Reacquiring Turkish Citizenship: Application Requirements and Process (2025)

Questions

1. Who can apply for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship?
2. What conditions must be met to apply for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship in Turkey?
3. Can those who voluntarily renounced citizenship become Turkish citizens again?
4. Can those who were stripped of Turkish citizenship regain it?
5. How is the application for reacquisition of citizenship made in Turkey?
6. What documents are required for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship?
7. How long does the reacquisition of citizenship application take in Turkey?
8. Under what circumstances is the reacquisition of Turkish citizenship application rejected?
9. Can persons with no ties to Turkey apply for reacquisition of citizenship?
10. Does the reacquisition application conflict with dual citizenship?
11. Is residency mandatory to regain citizenship in Turkey?
12. Where can expatriates apply for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship?
13. Is a security investigation conducted for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship?
14. Are separate procedures required for children in reacquisition applications?
15. What rights do persons who regain citizenship have in Turkey?
16. What are the fees and expenses for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship?
17. Can reacquisition applications be made via e-Government in Turkey?
18. Is there an appeal route for rejected reacquisition applications?
19. Which situations provide advantages in reacquisition applications?
20. Is it mandatory to apply through a lawyer for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship?

What Is Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship in Turkey?

What does reacquisition of Turkish citizenship mean in Turkey?

Reacquisition of Turkish citizenship refers to the ability of individuals who have previously lost Turkish citizenship or voluntarily renounced it to regain Turkish citizenship by meeting certain conditions. This process is regulated under Articles 13 and 14 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. It is a legal restoration path for individuals who maintain ties with Turkey but have lost citizenship for some reason.

Reacquisition is especially important for individuals who were Turkish citizens by birth but later acquired citizenship of another country, those who lost citizenship through marriage, or those forced to choose due to dual citizenship. This process allows individuals to have full rights in areas such as education, health, employment, and social security upon becoming Turkish citizens again.

The evaluation of these applications considers whether the applicant poses a threat to public order, their residence status in Turkey, and their ties to Turkish society. The reacquisition process is a procedure that must be carefully carried out both technically and procedurally. Therefore, consulting an expert lawyer such as a Turkish citizenship lawyer or İzmir citizenship lawyer ensures the application proceeds completely and correctly.

Who Has the Right to Apply for Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship in Turkey?

Who can apply for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship in Turkey?

The right to apply for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship in the Republic of Turkey is limited to persons with certain legal statuses. These are individuals who previously lost Turkish citizenship but wish to regain it by fulfilling some conditions. Eligible applicants are explicitly listed in Articles 13 and 14 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.

The main groups eligible for application are:

1. Those who voluntarily renounced Turkish citizenship: Individuals who renounced citizenship with permission under Article 25 of the law can reapply provided they settle in Turkey.

2. Those who renounced citizenship together with their children: Individuals who lost citizenship with their parents and later reached adulthood can apply for reacquisition.

3. Those stripped of citizenship by decision of the relevant Council of Ministers or Presidency: Provided they do not pose a threat to national security, these individuals can also request reacquisition under certain conditions.

4. Persons who gained citizenship through marriage but lost it after divorce: These individuals, maintaining ties with Turkey, can reapply.

In evaluating application rights, the applicant’s continuing cultural and social ties with Turkey, residence status in Turkey, and family connections are taken into account. Therefore, working with a Turkish citizenship lawyer or foreign nationals law lawyer is a great advantage for determining who can benefit from this right and for managing the process.

Conditions Required for Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship Application in Turkey

What conditions are sought in applications for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship in Turkey?

Individuals wishing to reacquire Turkish citizenship in Turkey must meet certain conditions stated in Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. These conditions may vary depending on the manner of loss of citizenship. Generally, applications are evaluated based on principles such as protecting public order, ensuring public safety, and social integration.

The main conditions sought in reacquisition applications are:

1. Lawful renunciation of Turkish citizenship: The person's previous loss of citizenship must have occurred via presidential decree or legally valid permission.

2. Intention to settle in Turkey: It is important that the applicant has the intention to reside continuously in Turkey. Holding a residence permit can be considered in this context.

3. Not posing a threat to public order and national security: The applicant must not pose a threat to Turkey. This is determined by security investigation and archival research.

4. Complete submission of required documents: Identification documents, previous citizenship information, residence documents, and supporting evidence must be presented completely and accurately.

