Dual Citizenship in Turkey: Requirement, Process and Benefits

Dual citizenship is becoming increasingly common in a globalised world. Turkish legislation also permits multiple citizenship. Turkish citizenship can be acquired directly at birth or it can be acquired later. In our article, we will examine the place of dual citizenship in Turkish legislation.

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What is Dual Citizenship?

Article 3/1-b of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 defines the situation of  Turkish citizens having more than one citizenship at the same time as multiple citizenship.

The regulation of nationality laws remains within the sovereignty of states. Accordingly, states have mostly preferred either to directly prohibit dual citizenship or to directly allow it or to respect the principle of reciprocity in this regard. Turkey has preferred the principle of reciprocity in these ways.

Article 3/1-ç of the aforementioned Law defines Turkish citizenship as being bound to the State of the Republic of Turkey by a bond of citizenship. How and when the bond of citizenship can be established is determined by law.

If we summarise how to acquire Turkish citizenship: The acquisition of Turkish citizenship is fundamentally divided into two groups: acquisition by birth and later acquisition. Later acquisition of Turkish citizenship is divided into three main groups. These are the acquisition of Turkish citizenship by the decision of the competent authority, acquisition of Turkish citizenship by adoption and acquisition of Turkish citizenship through the exercise of the right to choose. The acquisition of Turkish citizenship with the decision of the competent authority contains many sub-groups within itself. These include the acquisition of Turkish citizenship through residence, acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage, acquisition of Turkish citizenship through investment, acquisition of Turkish citizenship through the purchase of real estate, and re-acquisition of Turkish citizenship.

In 2024, Which Countries Allow Dual Citizenship? 

Many countries such as Germany, France, Italy, the USA, Canada, the Philippines, Nigeria, Morocco, Argentina, Brazil, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, USA allow dual citizenship. The criteria and conditions for dual citizenship differ from country to country. In other words, in some countries, it is easier to gain multiple citizenship than in others. 

Does Turkey Allow Dual Citizenship? 

Turkey is among the countries that allow dual citizenship and multiple citizenship and it is possible to be a citizen of both a foreign country and Turkey if the conditions are met. Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 expresses this point and states that “In the event that persons who have acquired the citizenship of a foreign state for any reason submit documents regarding this situation and as a result of the examination to be carried out, if it is determined that they are the same persons, a statement is made in their records in the population family registers that they have multiple citizenship.”. 

Does Turkey Allow Multiple Citizenship? 

In Turkish law, dual citizenship is regulated as multiple citizenship. Accordingly, Turkey allows multiple citizenship. In the same way, it can be stated in this context that Turkey also allows triple citizenship.

Dual Citizenship Requirements in Turkey

The answer to the question of what dual (multiple) citizenship is, as we mentioned above, can be expressed as a legal status in which a person has citizenship ties with more than one state at the same time.

The laws in Turkey permit dual citizenship. However, as mentioned above, Turkey follows the principle of reciprocity in this regard. Accordingly, if the laws of the other state do not allow dual citizenship, it will not be possible to obtain dual citizenship status in Turkey.

Acquiring Citizenship of a Second State

Of course, the first condition for the acquisition of dual citizenship is that a Turkish citizen acquires foreign citizenship or a foreign citizen also acquires Turkish citizenship.

Recognition of the Other State to Dual Citizenship

The next condition for acquiring dual citizenship is that the other country of citizenship recognises dual citizenship as a legal status. Germany, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom and Albania have signed agreements on multiple nationality with Turkey. On the other hand, countries such as Germany, USA, Australia, Belgium, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Brazil, Czechia, Armenia, France, South Korea, Ireland, Spain, Israel, Canada, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Cyprus, Mexico, Norway, There are many countries such as Egypt, Romania, Portugal and Chile allow dual citizenship too.

Making a Notification

With all this, it is an obligation for the person who is entitled to dual citizenship to notify the relevant government institutions.

This obligation is also expressed in Article 44 of the above-mentioned law.

How to Obtain Dual Citizenship in Turkey?

Notification Procedure

Applications for dual citizenship status are made domestically to the district civil registry office where the place of residence is located, and abroad to foreign representatives in person or with a special power of attorney for the exercise of this right. Applications made by mail are not accepted.

Applications for dual citizenship of persons who are minors or lack the power of discernment are made by their parents or guardians.

The Republic of Turkey identification number is taken as the basis for applications and transactions. The application date is taken as the date on which the person’s form petition is recorded in the document record by the application authority.

