Turkish Military Service Deferral and Paid Military Service in Turkey
For Turkish citizens living abroad, there are two important legal tools to manage compulsory military service: military service deferral (tecil) and paid military service (dövizle askerlik). Both options have clear rules and age limits.
What is Military Service Deferral (Tecil)?
Military service deferral allows postponing compulsory duty under certain conditions. It applies to Turkish citizens who are either continuing their education or residing/working abroad.
Age Limits for Deferral
For Education Purposes
Undergraduate and master’s degree students can defer military service until age 28.
Doctorate and medical specialization students can defer until age 35.
For Residence or Work Abroad
Those who have lived or worked abroad for at least 3 years may apply for deferral.
Deferral is granted in 2-year periods, renewable until age 35.
After Age 35
Deferral is no longer possible.
The only option is Paid Military Service in Turkey, by paying the required fee and completing short online training.
Application Methods
Through Turkish Consulates: For citizens residing abroad, applications can be made at the local Turkish consulate with proof of residence or work.
In Turkey: Citizens who are in Turkey may apply at their local military recruitment office.
Can a Power of Attorney Be Used?
Yes. If the applicant cannot personally apply, a notarized and Apostilled power of attorney can be issued to a relative or representative. Turkish Consulates also issue powers of attorney valid for deferral procedures.
Difference Between Deferral and Paid Military Service
Deferral (Tecil): Only postpones the duty until the age limit. The obligation remains.
Paid Military Service (Dövizle Askerlik): Provides a final exemption. By paying the fee and completing a short online training module, the obligation is permanently discharged.
Fees for 2025 Paid Military Service in Turkey
The Ministry of Defense updates the fee every 6 months. For 2025:
Jan 1 – Jun 30: 243,013 TL
Jul 1 – Dec 31: 280,851 TL (≈ €6,015)
Summary:
Students → deferral until 28 (or 35 for PhD/medical).
Residents/workers abroad → deferral in 2-year terms until 35.
After 35 → only paid military service is available.
Thank you for sharing this informative topic. Turkish military service deferral and paid military service arrangements reflect how public policy can balance national service obligations with individual circumstances, labor market needs, and demographic considerations. These mechanisms also highlight how governments use structured exemptions, financial contributions, and administrative procedures to create flexibility while maintaining institutional requirements. Such policy design and reform approaches are closely relevant to a public policy innovation seminar & course for executives in Istanbul, Turkey, where participants explore regulatory design, service delivery innovation, and evidence-based policymaking that help improve efficiency, fairness, and adaptability in public sector systems.