Turkey citizenship by descent allows individuals born to Turkish parents to claim nationality regardless of birthplace, securing legal status and rights in Turkey.
This program, regulated under the 5901 Turkish Citizenship Law, provides a clear pathway to reclaim citizenship through ancestry without residency requirements.
This article tackles:
- Who is eligible for Turkish citizenship by descent?
- Can I get Turkish citizenship through grandparents?
- Is it worth it to get Turkish citizenship?
- Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
What is 5901 Turkish citizenship law?
The 5901 Turkish Citizenship Law, enacted in 2009, is the primary legislation governing Turkish nationality and sets out the legal framework for acquiring, retaining, or losing citizenship.
It consolidated and updated previous laws to create a clearer, modern structure for citizenship matters.
The law covers multiple pathways to Turkish citizenship, including:
- By birth: Children born in Turkey under certain conditions.
- By descent: Children of Turkish citizens, whether born in Turkey or abroad, as outlined in Article 6. This provision ensures nationality is automatically conferred to descendants, maintaining legal continuity across generations.
- By marriage: Foreign spouses of Turkish citizens under specified conditions.
- By naturalization: Foreigners meeting residency, integration, and legal criteria.
The law also addresses dual citizenship, specifying that Turkish citizens may hold another nationality without losing their Turkish citizenship, while also outlining civic obligations such as military service and national duties.
Importantly, 5901 forms the legal foundation for claims based on ancestry, providing descendants of Turkish citizens a clear and recognized route to reclaim nationality.
How to claim citizenship by descent in Turkey?
To claim citizenship by descent in Turkey, applicants typically:
- Submit an application at the nearest Turkish consulate or through the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality in Turkey.
- Provide official birth certificates linking them to a Turkish parent.
- Present documents proving the parent’s Turkish citizenship at the time of birth.
- Complete the registration process in the population registry (Nüfus).
Applications are administrative; full documentation is required for approval.
What are the requirements for citizenship by descent in Turkey?
Requirements include:
- Proof of parent or grandparent’s Turkish citizenship – This can include a Turkish passport, national ID card (Kimlik), or official registration certificate from the local civil registry (Nüfus).
- Applicant’s birth certificate – Must clearly show the connection to the Turkish parent or grandparent.
- Supporting family documents – Marriage certificates, death certificates, or other records that help establish an unbroken chain of descent.
- Translations and notarizations – All foreign documents must be officially translated into Turkish and notarized or apostilled according to Turkish authority requirements.
No strict residency or language requirement is imposed for descent-based claims.
Who is eligible for citizenship by descent in Turkey?
Eligibility generally includes:
- Children of Turkish citizens – All children born to at least one Turkish parent are generally entitled to citizenship, whether born in Turkey or abroad.
- Grandchildren – In certain cases, grandchildren can claim citizenship if their parent did not register their own Turkish nationality, but the applicant must still prove a direct link to a Turkish ancestor.
- Unbroken lineage requirement – Applicants must provide documentation establishing an unbroken bloodline to a Turkish citizen, such as birth certificates, family registers, or official civil records.
How much does it cost to become a Turkish citizen by descent?
The total cost of claiming Turkish citizenship by descent typically ranges from €300 to €1,000, depending on document preparation and legal assistance.
- Government filing fees are usually minimal.
- Expenses mainly include document translation, notarization, and apostilles.
- Legal or professional assistance, while optional, may add several hundred euros.
How long does it take to get a Turkish citizenship by descent?
Straightforward cases with complete documentation may take 6–12 months, while more complex cases can extend to 18 months.
Is Turkish citizenship worth it?
Turkish citizenship offers several benefits:
- Travel freedom: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including parts of Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
- Right to live and work: Citizens can reside, work, and study in Turkey without permits, enjoying full social and economic rights.
- Business and investment opportunities: Turkey’s strategic location between Europe and Asia offers access to trade, investment, and property ownership, as well as incentives for entrepreneurs.
- Simpler process via descent: Obtaining citizenship through ancestry avoids residency, language, or financial investment requirements that other pathways demand, making it faster, less costly, and ideal for descendants maintaining ties to Turkey.
- Generational continuity: Citizenship can be passed to children, preserving family rights and mobility for future generations.
Is a Turkish passport strong?
The Turkish passport ranks moderately globally:
- Henley Passport Index: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 113 countries, placing Turkey in the mid-tier of global passport rankings.
- Arton Passport Index: Turkey scores in the mid-range globally at 124, reflecting its mobility strength and relative travel freedom. It is also ranked 43rd in this index.
- Nomad Passport Index: Highlights reasonable access to international travel with a total score of 78, local rights, and flexibility for dual citizenship, ranking Turkey in the mid-tier among global passports.
Is Turkey allowing dual citizenship?
Yes. Turkey permits dual nationality. Citizens are not required to renounce their previous nationality when acquiring Turkish citizenship.
How hard is it to get Turkish citizenship by descent?
Obtaining Turkish citizenship by descent is generally easy if you can provide complete documentation proving your lineage.
Naturalization through residency, by contrast, is more demanding, requiring 5 years of residence, proof of integration, and financial stability.
FAQs
Does Turkey allow multiple wives?
No. Turkey legally recognizes only monogamous marriages. Polygamy is prohibited under Turkish law.
Does Turkey have birthright citizenship?
Yes. Turkey grants citizenship by birth (jus soli) if at least one parent is a Turkish citizen.
Children born in Turkey to foreign parents do not automatically receive citizenship unless certain conditions are met.
Are Greeks and Turks genetically the same?
No, Greeks and Turks are not genetically the same. They are distinct ethnic groups, though centuries of shared history have led to some genetic overlap.
Is Turkey foreigner friendly?
Turkey is generally welcoming to foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas.
Expats and investors can live, work, and study, though familiarity with local customs and language helps integration.
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