Age Limits for Children in Turkish Citizenship by Investment Applications
- Özgür Kurucuk
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
When families plan to secure a future in Turkey through the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program, one of the most common questions is about the Age Limits for Children in Turkish Citizenship by Investment Applications. Understanding this rule is crucial — especially for parents who wish to include their children in the same application.
At Kurucuk & Associates, an English-speaking law firm based in Istanbul, we’ve guided hundreds of international families through the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship. This guide explains how the age limit works, what exceptions exist, and how to make sure your children remain eligible throughout the process.
Legal Foundation
The rules governing who qualifies as a child in a citizenship application are clearly defined under:
Turkish Citizenship Law (Law No. 5901)
Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law
Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality (Nüfus Müdürlüğü)
Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, Investment Office, which issues the crucial Certificate of Conformity verifying your investment.
Key Terms to Understand
Main Applicant – The investor applying for citizenship who meets the required investment threshold.
Dependent Child – A biological, adopted, or legally recognized step-child who relies on the main applicant for financial and parental support.
Age Limit – Under Turkish law, dependent children must be under 18 years of age at the time the citizenship application is officially submitted.
Both biological and legally adopted children are eligible, as long as the parent–child relationship is properly documented. Step-children can also be included if there’s an official custody or guardianship document proving dependency.
Understanding the Age Limit Rule
In the Turkish Citizenship by Investment framework, the critical date is the application submission date. The child must still be under 18 when the file is officially submitted to the authorities.
How the Age Is Calculated
The child’s age is determined on the date the citizenship application is registered, not when the investment is made or when the residence permit is issued.
What If a Child Turns 18 During the Process?
This is known as “aging out.” Fortunately, Turkish authorities apply a grandfathering rule, meaning if the application was submitted before the child’s 18th birthday, their eligibility remains protected — even if they turn 18 before final approval.
Exception for Disabled Children
There’s a compassionate exception for children with permanent disabilities. If a medical report (Sağlık Kurulu Raporu) confirms that the child cannot support themselves due to a disability, they can be included regardless of age.
Documentation and Proof Requirements
1. Birth Certificate (Translated & Apostilled)
Serves as proof of both age and parental relationship. It must be translated into Turkish and legalized through Apostille or attested by a Turkish consulate.
2. Passport
A valid passport for each dependent is required, translated and notarized into Turkish.
3. Dependency Declaration
A signed and notarized statement confirming that the child is financially and legally dependent on the main applicant.
4. Family Census Record (Aile Nüfus Kaydı)
Created as part of the citizenship process and issued by Turkish authorities once the family file is registered.
5. Background Check / Security Clearance
Generally required for children aged 12 and above, ensuring compliance with Turkish security standards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting expired or non-apostilled documents
Forgetting to translate documents into Turkish
Delays in collecting paperwork close to the child’s 18th birthday
Special Scenarios & FAQs about Age Limits for Children in Turkish Citizenship by Investment Applications
Can I include my 17-year-old in Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
Yes. As long as your child is under 18 on the day the application is submitted, they are eligible to be included.
What happens if my child turns 18 during the process?
They remain eligible. Once your file is properly lodged, your child’s status is protected — even if they celebrate their 18th birthday while waiting for approval.
Is there an age limit for adopted children in Turkish CBI?
Adopted children are treated the same as biological children, as long as the adoption was legally finalized before the child turned 18.
How can I include my step-child?
You’ll need to show official custody or guardianship documents proving that the child is financially and legally dependent on you.
What if my child has a disability?
If a recognized Medical Board Report verifies that your child cannot live independently due to a chronic or permanent disability, they can be included in your application regardless of age.
Practical Guidance for Families
Start early – Collect, translate, and notarize all family documents before beginning your investment.
Confirm eligibility – Ensure each dependent meets the age and relationship requirements before submission.
Secure the Certificate of Conformity – This document confirms that your investment qualifies for citizenship.
Work with professionals – The team at Kurucuk & Associates manages every step, including obtaining residence permits, coordinating apostilles, and handling legal submissions.
Mind the timeline – Citizenship applications typically take 6–9 months, so submitting before your child turns 18 is key.
Expert Commentary
As an established law firm in Istanbul specializing in Turkish Citizenship by Investment, Kurucuk & Associates has extensive experience handling complex family applications. Our lawyers ensure that all documentation, translations, and submissions meet official requirements — protecting your family’s eligibility and saving valuable time.
Our approach is client-focused, transparent, and compliant with Turkish legal standards. Whether you’re investing through property, a bank deposit, or other qualifying routes, we provide tailored guidance for each family member’s inclusion.
Include Your Children in Your Citizenship Application
Don’t let age limits or paperwork delays risk your child’s eligibility. Our lawyers at Kurucuk & Associates ensure every family member is covered under your Turkish Citizenship by Investment application — accurately, efficiently, and on time.
