Introduction
One of the most frequently asked questions for foreigners who acquire Turkish citizenship is the possibility of changing their name and surname after naturalization. Acquiring citizenship is not merely a change of legal status; it also directly affects the individual’s identity, cultural adaptation, and social life. Since names and surnames are fundamental elements of a person’s identity, many individuals wish to change them after becoming Turkish citizens.
This article explains in detail the legal grounds, application procedures, court process, required documents, and important considerations regarding name and surname changes after acquiring Turkish citizenship.
Yes. Foreigners who acquire Turkish citizenship may change their names and surnames. However, this change is not a matter of free choice but a process conducted within a legal framework.
The main reasons for requesting such a change include:
The process of changing name and surname is regulated by the following legislation:
Accordingly, in some cases the process is completed through administrative application, while in others it requires a court decision.
It is not always necessary to initiate a lawsuit. Some clerical mistakes and technical inconsistencies can be corrected directly by the Civil Registry Office.
Examples:
These applications are usually resolved faster without the need for a court procedure.
a) Filing a Lawsuit
If there are justifiable reasons for changing the name or surname, a lawsuit must be filed. The plaintiff is the person who has acquired Turkish citizenship.
b) Issues to Consider Before Filing
Some examples of “just cause” include:
c) Court Proceedings
d) Implementation of the Decision
Once the court decision becomes final, it is sent to the civil registry office, and the person’s official identity records are updated. Subsequently, the identity card, passport, driver’s license, bank records, title deeds, and all other official documents are reissued with the new name and surname.
e) Duration and Costs
In cases of dual nationality, the name on the Turkish identity card may differ from the one on the foreign passport. In such situations:
This issue is particularly important in foreign banking transactions and official procedures.
1. Am I required to change my name into Turkish after acquiring citizenship?
No. There is no such obligation. However, names and surnames must be written using the Turkish alphabet. Letters not compatible with Turkish will be corrected.
2. Is filing a lawsuit mandatory for a name change?
No. Minor clerical errors or alphabet inconsistencies can be corrected by applying to the Civil Registry Office. But if “just cause” exists, a court case is mandatory.
3. How long does a name change case take?
Generally between 3 – 6 months, depending on the workload of the court.
4. Is it mandatory to present witnesses in court?
Yes. Courts usually hear 1-2 witnesses to support the justification for the request. Witness testimony is important, and legal representation ensures accuracy.
5. Can I continue using my old name after the decision?
No. Once the decision becomes final, all official documents (ID, passport, driver’s license, etc.) are updated with the new name. The old name loses its legal validity.
6. What documents are required for the lawsuit?
7. Is a surname change lawsuit handled the same way?
Yes. Surname changes follow the same procedure before the Civil Court of First Instance and require just cause.
8. Can married individuals change their name or surname?
Yes. However, in cases of married women, the surname change is evaluated in connection with the husband’s surname. The court’s ruling determines how the new surname is reflected in the ID.
9. Is dual citizenship a problem when names differ?
Yes. Differences between the Turkish ID and foreign passport can create complications in banking or official processes. Solutions include notarized translations or apostille.
10. What are the average court costs?
Court fees and notification expenses are updated annually by the Ministry of Justice. As of recent practice, the total costs are usually around 5,000 – 10,000 TRY, excluding attorney fees.
11. Who should I notify after a name change decision?
The court sends the ruling to the civil registry office. The person must also notify banks, workplaces, universities, and social security institutions.
12. Can I change my name or surname more than once?
Yes, but each request must be based on just cause. Arbitrary or repetitive requests may be rejected.
13. How can minors change their names?
For underage children, parents may file a lawsuit through a lawyer by granting power of attorney. The court evaluates the request in line with the child’s best interest.
14. What happens to my diplomas and educational certificates?
After the court ruling, you may apply to educational institutions to update your diplomas and graduation certificates with the new name.
For foreigners, name and surname change procedures after acquiring Turkish citizenship may become more complex. Missing documents or an improperly prepared petition may prolong the case or result in rejection. In such cases, re-filing becomes more difficult. Therefore, obtaining assistance from a lawyer specialized in foreigners’ law provides significant advantages from the very beginning.
Changing one’s name and surname after acquiring Turkish citizenship is highly important for both social integration and consistency in official records. This process may be completed through simple administrative applications, but in most cases requires a court ruling. When just causes are proven and documents are properly prepared, such lawsuits are concluded within a short time.
