Turkish Citizenship by Birth: Legal Grounds, Procedures, and Required Documents

Turkish citizenship by birth is one of the most straightforward ways to acquire nationality in Türkiye. Rooted in the principles of jus sanguinis (right of blood) and, in some cases, jus soli (right of soil), the Turkish Citizenship Law grants citizenship automatically at birth under certain conditions.

However, especially for those born abroad or whose births were not registered in time, there are specific procedures to retroactively claim Turkish citizenship.

This blog outlines the legal framework, eligibility requirements, and application process for Turkish citizenship by birth, including what to do if you are already over the age of 18.

Legal Basis for Turkish Citizenship by Birth

Turkish citizenship acquired by birth is defined under the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. According to Article 7 of the law:

“A child born to a Turkish citizen mother or father, within or outside Türkiye, is a Turkish citizen from birth.”

This provision means that even if only one parent is a Turkish citizen at the time of the child’s birth, the child is automatically granted Turkish citizenship, regardless of the other parent's nationality or the child’s place of birth. The citizenship status becomes effective from the moment of birth.

Citizenship Through Parentage (Jus Sanguinis)

This is the most common method of acquiring Turkish citizenship by birth. If a Turkish parent is legally recognized at the time of the child’s birth, the child obtains Turkish citizenship automatically.

• Only one parent needs to be a Turkish citizenat the time of birth.

• The nationality of the other parent(foreign or stateless) has no negative effect.

• Registration with Turkish civil authoritiesis essential to activate civil rights and obtain official identification.

Citizenship Through Place of Birth (Jus Soli – Exceptional)

If a child is born in Türkiye and is not eligible for the citizenship of any other country, the child will be granted Turkish citizenship to prevent statelessness. However, this is rare and applies primarily to children born to stateless parents or whose parentage cannot be determined.

Late Registration After Age 18: Is It Still Possible?

Yes. If an individual was born to a Turkish citizen but the birth was not registered with the Turkish authorities before the age of 18, it is still possible to claim Turkish citizenship retroactively.

According to the relevant legal procedure:

• If you are over the age of 18 and living abroad, and your birth was never registered in the Turkish family registry, your citizenship can still be recognizedafter a Ministry of Interior reviewconfirms that you are the child of a Turkish citizen.

• The process is administrative and does not require court proceedingsif all documents are in order.

Required Documents for Citizenship by Birth Applications

The following documents are generally required when applying for Turkish citizenship based on birth:

1. Application Form (VAT-1)

2. Two biometric photos(50x60 mm, white background, ICAO-compliant)

3. Turkish ID or citizenship documents of the Turkish parent

4. If one parent is a foreigner:

   • Their foreign identity document

   • Official proof regarding whether the applicant has acquired that parent’s nationality (with notarized Turkish translation)

5. Sworn statementsfrom parents (or siblings if parents are deceased) regarding the applicant's birth and family ties

6. Notarized Turkish translation of the applicant’s birth certificate

7. Birth Report (Doğum Tutanağı)based on the birth certificate (form VGF-10-01)

Where and How to Apply

• Within Türkiye: Applications are submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Civil Registration (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) in the applicant's place of residence.

• Outside Türkiye: Applications must be made in person at the nearest Turkish consulate. Power of attorney may also be used.

• Postal applications are not accepted.

For minors or individuals lacking legal capacity, the application is filed by their legal guardian or parent.

Important notes:

• The application dateis the date the form is officially recorded by the authority.

• All foreign documents must be translated and notarizedin Turkish.

• Documents issued abroad may require apostille certificationor consular legalization depending on the issuing country.

Citizenship Recognition vs. Naturalization

It is important to understand that applying for Turkish citizenship by birth is not a naturalization process. The applicant is asserting an existing right—that they are Turkish from birth due to parentage or place of birth.

This process is generally faster and less discretionary than other types of citizenship applications.

Why Is Registration Important?

Although Turkish citizenship by birth is granted automatically under the law, lack of registration can result in practical complications. These may include:

• Inability to obtain a Turkish ID or passport

• Difficulty inheriting property in Türkiye

• Issues in accessing public services or registering children

Thus, it's critical for Turkish citizens living abroad to register their children’s births with Turkish authorities promptly.

FAQs: Turkish Citizenship by Birth

Can I apply even if I was born abroad and never lived in Türkiye?
Yes. As long as one of your parents was a Turkish citizen at the time of your birth, you are eligible.

What if my Turkish parent has passed away?
You can still apply. You’ll need to provide sworn statements from your other parent or siblings confirming your lineage.

Will I lose my foreign citizenship if I apply?
Türkiye allows dual citizenship, but you should check whether your home country allows it.

Can I give power of attorney to someone to handle my application?
Yes. A special power of attorney is required.

How long does the process take?
If all documents are in order, processing typically takes 1–6 months, depending on where you apply.

Conclusion

Turkish citizenship by birth offers an automatic and legally protected path to nationality for those born to Turkish parents, even if born abroad or unregistered for many years.

If you believe you have a claim to Turkish citizenship through your parents or grandparents, Bayraktar Attorneys can assist you in evaluating your eligibility, preparing the required documentation, and completing the process with the Turkish authorities.

Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and ensure your rightful citizenship is formally recognized.

The application form is available for download below.