Can a Spouse Cancel the Other’s Turkish Citizenship After Divorce in Citizenship by Investment Cases?

Türkiye’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has become one of the most popular ways for foreign nationals to secure a second citizenship. By investing in real estate, depositing funds in a Turkish bank, or making other approved investments, foreign investors may apply for Turkish nationality.

These rights extend not only to the main investor but also to their spouse and children under 18.

When an investor applies, their spouse and children can be included in the application as dependents. Once the process is approved and Turkish identity cards and passports are issued, the whole family acquires full citizenship rights.

Divorce and the Security of Turkish Citizenship

A frequent question we receive is whether a divorce could impact the dependent spouse’s Turkish citizenship. In many cases, we see one spouse, often angry or hurt during divorce, attempting to cancel the other’s citizenship.

The short and clear answer is: no, divorce does not cancel Turkish citizenship once it has been granted.

Turkish law protects acquired nationality. After citizenship is approved, it becomes a permanent right that cannot be annulled by the other spouse, regardless of personal disputes or the end of the marriage. Both spouses retain their citizenship and continue to enjoy their rights as Turkish nationals.

Important Distinction: Application vs Approved Citizenship

If citizenship has already been granted, divorce does not affect citizenship. Both spouses keep their Turkish nationality, and it cannot be revoked simply due to marital separation.
If citizenship has not yet been granted, the dependent spouse’s application may be canceled if the marriage ends before the approval process concludes. This is the only exception.

Thus, if you are in the middle of an application, you should seek immediate legal advice to protect your rights.

International Divorce and Asset Division in Türkiye

As experienced international divorce lawyers, we frequently represent clients whose citizenship and investments intersect with complex divorce proceedings. In Türkiye, divorce law not only resolves marital status but also governs property division and financial settlements.

The Standard Rule: 50 Percent Division

Under Turkish law, the general principle is that marital assets are divided equally, 50 percent to each spouse. This includes real estate purchased during the marriage, joint bank accounts, and other financial assets.

Adjustment for Fault and Responsibility

However, Turkish courts also examine the conduct of each spouse. If the court finds that one spouse bears more responsibility for the breakdown of the marriage, for example due to infidelity, abuse, or abandonment, it may decide on a different ratio of separation and division.
This means that while the 50 percent rule is standard, the division may vary if one party is found significantly at fault.

Citizenship and Property Rights After Divorce

It is also important to note that acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage to an investor or as a dependent does not change property rights. A spouse who gained citizenship continues to benefit from their rights as a citizen even after the divorce.

However, when the couple divides property, the court will carefully review the origin of the funds and the investment details.

For example:

• If a property was purchased for citizenship and registered jointly, it will generally be subject to division.

• If the investment was in the name of one spouse only, the other spouse may still claim rights depending on the marriage regime and the court’s findings.

Why Professional Legal Advice Is Essential

Because divorce cases involving Turkish citizenship by investment combine family law, international law, and investment regulations, they require highly specialized legal expertise. At Bayraktar Attorneys, we have extensive experience advising clients in these complex scenarios.

We guide our clients through:

• The security of their Turkish citizenship after divorce

• The legal process of property and asset division

• Protecting investments made during the citizenship process

• Representing clients in court where fault based arguments may affect division ratios

Conclusion

To summarize:

• It is not possible for one spouse to cancel the other’s Turkish citizenship after divorce if citizenship has already been granted.

• The only exception is if the dependent spouse has not yet been approved for citizenship.

• In divorce, Turkish law typically divides marital assets equally, but the court may decide on a different ratio if one spouse is more at fault.

If you are facing divorce while holding Turkish citizenship by investment, or if you are in the application stage and concerned about the impact of marital issues, our law firm can provide the legal expertise you need.