Frequently Asked Questions About Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Right of Choice

How is Turkish citizenship acquired by right of choice in Turkey?
What is the time limit for applying for citizenship by using the right of choice in Turkey?
With which documents is an application for citizenship by right of choice made in Turkey?
Who can apply for Turkish citizenship under the right of choice in Turkey?
Can the children of those who acquire citizenship by right of choice also become citizens in Turkey?
On which legislation is the acquisition of citizenship by right of choice based in Turkey?
Where can applications for citizenship by right of choice be submitted in Turkey?
Is a special power of attorney sufficient to acquire citizenship by right of choice in Turkey?
What are the rights to public services of those who acquire citizenship by right of choice in Turkey?
Is a person who acquires citizenship by right of choice subject to military service obligation in Turkey?
What legal remedies can be pursued if an application for citizenship by right of choice is rejected in Turkey?
How is the three-year rule calculated in the acquisition of citizenship by right of choice in Turkey?
To which provisions are the spouses of those who acquire citizenship by right of choice subject in Turkey?
What are the most common mistakes made during applications for citizenship by right of choice in Turkey?
How should foreign documents be prepared for applications for citizenship by right of choice in Turkey?
Can those who acquire citizenship by right of choice apply again using the same right in Turkey?
Is notarized translation mandatory for applications for citizenship by right of choice in Turkey?
Is hiring a lawyer mandatory for applications for citizenship by right of choice in Turkey?
Can the citizenship of a person who acquires citizenship by right of choice be revoked in Turkey?
Why should those who want to acquire citizenship by right of choice in Turkey seek legal support?

Legal Basis for Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Right of Choice in Turkey

On which legal regulations is the acquisition of Turkish citizenship by right of choice based in Turkey?

The acquisition of Turkish citizenship by right of choice in Turkey is regulated under Articles 21 and 22 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. This regulation is a special right granted especially to persons who lost Turkish citizenship as minors due to dependence on their mother or father and who later became adults. The practice enables the individual to re-establish their belonging to Turkish citizenship while also ensuring the continuity of citizenship policies and the return to citizenship based on the individual's declaration of will.

According to Article 21 of Law No. 5901; children who lost Turkish citizenship due to dependence on their mother or father can regain Turkish citizenship by exercising the right of choice within three years after becoming an adult. This article aims at enabling the person to regain the citizenship of the Republic of Turkey by their own free will. The time limitation for granting the right to apply (three years from adulthood) shows that the law envisages a rapid reinstatement mechanism based on individual choice.

Furthermore, Article 22 of the same Law determines from which date the acquisition of citizenship by right of choice becomes effective and its consequences. Accordingly, the acquisition of Turkish citizenship by exercising the right of choice shall take effect from the date of the decision in which the conditions for the exercise of this right are determined. In other words, from the perspective of citizenship law, the acquisition is not retroactive but is valid from the moment of the decision.

These regulations are evaluated within the framework of voluntary citizenship acquisition, which is one of the fundamental principles of Turkish citizenship law. Additionally, the spouse and children of the person who uses the right of choice are also covered by the general acquisition provisions of Turkish citizenship (Article 20), ensuring the preservation of family unity.

In this process, it is of great importance that individuals correctly interpret the legislation and carry out the procedure without errors. Therefore, obtaining support from an expert Turkey citizenship lawyer or Izmir citizenship lawyer for submitting the application at the right time, with complete documents and in compliance with the law is often decisive for the success of the process.

Definition and Scope of the Right of Choice in Turkey

What is the right of choice in Turkey and what function does it serve regarding the acquisition of Turkish citizenship?

The right of choice in Turkish citizenship law does not only mean the right to vote in elections; it is also a constitutional mechanism whereby an individual can declare their will to regain citizenship status. This right is regulated by Article 21 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and constitutes a special reinstatement pathway. Especially, individuals who lost Turkish citizenship as minors due to dependence on their mother or father can reclaim their citizenship by exercising this right within three years after reaching adulthood.

The acquisition of Turkish citizenship by right of choice aims to balance the citizenship bond with legal and emotional attachment. The will to use this right is an important discretionary reason for the state in accepting the person back as a citizen. However, this right is only valid for individuals under certain conditions; for example, children of persons who were Turkish citizens by birth but left citizenship with exit permission together with their families are considered within this scope.

Regarding the scope of application, this right is implemented by the individual’s direct application. The application process can be carried out through population directorates in Turkey or Turkish consulates abroad. During the application, details such as how the individual previously lost Turkish citizenship, current marital status, age, and identity documents are carefully assessed.

In this process, it is critical that the applicant is properly informed and that the procedure is conducted in accordance with the law. At this point, working with an experienced Turkey citizenship lawyer or Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer speeds up the process and minimizes the risk of application rejection.

Legal Status of Those Who Lost Turkish Citizenship by Exit Permission Under the Right of Choice in Turkey

How can persons who lost citizenship by exit permission regain citizenship in Turkey?

The situation of persons who lost Turkish citizenship by exit permission holds special importance within the scope of reacquisition of citizenship by right of choice under Article 21 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. Some individuals in Turkey, especially children of families living abroad, lose Turkish citizenship by exit permission linked to their mother or father while they are still minors. These persons have the right to regain Turkish citizenship by exercising the right of choice within three years after becoming adults.

