Acquiring Turkish citizenship involves a well-defined process that usually requires meeting specific criteria and fulfilling legal requirements. These particular requirements and processes for getting Turkish citizenship may differ over time and can be subject to change. For instance, as stated in the Regulation on the Implementation of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, people residing in Turkey for five years without interruption are eligible for citizenship. After obtaining the citizenship, many people opt to change their names.
According to Law No. 1353 Concerning the Acceptance of Turkish Letters and Their Applications, foreigners applying for citizenship have the right to change their names or surnames. However, no matter how easy it sounds, the name change procedure can sometimes take time and effort. In this article, we will mention all the details of this procedure to guide people who are intended to change their name.
Why Some People Choose to Change Their Name After Acquiring Turkish Citizenship?
When people decide to become citizens of Turkey, some choose to change their names. There can be several reasons behind this choice, possibly associated with personal, cultural, and legal factors. One of the foremost causes for people changing their names after becoming citizens of Turkey is the desire to integrate into Turkish society completely. Since a Turkish name removes all linguistic and cultural obstacles, it might make the integration process simpler and easier. A sense of belonging is usually fostered by adopting a Turkish name, which indicates a commitment to embracing the language and culture.
Since names from different cultures can be challenging to pronounce correctly, people may change their names to make it easier for others to address them. For example, some names contain letters like W, X, and Q that do not exist in the Turkish alphabet. Therefore, having a difficult name to write or pronounce may cause problems in daily life, legal proceedings, or official documentation. For this reason, having a Turkish name after obtaining citizenship can simplify things and make everyday tasks easier.
Cases of Changing the Name after Obtaining Turkish Citizenship
Many people apply to obtain Turkish citizenship for various reasons. For example, under certain circumstances, one can acquire Turkish citizenship by investment. Those who receive citizenship through investment may discover that going by a more Turkish-sounding name makes dealings with institutions and government officials easier. Besides, getting Turkish citizenship by marriage is also possible. Those who marry Turkish nationals or who have Turkish spouses and kids may choose to change their names to align better with their family members.
Legal Implications of Name Change in Turkey
Legal implications of name change in Turkey are not simple to perform, and people who consider changing their name should be aware of them, regardless of their cause. For instance, people can choose a new name for themselves, yet it should be a name that is under Turkish cultural norms and traditions. Also, they must update all their identification documents and update organizations where they have an account or record to decrease the risk of legal problems.
Remember that the legal implications of a name change in Turkey can change according to the specific reason for the change and personal circumstances. That is why consulting an expert experienced in Turkish citizenship laws is significant to ensure a smooth process. By contacting our Turkish lawyer firm, Istanbul Lawyer Firm, you can get services from our skilled and experienced Turkish citizenship lawyers in Turkey.
Steps to Apply for Name Change
The steps to change names in Turkey are explained below.
- Foreigners who change their name must file a case with the Civil Court of First Instance.
- They must accurately write their reasons for the change and include all of their personal information, addressing both their old name and the new name they want to change. Keep in mind that this procedure requires paying a fee.
- Then, the petition must be notarized by a notary public.
- At the end of this process, they should update their ID card and passport with their new name.
If this procedure is challenging for you, you should contact Turkish law firms to get legal assistance. At Istanbul Lawyer Firm, with our experienced and English-speaking lawyers in Turkey, we are ready to help you in this journey.
Legal Consequences of Changing Name&
In Turkey, the government formally recognizes the new name after changing it. This implies that the ID card, passport, and other related identification documents, as well as official government records, will include the new name. That is why people who change their names must update their official documentation to avoid legal difficulties.
Advantages of Changing Your Name in Turkey
A name change ensures the new name appears on all official documents, such as the license of drivers, passport, and ID card. In addition to avoiding record inconsistencies, this simplifies legal and administrative procedures. Also, taking on a Turkish name can help people interact with locals and integrate into the community since it shows a commitment to embracing Turkish culture, language, and way of life. Similarly, having a new name that is formally accepted by Turkish authorities serves to solidify citizenship further.
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