Banka Mevduatı Yoluyla Türk Vatandaşlığının Kazanılması

Acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit is one of the exceptional ways to gain citizenship in Turkey. This avenue allows foreign citizens to obtain Turkish citizenship by depositing a certain amount of money as part of their citizenship application. While opening a bank account and obtaining citizenship has become easier in Turkey compared to the past, there are still certain requirements that must be met. In this blog post, we will explore all aspects of acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit.

Who Can Apply?

Only foreign individuals can make a deposit for citizenship application purposes.  Therefore, foreign individuals who deposit a certain amount of money into a bank operating in Turkey, subject to certain conditions, can become Turkish citizens.

Family Members in the Case of Acquiring Turkish Citizenship through Bank Deposit

The spouse of the foreign individual who makes the deposit for citizenship application purposes, as well as their dependent or minor children, can also apply for citizenship by opening a bank account in Turkey. However, for adult children, a different method must be followed to apply for citizenship.

Managing the Process of Acquiring Turkish Citizenship through Bank Deposit through a Lawyer

It is possible to appoint a special authorized representative to manage the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit. The tasks that can be performed by the representative on behalf of the foreign citizen include opening an account at the bank in compliance with the regulations and providing necessary information and documents, depositing the required amount for citizenship application, managing the identification of the account, and signing the necessary documents.

Application Requirements

To acquire Turkish citizenship through bank deposit, a deposit of 500,000 USD or the equivalent amount in foreign currency or Turkish Lira must be made into a private or public bank located within the borders of Turkey. It is also a requirement that the deposited amount be kept in the bank for at least three years. Approval from the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency for the deposit for citizenship application purposes is also a final requirement for acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit.

It is not a requirement for the account opened for acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit to be in the name of the applicant. A joint account opened in a bank in Turkey is sufficient. In summary, there is no problem if the account is owned by the spouse of the account holder or another person as long as the account holder agrees not to withdraw the required amount for citizenship application for at least 3 years.

Can the Deposited Money be in Different Accounts?

There is no requirement for the required amount for acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit to be in a single bank account. It is possible to deposit the total amount required for the application through different accounts, as long as the amount is blocked and declared in compliance with the regulations.

Validity of Previously Existing Money in a Bank

Previously existing deposits or participation funds in a bank in Turkey can be used for acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit, both before and after the regulations. However, the period before the application cannot be counted as part of the 3-year period required for the application. The Citizenship Regulation based the start of the 3-year period on the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency’s determination and notification to the Ministry of Interior Affairs.

Withdrawing the Deposited Money Before the 3-Year Period

Although the deposited money for acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit is blocked, it is possible to withdraw it. If the amount drops below 500,000 USD or is withdrawn completely, the bank informs the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency, and they inform the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs and the General Directorate of Migration Management. If the citizenship application is not accepted, the process ends, and if it is accepted, it is canceled. The previous application period is not taken into account in a new citizenship application after such a cancellation.

Required Documents

Required Documents for Opening an Account

The necessary documents for opening an account for acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit may vary from bank to bank. However, generally required documents include the foreigner’s potential tax number, residency permit, passport, and a mobile phone number obtained from Turkish operators.

Required Documents for the Conformity Certificate, which is a Condition for Acquiring Turkish Citizenship through Bank Deposit

To acquire Turkish citizenship through bank deposit, a Cinformity certificate must be obtained from the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency. The necessary documents for obtaining the certificate include a signed declaration stating that the deposit will be kept in the bank for 3 years and the intention to acquire citizenship through investment, and the foreign citizen’s address and contact information (email, phone number) to be presented to the bank where the deposit was made.

Required Documents and Application Location for Acquiring Turkish Citizenship through Bank Deposit

After the deposit process for citizenship application, the foreign person or their authorized representative requests the bank to issue a document indicating the deposited amount and the citizenship application. Upon the request, the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) confirms the compliance with the regulations and notifies the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs and the General Directorate of Migration Management in writing. Then, the bank is notified with a copy of the letter for information purposes.

The required documents for acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit are:

• Notarized translation of the passport of all persons applying for citizenship 2 copies of biometric, color, white background photos of all persons applying for citizenship (taken within the last 6 months)
• Original or notarized translation of marital status certificate (marriage certificate for married individuals, divorce certificate for divorced individuals, death certificate of spouse for widowed individuals)
• Original birth certificate or notarized translation of Family Certificate
• Receipt indicating that the service fee has been paid to the Tax Office

Processing Time for Acquiring Turkish Citizenship through Bank Deposit

There is no specific time limit for obtaining an eligibility certificate, residence permit, or finalizing a citizenship application through bank deposit. To expedite the process, “Joint Service” units have been established between public institutions. Considering security checks, bureaucratic procedures, and other factors, the application for acquiring Turkish citizenship through bank deposit is estimated to take an average of 6 to 9 months to be finalized.