How to Get a Turkish Passport

The Turkish passport (Türk pasaportu) is a travel document issued to Turkish citizens traveling abroad. The passport ranks 94th on the Global Passport Index, facilitating ease of entry to 128 countries worldwide. In this article, we’re examine all the possibilities, requirements and benefits of obtaining a Turkey passport.

Types of Turkish Passports

There are four different Turkish passport types:

Ordinary passport (Umuma mahsus pasaport): Also referred to as a Maroon Passport (Bordo pasaport), an ordinary passport is issued by Turkish authorities to a Turkish citizen.

Service passport (Hususi pasaport): A Service passport – also known as a Grey passport (Gri pasaport) – is issued to Turkish citizens in service to Turkey and who conduct Turkish missions abroad, but are not eligible for diplomatic passports. Service passport holders include those who travel abroad for government/service purposes, national athletes, and Turkish citizens working for international organizations of which Turkey is a member.

Special passport (Hizmet pasaportu): Commonly referred to as a Turkey Green passport (Yeşil pasaport), a Turkish Special passport provides enhanced commercial travel privileges, such as visa on arrival and visa free access to all EU countries that impose visa requirements for entry on ordinary Turkish passport holders as well as other countries they can enter visa free.

The passport is issued to specific Turkish citizens with five years of civil service to the state. This includes former members of the National Assembly, academics with at least 15 years of academic or scientific research, and non-metropolitan mayors.

Diplomatic passport (Diplomatik pasaport): With the common name of Black Passport (Siyah pasaport) in Turkey, a Diplomatic passport is issued to Turkey government employees and senior officials. These include the consulate general, members of the National Assembly, diplomats, former presidents, and prime ministers, and provincial governors and metropolitan mayors.

Individuals eligible for Turkish service, special and diplomatic passports

Turkish Passport Ranking

Turkey passport holders enjoy visa free access to 72 places, the ability to obtain a visa on arrival in 41 countries, and eligibility for Electronic Travel Authorizations (eVisa) in 4 nations. Below is a comprehensive list of the countries and their visa conditions.

Country	Visa Condition
Albania	Visa free
Angola	Visa free
Antigua and Barbuda	Visa free
Argentina	Visa free
Azerbaijan	Visa free
Bahamas	Visa free
Barbados	Visa free
Belarus	Visa free
Belize	Visa free
Bolivia	Visa free
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Visa free
Botswana	Visa free
Brazil	Visa free
British Virgin Islands	Visa free
Brunei	Visa free
Chile	Visa free
Colombia	Visa free
Cook Islands	Visa free
Costa Rica	Visa free
Dominica	Visa free
Dominican Republic	Visa free
Ecuador	Visa free
El Salvador	Visa free
Equatorial Guinea	Visa free
Eswatini	Visa free
Fiji	Visa free
Gabon	Visa free
Gambia	Visa free
Georgia	Visa free
Guatemala	Visa free
Haiti	Visa free
Honduras	Visa free
Hong Kong	Visa free
Iran	Visa free
Jamaica	Visa free
Japan	Visa free
Jordan	Visa free
Kazakhstan	Visa free
Kosovo	Visa free
Kyrgyzstan	Visa free
Macao	Visa free
Malaysia	Visa free
Mauritius	Visa free
Micronesia	Visa free
Moldova	Visa free
Mongolia	Visa free
Montenegro	Visa free
Morocco	Visa free
Nicaragua	Visa free
North Macedonia	Visa free
Panama	Visa free
Paraguay	Visa free
Peru	Visa free
Philippines	Visa free
Saint Kitts and Nevis	Visa free
Saint Lucia	Visa free
Sao Tome and Principe	Visa free
Serbia	Visa free
Singapore	Visa free
South Africa	Visa free
St. Vincent and the Grenadines	Visa free
Romania	Visa free
Suriname	Visa free
Tajikistan	Visa free
Thailand	Visa free
Trinidad and Tobago	Visa free
Tunisia	Visa free
Turks and Caicos Islands	Visa free
Ukraine	Visa free
Uruguay	Visa free
Uzbekistan	Visa free
Vanuatu	Visa free
Venezuela	Visa free
Armenia	Visa on arrival
Bangladesh	Visa on arrival
Burkina Faso	Visa on arrival
Burundi	Visa on arrival
Cambodia	Visa on arrival
Cape Verde	Visa on arrival
Comoros	Visa on arrival
Egypt	Visa on arrival
Guinea-Bissau	Visa on arrival
Indonesia	Visa on arrival
Kuwait	Visa on arrival
Laos	Visa on arrival
Lebanon	Visa on arrival
Libya	Visa on arrival
Madagascar	Visa on arrival
Maldives	Visa on arrival
Marshall Islands	Visa on arrival
Mauritania	Visa on arrival
Mozambique	Visa on arrival
Namibia	Visa on arrival
Nepal	Visa on arrival
Niue	Visa on arrival
Oman	Visa on arrival
Palau	Visa on arrival
Qatar	Visa on arrival
Rwanda	Visa on arrival
Samoa	Visa on arrival
Saudi Arabia	Visa on arrival
Senegal	Visa on arrival
Seychelles	Visa on arrival
Sierra Leone	Visa on arrival
Somalia	Visa on arrival
Sudan	Visa on arrival
Taiwan	Visa on arrival
Tanzania	Visa on arrival
Timor-Leste	Visa on arrival
Togo	Visa on arrival
Tonga	Visa on arrival
Tuvalu	Visa on arrival
Zambia	Visa on arrival
Zimbabwe	Visa on arrival
Mexico	eVisa
Pakistan	eVisa
South Korea	eVisa
Sri Lanka	eVisa

