Legal Follow-up and Representation in Citizenship Cases

Common Reasons for Refusal of Residence Permit, Permanent Residence or Citizenship in Turkey

The main reasons for refusal of residence permit, permanent residence or citizenship applications in Turkey are as follows:

**1. Submission of False or Fraudulent Information/Documentation

• Making a false statement during the application

• Use of forged documents

2. Failure to Verify Income Sources

• Lack of a specific, regular and legal source of income

• If the income is doubtful or undocumentable

3. Sham Marriage or Sham Adoption

Fraudulent transactions to gain an advantage in the application will be rejected.

4. Having or Concealing a Criminal Record

• Felony offenses

• Crimes that pose a security risk

• Hiding criminal record information from authorities

**5. Fraudulent Work Permit Application

Request for a work permit based on an unreal job.

6. Unrealistic Employment Contract or Training Invitation

False, incomplete or forged documents prepared in support of the application.

**7. Unfounded Request for Political Asylum

Applying for political asylum on false grounds.

8. Security or Reputational Risk to the State

The applicant poses a risk to the security, public order or reputation of the country.

Reasons for Refusal under the Investment Program

Main reasons for refusal of citizenship by investment or residence permit applications:

• Failure to meet program requirements

• Suspicion of money laundering

• Illegal sources of income or investment

• Misrepresentation of the investment amount

These situations may lead to the rejection of an application for citizenship or residence permit.

Appeal against the Decision to Deny Citizenship of the Republic of Turkey

If a foreign national receives a refusal decision on his/her citizenship application, he/she has the right to appeal this decision.

An appeal can be lodged by:

• Applicant

• Lawyer

• Legal representative

Since the rejection decision is an administrative act, the appeal is through judicial remedy.

The Court examines whether the decision complies with the legislation and whether the grounds are legal.

**How Does the Appeal Process Work?

1. After the notification of the rejection decision a lawsuit is filed to the competent court.

2. Documents showing that the applicant is right are prepared and submitted to the court.

3. The court assesses the evidence and the administration's decision-making process.

Accounts to be Considered

• A strong dossier of evidence should be prepared to demonstrate the lawfulness of the application.

• It is highly recommended to work with a specialized lawyer in administrative cases.

Appeal Period

Time limit for filing a lawsuit against the rejection decision:

➡️ 60 days from the date of notification

📌 *If the time limit is missed, the case is definitively dismissed.

📌 *Turkish courts are extremely strict on time limits.

**Where to Apply

The lawsuit is filed to the relevant Administrative Court.

Length of Time to Conclude the Case

Administrative courts in Turkey can take time to complete the process due to the high volume of cases:

Court of first instance: several months - 1 year

Appeal / appeal: additional periods (months, years in case of intensity)

To speed up the process:

• Complete preparation of all documents

• Professional legal representation

It is mandatory.