Turkey dual citizenship: which countries allow it, and military service rules
Turkey allows dual citizenship, but the decisive question is whether your current country does. Country-by-country rules for the main buyer nationalities and the military service rule for new citizens.
Turkey permits multiple citizenship, and foreigners who acquire Turkish citizenship through investment are not required by Turkey to give up their existing nationality. Whether you can actually hold both depends on the law of your current country. This guide summarises the rules for the nationalities we see most often and explains the military service rule for new citizens. Laws change, so confirm your own position with your country’s authorities before you apply.
In brief
- Turkish law allows dual and multiple citizenship; Turkey does not require investors to renounce their nationality.
- The USA, UK and Germany (since 27 June 2024) allow dual citizenship; Russia allows it but requires notification.
- Iran does not recognise a foreign nationality acquired without permission; Pakistan allows dual nationality only with listed countries, and Turkey was not on the list in 2025 reporting.
- Under Article 43 of Law 7179, men aged 22 or over in the year of naturalisation are deemed to have completed military service.
Turkey’s own position
Turkish citizenship law permits citizens to hold other nationalities. For investors, this means Turkey will not ask you to renounce your current citizenship. The question is entirely one of your home country’s law, and the consequences of breaching it – loss of citizenship, fines or restrictions – are set by that country.
Country by country
| Country | Dual citizenship with Turkey? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Allowed | No requirement to renounce; US tax obligations continue |
| United Kingdom | Allowed | No permission needed |
| Germany | Allowed since 27 June 2024 | New nationality law removed the general renunciation rule |
| Russia | Allowed | Citizens must notify the authorities of a second citizenship within the set period |
| Iran | Not recognised | A foreign nationality acquired without government permission is not recognised by Iran |
| Pakistan | Only with listed countries | Turkey not on the list in 2025 reporting; an agreement was under discussion |
| Iraq | Allowed | Permitted under the constitution, with limits for some public offices |
| Saudi Arabia | Restricted | Prior permission is required; acquiring another nationality without it can lead to loss |
| United Arab Emirates | Generally not allowed | Limited exceptions |
| Egypt | Allowed with permission | Permission from the Ministry of Interior |
| Jordan, Lebanon | Allowed | Check documentation requirements |
This table is a summary for orientation, not legal advice. Rules and their interpretation change; confirm the current position with your own embassy or ministry before applying.
Notes for the main buyer groups
Russian citizens
Russia permits dual citizenship but requires citizens living in Russia, or entering it, to notify the authorities when they acquire another citizenship or a foreign residence permit. Failure to notify can lead to penalties. Check the current procedure on the official Gosuslugi portal.
Iranian citizens
Under Iranian law, a citizen who acquires another nationality without government permission continues to be treated as an Iranian citizen by Iran. Iranian-Turkish dual nationals generally enter and leave Iran on Iranian documents. Seek advice before applying.
Pakistani citizens
Pakistan allows dual nationality only with countries on its official list. Reporting in 2025 listed 22 countries, and Turkey was not among them, although an agreement was under discussion. Check the current list with Pakistan’s interior ministry or embassy; without such an agreement, Pakistani law may require renunciation.
Citizens of Arab states
Rules vary widely: Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon allow dual nationality, Egypt allows it with permission, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE restrict it. Confirm with your ministry of interior.
Military service for new citizens
Military service is compulsory for male Turkish citizens. For people who acquire citizenship later, Article 43 of the Military Service Law (No. 7179) applies: those aged 22 or over in the year of naturalisation are deemed to have completed service, as are those who document that they completed or are deemed to have completed military service in their former country. Those under 22 without such documents are liable for service and may request a deferral of two years from naturalisation. Check details with the Ministry of National Defence.
Practical steps
- Check your home country’s rule with its embassy or ministry before buying.
- Ask whether you must notify your home authorities, and within what period.
- For sons under 22, plan for the military service rule.
- Keep both passports valid and use them consistently when travelling.
For the programme and its conditions, see Turkish citizenship by investment; for spouses and children, see citizenship for family members. To compare citizenship with residence-based programmes elsewhere, read Turkey vs golden visa programmes. Our citizenship and residence service can coordinate with your own lawyer at home. When you are ready to look at property, see citizenship-eligible homes and the document checklist and timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Turkish law permits multiple citizenship, and Turkey does not require investors to renounce their current nationality.
Can Americans have dual citizenship with Turkey?
Yes. The United States allows dual citizenship; US tax obligations continue regardless of residence.
Can Russians have Turkish and Russian citizenship?
Yes. Russia permits dual citizenship but requires notification of a second citizenship to the authorities.
Does Iran recognise Turkish citizenship?
Iran does not recognise a foreign nationality acquired without government permission and continues to treat the person as Iranian.
Can Pakistanis hold Turkish citizenship?
Pakistan allows dual nationality only with listed countries; Turkey was not on the list in 2025 reporting. Check the current position.
Do new Turkish citizens have to do military service?
Under Article 43 of Law 7179, those aged 22 or over in the year of naturalisation are deemed to have completed it; younger men may be liable.
Does dual citizenship affect my children?
Children included in the application receive Turkish citizenship; their other nationality depends on your home country’s law.
