12 May Citizenship

Does Turkey Allow Dual Citizenship?

Ahmed hamdy Ahmed hamdy
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Worried about losing your current nationality if you apply for Turkish citizenship? You’re not alone. One of the most common concerns among investors, expats, and Turkish descendants is whether they can legally hold dual citizenship in Turkey without having to give up their existing passport.

Good news: Turkey allows dual citizenship, and you can obtain it through multiple legal pathways such as descent, marriage, naturalization, investment, or exceptional merit.
Before applying, it’s essential to confirm that your home country also permits dual nationality to avoid legal conflicts.

This guide answers all your questions, clears up confusion, and helps you determine whether Turkish dual citizenship is the right move for your future.

Does Turkey Allow Multiple Citizenship?

Legal Recognition of Dual Nationality

Turkey allows dual citizenship under Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law. Individuals who acquire Turkish nationality are not required to renounce their original citizenship, provided their home country also permits multiple nationalities.

Key Legal Facts

Turkey recognizes dual and multiple citizenship without restriction.
Citizens can retain their foreign nationality while gaining Turkish citizenship through various legal paths.
Turkish authorities expect citizens to inform them if they acquire another nationality after naturalization.

-Discover Turkish citizenship by investment

Passport Requirements for Dual Citizens

When holding two nationalities, knowing which passport to use at border control is essential. Here’s how dual citizens are expected to manage travel between Turkey and other countries.

Dual citizens are expected to use their Turkish passport when entering or leaving Turkey.
Countries such as the United States require citizens to enter and exit using their U.S. passports.
It is common and legal to carry and use both passports, depending on the country you’re traveling to or from.
Using multiple passports does not affect your citizenship status in either country.
This practice ensures smooth travel and compliance with the laws of each nation.

Who Benefits from Turkey’s Dual Citizenship Policy?

This policy benefits a wide range of individuals, including:

Turkish-Americans and Turkish-Europeans are seeking to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
Foreign investors who gain citizenship through economic contributions.
Foreign spouses of Turkish nationals.
Children born to at least one Turkish parent, even if abroad.
Long-term residents living or working in Turkey.
Professionals and digital nomads seeking a second legal home.

Common Misunderstandings About Turkish Dual Citizenship

No requirement to renounce: Turkey doesn’t ask you to give up your previous nationality.
No single-citizenship rule at adulthood: Children born with dual nationality are not required to choose one nationality when they turn 18.
No automatic loss of citizenship: Acquiring another nationality does not cause Turkish citizenship to be revoked.

Who Is Eligible for Turkish Citizenship and What Are the Legal Pathways?

Turkey offers multiple legal pathways to acquire citizenship, whether by birth, descent, marriage, long-term residence, or investment. Each route comes with specific requirements, benefits, and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options.

1) Citizenship by Birth and Descent

Who qualifies? Children automatically acquire Turkish nationality if at least one parent is a Turkish citizen, regardless of whether the child is born inside or outside Turkey.

Key facts:

Turkish citizenship is passed down through the bloodline (jus sanguinis).
If the parents are married, the child inherits Turkish citizenship from either parent.
If the child is born abroad, the birth should be registered with the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate.
Children born in Turkey to non-Turkish parents do not automatically receive Turkish citizenship unless they would otherwise be stateless.

2) Citizenship by Naturalization (Long-Term Residence)

Foreign nationals can apply for Turkish citizenship by naturalization if they have legally resided in Turkey for at least five continuous years.

Requirements include:

Valid residence permit
Proof of integration into Turkish society
Basic Turkish language skills
No serious criminal record
Financial stability and the ability to support oneself

Special provisions may apply to those who have Turkish ancestry or contribute to Turkish culture, economy, or sports.

3) Citizenship by Marriage

A foreigner married to a Turkish citizen can apply for citizenship after three years of legal marriage, provided the relationship is ongoing and genuine.

Key considerations:

Spouses must live together and demonstrate a shared family life.
The applicant must not pose a threat to national security or public order.
Citizenship is not granted automatically upon marriage; a formal application is required.

4) Citizenship by Investment

In 2017, Turkey introduced a fast-track Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, attracting global investors.

Minimum investment options include:

$400,000 in Turkish real estate (property must be held for at least three years)
$500,000 in Turkish government bonds, bank deposit, or venture capital funds
Creation of 50 full-time jobs for Turkish citizens
Application process timeline: 3 to 6 months

No language requirement
No physical residence needed
Eligible family members can be included (spouse and children under 18)

5) Citizenship Through Exceptional Circumstances

Citizenship may also be granted by presidential decree to individuals who have provided extraordinary contributions to Turkey, including in the fields of science, technology, sports, arts, and business.

Turkish Passport and ID – Travel and Requirements

Once you become a citizen, you’re eligible for a Turkish passport and national ID card. These documents offer significant advantages for both travel and domestic use, especially when combined with dual citizenship.

Turkish Passport: International Travel Benefits

The Turkish passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 118 countries, including:

Japan
South Korea
Indonesia
Brazil
South Africa
Most of the Balkans and parts of Latin America

Although Turkey is not part of the Schengen Zone, ongoing negotiations may improve visa-free access to Europe in the future. For many, especially those from countries with restricted travel freedom, the Turkish passport is a strategic second passport option.

ID Card (Kimlik) and Its Importance

Every Turkish citizen is issued a Turkish ID card (kimlik kartı), which is required for voting, healthcare access, banking, and many legal processes. For those living abroad, this ID also serves as proof of citizenship and facilitates entry into Turkey without a visa.

Facts:

Valid for both domestic and international identity confirmation
Essential for registering property, opening bank accounts, or enrolling in public services
Can be used as a travel document in select countries with bilateral agreements

Using Passports as a Dual National

If you hold dual citizenship, you’re expected to:

Enter and exit Turkey with your Turkish passport or ID
Use your foreign passport to travel to and from your other country

This dual-document usage is common and fully legal, and it does not put either nationality at risk. For instance, Turkish-American citizens must use their U.S. passports to enter and leave the U.S., while Turkey expects the same with their Turkish documents.

Tip: Keep both documents valid and up to date to avoid travel complications.

Holding Turkish dual citizenship offers a wide range of personal, economic, and legal advantages — but it also comes with responsibilities. This section outlines what you gain and what obligations come with being a dual citizen of Turkey.

Key Benefits of Turkish Dual Citizenship

Travel Flexibility: A Turkish passport enables visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to over 100 countries. Dual citizens can choose the most convenient passport when traveling, offering greater mobility and reduced visa hassles.
Right to Live and Work in Turkey: As a Turkish citizen, you can

Work without a permit
Register a business
Purchase real estate freely
Benefit from government incentives for entrepreneurs

Access to Healthcare and Education: Citizens can enroll in Turkey’s national healthcare system and public schools or universities under the same terms as native-born citizens. This includes access to:

SGK (Social Security Institution) healthcare benefits
State-funded universities at subsidized tuition rates

Real Estate and Investment Freedom: Turkish citizens enjoy unrestricted access to own, buy, or inherit property — a major plus for foreign nationals who previously faced restrictions.
Family Inclusion: When acquiring citizenship (especially through investment), dependents, including spouses and children under 18, can also obtain citizenship.
Retirement Planning: Dual nationals can retire in Turkey without applying for long-term residence permits, making it attractive for retirees seeking a low-cost, high-comfort lifestyle.
Political Participation: Dual citizens can

Vote in local and national elections
Run for public office
Participate in referendums

Responsibilities and Legal Obligations

Military Service: Turkey requires male citizens under 45 to fulfill military service. Dual nationals may

Serve in Turkey
Apply for a paid exemption (bedelli askerlik), currently around €6,000
Defer service if living abroad for an extended time

If you have already completed compulsory service in your other country, Turkey may recognize it, but documentation must be provided.

Tax Compliance

Tax residents (individuals living in Turkey 6+ months/year) must pay taxes on global income.
Non-residents are taxed only on Turkish-sourced income.
Turkey has double taxation treaties with over 80 countries (including the U.S., Germany, and Canada), reducing the risk of being taxed twice.

Civil Law Adherence: In Turkey, you are subject to Turkish law. Dual nationals may face restrictions or obligations based on Turkish domestic law, such as:

Exit bans during criminal investigations
Reporting foreign citizenship to Turkish authorities for civil registration
Turkish court jurisdiction while in the country

Military and Government Employment Restrictions: Some public roles in Turkey require exclusive Turkish citizenship. Dual citizens may be ineligible for

Certain military positions
High-level government or intelligence jobs

How to Obtain Dual Citizenship for Turkey

Obtaining dual citizenship in Turkey is a structured process that accommodates various pathways, including descent, marriage, naturalization, investment, or exceptional merit. Turkey recognizes dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality while acquiring Turkish citizenship, provided their home country permits it.

Key Pathways to Turkish Dual Citizenship:

Citizenship by Descent: Individuals with at least one Turkish parent can apply for citizenship by providing official documents such as birth certificates or national ID cards to prove their lineage.
Citizenship by Marriage: Foreign nationals married to Turkish citizens for at least three years may be eligible for citizenship, subject to certain conditions, including cohabitation and the absence of any activity incompatible with the marriage.
Citizenship by Naturalization: Applicants who have legally resided in Turkey for a minimum of five years, demonstrate good moral character, and possess basic Turkish language skills can apply for naturalization.
Citizenship by Investment: Foreign investors can obtain Turkish citizenship by making a qualifying investment, such as purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 or depositing $500,000 in a Turkish bank. This route offers a relatively quick processing time of three to six months.
Citizenship by Exceptional Merit: Individuals who have made significant contributions to Turkey in fields like science, culture, or sports may be granted citizenship through a special merit process.

Considerations Before Applying:

Home Country Policies: It’s crucial to verify whether your current country of citizenship permits dual nationality to avoid unintended loss of your original citizenship.
Military Service Obligations: Male applicants should be aware of Turkey’s military service requirements, although exemptions or deferments may apply, especially if military service has been completed in another country.
Tax Implications: Dual citizens may have tax obligations in Turkey, depending on their residency status and income sources. However, Turkey has double taxation agreements with many countries to prevent double taxation.

Special Cases: Turkish-Americans, Nigerians, and the German-Turkish Dual Citizenship Reform

Turkey’s dual citizenship policy is open to nationals from most countries, but how it plays out depends on whether the other country also allows multiple nationalities. In this section, we’ll examine how Turkish dual citizenship works in practice for American, Nigerian, and German citizens, based on recent laws and real-world scenarios.

Turkish-American Dual Citizens

So, Can Turkish-Americans have two passports? Yes. Both Turkey and the United States permit dual citizenship. An individual born to Turkish parents in the U.S., or an American who obtains Turkish citizenship by descent, marriage, or investment, can hold both passports.

Travel rules:

Enter and exit the U.S. with your American passport
Enter and exit Turkey with your Turkish passport

Military service and taxation:

Turkish-American men under age 45 may be required to serve or apply for military exemption.
The U.S. taxes its citizens worldwide, even if they reside in Turkey, but tax credits and treaties with Turkey prevent double taxation.

Legal implications: Turkish-Americans are treated as Turkish citizens inside Turkey and U.S. citizens in the U.S. Consular support from the U.S. embassy is limited in Turkey if you’re a Turkish national.

Turkish-Nigerian Dual Citizenship

Do Nigeria and Turkey allow dual nationality? Yes — with conditions. According to Nigerian law, only citizens by birth are allowed to hold dual nationality. Nigerians who acquire Turkish citizenship (by investment, marriage, or descent) may keep their Nigerian citizenship if they were born Nigerian.

Advantages:

A Turkish passport offers stronger travel access than a Nigerian passport.
Nigerian citizens with Turkish dual nationality can invest, live, and own property in Turkey without restrictions.

Limitations:

Nigeria does not currently have a tax treaty with Turkey. Individuals should seek tax advice if they have income in both jurisdictions.
Nigerians naturalized into Turkey must still follow Turkish registration rules and notify local authorities.

Turkish-German Dual Citizens: 2024 Legal Reform

In June 2024, Germany passed a new law allowing its citizens to hold dual or multiple nationalities. This change has had a significant impact on Turks living in Germany.

What changed?

Prior to June 2024, Turks had to give up Turkish citizenship to become German.
Now, they may reapply for Turkish citizenship and keep both.
Children born to Turkish-German parents may now hold both passports without choosing one.

How to apply:

Submit documents (e.g. German naturalization certificate, Turkish passport photo) at a Turkish consulate.
Pay the processing fee (around €16).
Dual status is recorded in the Turkish family registry (nüfus kaydı).

Key benefits:

No requirement to take a citizenship test for certain guest workers.
Military service is required in only one country.
A double taxation treaty between Germany and Turkey avoids financial conflicts.

Maintaining Dual Citizenship: Rules, Renunciation, and Registration

Once you acquire Turkish citizenship — either by descent, marriage, naturalization, or investment — there are some administrative and legal procedures to keep your status active, recognized, and conflict-free across countries.

Reporting Dual Nationality to Turkish Authorities

Turkey does not revoke your citizenship for acquiring another nationality. However, under Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law, dual citizens are expected to report their other nationality to the local civil registry or nearest Turkish consulate.

Steps to register your dual status:

Provide a copy of your foreign passport or naturalization certificate.
Submit a passport-size photo.
The Turkish consulate forwards your information to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local nüfus office.
Your civil family register is updated to reflect multiple citizenships.

Why it matters:

Unregistered dual nationals may face difficulties in property transactions, legal claims, or inheritance.
Accurate registration ensures eligibility for exemptions (e.g. military, taxes) and helps resolve identity verification quickly.

Can You Lose Turkish Citizenship?

Turkish citizenship is not revoked automatically unless:

You renounce it voluntarily with government approval.
You commit serious crimes like treason or terrorism.
You fraudulently obtained citizenship through false documents or concealed information.

Voluntary renunciation process:

You must prove you either have or will obtain another nationality.
All military, tax, and legal obligations in Turkey must be fulfilled.
Once renounced, you may apply for a Blue Card (Mavi Kart), which allows residence and property rights in Turkey but without voting or public office privileges.

When renunciation is relevant:

If your new country does not allow dual citizenship (e.g. India, China, Saudi Arabia).
If applying for exclusive citizenship in a jurisdiction with such requirements.

Blue Card (Mavi Kart) for Former Citizens

The Blue Card is issued to individuals who gave up Turkish citizenship but were born Turkish or had Turkish parents.

Benefits include:

Visa-free entry to Turkey
Right to own property
Ability to work and reside in Turkey
Access to education and public services (excluding voting rights)

Blue Cards are often used by former Turkish citizens in Germany or Austria who had to renounce their citizenship under previous laws but still want to retain strong ties to Turkey.

Important Reminders for Dual Nationals

Keep both passports up to date and renew Turkish ID cards every 10 years.
Always enter Turkey as a Turkish citizen, using your Turkish ID or passport.
Keep records of births, marriages, or changes in status updated with the nearest Turkish consulate.
Maintain legal compliance in both countries, particularly with respect to taxation and civic duties.

Turkish Dual Citizenship – Frequently Asked Questions

Can Turks Have Dual Citizenship?

Yes. Turkey officially permits dual and even multiple citizenships. You can acquire Turkish nationality without giving up your existing one, as long as your home country also allows it.

Can Foreigners Get Citizenship in Turkey?

Yes. Foreigners can acquire Turkish citizenship through:

Birth or descent
Marriage to a Turkish citizen
Naturalization (after 5 years of legal residence)
Investment (real estate, capital deposit, or job creation)

No nationality is officially restricted, and there are no language or residency requirements for investment-based applicants.

Is Turkish Citizenship Worth It?

Yes, for many individuals and families, Turkish citizenship offers:

Visa-free access to 118+ countries
Full access to Turkey’s education, healthcare, and property markets
A strong second passport without requiring renunciation
The ability to include family members under one application (spouse and dependents)

What Are the Disadvantages of Turkish Citizenship?

While benefits are significant, some obligations and limitations include:

Military service for men under 45
Tax liability on Turkish-sourced income
Ineligibility for some military or government roles if holding dual citizenship
Requirement to comply with Turkish laws even if residing abroad

What Happens If I Marry a Turkish Citizen?

Foreigners married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years may apply for citizenship. The marriage must be genuine and ongoing. There’s no automatic citizenship by marriage — an application is required and security/background checks are conducted.

What’s the Difference Between Turkish Residency and Citizenship?

Residency allows you to live in Turkey for a set period with limitations on voting and property rights.

Citizenship provides:

Lifetime rights to live, work, and vote in Turkey
Full access to healthcare, education, and public benefits
The ability to pass citizenship to children

Can You Have 3 Citizenships in Turkey?

Yes. Turkish law does not limit the number of nationalities a person may hold. You can hold Turkish citizenship in addition to two or more other nationalities, provided those countries allow it.

How Long Can You Stay in Turkey Without Citizenship?

Foreigners can typically stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period on a tourist visa. Those intending to stay longer must apply for:

A residence permit (up to 2 years)
Citizenship through the legal pathways if long-term residence or permanent stay is desired

Can Dual Citizens Vote in Turkey?

Yes. Turkish dual citizens can vote in all local and national elections. Voting is done either in Turkey or at Turkish embassies and consulates abroad.

What Are the Rights of a Turkish Citizen?

Rights include:

Voting and holding public office (with some exceptions for dual citizens)
Free access to public healthcare and education
Property ownership without restriction
The ability to pass Turkish nationality to children