Under Turkish law, citizenship is not always a permanent status. While Turkish citizenship grants broad rights such as residence, employment, voting, and property ownership, it may be lost in certain cases—either voluntarily through formal renunciation or involuntarily via administrative decision. At the same time, individuals who have lost their citizenship may regain it through a structured legal process if conditions are met.
Our Turkish Law Firm assists both Turkish nationals who have lost their citizenship and foreign-born individuals who wish to reacquire Turkish citizenship. We also represent families whose children have lost citizenship status and help individuals navigate Article 25–30 of the Turkish Citizenship Law. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for immigration and nationality matters, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers provide tailored legal support for each path of loss and recovery.
What Is Considered Loss of Turkish Citizenship?
According to Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship, the loss of Turkish citizenship may occur under two primary mechanisms:
- Loss by administrative decision (madde 29): Enforced by the Ministry of Interior for public security or legal violations
- Loss by application (madde 25): Voluntary renunciation approved by the Council of Ministers (now Presidential Decree)
Loss of citizenship is a profound legal status change. It affects civil rights, military obligations, social security, and inheritance. Our Turkish Law Firm reviews legal basis, provides litigation in case of unjust decisions, and advises clients on avoiding unintended citizenship loss due to technical mistakes or foreign naturalization.
Voluntary Renunciation of Turkish Citizenship (Article 25)
Individuals who wish to obtain a second nationality in a country that does not allow dual citizenship—such as Germany or Austria—may renounce Turkish citizenship voluntarily. The process requires:
- Proof of acquisition or conditional acceptance of a new nationality
- No ongoing military obligations in Turkey
- Absence of active criminal investigations or arrest warrants
- Full application file submitted to a Turkish consulate or Nüfus Müdürlüğü
Once approved, a “renunciation certificate (Çıkma Belgesi)” is issued. However, legal consequences may follow, such as ineligibility to own certain properties, vote, or be employed in public institutions. We assist clients in drafting renunciation applications, protecting property rights, and registering exceptional statuses such as Blue Card (Mavi Kart) eligibility.
Loss of Turkish Citizenship by Administrative Decision (Article 29)
Unlike voluntary renunciation, loss of Turkish citizenship by administrative decision is imposed unilaterally by the Turkish government. Under Article 29 of Law No. 5901, the President of the Republic may revoke citizenship for individuals who:
- Are engaged in activities considered a threat to national security
- Are fighting abroad on behalf of foreign armed groups or terrorist organizations
- Have committed crimes such as treason, espionage, or terrorism under the Turkish Penal Code
This form of loss is rare but extremely serious, and it may be executed without consent. Individuals subject to such measures are entitled to file an objection before administrative courts. Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers prepare detailed defense files, including human rights arguments, citizenship status history, and international law protections.
Impact of Citizenship Loss on Family Members
One of the most sensitive aspects of loss of Turkish citizenship involves its consequences on dependent spouses and children. Although Turkish law generally treats citizenship as individual, loss or renunciation may indirectly affect:
- Minors who were included in the parent's application
- Spouses relying on citizenship status for residence permits
- Children born abroad who were not properly registered at Turkish consulates
Our Turkish Law Firm reviews family files, initiates separate reacquisition of Turkish citizenship applications, and advises on how to prevent intergenerational loss of status—especially for families living abroad.
How to Reacquire Turkish Citizenship (Article 13 and 43)
Citizenship lost by voluntary renunciation or administrative decision may be regained under Article 13 and 43 of Law No. 5901. The main pathways are:
- By residence: 3 years of uninterrupted legal residence in Turkey (not on student visa)
- By marriage: Spouse of a Turkish citizen may apply after 3 years of marriage and residence
- By exceptional decision: Grant of citizenship based on strong humanitarian or national interest
- By Blue Card holders: Holders of Mavi Kart with Turkish origin can apply for simplified reacquisition
Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers prepare complete reacquisition files, assist with language and integration criteria, and represent clients before Nüfus Müdürlüğü, Governorates, and the Ministry of Interior.
Internal Legal Resources
- Overview of Turkish Citizenship Law
- Blue Card (Mavi Kart) Rights in Turkey
- Citizenship by Marriage in Turkey
- Rejection of Citizenship Applications
- Dual Citizenship Rules in Turkey
FAQ: Loss and Reacquisition of Turkish Citizenship
- Q1: How can I voluntarily renounce Turkish citizenship?
By applying to a Turkish consulate or civil registry with proof of new nationality and required documents. - Q2: Will I lose my inheritance rights after renunciation?
No. Under private law, inheritance rights remain unless restricted by other legal causes. - Q3: Can the government revoke my citizenship?
Yes, in rare cases under Article 29, mainly involving terrorism or national security issues. - Q4: Can I get Turkish citizenship back later?
Yes, through residence, marriage, or exceptional approval by the President. - Q5: Does losing citizenship affect my children?
Only if they are included in the application or have no other legal status. Each case is evaluated individually. - Q6: Is Blue Card the same as citizenship?
No, but it grants nearly identical rights except for voting and military service. - Q7: Can I own property in Turkey after losing citizenship?
Yes, subject to reciprocity and foreign ownership regulations under Title Law. - Q8: What if I didn’t know I lost citizenship?
Legal restoration may be possible through court review or administrative petition. - Q9: Can a Turkish Law Firm represent me abroad?
Absolutely. We handle full processes remotely through notarized power of attorney. - Q10: How long does reacquisition take?
Usually 6–12 months depending on grounds, location, and completeness of application file.
Regain Your Citizenship Rights with a Turkish Law Firm
Losing Turkish citizenship—whether voluntarily or by government decision—can have far-reaching legal, emotional, and financial consequences. However, the law provides clear paths to challenge unfair decisions, restore status, or reacquire citizenship under legitimate grounds. With the right legal support, these outcomes are achievable.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers represent individuals, families, and dual nationals seeking to navigate Turkish nationality law. Whether you wish to renounce citizenship, prevent a forced loss, or reacquire Turkish citizenship, we provide personalized, professional, and confidential legal guidance. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for citizenship law, we are here to restore your rights, status, and connection to the Republic of Turkey.