Required Documents​

• • Application Form (VAT-12),

• • 2 biometric photographs,

• • Identity card or its copy,

• • Notarized Turkish translation of a duly approved document containing identification information showing the date on which citizenship of another state was acquired.

Benefits of Multiple Citizenship

Dual citizenship provides many advantages to those who have this status. Having two passports is the first thing that comes to mind. In this way, it is much easier to travel between two countries of which you are a citizen, without requiring a visa.

Another advantage of dual citizenship is the ability to own property in both countries of which one is a citizen. This provides a significant economic contribution.

Other advantages of dual citizenship are; In both countries, these can be listed as voting, benefiting from social services and benefiting from educational opportunities. The most important advantage of dual citizenship is the opportunity to choose the opportunities that are most advantageous for oneself.

Is Military Service Compulsory for Dual Citizenship In Turkey?

Military service is compulsory for male Turkish citizens. Articles 38 and 39 of the Military Recruitment Law No. 7179 regulate the issues of postponement and military service with foreign currency due to being abroad, and in this context, it also regulates the state of dual citizenship. Accordingly, Turkish citizens with multiple citizenship residing abroad can postpone their military service until the end of the year when they turn 35. Military service in foreign currency, on the other hand, regulates that persons residing abroad under certain conditions are deemed to have fulfilled their military service duty by paying foreign currency. Accordingly, those who reside abroad and have the right to multiple citizenship can benefit from military service in foreign currency if they have actually been in foreign countries for at least three years. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, our examination of dual citizenship in Turkey reveals that the legal landscape is intricately governed by Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. Within this framework, dual citizenship is defined as the simultaneous possession of citizenship ties with more than one state. Turkey adopts a principled stance based on reciprocity, allowing individuals to hold dual citizenship only if the laws of the other involved state also permit it.

Aspiring dual citizens must satisfy specific conditions, including obtaining citizenship of a second state and ensuring recognition of dual citizenship by that state. Notification to relevant government institutions is obligatory, and the application process entails specific documentation. The advantages of dual citizenship extend to easier travel, property ownership in both countries and access to various social and educational opportunities. In essence, the legal provisions and procedural requirements highlighted herein underscore our commitment to navigating the complexities of dual citizenship within the broader global context.

FAQ

What is dual citizenship, and is it allowed in Turkey?
Dual citizenship refers to holding citizenship in two different countries simultaneously. Yes, Turkey permits dual citizenship, but the laws governing it adhere to the principle of reciprocity.

What are the requirements for acquiring dual citizenship in Turkey?
To obtain dual citizenship in Turkey, individuals must first acquire citizenship of a second state. Additionally, the other country must recognize dual citizenship, and applicants must fulfill notification obligations to relevant government institutions.

Which countries recognize dual citizenship with Turkey?
Several countries, including Germany, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, and Albania, have signed agreements on multiple nationality with Turkey. Additionally, various other nations such as the USA, Australia, and France permit dual citizenship.

What is the process for applying for dual citizenship in Turkey?
Applications for dual citizenship status are made either domestically to the district civil registry office or abroad to foreign representatives. The process involves submitting specific documentation, including an application form, biometric photographs, and proof of acquisition of citizenship in another state.

What are the benefits of dual citizenship in Turkey?
Dual citizenship offers advantages such as easier travel between countries without requiring visas, property ownership in both countries, access to social services, educational opportunities, and the freedom to choose the most advantageous options available in each country.

How We Can Assist You?

As Viridis Legal Partners, we understand the intricacies surrounding dual citizenship in Turkey, and our dedicated team of immigration attorneys in İstanbul is well-equipped to guide you through the legal processes. Whether you are seeking assistance in acquiring Turkish citizenship, navigating the complexities of dual citizenship, or ensuring compliance with the relevant legal requirements, our experienced lawyers of foreigners law in Turkey are here to provide comprehensive support. We can assist you in understanding the nuances of immigration laws, aid you compile the necessary documentation for dual citizenship applications, and ensure that you are well-informed about the benefits and obligations associated with this status.

Our personalized services extend to facilitating the notification procedures required by the law and ensuring that your application aligns with the current legal framework. Whether you are an individual, a family, or a business entity, we tailor our expertise to meet your specific needs. Trust Viridis Legal Partners to be your legal partner in navigating the complexities of dual citizenship, offering guidance, and facilitating a smooth process for you.

Contact us today to explore how we can assist you on your journey to acquiring or managing dual citizenship in Turkey.