How the legal procedure will progress if blue card holders choose to regain Turkish citizenship is a frequent source of questions. It is essential to submit this request to the proper authorities. Similarly, the question of what rights blue card holders have is relevant to this topic.
This page explains the status of blue card holders and the steps they must take to restore their Turkish citizenship. In addition, we have specified the rights of blue card holders to provide further information on the operation of the procedure.
What exactly is a Blue Card in Turkey?
What is known as a blue card and is expressly governed by Turkish law is, in essence, a status. This card, which is issued to those who have relinquished their Turkish citizenship, distinguishes these individuals from other foreigners.
Under the scope of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law adopted in this context, Turkish law addresses the blue card and the rights of its holders. It is important to note that distinct requirements in other areas of the law will also apply to the transfer of Turkish citizenship to blue card holders.
Blue Card Rank
After addressing the question, “What is a blue card?”, it is important to describe the card’s nature and status. First, it must be established that under Article 25 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, the institution of renunciation of Turkish citizenship has been regulated, and the requirements for Turkish nationals desiring to resign their citizenship have been stated.
What Rights Do Blue Card Holders Have in Turkey?
The laws that may serve as the foundation for the rights of blue card holders are Article 28 of the Turkish Citizenship Law and Article 52 et al. of the Regulation on the Application of the Turkish Citizenship Law. With a few exceptions, those who relinquished their citizenship after acquiring Turkish citizenship by birth shall continue to enjoy the privileges accorded to Turkish citizens in accordance with the general norm established by the aforementioned rules. It is also important to note what rights these individuals cannot enjoy.
It should be mentioned that these individuals do not have the right to vote or to be elected. In addition, they are not required to do their military duty. Yet, these individuals’ acquired rights in the area of social security will also be preserved. Nonetheless, they will not be allowed to occupy permanent and vital public office positions according to the public law system, but they will be permitted to serve as contractual or temporary individuals or workers.
Can Spouses and Children of Blue Card Members Also Benefit?
The individual’s blue card guarantees that the children who will be treated alongside him are also taken into account in this context. Hence, the children treated alongside a minor with a blue card likewise benefit from the corresponding possibilities. This chance will not be available to the individual’s spouse just because the other spouse holds a blue card.
Reacquisition of Turkish Nationality for Blue Card Holders
One of the difficulties that should be highlighted is the position of those who hold a blue card, i.e., those who acquire Turkish citizenship by birth and subsequently lose it again.
The fundamental statute governing these individuals’ acquisition of Turkish citizenship is Article 13 of the Turkish Citizenship Law. Regardless of how long a person has resided in Turkey, the relevant units of the Ministry of Interior have the authority to grant them Turkish citizenship if the situation does not pose a threat to national security. For broader context, see our guide on Mavi Kart rights and reacquisition of Turkish citizenship.
The Spouse and Children of the Blue Card Holder Re-acquiring Turkish Citizenship
If the administration grants the request of a person with a blue card who wishes to restore Turkish citizenship, the obtained citizenship has no impact on the person’s spouse. Thus, there will be no consequence or change to the spouse’s citizenship status.
Regarding the impact on children, it is important to categorize the scenario into two groups. If the child of a person who has earned Turkish citizenship has reached the age of 18, the citizenship choice is no longer applicable, since this individual is officially an adult and not a minor. If a person with a blue card who has earned Turkish citizenship has a child under the age of 18, the child is legally regarded as a minor and assumes his parent’s citizenship.
The citizenship of the other parent is crucial in this situation. If the other spouse is a foreigner, this spouse’s approval is required for the child to get Turkish citizenship. This permission must be provided before a public notary. If the spouse refuses to agree, the matter may be brought before a court.
Renouncing Turkish Citizenship: What to Consider
If you are weighing renunciation rather than reacquisition, the reverse process has its own requirements and consequences. Our dedicated guide on renouncing Turkish citizenship explains the procedure in detail.
Are you a blue card holder thinking about regaining Turkish citizenship, or a dual citizen planning to renounce? Understanding the legal procedures involved in this process is crucial, as is knowing your rights as a blue card holder. At Bayraktar Attorneys, we can help you navigate this complex legal terrain and assist you in submitting your request to the proper authorities. With our expert legal counsel, you can regain your Turkish citizenship and all the rights and privileges that come with it. Contact us today to learn more.
