The strength of the Turkish passport lies in its global ranking, currently 40th according to the Guide Passport Index. This index measures the freedom of travel the passport provides to its holders across different countries.

Skyline Real Estate offers insights into the benefits of the Turkish passport, the countries it allows entry to, either visa-free or with a visa, and the steps to obtain a Turkish passport. Enjoy your reading!

Turkish Passport Strength in 2024

Holders of the Turkish passport enjoy several benefits, making it one of the most powerful passports in the world. These benefits include:

• Visa-free access to 68 countries, and facilitated entry to 26 Schengen countries.
• Visa on arrival access to 51 countries.
• E-visa access to over 7 countries.
• Free tuition fees and payment plans for universities offered to Turkish citizens.
• The processing and delivery time for a Turkish passport is approximately 30 days.
• Full rights as Turkish citizens.
• Retirement plans available for Turkish citizens.
• The right to vote in all types of elections in Turkey.
• Dual citizenship is allowed, meaning foreigners can retain their original nationality.
• The Turkish passport is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for life.

Read also: Does Turkey Allow Dual Citizenship?

Which Countries Can You Enter with a Turkish Passport?

As mentioned earlier, the strength of the Turkish passport lies in its ability to grant entry to many countries either visa-free, with an e-visa, or with a visa. This has increased the interest of foreigners in acquiring Turkish citizenship and the Turkish passport to enjoy its benefits. Here are some of the key countries you can enter with a Turkish passport:

Visa-Free Entry:

• Arab countries: Iraq, Palestine, Jordan, Qatar, Libya, Morocco, Lebanon, Tunisia, Syria, Oman.
• Foreign countries: Argentina, Belarus, Albania, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Botswana, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Ecuador, Honduras, Iran, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Moldova, North Korea, Kosovo, Macedonia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Uruguay, Venezuela, Thailand, Ukraine.

Visa on Arrival:

• Arab countries: Kuwait, Sudan, Bahrain, Mauritania, Comoros, Djibouti.
• Foreign countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Tajikistan, Guinea, Madagascar, Maldives, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, East Timor, Togo, Uganda, Ivory Coast.

E-Visa Entry:

• Ivory Coast, Mexico, Pakistan, Seychelles, South Korea, Sri Lanka.

Countries Requiring a Visa:

• United Kingdom, Austria, Niger, United States, India, Greece, Belgium, Chad, Canada, Poland, Cyprus, Finland, Switzerland, France, Romania, Maldives, Palau, Taiwan, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tuvalu, East Timor, Marshall Islands, Rwanda, Cambodia, Kenya, Laos, Mozambique, Aruba, Afghanistan, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, China, Sweden, Vatican.

It's worth noting that Turkey is negotiating with 94 countries, including 28 Schengen countries (EU member states), to allow visa-free entry for Turkish citizens.

How to Obtain a Turkish Passport?

Before thinking about how to get a Turkish passport and benefit from its strength, you must first consider how to obtain Turkish citizenship. This is an essential step. Upon researching the various ways to apply, you will find the following options:

Investment in Turkey

This is the fastest way to acquire Turkish citizenship. A foreign citizen can obtain it by meeting one of the following conditions:

• Fixed investment worth at least 2 million USD.
• Owning real estate in Turkey worth at least 400,000 USD and committing not to sell it for 3 years.
• Starting a company that creates job opportunities for fifty Turkish citizens.
• Depositing 500,000 USD for 3 years in a Turkish bank.
• Purchasing government bonds worth 3 million USD for 3 years.
• Investing 500,000 USD in a company or buying shares, with the commitment not to withdraw the investment for 3 years.

Residence for 5 Years

This is a more affordable option compared to the first one. You need to legally reside in Turkey for 5 years with a work visa or student visa.

Marriage

Marrying a Turkish citizen can also grant you Turkish citizenship after 3 years, provided the following conditions are met:

• The couple lives together.
• No conduct that could harm the couple is committed.
• No threat to national security and public order.

What are the Requirements for Turkish Citizenship?

A foreign citizen can apply for Turkish citizenship if they meet all the following conditions:

• The applicant is of legal age.
• Provide documents proving the purpose of residence, such as owning property, starting a business, holding a work permit, or being married to a Turkish citizen.
• No health conditions that could pose a risk to public health.
• Ability to speak Turkish at the required level.
• Sufficient income to support oneself.

Having covered the ways and requirements to obtain Turkish citizenship, let's now explore the steps to apply for a Turkish passport and benefit from its strength.

Steps to Obtain a Turkish Passport

To get a Turkish passport, follow these steps:

1. Book an appointment at the population directorate (Nüfus).
2. Pay the passport fee at a bank (a 10-year passport costs around $85).
3. Bring a biometric photo with a white background.
4. Attend the appointment to complete the procedures.
5. The passport will be sent to your address within 20 days, usually less.

This concludes our article on the strength of the Turkish passport. Skyline Real Estate has provided information about the benefits of the Turkish passport, the countries it grants access to, as well as the ways and requirements to obtain Turkish citizenship and a Turkish passport.