Dual Citizenship in Turkey
Turkey recognizes dual citizenship, allowing its citizens and foreigners to combine a Turkish passport with the citizenship of other countries. This opens wide opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and families who want to enjoy the benefits of living in Turkey while retaining rights in their home country. In addition to obvious advantages, dual citizenship also brings legal nuances: from tax obligations to military service and migration law requirements.
Our legal team helps clients safely obtain and use dual citizenship in Turkey. We provide consultations on application procedures, document preparation, compliance with migration rules, and tax planning. We support real estate transactions, investment programs, and ensure the protection of rights in both jurisdictions. We provide full legal support and develop a strategy that allows you to use all the benefits of a Turkish passport without risks or problems.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Turkey?
Yes, Turkey permits dual and multiple citizenship. National legislation generally does not require an applicant to renounce existing citizenship when acquiring Turkish nationality, and a Turkish citizen who obtains a foreign passport does not automatically lose Turkish citizenship. The key principle is notification and correct registration of the second citizenship with Turkish authorities (consulate / Directorate of Population Affairs — Nüfus).
Within Turkey, a dual passport holder is regarded as a Turkish citizen: entry/exit is carried out using the Turkish passport, and all rights and obligations apply, including voting rights, military registration, etc.
Main rules and requirements
If a Turkish citizen obtains a foreign passport, they must notify the consulate or local Directorate of Population Affairs (Nüfus) so that changes are recorded in state registries. When crossing the Turkish border, a person must use their Turkish passport, while the foreign one is used for travel to other countries.
Children born abroad to Turkish citizens usually automatically receive two passports: Turkish by descent and another one by place of birth. At the same time, the state retains obligations for all its citizens: men are subject to military registration, and for those living abroad, mechanisms for deferment or alternative service are provided.
Dual citizenship does not prevent engaging in business, owning property, or obtaining education. However, in the public sector and security services, restrictions may apply: certain positions require exclusive loyalty and renunciation of a second passport.
Dual citizenship and taxes
Persons who reside in Turkey for most of the year or have their “center of life interests” there are considered tax residents and must declare their worldwide income. Non-residents pay taxes only on income earned in Turkey.
To avoid double taxation, the country has signed dozens of international treaties allowing foreign-paid amounts to be credited. Special attention is given to foreign accounts: banks and tax authorities apply international information exchange rules (CRS), and for U.S. citizens, FATCA also applies.
Thus, dual passport holders must consider not only Turkish regulations but also the requirements of the other country. For example, regarding U.S. citizenship, reporting to the IRS remains mandatory regardless of residence. Therefore, tax planning becomes more complex and requires consultations with specialists in both jurisdictions.
How to obtain dual citizenship in Turkey?
Mechanisms for obtaining Turkish citizenship are diverse and allow different categories of foreigners to integrate into the country while retaining their first passport.
One of the most common paths is citizenship by descent. If at least one parent is a Turkish citizen, the child automatically obtains Turkish citizenship regardless of place of birth. This rule is especially important for families living abroad. Children of such parents often hold two passports: Turkish and that of the birth country.
Another option is citizenship through marriage. A foreigner married to a Turkish citizen can apply after 3 years of living together. The state verifies the reality of the marriage: spouses must live together, maintain a common household, and not have a fictitious marriage contract.
Another path is naturalization through residence. A foreigner can apply if they have continuously lived in Turkey for at least 5 years. Additionally, they must demonstrate knowledge of the Turkish language, a stable income, and a clean criminal record.
A special option is the citizenship by investment program, launched in 2017. It allows obtaining a Turkish passport in an expedited manner. The most popular route is purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 with an obligation to hold it for at least 3 years. Investments in business or bank deposits are also accepted.
The process of obtaining Turkish citizenship differs depending on the basis but generally follows a clear procedure regulated by the Citizenship Law No. 5901 and related regulations.
The applicant must confirm the grounds for application. At this stage, a dossier is prepared, including personal and financial documents, as well as certificates from the country of origin.
Applications are accepted by the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü) in Turkey or in consulates abroad. For investors, the procedure is handled by a separate Citizenship by Investment Office.