According to Article 27 of the Law, children of persons who lost citizenship through the “exit with permission” procedure are also affected after the exit document is issued. These children are considered to have legally lost Turkish citizenship even though they did not directly declare their will. However, the legislator has granted these persons the possibility of regaining citizenship through an individual declaration of will after becoming adults. This right can only be exercised within a certain period; the three-year application period is legally fixed, and if this period expires, the right of choice ceases.

Applications can be submitted to provincial population directorates in Turkey or Turkish diplomatic missions abroad. In this application, official documents such as the exit permission document, population registration samples, and identity documents must be submitted. As a result of the application, persons found to meet the conditions are reinstated as Turkish citizens.

An important detail to consider here is that individuals must not miss the application deadline and must complete the procedures without omissions. Working with a professional Turkey citizenship lawyer or Izmir citizenship lawyer to legally secure this process is highly beneficial.

Procedure for Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Right of Choice in Turkey

How is the application for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship by right of choice made in Turkey?

The reacquisition of Turkish citizenship by right of choice in Turkey is based on Article 21 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. According to this provision, persons who lost Turkish citizenship as minors due to dependence on their mother or father can regain citizenship by exercising the right of choice within three years after becoming adults.

Applications can be made to the provincial governorship where the person resides within the country, or to the Turkish diplomatic missions abroad. The application can be made personally by the individual or by a special power of attorney specifically authorized for this procedure. The power of attorney must explicitly indicate the use of this right.

The necessary documents for acceptance of the application generally include:

Exit permission document or official document showing the decision related to exit,
Valid identity document (passport, old Turkish identity card, etc.),
Population registration sample,
Biometric photograph,
Application form and petition.

Authorized authorities evaluate the documents and the applicant’s status, and if they determine that the right of choice is used in accordance with the legislation, they decide on the reacquisition of Turkish citizenship. This decision produces legal effect upon acceptance of the application.

It is extremely important that each step in the application process is carried out in accordance with the legal framework, within deadlines, and without omissions. Therefore, applicants managing the process under the guidance of an experienced Turkey citizenship lawyer or Izmir citizenship lawyer prevents loss of rights and ensures fast completion of procedures.

Documents Required for Application for Turkish Citizenship by Right of Choice in Turkey

Which documents are required for citizenship applications based on the right of choice in Turkey?

In applications for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship by right of choice, the documents requested by the relevant authorities are clearly specified. Submitting a complete application file is crucial for the uninterrupted and swift completion of the process. The following documents must be presented during the application:

Application Form (VAT-8),
2 biometric photographs of size 50x60 mm, with white background and no patterns, machine-readable and compliant with ICAO standards,
Notarized Turkish translation of the foreign citizenship document obtained after losing Turkish citizenship,
Notarized Turkish translation of the valid marital status document,
Receipt showing payment of the service fee to the Treasury cashier.

Even the smallest error or omission in preparing these documents can prevent the application from being processed or cause delays. Especially for documents issued abroad, notarization and translation must be done in accordance with international document authentication rules.

Therefore, it is very important for applicants not to try to handle the process on their own but to obtain support from an experienced Turkey citizenship lawyer or Izmir citizenship lawyer. With professional legal support, the accuracy, completeness, and suitability of the documents are guaranteed, minimizing the risk of rejection.

Who Can Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Right of Choice in Turkey?

Who can apply for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship under the right of choice in Turkey?

According to Article 21 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, persons eligible to reacquire Turkish citizenship by right of choice are clearly determined. Those who can apply under this scope are individuals who lost Turkish citizenship as minors by exit permission dependent on their mother or father but did not directly declare their will themselves. Their common characteristic is that they lost citizenship not by their own request but dependent on their parents.

Their right to apply begins when they reach adulthood. According to Turkish law, the age of majority is generally accepted as 18. The adult individual can apply for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship by exercising the right of choice within three years. This period is critically important to ensure timely use of the right; after three years, the right ceases.

The right to apply is only valid for those who lost citizenship by exit permission dependent on their mother or father. Individuals who renounced Turkish citizenship on their own accord must apply for citizenship through different procedures. Moreover, this right can only be used once; no second chance is granted if it is not exercised within the period.

At this point, many factors such as how the previous citizenship loss occurred, on what date and for what reasons the person was removed from the system, current citizenship, and marital status are evaluated together. Proper analysis of all these factors is critical to clearly understand whether the right to apply truly exists. Therefore, consulting an expert Turkey citizenship lawyer or Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer before starting the process prevents loss of time and rights.

Rights and Limitations of Turkish Citizenship Acquired by Right of Choice in Turkey

What rights and limitations does citizenship acquired by right of choice in Turkey include?

Reacquisition of Turkish citizenship by right of choice grants the individual the legal status held by Turkish citizens. This citizenship status is equally valid as citizenship acquired by birth, and the person enjoys all constitutional rights as a citizen of the Republic of Turkey after regaining citizenship.

