Applying for Turkish Citizenship on a Tourist Visa: Is It Possible?
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Nov 3
- 6 min read
Every year, thousands of people arrive in Turkey on a tourist visa — some for the turquoise beaches of Antalya, others for the cultural soul of Istanbul. But somewhere between a Bosphorus sunset and a stroll through Galata, many visitors start wondering:
“Can I stay here for good? Can I apply for Turkish citizenship on a tourist visa?”
It’s an understandable question. Turkey is not just a place you visit — it’s a place that makes you want to belong.
The truth, however, is simple yet important:
👉 You cannot apply for Turkish citizenship directly while on a tourist visa.
But that doesn’t mean your dream of becoming a Turkish citizen has to end when your tourist visa does. There are clear, legal, and achievable pathways that can begin right from your visit — with the right guidance.
Kurucuk & Associates, a leading English-speaking law firm in Istanbul, explains how visitors can turn short stays into long-term opportunities through the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program and other lawful routes.
Understanding the Basics — What a Tourist Visa Allows and Limits
A Turkish tourist visa is designed for short-term visits — travel, leisure, or exploring potential opportunities. It generally allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
✅ What You Can Do:
Travel freely within Turkey.
Meet with real estate agents or explore investment options.
Enjoy Turkey’s culture, lifestyle, and hospitality.
🚫 What You Cannot Do:
Work or run a business.
Stay beyond the permitted period.
Apply directly for citizenship.
Visa Type | Purpose | Duration | Citizenship Eligibility |
Tourist Visa | Travel & leisure | 90/180 days | ❌ Not eligible |
Residence Permit | Long-term stay | 6–24 months | ✅ Eligible (after 5 years) |
Work Visa | Employment | Contract-based | ✅ Eligible (after 5 years) |
Investment Visa | Property or capital | 3 years | ✅ Fast-track (3–6 months) |
Under Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, only individuals who establish a qualified residency status or make an eligible investment can apply for citizenship. The Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) oversees residence and immigration matters, ensuring compliance with Turkish immigration law.
Can You Apply for Turkish Citizenship on a Tourist Visa?
No, you cannot. A tourist visa does not grant legal grounds to apply for citizenship — no matter how long you stay or how much you fall in love with Turkey.
Common Misconception: Tourist Visa = Shortcut to Citizenship
Some visitors assume that buying property during a holiday automatically grants citizenship. It doesn’t. While foreigners can buy property on a tourist visa, citizenship approval requires an investment that meets government criteria and proper legal processing.
The Legal Reality
Under Turkish law, only those who hold a valid residence permit or have completed a qualified investment can apply for citizenship. The law is clear, and the authorities are meticulous about compliance.
“You cannot obtain Turkish citizenship while on a tourist visa — but you can begin a legal journey toward it by transitioning to a residence or investment status.”
What Immigration Lawyers Recommend
At Kurucuk & Associates, our legal experts often help clients who first visited Turkey as tourists but later decided to make it their home. The right path forward? Transition to a residence permit, and from there, explore options like Turkish Citizenship by Investment — a structured, legal, and efficient route to citizenship.
Legal Pathways to Turkish Citizenship After Entering on a Tourist Visa
Once you’re in Turkey, your tourist visa can be the starting point of a legitimate journey to citizenship. Let’s explore your options.
1. Turkish Citizenship by Investment (The Fastest Route)
This program — often called the Turkey Golden Visa — is the most popular and efficient way for foreigners to become Turkish citizens.
After entering on a tourist visa, you can:
Apply for a short-term residence permit, and
Proceed with an investment that qualifies you for citizenship.
Investment Options:
Real Estate Purchase: Buy property worth at least $400,000 USD, verified by an official valuation report, and hold it for 3 years.
Bank Deposit: Deposit $500,000 USD (converted to Turkish Lira) in a Turkish bank and maintain it for 3 years.
Business Investment: Establish a business or create 50+ jobs for Turkish citizens.
Key Advantages:
Citizenship in as little as 3–6 months.
Includes spouse and dependent children.
No language or residency requirement.
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries.
Eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa.
Kurucuk & Associates manages every step — from your Power of Attorney and bank account opening to obtaining the Certificate of Conformity and submitting your citizenship file to the authorities.
2. Citizenship by Marriage
If you are married to a Turkish citizen, you can apply for citizenship after three years of marriage, provided the marriage is genuine and ongoing. Authorities carefully review such cases to ensure authenticity and protect against fraudulent applications.
3. Citizenship Through Work or Long-Term Residence
Those who legally live or work in Turkey for five continuous years can apply through naturalization. Applicants must demonstrate stable income, good moral conduct, and a basic command of Turkish.
4. Citizenship by Exceptional Merit
Turkey may grant citizenship to individuals who make extraordinary contributions — in science, culture, sports, or the economy. While rare, this route exists for exceptional talents who strengthen Turkey’s international image or development.
How to Legally Transition from a Tourist Visa to a Residence Permit
If you’re serious about staying in Turkey long-term, your first step is to apply for a short-term residence permit before your tourist visa expires.
Step-by-Step Process
Apply online via the DGMM system.
Prepare your documents:
Passport (notarized & translated)
Proof of address or property ownership
Health insurance valid in Turkey
Biometric photos
Attend your immigration appointment for fingerprints and verification.
Receive your residence card — typically within 3–4 weeks.
Once you hold a residence permit, you’re eligible to begin the citizenship journey — either through long-term residence or investment.
Common Mistakes and Legal Risks
🚫 1. Working or Investing Without Proper Status
Tourist visas don’t allow work or business activity. Violating this rule can lead to fines, deportation, or entry bans.
⏰ 2. Overstaying a Tourist Visa
Overstaying can trigger penalties or future visa rejections. Always convert your status before expiry.
⚠️ 3. Falling for “Fast-Track” Scams
Beware of unauthorized brokers who promise citizenship below the legal threshold. Only investments verified by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) are valid.
🟥 Warning: Applying for citizenship directly on a tourist visa can result in rejection — or worse, legal complications. Always consult an authorized Turkish law firm.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Applying for Turkish citizenship involves several agencies — DGMM, BRSA, and the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs — all requiring precise documentation and timing.
At Kurucuk & Associates, our Istanbul-based lawyers specialize in guiding foreign investors, expats, and families through every stage — from visa to residence, from investment to citizenship.
We offer:
100% English-speaking legal support.
Transparent, step-by-step representation.
Proven experience with complex investment and residency cases.
💼 Your journey to Turkish citizenship deserves expert handling — and that’s what Kurucuk & Associates delivers.
FAQs — Applying for Turkish Citizenship on a Tourist Visa
Can I apply for Turkish citizenship on a tourist visa?
No. You must first transition to a valid residence or investment status.
Can I change my tourist visa to a residence permit?
Yes. You can apply for a short-term residence permit before your tourist visa expires.
How long does the full citizenship process take?
With the investment route, typically 3–6 months after your investment is completed.
Can I buy property in Turkey on a tourist visa?
Yes, you can purchase property — but it only qualifies for citizenship once properly registered and held for the required 3 years.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Turkey?
Yes. Turkey permits dual and multiple citizenships under its nationality laws.
Start Your Turkish Citizenship Journey with Trusted Legal Experts
Turn your stay in Turkey into a lasting opportunity. Whether you’re exploring investment options or planning to settle, Kurucuk & Associates, an English-speaking law firm in Istanbul, will guide you through every step of the Turkish Citizenship by Investment process — from residence permits to passport issuance.
📞 Contact our team today to discover your eligibility and secure your future in Turkey with confidence.
