Renunciation of Turkish Citizenship 2025: Legal Process, Required Documents, and Reapplication

Introduction

Renouncing Turkish citizenship has become increasingly common among individuals who hold multiple citizenships or plan to acquire a foreign nationality. However, this is not a mere administrative procedure — it directly affects one’s legal status, property rights, and eligibility to reapply for Turkish citizenship in the future.

At IGA Law Firm, we provide a detailed overview of the current (2025) regulations, the documentation process, and the legal nuances of renunciation of Turkish citizenship.

1- What Is Renunciation of Turkish Citizenship?

Renunciation of Turkish citizenship is the voluntary legal act of giving up one’s Turkish nationality under Article 25 of the Turkish Citizenship Law.

Common reasons for applying include:

• Acquiring a new nationality in another country,

• Simplifying one’s legal status in the case of dual nationality,

• Long-term residence abroad with no plan to return permanently.

Approval from the Ministry of Interior, Directorate General of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs (NVI) is mandatory for all applicants.

2- Renunciation for Minors

As of 2025, minors under the age of 18 can only renounce Turkish citizenship if at least one parent also applies for renunciation simultaneously.The only exception is for individuals aged 16 or older who are declared legally emancipated by a court decision.

However, court approval for emancipation is not guaranteed — it depends on judicial discretion in most cases, the participation of a parent is legally required for minors.

3- Required Documents for Renunciation (Updated 2025)

To apply for renunciation of Turkish citizenship, the following documents are required:

1. Notarized and certified translation of a foreign passport (valid for at least six months)

2. Turkish population registration sample (including explanations for multiple nationalities if applicable)

3. Court decision on emancipation (for minors only)

4. Copy of Turkish ID card

5. Biometric photograph

   
   

The original Turkish ID card and passport must be present during application. If the process is handled by an attorney, the power of attorney must include a special authorization for renunciation of citizenship.

4-Power of Attorney (PoA) Requirement

To authorize a lawyer for this process, the power of attorney must explicitly include the phrase: “Authorized to carry out renunciation of Turkish citizenship procedures.”

Furthermore, the applicant must obtain or renew their Turkish ID card before signing the PoA — this is a legal prerequisite for representation.

5- Processing Time

The average processing time for renunciation applications is approximately three (3) months, though this may vary depending on documentation and administrative workload.

6- Reapplying for Turkish Citizenship

After renouncing citizenship, individuals may later apply for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship. This process is not considered an exceptional citizenship application, but rather a reinstatement for those who voluntarily renounced.

• Applicants must be over 18 years old.

• The Ministry considers factors such as previous citizenship status, residence history, and security checks.

• The evaluation period is usually longer than that of investor citizenship applications.

• Future changes in documentation requirements or regulations remain possible.

7- Legal Risks and the Importance of Expert Counsel

The renunciation of Turkish citizenship process involves strict documentation and legal oversight.Errors such as missing authorizations, incorrect power of attorney wording, or incomplete parental consent can lead to rejection.Working with an experienced citizenship lawyer ensures that the process is handled accurately and efficiently.

At IGA Law Firm, we provide comprehensive legal support in renunciation, reacquisition, and Blue Card procedures — for clients both in Turkey and abroad.

Conclusion

Renouncing Turkish citizenship is a major legal decision with long-term implications for nationality and civil rights.

Key takeaways for 2025:

• Parental consent is mandatory for minors,

• PoA must include specific authorization for renunciation,

• Accurate documentation is essential,

• Future reapplication should be strategically planned.

IGA Law Firm ensures your process is conducted lawfully, efficiently, and with full legal clarity.