Applying for Turkish citizenship is a detailed legal and bureaucratic process. Whether you apply through investment, marriage, long-term residency, or ancestry, your application must include a precise and complete set of documents. Failure to do so may result in rejection, even if you meet all other legal requirements. Fortunately, rejection due to missing documents is often fixable—either through legal remedies or re-application strategies.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, a highly experienced Turkish Law Firm in immigration and citizenship law, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers represent clients facing rejection due to documentation issues. This article explains what happens when your application is denied, how to appeal or fix the issue, and how to avoid delays in future submissions.
Common Missing Documents in Citizenship Applications
- Notarized and translated birth certificates
- Apostilled or legalized marriage/divorce certificates
- Missing tax registration proof or income declaration
- Incomplete investment documentation (e.g. bank transfer records)
- Incorrect residence permits or expired passports
- Absence of biometric photos or signature samples
- Failure to submit security clearance or criminal record checks
Turkish authorities are strict in requiring properly formatted documents, often demanding notarization, apostille, and Turkish translations by sworn translators. A common reason for rejection is failing to meet these formalities—even when the document itself is valid.
How Are Rejection Notices Issued?
Rejection is typically communicated through the Provincial Directorate of Civil Registration and Nationality (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) or via the online application system. The notice will state:
- The reason for rejection (e.g., "missing investment proof")
- Whether reapplication is allowed
- Whether legal objection is possible
In many cases, reapplication with corrected documentation is permitted. However, it is critical to address the issue fully—resubmitting the same set will likely result in a second rejection.
Legal Remedies: Administrative and Judicial Options
Depending on the reason and how the rejection was processed, applicants may pursue two primary remedies:
- Administrative Objection: File a written petition to the relevant department, explaining the issue and attaching the missing/corrected documents. This should be done within 30 days of rejection.
- Administrative Court Appeal: If the rejection is final and procedural violations occurred, you may file an annulment case before the Administrative Court within 60 days.
Our Turkish Law Firm helps prepare official appeals in Turkish, gathers legal arguments, and communicates directly with the authorities to reverse unjust decisions. Legal action is especially appropriate if your documents were in fact submitted but were not properly reviewed or uploaded.
Is Reapplication Better Than Objection?
In some cases, yes. If the missing documentation is straightforward and your status remains eligible (e.g., the investment is still valid, the marriage continues), you may reapply immediately with a corrected file. However, frequent reapplication without addressing root problems can create a negative record and slow future decisions.
When in doubt, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers assess your rejection report and guide you toward the most effective remedy—legal or administrative.
Document Correction Process: Practical Steps
- Identify the rejected document and request clarification from the officer or online system
- Have the correct version reissued in your home country (if needed)
- Translate the document into Turkish with a sworn translator
- Notarize and apostille if required
- Submit through authorized channels or lawyer
We provide end-to-end document management, including translation, notarization, and notarized power of attorney handling in Turkey or abroad.
Real Case Examples
- 🇬🇧 A UK investor’s citizenship by investment was rejected due to missing bank receipt. Our firm submitted revised SWIFT confirmation—approval granted in 6 weeks.
- 🇷🇺 A Russian spouse missed a police clearance from Moscow. We acquired embassy-certified version—citizenship approved after administrative petition.
- 🇩🇪 A German applicant uploaded outdated residence permit. We initiated court appeal due to system error—re-evaluated and accepted by authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I reapply after rejection? Yes. Most rejections due to missing documents are not final bans. You may reapply with corrections.
- Will the new application take longer? Not necessarily, if properly submitted through a Turkish Law Firm with a clean record.
- Can a lawyer help without me being in Turkey? Yes. Through notarized power of attorney, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers can handle your case remotely.
- Can I still apply if my investment deadline passed? It depends on timing. We evaluate eligibility case by case.
- What happens if the same document is rejected again? Legal objection or court action may be required to assert its validity.
Contact Our Citizenship Lawyers in Turkey
If your Turkish citizenship application has been rejected due to missing documents, do not give up. At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our experienced Turkish Law Firm helps clients correct and resubmit files, challenge unfair rejections, and obtain approvals with minimal delay. Contact our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers to discuss your case and secure your path to Turkish citizenship.