Schengen Privileges

Turkish passport holders are required to obtain a Schengen visa for short stays in Schengen Area countries. This visa allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, visiting family or friends, and short-term studies or internships.

To apply for a Schengen visa, Turkish citizens need to go through a detailed application process, which includes arranging an appointment at an embassy (of the country which is either the first point of entry or where the most time will be spent), filling out an application form, and submitting various documents such as passport-sized photographs, a valid passport, a sponsorship letter, travel insurance, travel itinerary, and proof of financial means, among others..

It’s important to note that holders of Turkish ordinary passports who have a valid visa or residence permit from a Member State of the European Economic Area, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, or the United States, or are family members of an EEA member or Switzerland citizen, or are flight crew, may be exempt from the airport transit visa requirement in some Schengen countries.

There have been discussions about visa liberalization for Turkish citizens. The European Union’s Commission has shown support for visa free travel to the Schengen Area for holders of Turkish biometric passports, but this process is not yet finalized, as Turkey has not met all the required benchmarks.

Global Passport Index

According to the Global Passport Index, Turkey ranks 94th. There are many Turkish passport benefits and perks beyond travel; However, a Turkey passport holder can travel visa free, including with visa on arrival, to 128 countries worldwide, landing Turkey in 94th position on the Enhanced Mobility Index.

Turkish passport holders can travel visa free to several countries in Southeastern Europe, such as Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but will need a valid Schengen Visa and any other relevant visa required to gain entry into Schengen member states and other EU countries.

Additionally, Turkish citizens need a visa to enter the United Kingdom, Canada, and the USA. However, visa on arrival and visa free countries that Turkish citizens have easy access to include Singapore, most South American countries, and many African countries. This also includes visa free and visa on arrival travel to several nations that impose travel restrictions on US citizens, such as Sudan, Iran, Cuba, Bolivia, and Belarus.

Turkish Passport Benefits

Having a Turkey passport offers several benefits, enhancing international travel and business opportunities. Here’s an overview:

Visa free access: Turkish passport holders enjoy visa free or visa on arrival access to numerous countries, facilitating travel for both leisure and business. The visa free countries list extends to 128 destinations, offering significant global mobility.

Business and investment: Turkish citizenship through the citizenship by investment program opens doors to numerous business opportunities, especially in sectors like real estate and tourism, under the investment program.

Easier access to the E2 Investor Visa: As a Turkish citizen, applying for an E2 Investor Visa to the United States becomes more straightforward, thanks to Turkey’s trade agreement with the U.S. This visa category is ideal for those looking to invest in or start a business in the U.S.

Dual citizenship: The flexibility of maintaining dual citizenship is a key advantage for those acquiring Turkish nationality. For individuals from countries that restrict dual citizenship, Turkey offers alternatives like the Turquoise Card, providing work and residency privileges.

