need to speak Turkish to apply for a permit or citizenship?
No. Turkish language proficiency is not a requirement for any residence permit or for the citizenship by investment programme. All applications are prepared and submitted in Turkish by our legal team. All government communication is handled by our lawyers on your behalf. You review and sign documents in English. The Turkish language requirement applies only to naturalization through marriage or long-term residence, not to the investment citizenship route.
What happens after my Turkish passport is issued?
Once your Turkish passport is issued, you are a Turkish citizen with full civil rights — including the right to live, work, own property, and operate a business in Turkey on equal terms with any national. Your citizenship is unconditional and does not expire by reason of absence. If you have also purchased qualifying real estate, that property remains in your ownership — subject to the three-year annotation period under the citizenship regulations. We provide ongoing legal support for any post-citizenship requirements, including property management, corporate registration, and estate planning.
Turkish immigration managed by a legal team
that handles every filing.
Our Istanbul-based lawyers manage the full scope of Turkish immigration procedures on your behalf — from legal assessment and document authentication through to Ministry filings, government appointments, and permit or passport issuance. Submit an enquiry and a member of our team will respond within one business day.
