Which documents are translated for dual citizenship procedures?

Two different situations, two different files

In everyday language, "dual citizenship" covers two different situations: a Turkish citizen acquiring foreign citizenship and a foreign national applying for Turkish citizenship. The responsible authorities and document lists are completely different.

Türkiye is among the countries that allow their citizens to acquire another citizenship; however, notification is required so that the new citizenship can be entered in the population registry.

If you have acquired foreign citizenship: notification

A Turkish citizen who acquires another country's citizenship notifies the provincial directorate of civil registration and citizenship or a Turkish diplomatic mission abroad. The central document is the decision confirming acquisition of the foreign citizenship.

• Document confirming acquisition of citizenship or citizenship certificate — apostilled original and notarised Turkish translation
• Foreign passport or identity document — with translation
• Any name or surname change decision issued by foreign authorities — with translation

Some countries require applicants for citizenship to relinquish their existing citizenship; in that situation, the process involves the permission to relinquish citizenship described below.

If permission to relinquish citizenship is required

If the destination country does not permit dual citizenship, an application for permission to relinquish Turkish citizenship is made. Applications are submitted to a provincial directorate of civil registration and citizenship or a diplomatic mission; assessment can take months.

• Certified Turkish translation of the document confirming that foreign citizenship has been or will be acquired (assurance or guarantee letter)
• Application form and population registry details

Issuing permission to relinquish citizenship does not end citizenship; citizenship is lost when the certificate of relinquishment is delivered. People who were Turkish citizens by birth and relinquish citizenship with permission can obtain a Blue Card — we explain its rights in a separate article.

Common mistakes

• Bringing a foreign citizenship document to Türkiye without obtaining an apostille in its country of origin
• Failing to correct differences in name spelling, particularly Turkish characters, before notification
• Leaving birth and marriage records inconsistent between the two countries — this complicates all subsequent procedures

Frequently asked questions