Cultural experience: As a Turkish citizen, you can immerse yourself in a rich cultural tapestry, embodying a blend of Eastern and Western traditions. This unique cultural identity is a significant draw for many seeking Turkish nationality.

Educational opportunities: For Turkish citizens, access to various educational institutions offers quality learning experiences, from primary education to higher studies.

Healthcare benefits: Turkish citizens benefit from a healthcare system that has been evolving, providing quality medical care at more affordable rates.

Strategic location: Holding a Turkish passport allows easy access to Europe and Asia, making Turkey a strategic base for international business and visa free travel.

Turkey Passport Costs

As of January 1, 2023, Turkey has implemented a significant increase in passport fees. This increase, amounting to approximately 123 percent, was a result of the revaluation rate being set at 123 percent for the year. The President chose not to exercise his authority to lower this rate, leading to a substantial rise in passport fees for durations of 4-10 years, from $50 to $113.

Notable increases in 2023 passport fees

• For up to 6 months, the fee increased to $13.
• For 1 year, the fee increased to $34.
• For 2 years, the fee increased to $56.
• For 3 years, the fee escalated to $80.
• For 4-10 years, the fee jumped to $113.

Understanding the revaluation rate

The revaluation rate, as defined in Article 298 of the Tax Procedure Code, reflects the average increase in the Producer Price Index (PPI) compared to the same period of the previous year. Determined annually by TURKSTAT, the rate is then announced by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance in the Official Gazette.

For 2023, the revaluation rate was set at 58.46 percent. President Erdogan has the authority to adjust this rate for taxes and fees by up to 50 percent. However, for Motor Vehicle Tax, he can increase it by 50 percent and reduce it by 80 percent.

Turkish Passport Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• A valid Identity Card or temporary identity document.
• Receipts for fees and wallet fees.
• Two biometric photos.
• A student certificate for those eligible for a fee waiver.
• Consent certificate for minors or individuals with disabilities.
• Any existing passport.
• An additional fee for public passports with less than 6 months validity, to extend it by at least 6 months.

How Get a Turkey Passport

Various pathways are available to acquire a Turkish passport, starting with obtaining some form of citizenship in the country. The methods to attain citizenship include:

Citizenship by naturalization

Obtaining Turkish citizenship and a Turkish passport can be quite a lengthy process compared to a Turkey passport acquired through investment. Here is a list of the main prerequisites to obtain Turkish citizenship:

• Residency: Applicants must maintain valid residence permits for six years uninterrupted.
• Turkish language proficiency: Applicants are generally required to demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in the Turkish language.
• Good moral character: Applicants must have a clean criminal record and good moral character. Any criminal convictions or activities deemed incompatible with Turkish citizenship may affect the application.
• Financial stability: Applicants must have sufficient financial means to support themselves and any dependents in Turkey. The specific financial criteria may vary based on the circumstances, such as the applicant’s marital status and number of dependents.
• Integration: Applicants are expected to demonstrate integration into Turkish society, culture, and way of life. This can include participation in community activities, knowledge of Turkish customs and traditions, and assimilation into Turkish society.

Upon meeting the required eligibility criteria, a foreigner with a Turkish residence permit can submit an application for citizenship. It should be noted that the Turkish law for naturalization doesn’t provide the right to citizenship, and the decision ultimately lands with the Turkish government for any persons who meet the eligibility criteria.

Birthright citizenship

Turkey’s immigration laws for birthright citizenship have a relatively broad scope of acceptance. Children born in Turkey or with a Turkish mother or father can claim Turkish citizenship at birth.

Citizenship by marriage

The foreign spouse of a Turkish citizen is eligible for naturalization and a passport after three years of marriage and three years of residence in Turkey.

Citizenship by investment

The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program allows foreign investors to obtain Turkish citizenship after contributing to the country’s economy.

