Turkey grants its citizenship through various investment avenues, including real estate ownership, bank deposits, direct investments, among others
However, there are five legitimate reasons that can lead to the revocation of Turkish citizenship, as outlined by Turkish nationality law.
Revocation of Turkish Citizenship:
- Specific cases defined by Turkish law may result in the government revoking citizenship from individuals who obtained it.
- This action requires formal evidence and a court decision, particularly in matters related to engagement with entities or groups labeled as terrorist by Turkey, among other situations.
Cases for Revocation of Turkish Citizenship:
Article 29 of the Turkish Nationality Law No. 5901 states that Turkish citizenship can be revoked based on a proposal from the Ministry of Interior.
and a decision by the Turkish Council of Ministers, upon confirmed involvement in one of the following cases:
1- Voluntary Employment with a Foreign State Contrary to Turkey:
Authorities may revoke Turkish citizenship when an individual willingly provides services to a foreign state with interests conflicting.
with those of the Turkish government. In such cases, Turkish embassies or local authorities may issue notifications requiring termination of this work within a maximum of three months.
Failure to comply results in an official decision to revoke Turkish citizenship.
2- Employment in a Country at War with Turkey:
Turkish citizens who willingly collaborate with a foreign country during a war with Turkey can have their citizenship revoked.
except those engaged in official intelligence work appointed by Turkish authorities.
3- Enlisting in the Military Service of a Foreign State without Turkish Approval:
Any Turkish citizen residing abroad must obtain official approval from Turkish local authorities before enlisting in the military service of a foreign country.
Failure to do so results in the revocation of Turkish citizenship through a court order.
4-Committing Specified Crimes under Turkish Law:
- Individuals who commit crimes defined by the Turkish Penal Code No. 5273 (Articles 302, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315) are subject to investigation and trial.
- The Constitutional Court requests the judge’s decision to revoke citizenship from those found guilty of these crimes.
- If the offenders are abroad, they are notified to return to Turkey. If no response is received within three months.
- Turkish citizenship is revoked based on a proposal from the Ministry of Interior and a decision by the Council of Ministers, published in the Official Gazette.
5- Proving the Use of Forged Documents When Applying for Turkish Citizenship:
- Some individuals may present forged documents to Turkish authorities when seeking citizenship through investment.
- For instance, submitting falsified title deeds, contracts, or appraisal reports to demonstrate property investment of at least $400,000.
- If such documents are discovered to be fraudulent, even years after citizenship is granted, authorities may revoke Turkish citizenship.
Turkey, as a sovereign state governed by its constitution, protects its citizens, punishes wrongdoers, and enforces laws to maintain societal order.
safety, and the well-being of its people. Strict enforcement of citizenship laws, including the acquisition and revocation of citizenship, ensures a cohesive society built on strong social ties.