Exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship is set out in Article 12 of Law No. 5901. This page covers the routes outside real estate or deposit investment — industrialists setting up a facility, and those recognised in science, sport, or the arts, or with outstanding service to Turkey. If you’re applying through real estate or a bank deposit, those two routes have their own dedicated pages with the specific process and documents.
- Average Processing Time
- Varies by case and the institution involved
- Where to Apply
- Through the relevant ministry or public institution
- Validity
- Permanent once the decision is made
Who It’s For
Investors setting up or continuing an industrial facility in Turkey
Specialists recognised in science, technology, or academia
Those who can contribute to Turkey in sport or the arts
Those considered to have rendered outstanding service to Turkey
Required Documents
Passport and identity documents
A proposal or support letter from the relevant institution
Issued by the ministry or body relevant to the applicant’s field.
Field-specific proof of achievement
Documents supporting the academic, sporting, or artistic claim.
CV
A detailed CV supporting the basis of the application.
Tax number
Biometric photograph
The document list can vary by application reason and personal circumstances; the current requirements of the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management apply.
Process Steps
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01
Initial Assessment
Within 1 dayWe work out together which exceptional category fits your situation.
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02
Contacting the Relevant Institution
Varies by caseThe body that will support the application is identified and engaged.
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03
Proposal and Document Preparation
Depends on the institutionThe institution’s proposal letter and supporting documents are prepared.
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04
Submitting the Application
Depends on appointmentThe file is submitted to the relevant authorities.
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05
Result
Timeframe depends on the institutionYou’re informed once a decision is made.
Not sure whether your situation fits this process?
Initial AssessmentLegal Basis
Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship Article 12
The core provision, which also covers exceptional acquisition outside the investment routes.
Common Mistakes
Not identifying the right institution to support the application
Starting with the wrong body wastes time.
Submitting incomplete field-specific documents
Can delay the institution’s proposal letter.
Leaving the process entirely to one institution’s initiative
The file can sit idle if it isn’t followed up.
Misjudging which category fits
Your situation may fit a different exceptional category better.
Frequently Asked Questions
The law covers those recognised in industry, science, sport, or the arts, or with outstanding service to the country.
Depending on the case, it’s the relevant ministry or a public institution.
No — those two routes are covered in more detail on their own dedicated pages; this page covers the non-investment exceptional routes.
It depends on how quickly the relevant institution works.
Coverage is assessed based on the grounds and personal circumstances.
A reassessment can be requested with new grounds or changed circumstances.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.