The application undergoes several levels of review: the Turkish Ministry of Interior, security services, and tax authorities. The legality of income sources, absence of criminal records, and authenticity of marriages are verified. After a positive conclusion, the Council of Ministers or the President of Turkey approves citizenship. The new citizen receives a Turkish passport and a national ID (kimlik kartı).
The exact list varies depending on the basis, but the standard package includes:
- Valid passport and copy of all pages;
- Birth certificate (or notarized translation);
- Marriage certificate and family documents (if applicable);
- Police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and from Turkey;
- Residence permit document (ikamet izin) for those applying through naturalization;
- Income certificate and bank statements confirming financial stability;
- Health insurance;
- Passport-sized photographs.
With proper preparation and legal support, the process takes 3–6 months (for marriage and naturalization) and 2–3 months for the investment program.
Popular countries for dual citizenship with Turkey
The United States is one of Turkey’s key partners, with more than 500,000 people of Turkish origin living there. U.S. law permits dual citizenship, so many Turks acquire U.S. passports through naturalization. This grants them the right to live and work freely in both countries, which is convenient for entrepreneurs and students. However, the tax aspect must be considered. The U.S. taxes the worldwide income of its citizens, so Turks with dual citizenship often need to file tax returns in both countries.
Germany has the largest Turkish diaspora. According to official data, more than 3 million people of Turkish origin live there. Historically, Germany restricted dual citizenship, requiring individuals to choose one passport upon reaching adulthood. However, in 2014 the law was softened. Now, children of Turkish migrants can retain both citizenships. For adults, obtaining a German passport while keeping Turkish citizenship is still limited, but in practice, many achieve permission.
With Pakistan, Turkey has a bilateral agreement recognizing dual citizenship. Citizens of both countries can officially hold two passports without bureaucratic complications. This model benefits businesspeople and families maintaining ties between the two states.
In other European countries, the situation varies. France, Belgium, and the Netherlands are traditionally more flexible toward dual citizenship, so the Turkish diaspora retains both passports without problems. Austria, however, requires renunciation of prior citizenship, limiting Turkish dual nationality. Sweden and Norway allow multiple citizenships without conditions.
In Asia, the most significant countries are Cyprus (especially Northern Cyprus, where citizenship is closely tied to Turkey), Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. Here, historical, cultural, and linguistic ties simplify dual citizenship. Meanwhile, China and India strictly prohibit dual citizenship, so Turks obtaining these passports must renounce their Turkish one.
Beyond the U.S., popular destinations include Canada and Australia. Both countries fully recognize dual citizenship, allowing Turks to integrate easily while keeping their Turkish passport. In Latin America, the situation is simpler: most countries allow multiple citizenships, making them attractive for emigration.
Restrictions and risks of dual citizenship
The main rule: wherever a person lives, in the eyes of Turkey they remain its citizen with all resulting obligations. Men are subject to military registration and must either serve, obtain an official deferment, or pay compensation service abroad. Turkish law also requires participation in elections if the citizen is registered on the electoral lists, and for certain professions (in security or public administration) renunciation of a second passport may be required.
Dual passport holders must remember that while in the country of their second citizenship, they are considered citizens of that country by local authorities. This limits Turkey’s ability to provide consular protection. Similarly, foreign consulates cannot intervene when a person is on Turkish soil, since they are recognized as a Turkish citizen.
Although Turkey has signed dozens of double taxation agreements, situations where tax authorities of two countries present claims simultaneously are not uncommon. This especially concerns U.S. citizens and others subject to global taxation. Late reporting or mistakes can lead to fines and account freezes.
To properly assess all risks and avoid mistakes, it is important to consult professionals. Our lawyers help clients go through the Turkish citizenship process from start to finish: from choosing the basis to filing documents, supporting them in Nüfus offices, and protecting interests before tax and government authorities. We also develop individual strategies for entrepreneurs and investors, considering international tax planning and the specifics of the second country.
If you are considering obtaining Turkish citizenship or retaining a second passport, contact us today. We will turn complex legal and tax issues into clear solutions and help you safely take advantage of the benefits of dual citizenship.