An alluring aspect of obtaining a residence permit and Turkish citizenship by investment is that several investment options are available to acquire a Turkey passport by investment and citizenship rights. You can be eligible for Turkish citizenship by:

• Purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 or investing the same in land acquisition. You can invest in multiple properties and still qualify for Turkey citizenship by investment scheme.
• Making a bank deposit of at least $500,000 into a Turkish bank account and maintaining it for at least three years. The deposit can be in dollars, an equivalent foreign currency, or Turkish Lira.
• Contributing at least $500,000 to government bonds. This can be in dollars, an equivalent foreign currency, or Turkish Lira.
• Making a minimum capital investment of $500,000 into a real estate or venture capital investment fund. The investment can be in dollars, an equivalent foreign currency, or Turkish Lira.
• Creating full-time jobs for at least fifty people, as stipulated by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services

After providing the documents required for the citizenship application, making the minimum investment, and passing through all due diligence checks carried out by the Turkish Embassy in your home country and the Turkish immigration authority, you’ll obtain Turkey citizenship and a Turkish passport. Second or multiple citizenship are also valid in Turkey, so you don’t need to worry about losing or renouncing your home country’s citizenship.

Process of Getting Turkey Citizenship by Investment

Turkey, like many countries offering Golden Visas, provides citizenship in exchange for an investment, qualifying this as a citizenship-by-investment program. Eligible investors have the option to select their desired investment path and begin the application procedure. Here is how it works.

Residency

You can apply remotely and visit Turkey later to explore investment options. Eligibility criteria for the Turkey Investment Visa include:

• Having a clean criminal record.
• No history of illegal stay in Turkey.
• The investment must undergo due diligence.
• Only legally obtained funds are used for the investment.

In addition to the standards above, you must obtain a certificate of eligibility for a Turkey Golden Visa. This depends on the investment type. The authorities responsible for issuing the certificate are Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, Ministry of Industry and Technology, the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency, the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, or the Capital Markets Board of Turkey.

Citizenship

The Turkey citizenship by investment program permits including the applicant’s spouse, dependent children under 18, and children with disabilities of any age. To be eligible for Turkish citizenship via the investment route, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have no history of illegal stay in Turkey.
• Pay all applicable taxes and fees associated with the process.

Every applicant must provide the following paperwork:

• Birth certificates for all applicants.
• Passports for each applicant.
• Recent utility statement as proof of residence.
• Biometric, colored passport photos for each applicant.
• Optional: Marriage certificate and/or death/divorce certificate of spouse.
• Proof of a clean criminal record from country of birth for all applicants 16 years or older.
• 20 passport-size photos.
• Valid health insurance in Turkey.
• Evidence of a $400,000 investment into a Turkish bank account or a lawyer’s client account.
• Turkish Tax ID Number.

The Turkey CBI program allows investments such as real estate, job creation, or capital transfer to the government. As of May 13, 2022, the minimum investment for citizenship increased from $250,000 to $400,000. The regulations about accumulating multiple properties for this total have also been updated. Here are the changes in the investment thresholds:

Real estate

• Invest $400,000 in any property type, such as villas, apartments, or land.
• No pre-approval is needed for property purchase.
• Option to buy multiple properties in the same neighborhood totaling $400,000.
• Register properties on the same day of purchase and retain them for at least three years.
• Prices in premium locations can reach $5,500 per square meter.

Job creation

• Establish a company that employs at least 50 Turkish citizens.
• Legal assistance is advised for setting up and operating the business.

Capital transfer

• Invest at least $500,000 in options like Turkish banks, government bonds, or fund shares.
• Retain the investment for at least three years.
• Investments can be made in stable currencies like the Euro.
• Advantages and Duration of Investment.

Processing Time for Turkish Citizenship by Investment

The timeline for acquiring Turkish citizenship through the investment program generally ranges from three to six months. This period can vary based on several factors, including the application’s complexity, the documentation’s thoroughness, and the efficiency of the administrative processes involved. The entire procedure of obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment is typically completed within approximately four months.

Dual Citizenship in Turkey

Turkey recognizes and permits dual and multiple citizenships, regardless of your current nationality. You are not required to relinquish your original passport or citizenship from your country of origin. This flexibility allows new Turkish passport holders to maintain ties to their native countries while also benefiting from establishing a permanent connection with Turkey. Bear in mind that dual citizenship is contingent on your home country also permitting dual citizenship.

Turkish Passport Renewal

A Turkey Passport remains valid for 10 years. For individuals below 18 years, the validity is reduced to 5 years. The process of issuing and renewing passports in Turkey falls under the jurisdiction of the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship, a division of the Ministry of Interior. Services related to these tasks are carried out at local “Nüfus Müdürlüğü” (Population Directorate) offices situated in various districts and cities.

