Steps and costs of receiving the physical Turkish passport

If you are reading this, you have likely successfully completed the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship. Receiving a Turkish passport is not just about getting a booklet for travel; it is the ultimate symbol of your citizenship and full integration into Turkish society.

Many new citizens get confused by Turkish administrative terminology. But don't worry. The passport issuance system in Turkey has shifted from the Police to the "Population Directorate" (Nüfus) in recent years and is very modern and fast. In this article, we review all the steps, the new fees for 2025, and the fine details no one tells you.

Step 1: Know Your Passport Type

Passports in Turkey are categorized by color and social status. Knowing which passport belongs to you is the first step:

• Maroon/Bordeaux Passport (Umuma Mahsus): This is the standard passport that 99% of the public and new citizens via real estate investment or bank deposit receive. This guide is specifically for this passport.
• Green Passport (Hususi): Reserved for high-ranking government employees, lawyers with over 15 years of seniority, and major exporters. Unless you are a major businessperson with massive annual exports, your default is the Maroon passport.
• Grey and Black Passports: Reserved for state missions and diplomats.

Step 2: Passport Fees in 2025

The year 2025 saw a significant increase in government fees. The passport cost consists of two parts, both of which you must pay:

• Booklet Fee (Defter Bedeli): The physical cost of the passport book itself.
• Service/Tax Fee (Harç Bedeli): The tax the government charges for the right to travel and the duration of validity.

Full Fee Table for 2025:

Economic Analysis and Strategy:

• The Golden Option: Without a doubt, the "3 Years and above" option. In the Turkish system, paying for 3+ years grants you a 10-year validity. Considering inflation, paying 12,409 TL for 10 years is much more economical than renewing every year.
• Note for Children: By law, individuals under 18 are issued a passport for a maximum of 5 years (due to facial changes). Even if you pay the 10-year fee, you will receive a 5-year passport.
• Good News for Students: If you are under 25 and have student status, you are exempt from the "Service Fee" (Harç) and only need to pay the Booklet Fee (1,135 TL).

Step 3: Preparing Documents (Before Appointment)

Before using the appointment system, you must have these documents ready. Missing documents means your application will be rejected.

• ID Card (Kimlik): You must have the original new smart ID card. If you haven't received your ID card yet, you cannot apply for a passport.
• One Biometric Photo:
  • This photo differs from standard passport photos.
  • Dimensions: 50mm x 60mm.
  • Background: Completely white with no shadows.
  • Face: Full face, no smiling, preferably without glasses, looking directly at the camera.
  • Tip: Explicitly tell the photographer you need a photo "for a Turkish passport."
• Payment Receipt: Although the system is online, keep a paper receipt or PDF of the payment on your phone just in case.
• Old Passports: If you previously held a Turkish passport, you must surrender it. (You do not need to hand over your foreign passport).

Step 4: Booking an Appointment (Randevu)

You cannot enter the Population Directorate in Turkey without an appointment. The appointment system is centralized and online.

Official Appointment Link: Enter NVI Appointment System

Booking Guide:

• Click the link above and select PASAPORT.
• Select the passport type as UMUMA MAHSUS PASAPORT (Maroon).
• Enter personal details (Name, Surname, ID Number, Phone).
• Choosing a City: You don't have to book in your own district. If you are in Istanbul and your area is busy, you can choose quieter districts or even nearby cities.
• If you want passports for your spouse and children too, select "Add Family Member" (Kişi Ekle) to get a group appointment.
• Select the date and time, and enter the code sent via SMS.

Step 5: Payment Methods

You cannot pay cash at the Population Directorate desk. You must deposit the money before going to the office.

Payment Channels:

• Tax Office Website (IVD): Go to ivd.gib.gov.tr. Select "Harç ve Değerli Kağıt Bedeli". Pay with a Turkish bank card.
• Mobile Banking App: In apps like Ziraat Bank or İş Bank, go to Payments > Taxes > Passport Fees.
• PTT Branches: You can visit a post office and pay in cash.

Important Warning: When paying, ensure you enter the ID number (T.C. Kimlik) of the person for whom the passport will be issued. If paying for your child, do not use the father's ID number!

Step 6: The Appointment Day and Biometrics

Arrive at the Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) at least 15 minutes early.

• Get a Ticket: Use the kiosk at the entrance, select "Randevum Var" (I have an appointment), and enter your ID number to get a queue number.
• Submit Documents: Give the photo and ID to the officer.
• Fingerprinting (Biometric): Even if you gave fingerprints for your ID card, you must scan fingers of both hands again.
• Signature: You will sign on a digital pad. This signature will be printed on your passport, so sign carefully.
• Data Check: The officer will show you the monitor. Check carefully:
  • Spelling of Name and Surname (Especially if you have changed your name).
  • Place of Birth.
  • Delivery address for the passport.

Step 7: Printing and Delivery (PTT)

Your passport is not issued on the spot. The data goes to Ankara, the passport is printed, and then handed over to the post (PTT).

• Delivery Time: Usually 1-3 business days in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, and up to 7 days in smaller cities.
• Tracking: As soon as it is handed to the post, you will receive an SMS with a barcode to track it on the PTT website.
• Strict Delivery Rule: The postman will only deliver the passport to you or the person you named as the "Receiver" (Teslim Alacak Kişi) during registration. If you are not home, the passport goes to the central district branch, and you have 10 days to pick it up.

Important Notes for New Citizens

1. Name and Surname Change

Many new citizens choose to change their names during the citizenship process. The Turkish passport is issued with the exact name on your Turkish ID Card. If you haven't received an ID with your new name yet, do not apply for a passport.

2. Dual Citizenship and Travel

If you hold two passports, the general rule is:

• Exiting Turkey: Use Turkish Passport.
• Entering your other country: Use that country's passport.
• Entering Turkey: Use Turkish Passport.

Always carry both passports with you.

3. Parental Consent for Children

For children's passport procedures, both parents (mother and father) must be present at the Population Directorate. If one parent cannot be present (e.g., is abroad), a notarized consent letter (Muvafakatname) is required. If the parent is outside Turkey, they must go to the Turkish Consulate in that country to provide consent.

Summary

The process of obtaining a Turkish passport in 2025 is completely systematic. If your documents and especially your biometric photo are correct, and you have paid the fee to the correct ID number, the entire process at the Population Directorate takes less than 15 minutes, and you will receive your passport at your doorstep within a few days.