51 Reasons Why Turkish Citizenship Applications Get Rejected in 2026

Applying for Turkish citizenship is an emotional journey. Whether you’re an investor building a future here, a parent hoping to secure stability for your children, or someone who simply fell in love with Türkiye’s culture, food, and people—your application represents a dream.

So when you receive a message saying:

…it can feel like the world stops for a moment.

You’re not alone. Thousands of people receive this message every year.

But here is the part most applicants don’t know:

• Most rejections happen for simple, fixable reasons.

• In most cases, you CAN appeal, correct the issue, and obtain approval.

This guide explains the 51 most common reasons for a citizenship rejection in the most human, clear, and supportive way possible—so you understand what went wrong and what to do next.

Financial & Investment-Based Rejections (Turkish Citizenship by Investment)

(For citizenship by investment applicants: property, bank deposit, capital investment)

These reasons are extremely common for foreign investors—especially those purchasing property.

Your property valuation fell below the $400,000 requirement

Even being short by $1 can cause rejection.

The valuation company wasn’t SPK-approved

Only government-authorized evaluators can issue valid reports.

You bought the property from a close family member

Sales between siblings, parents, or spouses are not accepted for citizenship.

Paying partially in cash

Cash is impossible to track, and the Ministry requires full transparency.

Ownership problems on the tapu (title deed)

If the property has a lien, mortgage, or legal dispute, the application pauses.

Tapu annotation missing

If the famous “3-year no-sale restriction” is NOT added, the case stops immediately.

The valuation report expired

Reports older than 3 months become invalid automatically.

Payment not made through an official bank transfer

Turkey needs a documented money trail.

Bank letter not meeting legal standards

Even missing a small detail can trigger Türk vatandaşlığı banka mektubu red.

Income or fund source not clearly proven

Authorities must see clean, legal, transparent funds.

Cancelling payments or property refunds

If the investment funds return before approval → rejection.

Using borrowed funds without proof

Loans, cash handovers, and unregistered transfers cause issues.

Combining multiple properties incorrectly

Multi-property investment is allowed, but must follow strict rules.

Residency & Physical Presence Issues Leading to Rejection (Turkish Citizenship by Investment)

(For long-term residents, work permit holders, and general applicants)

Residence permit expired or invalid

A simple renewal mistake can lead to ikamet izni vatandaşlık red.

Breaks in continuous residency

The law requires kesintisiz ikamet—uninterrupted residence.

Spending too much time outside Türkiye

Even business trips can impact your eligibility if excessive.

Not meeting the total residency years

General rule: 5 years continuous residence.

Applying without living in Turkey

Yes, they check. Citizenship requires genuine presence.

Tourist residence permits don’t qualify

Short-term tourist ikamet does NOT lead to citizenship.

Fake or unverifiable rental addresses

Addresses must match MERNIS (national address system).

Security, Criminal Record & Background Checks as Reasons for Rejection (Turkish Citizenship by Investment)

Turkey conducts deep background checks with multiple global agencies.

Negative security check

This is called güvenlik soruşturması vatandaşlık red.

Criminal record in home or another country

Even old convictions may require explanation.

Pending court cases

If you have an open investigation: sabika kaydı vatandaşlık engeli applies.

Public order concerns

Sensitive cases, handled carefully.

Identity inconsistencies

Different spellings, dates, or conflicting records raise concern.

Links to prohibited organizations

Even passive or old links may complicate approval.

Terror suspicion

Any terör bağlantısı vatandaşlık issue results in immediate pause.

Fraud, forgery, or document manipulation

Even accidental discrepancies must be corrected.

Documentation, Translation & Processing Errors Lead to Rejection of Citizenship Application (Turkish Citizenship by Investment)

This is one of the easiest categories to fix.

Missing documents

Most common cause of eksik evrak vatandaşlık reddi.

Wrong or mismatched information

Name spellings, birth dates, parents’ names—tiny errors matter.

Incorrect translations

Çeviri hatası vatandaşlık is a frequent rejection reason.

Missing apostille

Foreign documents need apostille or consular approval.

Incorrect notarization

Not every notarization qualifies for citizenship.

Errors on the application form

Ticking the wrong box can delay months of work.

Suspicious or unverifiable documents

Authorities always verify authenticity.

Health report not from an authorized hospital

This causes Türk vatandaşlığı sağlık raporu red.

Marriage or birth certificates not verified

Some countries require Ministry-level authentication.

Passport problems

Expired, damaged, or with inconsistent data.

Wrong photograph format

Biometric photos must follow strict Turkish standards.

Failing to submit documents on time

Deadlines in Turkey are always strict.

Marriage & Family-Based Citizenship Rejection (Turkish Citizenship by Investment)

Doubts about the genuineness of the marriage

A sensitive but real issue.

Evidence of fake marriage

Surprising number of cases involve sahte evlilik tespiti.

Marriage less than 3 years old

This is a legal requirement.

Divorce initiated before approval

Even filing divorce papers may pause the process.

Living separately from your Turkish spouse

Checks include neighbors, social media, and utilities.

Inconsistent interview answers

Couples sometimes get interviewed separately.

Lack of relationship evidence

Few photos, no joint accounts, or separate homes.

Family reunification documents incomplete

Common in aile birleşimi vatandaşlık ret cases.

Administrative & Legal Reasons Which Result Rejection of Application (Turkish Citizenship by Investment)

Being flagged in international alert systems

Interpol, Europol, etc.

Lack of integration

Authorities look for cultural connection and willingness to settle.

Discretionary rejection for public interest

Rare, but possible.

What You Should Do After a Turkish Citizenship Rejection

Take a deep breath. A rejection hurts, but it is NOT permanent.

Most applicants successfully obtain approval after:

Correcting missing documents

Fixing valuation or property issues

Re-submitting proper translations

Filing an appeal (itiraz)

Taking the case to İdare Mahkemesi (administrative court)

Working with an experienced Turkish citizenship lawyer

Your dream is still achievable.

At Kurucuk & Associates, our experienced Turkish lawyers guide you through every step—appeals, reapplications, and document corrections—so you can achieve your citizenship goals smoothly and confidently.

Contact us today and take the first step toward your future in Turkey.