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Appeals Process After a Rejected Turkish Citizenship Application

  • Writer: Özgür Kurucuk
    Özgür Kurucuk
  • 3 days ago
  • 5 min read
Learn the full appeals process after a rejected Turkish citizenship application. Clear steps, timelines, legal options & expert guidance by Kurucuk & Associates

Applying for Turkish citizenship is a deeply personal journey. It represents hope, stability, family, opportunity, and a long-term connection with Turkey. So when a Turkish citizenship application is rejected, it can feel overwhelming — even unfair.


You’re not alone.


Every year, thousands of applicants face the citizenship application rejection, and many of them ultimately succeed once they take the right next steps.

At Kurucuk & Associates, we stand beside you with clear guidance, honest advice, and the legal expertise needed to turn a rejection into a second chance. This article breaks down the entire appeals process after a rejected Turkish citizenship application in a friendly, practical, and deeply supportive way.


Let’s walk through your options — calmly and confidently — one step at a time.

Why Was My Turkish Citizenship Application Rejected?

Before talking about appeals, it’s important to understand why the rejection happened. A rejection doesn’t always mean you did anything wrong — sometimes it’s a simple misunderstanding or missing document. Other times, it reflects a deeper legal issue that needs to be addressed the right way.


Common Reasons for Turkey Citizenship Denial

Some of the most frequent reasons include:


  • Missing or unclear documents

  • Security checks raising questions

  • Not meeting residency, income, or investment rules

  • Issues related to marriage or family documents

  • Inconsistencies in your application


Why Understanding the Reason Matters

Each rejection has a unique story. When we review a client’s file at Kurucuk & Associates, we always start by:


  • Reading the rejection letter word-by-word

  • Checking the Ministry’s internal notes

  • Reviewing every document you submitted

  • Identifying what truly caused the denial


This step is often the difference between winning an appeal or facing another rejection.


What Should I Do Immediately After a Rejection?


You should:


  • Stay calm (rejections can be fixed more often than you think)

  • Collect all your paperwork

  • Avoid rushing into a reapplication

  • Contact a Turkish citizenship lawyer to guide you

  • Start preparing timelines — appeals have deadlines

Flowchart detailing Turkish citizenship rejection appeal process. Steps include preparing objections, filing lawsuits, reapplying. Blue and white design.

Step 1: Filing an Objection (İtiraz) In Case of Turkish Citizenship Application Rejection

This is your first chance to ask the Ministry to reconsider its decision.


What Is an Objection to Turkish Citizenship Decision?

It is a written request explaining why the rejection was wrong or incomplete, supported by legal arguments and proper documentation.


Time Limit for This Step

You have 30 days from receiving the rejection to file the objection. Timing is absolutely essential here.



What Makes a Strong Appeal Letter?


A strong objection letter should:


  • Address the rejection point-by-point

  • Include legal references

  • Attach missing or updated documents

  • Explain misunderstandings clearly

  • Show why you fulfill all legal requirements


Most importantly, it should be calm, respectful, and structured — emotional appeals rarely work.

Step 2: Administrative Lawsuit (İdari Dava) When Turkish Citizenship Faces Rejection

The second step is to challenge the rejection in administrative court.


When Should You File a Lawsuit?

A lawsuit becomes the right option when:


  • Your objection was rejected

  • You received no response

  • The rejection was based on incorrect assumptions

  • Security issues were involved

  • Important documents were ignored


Deadline for Filing the Lawsuit

You must file within 60 days of the rejection or of the objection outcome.


Why Administrative Lawsuits Work

Courts look at evidence objectively. If the Ministry made a mistake, didn’t review something properly, or rejected you on unclear grounds, the court can reverse the decision.


Example Issues Courts Frequently Correct

  • Applications rejected due to missing documents even if the applicant submitted them

  • Security-based rejections with no solid evidence

  • Rejections caused by old or incorrect database information

  • Administrative errors or wrong assumptions


When Your Case Needs Professional Guidance

Court filings require precision and experience. At Kurucuk & Associates, our legal team prepares:


  • Detailed petitions

  • Case-law-backed arguments

  • Evidence files

  • Expert reports (if needed)


This dramatically improves your chances of success.

