In this article, we address the most frequently asked questions about Turkish citizenship by descent — one of the most natural ways to acquire Turkish nationality.
1. What is Turkish citizenship by descent?
Turkish citizenship by descent means that a child automatically acquires Turkish nationality at birth if either parent is a Turkish citizen.
This acquisition occurs automatically at the time of birth, without the need for any administrative application.
2. In which cases does a child acquire Turkish citizenship by birth?
According to Article 7 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, a child is considered Turkish by birth in the following cases:
3. Can a child born abroad acquire Turkish citizenship?
Yes. If either parent is a Turkish citizen, the child becomes a Turkish citizen regardless of the place of birth.
However, for children born abroad, the birth must be reported to the Turkish consulate within 60 days.
If this deadline is missed, subsequent determination and registration procedures will apply.
4. What is the birth notification period?
5. Does the child lose citizenship if the parent–child relationship (lineage) is later annulled?
Generally, no.
Even if the parent–child relationship (paternity/maternity) is later annulled by a court decision, the child’s Turkish citizenship cannot be revoked retroactively once acquired by birth.
However, in cases of fraud, false recognition, or deception, the authorities may initiate a citizenship annulment case.
6. If the grandparent (upper ancestor) is Turkish, can the grandchild obtain citizenship?
Not directly. Turkish citizenship does not pass automatically from grandparent to grandchild.
However, indirect acquisition may be possible:
7. If my grandfather was Turkish, do I automatically become a citizen?
No. The statement “If your grandfather was Turkish, you automatically become Turkish” is incorrect.
Citizenship does not transfer automatically between generations.
The Turkish citizenship of the parent must first be proven and registered, often requiring a court case and supporting documentation.
8. How is the parent–child relationship (lineage) established after birth?
It may be established through:
9. What happens if the birth is not reported?
If the birth is not reported, the child may remain unregistered in the population records.
However, if it is later determined that one of the parents is Turkish, the child’s citizenship can be registered through determination and tescil (recording).
A court decision or consular confirmation may be required.
10. What is the right of option (seçme hakkı)?
Individuals who lost Turkish citizenship as minors due to their parents’ status may reacquire it within three years of reaching adulthood by submitting a written declaration.
11. What are the ways to regain Turkish citizenship?
There are two main paths:
12. What is a Blue Card? Does it replace Turkish citizenship?
A Blue Card is issued to individuals who were Turkish citizens by birth but later lost citizenship with permission, as well as their descendants.
Blue Card holders enjoy many of the same rights as Turkish citizens but do not have full citizenship status (for example, they cannot vote or be elected).
13. Is dual citizenship allowed in Turkey?
Yes. Turkish law permits dual citizenship.
A person may hold both Turkish nationality and another nationality, provided that the other country also allows dual citizenship.
14. How can a citizenship or lineage determination lawsuit be filed?
Such cases are filed before the relevant Turkish courts (generally Civil or Administrative Courts).
The petition must include documents proving the family relationship (birth certificates, passports, registry records, recognition papers).
DNA testing may be ordered when necessary.
15. Which documents are required for a citizenship application?
16. Where can Turkish citizenship applications be submitted?
17. What can be done if a citizenship application is rejected?
An appeal can be filed by initiating an administrative lawsuit within 60 days of notification of the rejection.
Having legal counsel significantly increases the chances of success.
18. Is Turkish citizenship retained if the lineage is later annulled?
Yes, generally it is retained.
In Turkish law, citizenship acquired by descent becomes an independent personal status.
Annulment of lineage has no retroactive effect; the person remains a Turkish citizen.
19. Can a rejected citizenship claim based on ancestry be resubmitted?
Yes. A new application can be made by providing new evidence or documents.
It is also possible to challenge the rejection in court.
20. Why is professional legal assistance important?
Procedures for acquiring citizenship by descent can be technically complex, especially in cases involving foreign births, late notifications, or ancestral lineage verification.
A qualified citizenship lawyer ensures documents are complete, minimizes rejection risks, and shortens the process.
