Military Service Exemption in Turkey: A Legal Guide for Dual Citizens and Individuals Seeking Exemption Due to Health Issues

Navigating military obligations in Türkiye can be complex, especially for dual citizens and those with valid health concerns.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we provide expert legal support to clients seeking military service exemptions due to nationality or medical reasons.

This blog outlines the essential legal framework, application procedures, and documentation requirements.

Military Service Exemption for Dual Citizens in Türkiye

The military service exemption process for individuals holding multiple nationalities is governed by Law No. 7179 on Military Service and the Military Recruitment Regulation.

Key Legal Basis

According to current legislation, individuals who have completed their military service in one of the countries where they hold citizenship may request an exemption in Türkiye, provided there is a bilateral agreement between Türkiye and that country. Currently, such agreements exist only with:

• Tunisia

• Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)

Military service completed in these countries may be recognized for exemption purposes in Türkiye.

Dual Citizens Naturalized in Türkiye

Foreign nationals who acquire Turkish citizenship (except those naturalized through descent) are assessed according to their age and educational status at the time of naturalization.

Who Is Considered Exempt?

• Individuals who performed military service in their former country or are considered to have completed it before acquiring Turkish citizenship may be exempt.

• Except for those who were acquired later on the basis of lineage, those who have documented that they have completed extensive military service or military service in their nationality before acquiring Turkish citizenship, and those who are twenty-two (22) years of age or older after the year, month of birth and place of residence of their citizenship are recorded, are declared to have performed military service. Exemption procedures are carried out without waiting for these people to apply to regular military branches.

What About Younger Dual Citizens?

Those 21 years old or younger may have their military obligation deferred for two years upon naturalization. At the end of the deferral period, their eligibility is reviewed based on the current recruitment cycle.

⚠️ Note: Individuals must submit original documents, including certified Turkish translations by a sworn translator and notarized approval. Otherwise, their applications will not be processed.

Important Warning

If it is later discovered that any submitted document was forged, the individual will face legal prosecution. This is formally communicated to all applicants during the exemption process.

Special Situations

People who lost Turkish citizenship and later regained it are not evaluated as naturalized citizens. Their military obligations are handled according to their status at the time of losing citizenship.

Citizens of the TRNC who gained Turkish citizenship under Article 42 of Law No. 5901 are treated as naturalized Turkish citizens and evaluated accordingly.

Required Documents for Dual Citizen Exemption

• Foreign passport or ID (original and copy)

• Turkish ID card and, if available, Turkish passport (original and copy)

• 2 passport-sized photographs

• Original and certified Turkish translation of the military service certificate

• Proof of current foreign residence (residency certificate)

• Any additional requested documents

Military Service Exemption Due to Health Conditions

The legal basis for medical exemptions is also outlined under Law No. 7179 and the Military Recruitment Regulation.

Application Process

Applicants must undergo a medical examination at official health institutions in their current country of residence, in accordance with that country’s laws.

The results, including lab tests, reports, and X-rays, must be translated into Turkish and submitted through Turkish consulates.

These documents are then reviewed by the General Directorate of Military Health Services under the Turkish Ministry of Defense.

The final decision is based on the Health Capability Regulation applicable to the Turkish Armed Forces, Gendarmerie, and Coast Guard.

Notification Process

Once the Ministry finalizes its assessment, the relevant Turkish foreign mission (consulate or embassy) notifies the applicant of the result.

Required Documents for Medical Exemption

• Exemption application petition (with a copy)

• Turkish ID card and passport (originals and copies)

• Updated medical reports and documents from a general practitioner or hospital abroad

• Original and certified Turkish translations of all medical documentation

• Full-body photographs if the condition is visibly apparent

• “Final Medical Examination Form” to be completed and signed by two doctors at a local state hospital (if permitted by the country’s law)

• 3 passport-sized photographs

💡 Note: Applications must be made to the Turkish consulate with jurisdiction over the area where the applicant is working or residing.

Legal Assistance from Bayraktar Attorneys

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we understand the intricacies of Türkiye’s military exemption laws. Whether you’re a dual citizen or have health-related concerns, our team ensures your exemption process is handled efficiently, lawfully, and with personalized support.

Contact us today to schedule a legal consultation and take the first step toward resolving your military service obligations in Türkiye.