Step 3: Danıştay Citizenship Appeal (High Court Appeal) to Assail the Turkish Citizenship application Rejection

This is the highest-level appeal and is used for complex, sensitive, or security-based rejections.


What Is Danıştay’s Role in Citizenship Cases?

Danıştay (Council of State) reviews whether your rights were correctly protected during the earlier stages.


When Your Case Should Go to Danıştay


  • Security concerns or public order issues

  • Citizenship by investment rejections

  • Conflicting decisions from lower courts

  • Difficult or highly technical cases


The Importance of an Expert Lawyer


Danıştay appeals are technical and require deep knowledge of:


  • Administrative law

  • Citizenship regulations

  • Case law history

  • Security and public order legislation


This is where a specialist citizenship appeal lawyer truly makes a difference.

Appeals for Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Investment-based citizenship has its own unique challenges.


Common Rejection Causes


  • Issues with property valuation

  • Source-of-funds questions

  • Bank transfer problems

  • Suspicious purchase structures

  • Incorrect SPK valuation reports


What We Review for CBI Appeals


At Kurucuk & Associates, we examine:


  • Tapu (title deed) compliance

  • Payment and transfer proof

  • Financial history

  • Investor residency rules

  • Any irregularities that triggered rejection


Your Appeal Options as an Investor


  • Objection

  • Administrative lawsuit

  • Danıştay

  • Fresh reapplication with corrected documents


Can I Reapply for Turkish Citizenship After Rejection?

Yes, absolutely — many applicants take this path successfully.


When Reapplying Makes Sense


  • Only a document was missing

  • A residence certificate expired

  • A translation wasn’t accepted

  • A simple misunderstanding occurred


When You Should Appeal Instead of Reapply


  • Security-based or public order denial

  • “Suspicious information” on file

  • Investment compliance issues

  • Allegations of misrepresentation


Appealing first may clean your record and clear the way for a successful reapplication later.

Success Rate of Turkish Citizenship Appeals


What Affects Your Chances?


  • The reason for rejection

  • The strength of your evidence

  • The clarity of your argument

  • Whether your lawyer understands citizenship law deeply


What Our Experience Shows


At Kurucuk & Associates, we see especially high success rates in cases involving:


  • Administrative errors

  • Incomplete document issues

  • Unfair security flags

  • Misinterpreted marriage applications

  • Investment-based concerns


We treat each client’s case as a personal mission — because to us, it is.

Cost of Appealing a Turkish Citizenship Decision


What Influences the Cost?


  • Number of appeal stages

  • Complexity of the case

  • Whether additional reports are needed

  • Document preparation and translations

  • Filing fees for lawsuits


Why Investing in a Lawyer Saves Money


A well-prepared appeal protects you from:


  • Avoidable delays

  • Repeated rejections

  • Losing months (or years) of time

  • Starting the entire process over again


You deserve a smooth, well-guided path — not stress and uncertainty.

How Kurucuk & Associates Supports You


What Makes Our Team Different?


  • Over 10+ years of experience

  • Deep knowledge of citizenship laws

  • A caring, human-centered approach

  • Clear communication in English & Turkish

  • A firm commitment to honesty and transparency


Our Citizenship Appeal Services Include:


  • Preparing your objection petition

  • Filing administrative lawsuits

  • Representing you in Danıştay

  • Reviewing your documents line-by-line

  • Fixing compliance issues

  • Guiding you all the way to approval


Who We Help Most Often


People who:


  • Had their citizenship rejected

  • Face citizenship delays

  • Received unclear security-based decisions

  • Want a lawyer who genuinely cares


Ready to Appeal Your Turkish Citizenship Rejection?

You don’t have to face this alone — and you certainly don’t have to feel lost or discouraged.


At Kurucuk & Associates, we walk with you step by step, explaining everything clearly and fighting for your rights with experience, dedication, and heart.


Reach out today and let our Turkish citizenship team help you rebuild your path toward Turkish citizenship with confidence.


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