A Turkish passport is a useful travel document that enables visa-free travel to numerous nations worldwide. If you are a Turkish national, getting a Turkish passport is a rather simple procedure. We’ll walk you through the process of applying for a Turkish passport in this blog article.
Types of Turkish Passport
The Turkish Passport holds significant global power, ranking 39th among 199 countries worldwide and 18th in Europe. Turkish citizens benefit from visa-free travel to 115 countries, with an additional 83 countries offering visas obtainable upon arrival and 7 countries allowing online visa applications. Here are the four types of passports available in the Republic of Turkey:
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Ordinary Passport (Burgundy Passport):
- This passport, identified by its burgundy cover, contains 38 pages and is issued individually to citizens through personal application.
- Available for citizens of all ages, appointments can be made at District Population Directorates for application, with varying fees based on the passport’s duration.
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Personal Passport (Green Passport):
- Featuring a green cover, this passport consists of 30 pages and is designated for civil servants and other public officials employed in first, second, and third-degree cadres.
- It is issued for official foreign duty or travel purposes.
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Service Passport (Grey Passport):
- Service passports, characterized by a gray cover, include 30 pages and are granted to civil servants requiring frequent international travel for official duties but ineligible for a diplomatic passport.
- Recipients include civil servants in international organizations, personnel designated by the Turkish Air Authority, and the Turkish Red Crescent, with issuance upon request from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
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Diplomatic Passport (Black Passport):
- Distinguished by its black cover and containing 28 pages, diplomatic passports are reserved for high-ranking civil servants representing the state abroad for official duties.
- Eligible individuals include ambassadors, parliament members, judiciary officials, military personnel, and senior officers tasked with representing the state internationally.
Turkish Passport Application
Below is the step by step process to Turkish passport application.
Step 1: Compile the necessary paperwork
In order to apply for a Turkish passport, you must first acquire the necessary paperwork. You will require:
- Your old passport or your national ID card
- two current passport photographs
- filled-out application form
- your certificate of Turkish citizenship
A letter of permission from your parents or legal guardian is also required if you are under the age of 18.
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Step 2: Finish filling out the application
Online or at a nearby passport office, you can fill out an application for a Turkish passport. You can print a blank form and fill it out by hand, or you can fill it out online and print it. Make sure you accurately and completely fill out the form. Forms that are incomplete or inaccurate may cause a delay in completing your application.
Step 3: Submit your application and make the necessary payment
You can submit your Turkish passport application. and the required documents in person at any passport office in Turkey. You can also submit your application at a Turkish embassy or consulate if you are living outside Turkey. The passport fee varies depending on the length of validity you choose. A 10-year passport is more expensive than a 5-year one. The fee can be paid by credit or debit card or in cash.
Step 4: Wait for your passport to be processed
Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee, you will need to wait for your passport to be processed. The processing time varies depending on the demand at the time you apply. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for a standard application, while an expedited service can take 2-3 business days. If you apply for an emergency passport, you can receive it on the same day.
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Step 5: Get your passport
You will get an email or text message when your Turkish passport application is prepared. At that point, you can either have your passport mailed to you or pick it up in person at the passport office. Include a secure postal address if you decide to have it sent by mail.
Ways to Obtain Turkish Passport
How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Acquiring Turkish citizenship through investment offers several pathways, each with its own set of criteria. Here’s how you can obtain Turkish citizenship through investment:
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Real Estate Investment: Purchase real estate in Turkey valued at a minimum of $250,000. The property must be registered with a commitment not to sell for three years.
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Capital Investment: Make a capital investment of at least $500,000.
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Condominium or Building Investment: Enter a sales contract for a condominium or building valued at a minimum of $250,000, with a commitment not to sell or transfer for three years.
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Job Creation: Invest in a venture that creates employment opportunities for at least 50 people within Turkey.
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Bank Deposit: Deposit a minimum of $500,000 in a Turkish bank account and commit not to withdraw it for three years.
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Government Debt Instruments: Purchase government debt instruments worth at least $500,000, with a commitment not to sell or transfer them for three years.
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Participation Share Investment: Purchase a participation share in a real estate or venture capital investment fund valued at a minimum of $500,000, with a commitment not to dispose of it for three years.
How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
While marrying a Turkish citizen is a step towards citizenship, there are specific requirements to fulfill:
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Duration of Marriage: Be married for at least three years, with the marriage continuing.
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Family Union: Live in a family union, without engaging in activities incompatible with marriage.
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National Security and Public Order: Have no circumstances posing obstacles to national security or public order.
How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Decision of the Competent Authority
Foreigners can obtain Turkish citizenship through the decision of the competent authority by meeting these criteria:
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Residency: Reside in Turkey without interruption for five years from the date of application.
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Intent to Settle: Demonstrate an intention to settle in Turkey through behavior and actions.
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Health and Morality: Have good health and morals, with no diseases posing a threat to public health.
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Language Proficiency: Exhibit proficiency in the Turkish language.
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Livelihood: Have sufficient income or profession to support oneself and dependents in Turkey.
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National Security: Not be a hindrance to national security or public order.
Applicants must meet these conditions as outlined in the Turkish Citizenship Law.
Conclusion
Applying for a Turkish passport is simple if you have all the necessary paperwork and carefully fill out the application. Choose the appropriate validity term for your needs and remember to give yourself enough time for your passport to be processed. With your brand-new passport in hand, you’ll be able to travel to numerous nations without a visa and take advantage of citizenship privileges in Turkey.