Naturalization for Turkish Citizens – Dual Citizenship 2026

For the Turkish community in Germany – with over 1.5 million people, the largest foreign population group – the reform of the Nationality Act represents a historic milestone. Previously, acquiring a German passport almost always meant the painful loss of Turkish citizenship. Only in rare exceptions was multiple nationality tolerated. This has fundamentally changed since the StAG reform took effect in 2024 and became administratively established by 2026.

Under the new German law, dual citizenship is permitted generally and without restrictions. Turkish citizens no longer have to give up their original citizenship when naturalizing in Germany (§ 10 paragraph 1 sentence 1 No. 4 StAG). This means that after successfully completing the process, you will hold both a German and a Turkish passport, becoming a full citizen of both states.

To ensure that dual citizenship is secure from the perspective of both countries, the regulations of both states must be followed. From the German legal view, the process is straightforward: no special retention permit is required. As soon as the German authorities hand over your naturalization certificate, you acquire German citizenship, while your Turkish citizenship remains unaffected.

Turkish law also generally supports multiple citizenship (Çifte Vatandaşlık). Under Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law (Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanunu), Turkish citizens can acquire foreign citizenship without losing their Turkish nationality. However, the Turkish state requires that the acquisition of foreign citizenship be reported to the relevant authorities (usually the Turkish consulate in Germany).

The process for Turkish citizens is structured as follows: first, you submit the naturalization application to the German authority. After verification of requirements (5 years of residence, B1 German, secure livelihood), you receive the naturalization certificate. Upon receiving it, you must book an appointment at the responsible Turkish consulate. There, you present your German naturalization certificate (with translation) and apply to register your dual citizenship in the Turkish civil registry (Nüfus).

An important topic for many Turkish citizens is the "Mavi Kart" (Blue Card). Many who naturalized in Germany in the past by giving up their Turkish citizenship received this card to retain certain rights in Turkey (such as inheritance or property ownership). For Mavi Kart holders who now wish to regain Turkish citizenship, Turkish law offers paths for reinstatement (Yeniden Kazanma), which can be used in parallel.

Another point to consider is military service in Turkey. For dual citizens born and raised in Germany, or who entered Germany before reaching military age, Turkish military law provides options for exemption or paid military service (Dövizle Askerlik). Inquire early at the consulate to avoid travel issues in Turkey.

By acquiring German citizenship, Turkish citizens receive full voting rights in Germany at municipal, state, and federal levels, as well as travel freedom in the Schengen area and worldwide. Since you retain your Turkish citizenship, you keep all your rights in Turkey. This strengthens the bridging role of the Turkish community and ends decades of division between two homelands.