These rights include the right to vote and be elected, access to public services, inclusion in the social security system, unlimited residence and work rights in Turkey, and the right to obtain a Turkish passport. The person can also benefit from education, health, social assistance, and similar public services on an equal basis with Turkish citizens. This situation provides a great advantage especially for those living abroad who want to re-establish their citizenship bond.

However, there may be some limitations in citizenship acquisition by right of choice. In particular, military service obligation, conditions for appointment to public offices, and retrospective application of some acquired rights may differ. For example, recognition of social security rights retroactively after reacquisition of citizenship is not possible; rights begin to apply from the date of citizenship acquisition. Moreover, applications of persons with issues regarding public order or national security may be rejected or citizenship revoked.

It is of great importance to assess in advance how such limitations will apply on an individual basis to clarify the legal status. Therefore, individuals considering acquiring citizenship by exercising the right of choice are advised to have a detailed preliminary review especially regarding rights and limitations. At this point, consulting with an experienced Turkey citizenship lawyer or Izmir citizenship lawyer before starting the process ensures both legal security and the proper exercise of all rights.

Legal Status of Children of Those Who Acquire Turkish Citizenship by Right of Choice in Turkey

Can the children of persons who acquire citizenship by right of choice in Turkey also acquire citizenship?

The situation of children of individuals who reacquire Turkish citizenship by right of choice is evaluated within the scope of Article 20 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. According to the explicit provision of the Law, minor children of persons who acquire Turkish citizenship may also acquire Turkish citizenship dependent on their mother or father. This acquisition occurs upon the request of the applicant and subject to the approval of the relevant authorities.

In this context, children of a person who acquires Turkish citizenship by exercising the right of choice do not automatically acquire citizenship; the parent’s application and approval of the authorized bodies are required. During the application process, the child’s marital status, age, and current citizenship status are carefully assessed. If the child has a foreign parent, the consent of the other parent may also be sought. This is a measure applied to protect the best interest of the child.

Adult children must apply in their own name. The parent’s status in citizenship acquisition by right of choice does not directly create a right for an adult child. In this case, the child may acquire Turkish citizenship later through general application procedures.

The citizenship status of children is of critical importance especially for the preservation of family unity. Therefore, families wishing that children also acquire Turkish citizenship should clearly state this during the application process and timely provide the necessary documents. Since the application procedure is sensitive and document-heavy, professional support for transactions on behalf of children provides a significant advantage. At this point, an expert Turkey citizenship lawyer or Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer contributes to the smooth completion of the process.

What Can Be Done If an Application for Turkish Citizenship by Right of Choice Is Rejected in Turkey?

What can be done if an application for citizenship by right of choice is rejected in Turkey?

The reacquisition of Turkish citizenship by right of choice is a legal right subject to certain conditions; however, this right does not automatically result in citizenship acquisition. The evaluation of the application is made by the relevant authorities based on the suitability of the personal status and documents. Within this framework, applications may be rejected. Reasons for rejection may include expiration of the deadline, incomplete or erroneous documents, incompatibility with public order or national security.

In case of rejection, a reasoned decision is notified to the applicant. This decision is an administrative act and can be appealed by filing a lawsuit at the administrative court within the legal deadline. According to the administrative judicial system in Turkey, an application must be filed to the relevant administrative court within 60 days from the date of notification. The court examines whether the application is based on justified grounds and evaluates whether the administrative decision complies with the law.

Applicants who consider the rejection legally invalid must particularly prepare strong legal arguments during the litigation process. At this point, professional support is extremely important in terms of administrative litigation procedures, analysis of application documents, and proper management of the legal process. Even a small mistake in the legal process may lead to permanent loss of citizenship rights.

Therefore, it is recommended that persons whose application is rejected consult with an experienced Turkey citizenship lawyer or Izmir citizenship lawyer before starting the objection process. Thus, both shortcomings in the application stage can be detected and the objection petition can be prepared within a strong legal framework.

Why Is Legal Support Necessary in the Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Right of Choice in Turkey?

Why is lawyer support important in the acquisition of citizenship based on the right of choice in Turkey?

Although reacquisition of Turkish citizenship by right of choice may initially appear as a simple administrative application, every stage of the process involves legal details and official procedures. Therefore, especially for individuals living abroad who are not fully familiar with the legislation in Turkey, managing the process without professional support can entail serious risks.

The preparation of the documents to be submitted during the application fully and in accordance with procedure, notarization of translations, apostille approval of documents issued abroad require serious technical knowledge. Moreover, as there is no possibility of return if the three-year application period is missed, timing of the application is vital. The smallest deficiency or error in the documents may result in rejection of the application.

Legal support not only prevents such possibilities but also ensures the real legal status of the applicant is analyzed. Many elements such as the form of previous citizenship record, current marital status, children’s situation, and relationship with other citizenship rights can only be correctly interpreted by an expert. Moreover, if the application is rejected, the effective conduct of the legal objection process also requires expertise.

Therefore, it is recommended that persons wishing to reacquire Turkish citizenship by exercising the right of choice carry out the process together with an experienced Turkey citizenship lawyer or Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer from the beginning. Thus, procedures are completed rapidly and loss of rights is prevented.