With the increasing number of foreigners residing in Turkey, many legal questions arise concerning family life and children born on Turkish soil. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “If a child is born in Turkey to foreign parents, does the child automatically acquire Turkish citizenship?” In this article, we answer this and related questions based on Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and relevant administrative practices.
Citizenship Principle in Turkey: Jus Sanguinis (By Bloodline)
Turkey follows the principle of jus sanguinis (citizenship by descent), not jus soli (citizenship by birthplace). This means that being born in Turkey does not automatically grant Turkish citizenship, unless at least one parent is a Turkish citizen. 📌 Article 6 of Law No. 5901:
“A child born to a Turkish mother or father, either in Turkey or abroad, is a Turkish citizen by birth.” Thus, a child born in Turkey to two foreign parents does not automatically acquire Turkish citizenship.
Exceptions – When Can Citizenship Be Granted at Birth?
Despite the general rule, the law outlines certain exceptional cases where a child born in Turkey may be granted Turkish citizenship.
🔸 a. If the child is stateless (without any nationality):
If a child is born in Turkey and does not acquire citizenship from any country by birth, then Turkish citizenship may be granted to avoid statelessness. 📌 Article 8 of Law No. 5901:
“A child who is born in Turkey and does not acquire the citizenship of any state by birth shall acquire Turkish citizenship.”
This applies particularly in cases where the parents are stateless or unable to transmit their nationality to the child, or if the child is abandoned and the parents are unknown.
Can the Child Apply for Citizenship Later?
Yes, a foreign child born and residing in Turkey may apply for Turkish citizenship later if certain legal requirements are fulfilled.
📌 Article 11 of Law No. 5901 (General Application Requirements):
Legal and uninterrupted residence in Turkey for at least 5 years.
Good moral character and no criminal record.
Adequate knowledge of the Turkish language.
Intention to settle in Turkey.
No threat to national security or public order.
Once these conditions are met, parents may apply for their child’s Turkish citizenship through the Provincial Directorate of Civil Registry or Immigration.
Legal Procedures After the Birth of a Child in Turkey
Even if the child is not granted citizenship at birth, the following legal procedures must be followed:
✅ Required Steps:
- Obtain a Birth Report (Doğum Belgesi) from the hospital.
- Register the child’s birth at the Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) within 30 days.
- Apply for a passport at the embassy/consulate of the parents’ country.
- Apply for a residence permit for the child through the Immigration Authority (Göç İdaresi).
📌 Residence Permit for the Child:
If the parents hold valid residence permits (tourist, family, humanitarian, or work), the child can be granted a dependent residence permit or short-term permit.
Applications are made through the official e-ikamet system.
Important Legal Notes for Foreign Families in Turkey
Being born in Turkey does not automatically entitle a child to Turkish citizenship.
It is essential to register the child and apply for residence within the legal timeframe.
Future citizenship may be possible, but only under specific legal conditions.
Legal consultation is highly recommended, especially for families planning long-term residence or citizenship.
A child born in Turkey to foreign parents does not automatically acquire Turkish citizenship, except in limited cases such as statelessness. However, the child has the right to legal residency and to be registered officially. Later in life, the child may become eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship under the general conditions outlined in the law.
🔹 Our legal advice: Always complete all legal procedures promptly after birth, and consult with a qualified lawyer to ensure your child’s legal rights are fully protected.