WHAT IS DUAL CITIZENSHIP?

Dual Citizenship and Its Legal Basis in Turkey

Dual citizenship is the status of a person who is legally recognized as a citizen of two countries at the same time. This status grants the individual rights and responsibilities in both nations. In Turkey, the legal framework is accommodating to this situation.

The primary legal foundation for this is the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. The law defines the status as “multiple citizenship” and explicitly states that a Turkish citizen can hold more than one citizenship simultaneously. This confirms that the Turkish state, in principle, has no objection to its citizens also being citizens of other countries.

What Are the Core Requirements for Dual Citizenship?

Although Turkish law is permissive, establishing a formal dual citizenship status requires meeting specific conditions. These requirements are as follows:

1. Entitlement to Another State’s Citizenship: First, you must have a legitimate claim to citizenship from another country, whether through birth, descent (bloodline), or naturalization.
2. Permission from the Other Country: This is the most critical external factor. While Turkey allows it, the other country whose citizenship you hold must also permit dual citizenship. For example, the laws of Turkmenistan do not allow for multiple citizenships. Therefore, a citizen of Turkmenistan who becomes a Turkish citizen must renounce their original citizenship.
3. Making an Official Notification: It is a legal requirement to notify the Turkish authorities after you acquire another citizenship. This declaration must be made at a Turkish consulate if you are abroad or at a Provincial Directorate of Population (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) within Turkey.

How to Formalize Your Dual Citizenship Status

To manage your status without issues, follow these steps:

• Check the Laws: Ensure that both Turkey and the other country permit multiple citizenships.
• Gather Your Documents: Prepare official proof of your new citizenship, such as a passport, national ID card, or certificate of naturalization.
• Notify the Authorities: Submit your documents to the nearest Turkish mission (consulate or embassy) or a Population Office in Turkey to have your status officially recorded.

You can find the most definitive and detailed information on this process in the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901

Summary: Dual Citizenship in Turkey

Dual citizenship is legally possible and supported by Turkish law. The most crucial points are ensuring the other country also allows it and completing the mandatory notification to the Turkish government. By following these steps correctly, you can enjoy the benefits of being a citizen of two nations.