Key Facts for Turkish Citizens
- Visa Required: Yes (Schengen for tourism, National for residence)
- Most Common Visas: Digital Nomad, Work, Entrepreneur, Student
- Processing Time: 15-45 days at consulate
- Spanish Consulates: Ankara (Embassy), Istanbul (Consulate General)
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years
- Tax Treaty: Yes (2002, in force 2004)
- Dual Citizenship: Turkey allows it. Spain requires renunciation, but Turkey doesn’t recognize it. Most keep both.
Why Turkish Citizens Choose Spain
Growing numbers of Turkish nationals are choosing Spain. Turkey holds EU candidate status since 1999, but accession negotiations have stalled. Many professionals seek EU benefits through alternative routes.
Business connections run deep. Trade between Spain and Turkey reached €11.2 billion in 2023. Turkish hospitality expertise transfers well. Hotels and restaurants along Spanish coasts have hired Turkish managers who understand high-volume international tourism. Direct flights connect Barcelona/Madrid to Istanbul in 3.5 hours.
Visa Options for Turkish Citizens
Not sure which visa fits your situation? Each path has different requirements, timelines, and tax implications. Book a consultation and we’ll map out the optimal visa and tax strategy for your move.
Spanish Consulates in Turkey
Ankara – Embassy of Spain
Prof. Aziz Sancar 8, Çankaya
Covers: Most Turkish provinces outside Istanbul region
Istanbul – Consulate General
Karanfil Aralığı Sok. No. 16, 1 Levent
Covers: Istanbul and surrounding region
Honorary Consulates: Antalya, Iskenderun, Izmir, Izmit, Nevsehir (limited services)
Appointments book weeks in advance, especially peak seasons. We coordinate document submission to avoid these errors.
Tax Considerations
Tax Treaty: Turkey-Spain
The Double Taxation Agreement has been in force since 2004. It prevents being taxed twice on the same income and allocates taxing rights between countries.
Key Points:
- Beckham Law: Flat 24% tax for 6 years on Spanish income. Foreign income exempt.
- Withholding Rates: 5-15% limits on dividends, interest, royalties under treaty
- Turkish Assets: Proper structuring needed. Turkish income and assets require careful handling
Required Documents
Required Documents:
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages
- Criminal Record (Adli Sicil Kaydı) from courthouse or e-Devlet, apostilled
- Birth Certificate apostilled via Governorship (Valilik)
- Educational Credentials apostilled via Provincial Directorates
- Health Insurance from Spanish insurer (Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV), minimum €30,000
- Financial Documentation bank statements showing euro-equivalent funds
- Photos Schengen specifications
Turkey joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1985. Court documents: Court of Appeals. Civil registry: Governorship. Educational: Provincial directorates. All need apostille before sworn Spanish translation.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Turkish citizens face the standard 10-year residence requirement. No shortcuts exist through EU candidate status. Until accession actually happens, Turkish nationals face same requirements as any non-EU citizen.
Dual citizenship reality: Turkey allows dual citizenship without restrictions (Article 44, Citizenship Law). You can hold both Turkish and Spanish passports. Spain requires formal renunciation, but Turkey doesn’t recognize it. You must use your Turkish passport when entering/exiting Turkey, but this is allowed.
Student time counts at reduced rates toward citizenship. Two years student status equals one year standard residency. Citizenship requires CCSE exam (Spanish culture) and DELE A2 (Spanish language).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work immediately after arriving?
Depends on your visa. Work visas and digital nomad visas allow employment from day one. Non-lucrative visas prohibit working entirely. Student visas permit limited part-time work (20 hours/week). Understand your visa conditions before accepting work.
Will Turkey’s EU candidate status help my application?
No. EU candidate status provides no immigration benefits until accession actually happens and there’s no timeline for this. Turkish nationals face the same requirements as any non-EU citizen.
Can I keep my Turkish passport?
Yes. Turkey allows dual citizenship. You’ll sign Spain’s renunciation declaration, but Turkey doesn’t recognize it. You can hold both passports and must use your Turkish passport when entering Turkey. Many Turkish residents value this, it preserves Turkish property rights and family connections.
How long does the visa process take?
Standard work visas: 3-5 months. Digital nomad and entrepreneur visas: 4-8 weeks. Non-lucrative: 2-3 months. These assume complete applications – missing documents can add months.
We Handle Everything
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Turkey to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.