21. If the mother is Turkish and the father is foreign, which citizenship does the child acquire?
The child automatically becomes a Turkish citizen at birth, pursuant to Article 7 of Law No. 5901:
“A child born to a Turkish mother shall acquire Turkish citizenship by birth.”
If the father’s country also grants citizenship, the child may hold dual citizenship.
22. If the father is Turkish, the mother foreign, and there is no marriage, what happens?
The child does not automatically acquire Turkish citizenship.
The father–child relationship must first be established by:
23. If a Turkish father recognizes the child later, does the child become Turkish?
Yes. Since recognition (acknowledgment) has retroactive effect, the child is deemed Turkish from birth, though the status must be registered in the civil records.
24. What if a Turkish father denies paternity after citizenship is granted?
Citizenship, once lawfully acquired, is a vested right.
Revocation of lineage usually does not revoke citizenship retroactively, except in cases of fraud or false declaration proven in court.
25. If the child’s country of birth grants citizenship, does it affect Turkish nationality?
No. Turkey allows dual citizenship.
The child can hold both nationalities, unless the other country’s laws prohibit dual status — in which case the parents must choose.
26. How is the registration of a child born abroad completed?
If one parent is Turkish, the birth must be reported to the nearest Turkish consulate.
Required documents:
27. How is late birth registration carried out?
If the 30/60-day reporting period has passed, the person may still apply.
A determination or registration procedure will be initiated, and if necessary, the court may order the record to be created retroactively.
28. When should a citizenship determination lawsuit be filed?
Anyone who believes “I was Turkish by birth, but never registered” can file a citizenship determination case to legally establish their Turkish nationality based on lineage.
29. What types of evidence are used in a citizenship determination case?
30. What is the difference between a lineage (paternity) case and a citizenship determination case?
31. Can an adopted child become a Turkish citizen?
Yes, but this is not citizenship by birth.
An adopted child may acquire Turkish citizenship after adoption, provided the adopting person is Turkish and the child is a minor at the time of adoption (per Article 17 of Law No. 5901).
32. If the parent lost Turkish citizenship before the child’s birth, can the child still be Turkish?
No. If the parent was not a Turkish citizen at the time of birth, the child does not acquire Turkish citizenship by descent.
However, after the parent reacquires Turkish citizenship, the child may apply to gain it through application.
33. Is DNA testing required for Turkish citizenship?
In some lineage determination cases, the court may order a DNA test — especially if the birth took place abroad, or if the recognition or documentation is disputed.
34. How is registration handled after the court establishes lineage?
Once the court decision becomes final, it is sent to the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship.
The person is then registered as a Turkish citizen, retroactive to birth.
35. What if the ancestor (e.g., grandfather) was Turkish but the record was deleted?
A determination lawsuit must first be filed to prove the ancestor’s Turkish citizenship.
If confirmed, the parent is deemed Turkish, which may establish citizenship rights for the descendants as well.
36. What are the common reasons for rejection of citizenship applications?
37. Can Blue Card holders regain Turkish citizenship?
Yes. Blue Card holders can reapply for full Turkish citizenship without a residence requirement or with short residence, under Articles 13 and 43 of Law No. 5901.
38. Can a person who lost citizenship as a child regain it after adulthood?
Yes, through the right of option (seçme hakkı), within three years after reaching majority.
If this period expires, they may still reapply under the reacquisition procedure.
39. How long does the citizenship process take?
Depending on the case:
40. Can citizenship applications be filed without a lawyer?
Technically yes, but not recommended.
Citizenship by descent involves complex legal and documentary issues — even minor mistakes or missing paperwork can cause rejection.
Professional legal representation ensures accuracy, efficiency, and a higher success rate.
Conclusion
Citizenship by descent is one of the most natural and fundamental ways to acquire Turkish nationality.
However, every case differs based on lineage structure, documentation, and timing.
A correct legal strategy and professional citizenship lawyer will ensure a smooth and successful process.
