How to Become a TRNC Citizen?

The process of acquiring citizenship in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is subject to specific conditions and criteria. Citizenship applications are made to the Ministry of Interior of the TRNC. However, this process may change over time, so it is recommended to obtain the most up-to-date information from official TRNC sources.

Below are generally known methods and criteria for becoming a citizen of the TRNC:

1. Citizenship by Birth: Children born in the TRNC with at least one TRNC citizen parent can acquire TRNC citizenship by birth.

2. Citizenship through Marriage: A foreign national who marries a TRNC citizen can apply for citizenship after a certain period (e.g., 5 years) from the date of marriage. However, during this period, the marriage must still be intact, and certain other criteria must be met.

3. Long-Term Residence: Foreign nationals who have resided continuously in the TRNC for a specific period (e.g., 12 years) can apply for citizenship. During this process, certain conditions such as a clean criminal record and established social and economic ties are required.

4. Special Cases: The TRNC government may grant citizenship through special cases for individuals who have made significant contributions to the economy or have achieved significant success in fields like science, art, or sports.

5. Required Documents: When applying for citizenship, the following documents are typically requested:

   • ID card or passport
   • Residence certificate
   • Criminal record certificate
   • Marriage certificate (for marriage-based citizenship)
   • Other required documents

The information provided above is general and subject to change over time. Individuals considering applying for citizenship are advised to obtain current information from the Ministry of Interior of the TRNC or a qualified attorney.