Losing Turkish Citizenship: The Legal Grounds for Denaturalization


Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset: How Acquired Turkish Citizenship Can Be Lost

For thousands of foreigners, achieving Turkish citizenship is the culmination of a long journey—a symbol of belonging, security, and full integration into Turkish society. It is a deeply valued status that grants a lifetime of rights. Because it is so precious, the idea that it could be taken away is a source of great anxiety. While it is true that Turkish citizenship is protected by the Constitution, it is not an absolute right that can never be revoked under any circumstances, especially for those who acquired it later in life (naturalized citizens).

The process of losing citizenship, known as denaturalization, is rare and governed by very strict legal rules. It is not an arbitrary decision. This article will explain the specific legal grounds under which acquired Turkish citizenship can be lost and what legal remedies are available to fight such a decision. In a situation this serious, the immediate intervention of an expert lawyer is not just advisable; it is critical. An experienced Alanya Lawyer can navigate the high-stakes legal battle required to protect your citizenship status.

Can Turkish Citizenship Be Taken Away?

First, it's essential to distinguish between a citizen by birth and a naturalized citizen. Under Turkish law, a person who is a Turkish citizen by birth can essentially never have their citizenship revoked against their will. However, for a foreigner who has acquired Turkish citizenship later (through investment, residency, marriage, etc.), the law does provide specific, limited circumstances for its cancellation. These decisions are made by official state authorities and can be challenged in court.

The Legal Grounds for Losing Citizenship (Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901)

The law outlines three main scenarios where a naturalized citizen can lose their Turkish citizenship. These are not based on minor infractions but on serious actions against the state or fraudulent acquisition.

Turkish Term English Legal Term Explanation & Grounds
İptal Annulment The decision to grant citizenship can be annulled by the authority that made it (the Ministry of Interior) if it is discovered that the foreigner acquired it based on fraudulent conduct or false statements. This includes hiding essential facts, using fake documents, or a sham marriage. The annulment can happen at any time after citizenship is granted.
Geri Alma Revocation (by Ministry) This applies if a person, after becoming a citizen, is found to have committed certain acts against the Turkish state. The Council of Ministers can issue a revocation decision if the person: <br>- Works for a foreign state in a service incompatible with Turkey's interests and fails to leave this service despite official notification. <br>- Continues to voluntarily provide any service for a foreign state that is at war with Turkey, without the permission of the President.
Vatandaşlıktan Çıkarma Revocation (by Presidential Decision) This is the most serious form, reserved for actions deemed a threat to national security. The President can decide to revoke the citizenship of a person who is determined by official authorities to have: <br>- Engaged in activities abroad that are incompatible with the interests of Turkey. <br>- Voluntarily performed military service for a foreign state without permission.

It is crucial to note that these actions must be proven through official channels before any denaturalization process can begin.

The Legal Process: It's Not an Instant Decision

Losing citizenship is not a sudden event. It follows a formal legal process. The relevant authority (Ministry or President) makes a decision, which is then officially notified to the individual. This is where your right to a legal challenge begins.

The Appeal: Your Right to Fight Back
Any decision related to the loss of citizenship is considered a high-level administrative act. Therefore, a lawsuit to cancel this decision must be filed at the Council of State (, which is Turkey's highest administrative court.

  • Deadline: A lawsuit must be filed within 60 days of the official notification of the decision.

  • High Stakes: This is not a simple appeal. It is a complex legal battle where the state will defend its decision. Professional legal representation from a specialized law firm is absolutely essential.

    •

The Indispensable Role of a Lawyer

The consequences of losing citizenship are severe: you lose the right to a Turkish passport, the right to vote, and the right to reside in Turkey without a visa or permit. You revert to your previous status as a foreigner. Given these stakes, the role of your lawyer is to:

  • Immediately file a lawsuit at the Council of State to challenge the decision within the 60-day deadline.

  • Request a stay of execution to prevent the decision from being enforced while the case is ongoing.

  • Build a strong legal defense by challenging the state's evidence and proving that the legal grounds for denaturalization have not been met.

  • Represent you at every stage of this high-level judicial process.

    •

An expert Alanya law office understands the gravity of these cases and can provide the robust defense necessary.

Conclusion
Turkish citizenship is a profound privilege protected by law. While the state has the authority to revoke it from naturalized citizens under very specific and serious circumstances, this authority is not absolute. The right to challenge a denaturalization decision in Turkey's highest administrative court is a powerful safeguard. If you ever face such a notice, your first and only move should be to contact an experienced Alanya Lawyer immediately.

More content: