The acquisition of Turkish citizenship refers to the establishment of a legal bond of citizenship between an individual and the Republic of Türkiye. The acquisition, loss, and reacquisition of Turkish citizenship are primarily governed by Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.
Turkish citizenship may be acquired automatically by birth under the conditions prescribed by law or subsequently through an application and a decision by the competent authorities. Individuals who previously held Turkish citizenship but lost it may also be eligible to reacquire Turkish citizenship, subject to specific legal requirements.
The ways of acquiring Turkish citizenship are generally divided into two main categories: acquisition by birth and acquisition after birth. Subsequent acquisition includes citizenship through the general procedure, marriage, exceptional circumstances, adoption, and the exercise of the right of choice.
1. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Birth
The acquisition of Turkish citizenship by birth is regulated under Article 6 and the following provisions of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. Citizenship acquired by birth takes effect from the moment of birth and is primarily based on the principles of descent and place of birth.
1.1. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Descent
Under the principle of descent, a child may acquire Turkish citizenship if at least one parent is a Turkish citizen at the time of birth.
A child may acquire Turkish citizenship regardless of whether the child is born in Türkiye or abroad, provided that at least one parent is a Turkish citizen at the time of birth and the legal requirements are satisfied. The fact that the other parent is a foreign national does not, by itself, prevent the child from acquiring Turkish citizenship.
Under this principle, the decisive factor is the legally recognized relationship of descent between the child and the Turkish citizen parent, rather than the place of birth.
1.2. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Based on Place of Birth
Turkish citizenship based on the place of birth may apply to children born in Türkiye who do not acquire the citizenship of any foreign state at birth.
This may include circumstances in which a child is born in Türkiye to stateless parents or to parents whose national laws do not grant citizenship to the child. Special rules may also apply to children whose parents are unknown.
However, being born in Türkiye does not automatically entitle every child to Turkish citizenship. The specific conditions established by law must be met.
2. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship After Birth
Foreign nationals who do not acquire Turkish citizenship by birth may become Turkish citizens by satisfying the conditions set out in Law No. 5901. The applicable procedure depends on the legal basis of the application and the applicant’s individual circumstances.
2.1. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Through the General Procedure
The general procedure is one of the principal routes through which foreign nationals residing in Türkiye may apply for Turkish citizenship. Article 11 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 establishes the relevant eligibility requirements.
The principal conditions include:
- Being an adult with legal capacity under the applicant’s national law or, if stateless, under Turkish law.
- Having resided in Türkiye continuously for five years immediately preceding the application.
- Demonstrating an intention to settle in Türkiye through conduct.
- Not having a disease that constitutes a danger to public health.
- Having good moral character.
- Being able to speak Turkish at an adequate level.
- Having sufficient income or a profession to support oneself and any dependants.
- Not posing an obstacle to national security or public order.
Meeting these conditions does not automatically guarantee the acquisition of Turkish citizenship. The application must be assessed, and a decision must be issued by the competent authority in accordance with the law.
2.2. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage
Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant Turkish citizenship to the foreign spouse. Under Article 16 of Law No. 5901, the applicant must satisfy specific legal requirements.
The principal conditions include:
- Being married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years.
- The marriage remaining legally valid.
- Living together as a family.
- Not engaging in activities incompatible with the marital union.
- Not posing an obstacle to national security or public order.
The authorities examine whether the marriage is genuine and whether the family unit continues to exist. An application may be rejected if the marriage was entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining Turkish citizenship.
2.3. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship in Exceptional Circumstances
Exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship is available to certain foreign nationals who fall within the categories specified by law. This is a special procedure under which not all the conditions applicable to the general naturalization process are required in the same manner.
Depending on the statutory provisions, eligible categories may include individuals who bring industrial facilities to Türkiye, individuals who have rendered or are expected to render outstanding services in scientific, technological, economic, social, sporting, cultural, or artistic fields, persons whose admission to Turkish citizenship is considered necessary, and persons accepted as migrants.
Foreign nationals who satisfy the applicable investment requirements under Türkiye’s investment-based citizenship framework may also qualify to apply.
Nevertheless, satisfying the relevant statutory criteria does not, by itself, create an automatic entitlement to citizenship. The application remains subject to assessment and a decision by the competent authorities.
2.4. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Through Adoption
A foreign minor adopted by a Turkish citizen may acquire Turkish citizenship, provided that the minor does not pose an obstacle to national security or public order.
This route is particularly relevant when determining the citizenship status of foreign children adopted by Turkish citizens. Adoption does not necessarily result in automatic citizenship in every case; the statutory requirements and applicable procedures must be satisfied.
2.5. Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Through the Exercise of the Right of Choice
Certain individuals who have lost Turkish citizenship may reacquire it by exercising the right of choice in accordance with the conditions prescribed by law.
Article 21 of Law No. 5901 regulates this right. It is particularly relevant to individuals who lost Turkish citizenship as a result of their parents’ status and who exercise their right of choice within the statutory period after reaching adulthood.
Eligibility depends on the individual’s legal circumstances, the reason for the loss of citizenship, and compliance with the applicable time limit.
3. What Is the Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship?
The reacquisition of Turkish citizenship refers to the process by which individuals who previously held Turkish citizenship but subsequently lost it may become Turkish citizens again under the conditions established by law.
Reacquisition is legally distinct from acquiring citizenship for the first time. The applicable procedure depends on the legal basis of the application, the reason citizenship was lost, and whether a residence requirement applies.
Articles 13 and 14 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 are among the principal provisions governing the reacquisition of Turkish citizenship.
4. Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship Without a Residence Requirement
Under Article 13 of Law No. 5901, certain individuals may reacquire Turkish citizenship without being subject to a specific residence-period requirement in Türkiye.
The principal categories include:
- Individuals who lost Turkish citizenship after obtaining permission to renounce it.
- Certain individuals who lost Turkish citizenship through their parents but did not exercise their right of choice within the period prescribed by law.
These individuals must not pose an obstacle to national security.
It is important to emphasize that exemption from a residence requirement does not mean that Turkish citizenship is automatically restored. The individual must follow the applicable procedure, and the competent authorities must conduct the necessary assessment.
4.1. Reacquisition After Renouncing Turkish Citizenship with Permission
Individuals who renounced Turkish citizenship with official permission in order to acquire or hold another nationality may be eligible to apply for reacquisition, provided that the statutory conditions are satisfied.
In such cases, a specific period of residence in Türkiye is not required under the applicable provision. However, the authorities may examine how citizenship was previously lost, the individual’s citizenship records, and any national security considerations.
Individuals who previously renounced Turkish citizenship with permission should determine which legal provision applies to their circumstances before submitting a reacquisition application.
5. Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship Subject to a Residence Requirement
For certain former Turkish citizens, reacquisition may be subject to a residence requirement in Türkiye.
Under Article 14 of Law No. 5901, individuals who lost Turkish citizenship for the reasons specified in the relevant legislation may apply to reacquire citizenship after residing in Türkiye for three years, provided that they do not pose an obstacle to national security.
The applicable provisions may cover individuals whose Turkish citizenship was revoked under the relevant statutory rules and individuals who lost citizenship by exercising the right of choice. Their circumstances must be assessed according to the specific legal basis for the loss of citizenship.
Consequently, completing three years of residence in Türkiye is not sufficient in every case. The reason for the previous loss of citizenship and the applicability of the relevant statutory provision must also be established.
6. Where to Apply for the Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship
The appropriate authority for a Turkish citizenship reacquisition application may depend on whether the applicant resides in Türkiye or abroad and on the type of application.
In general:
- Applicants residing in Türkiye may apply through the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs associated with their place of residence, operating under the relevant provincial administration.
- Applicants residing abroad may apply through the relevant Turkish diplomatic missions or consular offices.
Applicants may be required to provide documents establishing their identity, previous Turkish citizenship, and the reason for its loss. Additional documents may be requested depending on the legal basis of the application.
Applications are generally not accepted by post. Applicants should consult the official website of the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs for current procedures, application forms, and document requirements.
7. What Happens If an Application for Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship Is Rejected?
The rejection of an application to reacquire Turkish citizenship does not necessarily mean that the individual can never apply again. A new application may be possible if the individual satisfies the applicable legal requirements.
However, the grounds for rejection should be examined carefully. Different considerations may apply depending on whether the application was rejected because of unmet eligibility requirements, missing documentation, or other circumstances relating to the applicant’s legal status.
If the administrative decision is considered unlawful, available administrative remedies and judicial review may be considered, taking into account the nature of the decision and the date on which it was notified. Submitting a new application and challenging an existing rejection are different legal procedures, and the appropriate course of action depends on the circumstances of the case.
8. Important Considerations When Applying for Turkish Citizenship
When applying for Turkish citizenship or its reacquisition, it is essential to identify the correct legal basis for the application.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the following:
- Determine whether the application concerns citizenship by birth, acquisition under the general procedure, or reacquisition.
- Assess residence requirements separately for each applicable procedure.
- For applications based on marriage, consider whether the marriage is genuine and whether the family unit continues to exist.
- For reacquisition applications, establish the reason why Turkish citizenship was previously lost.
- Ensure that all information and supporting documents are accurate, complete, and consistent.
- Remember that satisfying the statutory conditions does not necessarily result in automatic citizenship where a decision by the competent authority is required.
Conclusion
Turkish citizenship may be acquired through several legal routes under Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. Citizenship by birth is based primarily on descent or place of birth, while citizenship acquired after birth may be obtained through the general naturalization procedure, marriage, exceptional circumstances, adoption, or the exercise of the right of choice.
The reacquisition of Turkish citizenship is a separate legal process intended for individuals who previously held Turkish citizenship but subsequently lost it. While some applicants may reacquire citizenship without meeting a residence requirement, others may be required to reside in Türkiye for three years. The applicable procedure depends on the reason for the loss of citizenship and the individual’s specific legal circumstances.
Therefore, individuals seeking to acquire or reacquire Turkish citizenship should carefully review the relevant provisions of the law and verify the current application requirements with the competent authorities.
Legal disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The applicable provisions and requirements should be assessed in light of the individual’s citizenship history and the legislation in force at the time of application.
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