5. Being adult and legally competent: The applicant must be at least 18 years old and possess legal capacity.

In addition to these, working with a Turkish citizenship lawyer during the application process allows detailed evaluation of the person's past citizenship status, time spent abroad, and personal ties to Turkey to create an application strategy. Expert support significantly increases success, especially in complex situations or where documents are incomplete.

Differences Between Those Who Voluntarily Renounced and Those Stripped of Citizenship in Turkey

Is the reacquisition process different for those who voluntarily renounced citizenship compared to those who were stripped of it?

Whether the applicant voluntarily renounced citizenship or was stripped of it by state decision directly affects the evaluation of the reacquisition application. Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 treats these two situations in different categories and regulates application conditions accordingly.

1. Voluntary renunciation (with permission): These individuals generally gave up citizenship to acquire another country's nationality. They can reapply provided they settle in Turkey. This process is simpler and faster, often resulting in reacquisition by direct presidential decree.

2. Those stripped of citizenship (ex officio revocation): Individuals accused of acting against national security, avoiding military service by staying abroad for long periods, or weakening ties to Turkey may have been stripped of citizenship. To regain citizenship, they must have established residence in Turkey, not pose a threat to public order, and have their application approved by the Presidency. This process is longer and subject to more detailed examination compared to those who renounced voluntarily.

In both cases, reacquisition requires the person to prove their ties with Turkey, pass a security investigation, and submit all documents properly. Therefore, managing the process with a Turkish citizenship lawyer or İzmir citizenship lawyer significantly reduces the risk of application rejection.

How Is the Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship Application Made in Turkey?

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

The application process for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship is carried out through Provincial Population and Citizenship Directorates under the Ministry of Interior. Applicants residing in Turkey can apply directly in person at these directorates. Those living abroad can apply through Turkish Republic consulates.

The application process generally proceeds as follows:

1. Preparation Phase: The applicant must first gather necessary documents and evaluate their citizenship status. Document requirements may vary depending on the type of loss (voluntary renunciation, revocation, etc.).

2. Application: Those residing in Turkey apply to the Provincial Population and Citizenship Directorates; expatriates apply to consulates. The application form is filled out and documents are submitted.

3. Evaluation: The Ministry of Interior evaluates the application with security investigation and archival research. Additional documents or explanations may be requested if necessary.

4. Presidential Approval: If the application is approved, the final decision is made by the Presidency. Citizenship acquisition occurs upon approval.

The most critical points during the application process are the complete submission of documents, procedural compliance, and the applicant’s ability to sufficiently prove ties to Turkey. Conducting the process with a professional Turkish citizenship lawyer ensures that all official steps are correctly taken and contributes to the speedy completion of the process.

Required Documents for Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship Application in Turkey

What documents are required for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship in Turkey?

When applying for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship, certain official documents must be submitted completely and in accordance with procedures for the application to be accepted. Missing or incorrect documents may prolong or result in rejection of the application.

Generally, the following documents are requested for reacquisition applications:

1. Application form: Official form provided by the Provincial Population and Citizenship Directorates, to be filled out completely.

2. Passport or identity document: The applicant’s current citizenship ID or valid passport.

3. Documents related to previous Turkish citizenship: Population registration sample, old identity card, citizenship renunciation certificate, etc.

4. Residence document (address registration): Address registration document based on the address registration system for those residing in Turkey.

5. Photographs: Several biometric passport photos taken within the last six months.

6. Criminal record: Criminal records obtained from Turkey and other countries of residence, if any.

7. Power of attorney (if applying through a lawyer): Notarized power of attorney required for those who want to carry out the application process through a Turkish citizenship lawyer.

In some cases, Provincial Population and Citizenship Directorates or consulates may request additional documents. Documents may differ especially depending on the way citizenship was lost. Complete and accurate submission of documents is critical for the positive outcome of the application. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct the application process under the guidance of a foreign nationals law lawyer.

Reasons for Rejection of Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship Applications in Turkey

Under what circumstances are reacquisition applications rejected in Turkey?

Although reacquisition of Turkish citizenship is a right granted to individuals who meet certain legal conditions, not every application is accepted. There are various legal and factual reasons that may lead to rejection. These reasons revolve around key elements such as public order, national security, incomplete documents, and the applicant’s ties to Turkey.

Main reasons for rejection are:

1. Threat to public order or national security: If security investigation and archival research reveal that the person poses a risk to Turkey, the application is rejected.

2. Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents: Missing, conflicting, or forged documents result in direct rejection.

3. Weak social or cultural ties to Turkey: Persons who have lived disconnected from Turkey for a long time may find it difficult to be accepted again for citizenship. Lack of actual residence, family ties, or business relationships in Turkey is evaluated in this context.

4. Illegal manner of loss of citizenship: Especially for those who were stripped of citizenship ex officio, if they do not submit a justified application or if reasons for loss persist, the request is rejected.

5. Legal conflict with foreign citizenship: Some countries do not permit dual citizenship. In such cases, a person may lose their other citizenship by reacquiring Turkish citizenship. Such conflicts may lead to withdrawal or rejection of the application.

In case of rejection, there are administrative appeal procedures and the right to reapply. However, every rejection decision should be carefully examined and legally evaluated by a Turkish citizenship lawyer. This ensures proper planning of the appeal process and increases the chances of success in subsequent applications.

Processing Time for Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship Applications in Turkey

How long does it take for reacquisition applications to be finalized in Turkey?

The duration for the conclusion of reacquisition applications varies depending on the content of the application, completeness of documents, and workload of the relevant authorities. Generally, the entire process concludes in approximately 6 to 12 months. However, some applications may be completed sooner, while others—especially those involving prolonged security investigations or incomplete documents—may take up to 18 months.

Important factors for expediting the process include:

1. Complete submission of documents: Proper and complete preparation of requested documents accelerates the process.

2. Clear status of the applicant: Evaluation proceeds faster for those with strong ties to Turkey and who voluntarily renounced citizenship previously.

3. Duration of security investigation: Security and archival investigations may take time.

4. Applying with legal assistance: Professional support in the application process helps prevent administrative errors and ensures uninterrupted progress.

Applications made with the assistance of a Turkish citizenship lawyer or İzmir citizenship lawyer, where documents are properly prepared and legal procedures professionally managed, can significantly shorten processing time.

Advantages of Reacquiring Turkish Citizenship in Turkey

What are the advantages of reacquiring Turkish citizenship in Turkey?

Reacquiring Turkish citizenship not only grants legal status but also restores access to many social, economic, and personal rights. Gaining these rights facilitates the individual’s life and strengthens their ties with Turkey.

Main advantages include:

1. Having full legal rights: Upon reacquisition, the person can fully enjoy all rights granted to Turkish citizens, such as the right to vote and be elected, inheritance, social security, and more.

2. Access to health and social security services: Citizenship grants the right to be included in Turkey’s Social Security Institution system, enabling access to public hospitals and other social aids.

3. Educational and employment opportunities: Rights include enrollment in public universities without exams, employment in public institutions, and eligibility for scholarships or incentives reserved for citizens.

4. Possibility of dual citizenship: Many countries allow dual citizenship, enabling individuals to keep both Turkish citizenship and their current foreign citizenship simultaneously.

5. Ease in acquiring inheritance and real estate: Turkish citizens can benefit from inheritance and property acquisition rights in Turkey without restrictions.

Reacquisition also strengthens family ties in Turkey, facilitates children’s education processes, and secures long-term settlement plans. It is recommended to proceed under the guidance of a Turkish citizenship lawyer to complete the process fully and advantageously.

Importance of Legal Support in the Reacquisition Process

Why is working with a lawyer important in the reacquisition of Turkish citizenship process?

The reacquisition application is more complex and legally detailed than it appears. The applicant’s past citizenship status, manner of loss, ties with Turkey, and existing documents must be carefully evaluated. Therefore, obtaining professional legal support is critically important for the application process to proceed flawlessly, quickly, and securely.

A Turkish citizenship lawyer or İzmir citizenship lawyer accurately identifies the application category, prepares necessary documents according to procedures, and directs the application to the correct authorities. Additionally:

• Minimizes the risk of rejection due to incomplete or conflicting documents.
• Ensures critical stages such as security investigation are properly conducted.
• Effectively follows up on appeal processes in case of rejection.
• Develops strategies that best demonstrate the applicant’s ties to Turkey.

A simple mistake in reacquisition applications can delay or completely reject the process. However, with professional consultancy services, all these risks are eliminated, making the process more transparent and manageable.

For complete and accurate handling of your reacquisition application process, you can receive professional consultancy from KL Legal Consultancy. You can contact our expert lawyers to best protect your legal rights.