How to Get Turkish Citizenship: Lessons from Jessica May (2024)

Brazilian actress Jessica May has officially become a Turkish citizen. Discover the legal requirements and the process for foreigners to obtain Turkish citizenship.

Jessica May’s Journey to Turkish Citizenship

Jessica May, the Brazilian actress from "Yeni Gelin," is now a proud holder of Turkish citizenship. She's lived in Turkey for over ten years. Her move from a global model to a local TV star is finally complete with her new legal status.

From Brazil to the Turkish Screen

Jessica first came to Turkey in 2011 to work as a model. But her life changed when she started acting. She became famous as Bella in the hit show "Yeni Gelin." Playing a foreign bride helped her connect with fans across the country. It matched her own life story perfectly.

Marriage and Legal Residency

In 2018, Jessica married Turkish photographer Hüseyin Kaya. They had a wedding in Brazil but chose to live in Turkey. Because of this, she could apply for Turkish citizenship through marriage laws. Under Turkish law, you can apply for naturalization after three years of marriage. You just need to meet certain residency and security rules first.

The Long Wait for Official Documents

Even though she met the rules, the paperwork took a few years. Jessica told reporters she was very eager to get her ID card. She felt Turkish in her heart, but the background checks take time. The Ministry of Interior must verify everything. And the process involves several interviews and checks.

Getting Her Official Turkish Citizenship ID

The long wait finally ended. Jessica went to the Population Directorate to pick up her Turkish ID card. She shared her joy on social media with a photo of the new document. She wrote, "And I have officially become a Turkish citizen." Her fans and friends sent many kind messages to celebrate.

This change lets her vote in Turkish elections. It also makes travel and work permits much easier for her. She still lives in Istanbul and works in the film industry. Now, she holds Turkish citizenship and Brazilian citizenship at the same time.