Individuals seeking passport issuance or renewal must visit these offices, where they are required to submit their applications and necessary documents. For the most current information and specific guidelines, visiting local Population Directorate offices or consulting official government sources is recommended.

Essential documents for renewal

The standard documents required for get a new Turkey passport include:

• The current passport.
• A filled passport renewal application form.
• Biometric photograph.
• Passport photos.
• Residence permit proof.
• A valid Turkish national ID card or a residence permit.
• Turkish Identification Number.
• Military service completion proof for eligible age groups.
• Renewal fee payment.
• Appointment confirmation.
• Any additional documents as per individual circumstances (like a marriage certificate or a court decree for a name change).

It is crucial to verify the latest and specific requirements with the official authorities or the Turkish consulate/embassy.

Starting passport renewal

To renew a Turkish passport efficiently, it’s wise to start the renewal process several months prior to its expiry, ideally six months ahead. This early commencement allows sufficient time for gathering all necessary documents, submitting the application, and resolving any potential issues that might emerge. Starting early helps in avoiding any last-minute problems, ensuring the timely receipt of the renewed passport and avoiding disruptions in international travel plans.

The following steps should be followed:

• Complete the Turkey passport application form.
• Assemble required documents such as the Turkey Identification Card, birth certificate, biometric photo, and previous passport.
• Submit a recent biometric photo according to set guidelines.
• Pay the fees for the Turkey passport, which vary based on age and where the application is submitted.
• Submit the full application via mail or in-person at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate.

Renewing a passport outside Turkey

To renew a Turkish passport from overseas:

• Get in touch with the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy.
• Complete the renewal application form.
• Compile necessary documents including the existing passport and residence proof.
• Cover the relevant fees.
• If necessary, schedule and attend an appointment.
• Present the application in person.

Await processing and then retrieve the renewed passport on the allocated date. Regularly check with the consulate or embassy for updated information.

Replacing an expired, damaged, or lost passport

To renew an expired Turkish passport:

• Collect necessary documents such as the application form, expired passport, and a biometric photo.
• Pay the varying renewal fees.
• Hand in the application and documents at a Turkish consulate, embassy, or designated center.

For damaged passports, similar steps are taken. In case of a lost passport, report the loss to local authorities, secure a police report, and then proceed with the replacement process at the appropriate Turkish authority. Always verify specific requirements with the consulate or embassy.

Do I Need to Stay in Turkey?

You can apply for Turkish citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment program without living in Turkey. The process, taking 3 to 6 months, does not require your physical presence. Hence, you to stay in your home country throughout the application period.

Is It Worth Having a Turkish Passport?

The value of obtaining a Turkey passport through the CBI program varies based on personal circumstances and goals. Turkish citizens benefit from visa free access to numerous countries, simplifying international travel, and the program can also open doors for business and investment within Turkey, including easier property ownership and market access.

If you’re considering  Turkey citizenship by investment, our customized approach ensures that we guide you through each phase of the process. Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique global citizenship and residence advisory firm providing citizenship and residency solutions to international clients. Contact us today to begin your journey to obtain true global citizenship.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Turkish Passports

How strong is a Turkish passport?

A Turkey passport is relatively strong but doesn’t facilitate visa free access or visa on arrival travel to tier-one passport countries such as the United States, Australia, and the entire European Union. A stronger Turkish passport is the Turkey Special passport, which allows passport holders to travel visa free to countries in the European Union.

Can a foreigner enter Turkey with a passport that expires in six months?

A foreigner can enter Turkey with six months left on your passport. In order to get a Turkish entry stamp, your passport validity must be at least 150 days (five months) from the date you arrive, and there should be a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps. Turkey visa regulations mean you may be denied entry if you have less than 150 days remaining on your passport.

In terms of Turkish visa regulations for foreigners, British and US citizens traveling to Turkey can spend 90 days in any 180-day period in Turkey.

How many countries can I visit with a Turkish passport?

Ordinary passport holders in Turkey have visa on arrival travel, visa free, and e-visa (electronic/online visa) access to 128 countries. Turkish passport holders visa free countries include Caribbean nations, Brazil, El Salvador, Panama, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. You also won’t need Turkish entry and exit stamps.