Children born to Turkish parents—whether inside or outside of Turkey—are typically entitled to Turkish citizenship by birth. However, for mixed-nationality couples, foreign-born children, or unregistered births, the process may require legal steps to confirm the child’s nationality. At ER&GUN&ER, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers assist international families in confirming and registering Turkish citizenship for their children. This guide explains legal eligibility, documentation, and what to do if your child’s Turkish nationality is not yet recognized.
Legal Basis: Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901
Article 7 of Law No. 5901 provides that a child born to a Turkish mother or father automatically acquires Turkish citizenship, regardless of where the child is born. No separate application is required for children who are properly registered. However, late registrations and dual nationality cases may require legal support.
Who Qualifies for Turkish Citizenship by Birth?
- Children born to two Turkish parents
- Children born to one Turkish parent (mother or father) and one foreign parent
- Children born abroad who were not registered at a Turkish consulate
- Children born in Turkey to stateless parents or to unknown parents
How to Register Turkish Citizenship for a Child Born Abroad
If the birth occurred outside Turkey, the Turkish parent must notify the nearest Turkish consulate. Required documents include:
- Child’s birth certificate (with apostille if applicable)
- Parents’ passports and ID cards
- Marriage certificate (if available)
- Application form and biometric photo (for passports)
What If the Child Was Never Registered?
If a Turkish citizen fails to register their child born abroad, the child still holds the right to Turkish citizenship. In such cases, we assist in:
- Collecting birth and lineage documentation
- Filing with the Turkish Population Directorate or Consulate
- Correcting the population registry (Nüfus) if needed
- Preparing a Citizenship Recognition Petition or lawsuit in court
Can a Lawyer Represent the Family Through POA?
Yes. Our firm is authorized to represent families in all citizenship and registry applications. You may issue a Power of Attorney (POA) abroad or in Turkey. With POA, we handle:
- Application for citizenship registration
- Correction of birth records
- Passport and ID application
- Citizenship recognition lawsuit if required
Children Born in Turkey to Stateless or Unknown Parents
According to Article 8 of Law No. 5901, a child born in Turkey who would otherwise be stateless is automatically granted Turkish citizenship. This provision aims to prevent statelessness and is commonly applied in refugee or undocumented birth cases.
Does Place of Birth Affect Citizenship?
No. Turkish citizenship is passed through blood (jus sanguinis), not territory (jus soli). However, place of birth becomes relevant only if the child would otherwise be stateless or if Turkish heritage must be proven through local population records.
Real Client Examples
- 🇺🇸 U.S.-born child of a Turkish mother—registered retroactively after 10 years, ID and passport issued
- 🇨🇦 Stateless child born in Turkey to undocumented Syrian parents—granted Turkish citizenship after court approval
- 🇫🇷 French citizen's child born abroad to Turkish father—POA used to correct registry and claim full rights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I apply for my child’s citizenship from abroad? Yes. Via Turkish consulate or POA through a lawyer.
- Do both parents need to be Turkish? No. One Turkish parent is sufficient.
- Does my child need to speak Turkish? No. There is no language requirement.
- Is there an age limit? No. You may apply at any age to correct the registry retroactively.
- Can my child have both Turkish and foreign citizenship? Yes. Turkey allows dual nationality unless your home country prohibits it.
- What if the Turkish parent is deceased? Proof of their citizenship is still valid grounds. We trace and submit records through court.
- Do we need a court decision for every case? Not always. Only when registry is missing or challenged. Otherwise, administrative route is sufficient.
- Can I get a Turkish passport for my child? Yes. Once citizenship is confirmed, you may apply for ID and passport via Nüfus or consulate.
- Can a lawyer file everything on our behalf? Yes. With POA, we handle all legal filings and appointments remotely.
Conclusion: Secure Your Child’s Future Through Legal Citizenship Registration
If you are a Turkish citizen or of Turkish descent, your child likely qualifies for Turkish citizenship by birth. But unregistered births, mixed-nationality families, and international circumstances can complicate the process. Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers help you claim citizenship rights efficiently and legally. Contact the Best Lawyer in Turkey today to begin your child’s journey toward dual nationality, national registration, and legal protection under Turkish law.